Sometimes, it feels like the whole world is shifting around us. The speed of change, technology, and social media brings both good and bad into our lives, but it can leave us feeling unsure about who to trust and where to find comfort. When we rely too much on people, on certain relationships, or on acceptance from others, it’s easy to feel let down and disconnected. That’s why as Muslims, we’re given this beautiful phrase: Hasbiyallah wa ni’Mal Wakeel—“Sufficient for me is Allah, and He is the best Disposer of affairs.”
وعن أبي سعدي الخدرى، رضي الله عنه، قال: قال رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم ”كيف أنعم وصاحب القرن قد التقم ، واستمع الإذن متى يؤمر بالنفخ فينفخ” فكأن ذلك ثقل على أصحاب رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال لهم: ”قولوا : حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل“ ((رواه الترمذي وقال حديث حسن)).
Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “How can I feel at ease when the Angel of the Trumpet, (Israfil) has put his lips to the Trumpet and is waiting for the order to blow it”. He (ﷺ) perceived as if this had shocked his Companions, so he (ﷺ) told them to seek comfort through reciting: ‘Hasbunallah wa ni’mal-Wakil [Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)]”. [At-Tirmidhi, who classified it as Hadith Hasan].
Riyad as-Salihin 409
This phrase keeps us grounded and reminds us to let go of worldly worries, to rely on Allah in all things. It’s a phrase we often hear from our brothers and sisters in Palestine, who rely on Allah with such strength, despite facing unimaginable hardship. But their courage and faith, especially when the world feels like it’s turning against them, gives us all a powerful example.
The Reality of Media Bias and the Amsterdam Incident
I couldn’t help but reflect on this phrase after the recent incident in Amsterdam, where pro-Palestinian and Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters clashed. While honest journalists reported what really happened, the mainstream media (MSM) framed the situation as though only the Israeli supporters were victims. This bias wasn’t just disappointing; it was a clear example of how easily narratives can be twisted. Even major outlets like Sky News, who initially covered the truth, redacted their reports to fit a different story.
For Muslims, this media bias is something we’ve become all too familiar with. The world often chooses to highlight only one side, and we’re left constantly explaining ourselves. And when events like this happen, we realise just how deep the prejudice against us can go.
Seeing the World Order Shift and Finding Comfort in Faith
When we look at current events, particularly the struggles of our brothers and sisters in places like Palestine, it’s hard not to feel the instability of the world order. Many feel that the changes we’re witnessing signal the fulfilment of prophecies in Islam. The way mainstream media handles sensitive issues often leaves Muslims around the world feeling voiceless, manipulated, or misrepresented.
In times of doubt and confusion, we turn to Allah, seeking His guidance and protection. The struggles we see are reminders that this world is temporary, and that all its power dynamics, injustices, and conflicts will ultimately be resolved by Allah alone. Allah tells us:
وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بَـٰلِغُ أَمْرِهِۦ ۚ قَدْ جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدْرًۭا ٣
and provide for them from sources they could never imagine. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He ˹alone˺ is sufficient for them. Certainly Allah achieves His Will. Allah has already set a destiny for everything.
At-Talaq 65:3
When the world feels overwhelming, Hasbiyallah wa ni’mal wakeel should be our grounding phrase, affirming that Allah’s wisdom and mercy outweigh everything that may cause us worry or pain.
Discovering Hidden Biases Through the Palestinian Cause
The cause of Palestine has always brought Muslims together, but it’s also revealed deeper prejudices. In the UK, for example, recent protests supporting Palestine also exposed some people’s anti-Muslim views, especially around migration. Although they might support Palestine from a distance, when issues like legal migration or Muslim communities come closer to home, it’s clear that many don’t actually support Muslims themselves.
Even when we are legal migrants or simply a part of a community, Muslims are often painted as “outsiders” or “threats.” The way we’re viewed by the media and certain groups shows how quick people are to place blame on us, regardless of the truth. We find ourselves at the centre of debates and misconceptions, targeted simply for who we are.
الثالث: عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما أيضاً قال: ”حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل، قالها إبراهيم صلى الله عليه وسلم حين ألقي في النار، وقالها محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم حين قالوا: إن الناس قد جمعوا لكم فاخشوهم فزادهم إيمانا وقالوا: حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل: ((رواه البخاري)).
