The Role of Tawakal (Reliance on God) as a Coping Mechanism in Overcoming Despair

Az Zahra Laily Adindawati; Herliyana Isnaeni

doi:10.59388/josc.v4i2.949

Authors

Az Zahra Laily Adindawati UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, Indonesia
Herliyana Isnaeni UIN Sunal Ampel Surabaya, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59388/josc.v4i2.949

Keywords:

Coping Mechanisms, Hopelessness, Tawakkul

Abstract

Despair is a pessimistic view influenced by cognitive distortions that lead a person to have negative thoughts about themselves, the world, and the future. This is one of the psychological factors that trigger depression and suicidal thoughts. From an Islamic perspective, despair is strictly forbidden because despair is a manifestation of disbelief in destiny and the help of Allah SWT as the Almighty God over everything that happens to His servants. Tawakkul (relief) is submitting all affairs to Allah SWT while continuing to make maximum efforts with full faith in the good destiny of Allah SWT, thereby fostering a sense of satisfaction, sincerity, and gratitude for the events experienced. Thus, Tawakkul can be a psycho-spiritual coping mechanism to overcome despair. This study uses a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach by collecting and analyzing peer-reviewed articles published between 2021–2025 from databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, PsycINFO, JSTOR, and ScienceDirect, using keywords in English, Indonesian, and Arabic related to Tawakkul, Islamic coping, and despair. The analysis was conducted thematically by coding and synthesizing core concepts including emotional regulation through Tawakkul, cognitive reappraisal, and the behavioral impact of surrender to Allah. The findings indicate that Tawakkul not only provides emotional calm and cognitive restructuring, but also fosters resilience and motivation to continue striving, thus preventing despair from developing into apathy or depression. The novelty of this study lies in the affirmation of Tawakkul as a primary coping mechanism specifically aimed at reducing despair, combining modern psychological theories of coping with classical Sufi insights, particularly Ibn Atha'illah's perspective on surrender and effort in facing life's trials.

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