Journal of Indonesian Islamic Studies
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Indonesian Islamic Studies (April)

Ikhtiar and Tawakkul in the Qur’an: An Exegetical Study of Shaykh Nawawi al-Bantani’s Marah Labid

Alfin FIkri (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Munandar (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 May 2026

Abstract

This study examines ikhtiar (human effort) and tawakkul (reliance on Allah) in the Qur’an through Nawawi al-Bantani’s Marah Labid. It addresses the persistent tendency to separate active effort from spiritual surrender, which may produce either excessive self-reliance or passive fatalism. The study employed qualitative library research using thematic exegesis supported by tahlili analysis of Surah al-Ra‘d [13]: 11, Surah Ali ‘Imran [3]: 159, and Surah al-Talaq [65]: 3. Marah Labid served as the primary source, while classical and contemporary exegetical, theological, and relevant scholarly works provided secondary data. The data were analyzed descriptively and interpretively by identifying key meanings, comparing related interpretations, and synthesizing their theological implications. The findings demonstrate that Nawawi al-Bantani presents ikhtiar and tawakkul as complementary principles. Ikhtiar requires moral reform, careful planning, consultation, and the use of lawful means, whereas tawakkul directs the heart to rely fully on Allah after earnest effort. Human action therefore operates within the law of causality, while its final outcome remains subject to divine will and measure. This integration rejects both anthropocentric self-sufficiency and religious fatalism and provides an ethical foundation for responsibility, optimism, patience, spiritual resilience, and a balanced Muslim work ethic in contemporary life.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jiis

Publisher

Subject

Religion Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Other

Description

Journal of Indonesian Islamic Studies is a high-quality open-access and peer-reviewed research journal with e-ISSN 2808-8395. Journal of Indonesian Islamic Studies providing a platform that welcomes and acknowledges high quality empirical original research papers about is a publication media to ...