Ibn ‘Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: When (Prophet) Ibrahim (Abraham) was thrown into the fire, he said: “Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and, He is the Best Disposer of affairs.” So did Messenger of Allah Muhammad (ﷺ) when he was told: “A great army of the pagans had gathered against him, so fear them”. But this (warning) only increased him and the Muslims in Faith and they said: “Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)”. [Al-Bukhari].
Riyad as-Salihin 76
Relying on Allah Alone in Uncertain Times
In times like these, it’s only natural to feel frustrated or even helpless. But the truth is, we don’t need to rely on others’ approval or worry about changing opinions. Hasbiyallah wa ni’Mal Wakeel is our anchor. Allah is sufficient for us, and relying on Him alone gives us peace and strength, no matter what’s happening around us.
The world will always change, and people’s support might come and go. But our connection with Allah is eternal. Allah tells us:
أَلَيْسَ ٱللَّهُ بِكَافٍ عَبْدَهُۥ ۖ وَيُخَوِّفُونَكَ بِٱلَّذِينَ مِن دُونِهِۦ ۚ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُۥ مِنْ هَادٍۢ ٣٦Is Allah not sufficient for His servant? Yet they threaten you with other ˹powerless˺ gods besides Him! Whoever Allah leaves to stray will be left with no guide.
Az-Zumar 39:36
By turning back to Him, we free ourselves from constantly seeking approval, especially from a world that often misunderstands or misrepresents us.
Holding onto Faith in a World of Fitna
Today’s world brings trials (fitna) in ways we never imagined. Social media is a great example—it’s become a part of our daily lives but has also become a source of distraction, comparison, and even arrogance. The very things that make it useful can also pull us away from our purpose, affecting our hearts and intentions if we’re not careful.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned us that holding onto our faith would one day feel like holding onto hot coals. In times like these, relying on Allah is essential. We can use Hasbiyallah wa ni’Mal Wakeel as a shield, reminding us to look to Allah first and foremost, strengthening ourselves to avoid the traps and distractions around us.
Trusting Allah in Every Matter
Relying on Allah alone doesn’t mean we isolate ourselves from others; rather, it helps us set healthy boundaries and seek comfort where it truly lasts. Simple practices like dhikr (remembrance of Allah), dua (supplication), and our regular prayers are all ways to stay connected with Allah. When we remember that our main goal is to seek Allah’s pleasure, the pressures of the world start to feel lighter.
Conclusion: Our Constant Anchor
In a world where opinions shift and support wavers, Hasbiyallah wa ni’Mal Wakeel is our constant. For every trial and uncertainty, we know that Allah is the best to rely on. This beautiful supplication serves as both dhikr and a heartfelt declaration that Allah’s protection is enough for us, no matter what challenges we face. By trusting Him alone, we’re able to move through life with peace and confidence, despite what may come just as prophets Ibrahim (AS) and Muhammad (ﷺ) did.
What to recite:
حَسْبُـنا اللهُ وَنِعْـمَ الوَكـيل
Ḥasbunallāhu wa ni`mal-wakīl.
Allah is sufficient for us and the best of those on whom to depend.
Reference: Al-Bukhari, 5/172.Hisn al-Muslim 128
حَسْبِـيَ اللّهُ لا إلهَ إلاّ هُوَ عَلَـيهِ تَوَكَّـلتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ العَرْشِ العَظـيم.
(سبع مرات)Ḥasbiyallāhu lā ilāha illā huwa
alayhi tawakkalt, wa huwa Rabbu ‘l-Arshi ‘l-‘Aẓīm.
Allah is sufficient for me. There is none worthy of worship but Him. I have placed my trust in Him, He is Lord of the Majestic Throne. (Recite seven times in Arabic.)
Reference: Allah will grant whoever recites this seven times in the morning or evening whatever he desires from this world or the next, Ibn As-Sunni (no. 71), Abu Dawud 4/321. Both reports are attributed directly to the Prophet j§ (Marfu1). The chain of transmission is sound (Sahih). Ibn As-Sunni.Hisn al-Muslim 83
Ḥasbiyallāhu or Ḥasbunallāhu
Ḥasbiyallāhu is singular, referring to yourself, whereas Ḥasbunallāhu is plural, in the sense of us or we, like praying for a group of people. You can still say either one when making a dua, for example, reciting Ḥasbunallāhu when referring to yourself alone.
May Allah guide us to rely on Him, and may we find comfort and strength in knowing that He alone is sufficient for us. Ameen.
