By Um-e-Usman
Bismillah
In these tough economic times, we delude ourselves into believing that if we work harder and longer we will have more money. Thus we will be more content, satisfied and have a better life. One of the beautiful attributes of Allah is “Ar-Razzaq” which means the Provider, the One who creates all means of nourishments.” He is the distributer of rizq i.e. sustenance.
What is rizq? Its meaning is not only confined to the food we put on our tables. It also encompasses our homes, jobs, children and also our health both physical and spiritual.
Today, we live in an overall atheist society where there is a culture of “every man for himself” and “whatever I earn is for ME”. Islam on the other hand preaches a general brotherhood which brings peace on a personal as well as communal level. We worry about the things which are precious to us. The two most important things in our lives are our wealth and of course our lives! Allah reminds us that both of these cherished things actually belong to Allah.
“Verily, Allah has purchased of the believers their lives and their properties for (the price) that theirs shall be the Paradise….” [Surah At-Tawbah 9: 111]
Islam, our religion teaches us that everything comes from Allah but these days most of our actions prove otherwise. We have deluded ourselves into believing that it is our jobs that put foods on our table. It is our education and good grades that got us that job!
Yes, we have a responsibility towards our family but our duty to Allah and His religion supersedes all. Allah says:
“Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates, or your kindred; the wealth that ye have gained; the commerce in which ye fear a decline: or the dwellings in which ye delight – are dearer to you than Allah, or His Messenger, or the striving in His cause;- then wait until Allah brings about His decision (ie. Torment): and Allah guides not the rebellious.” [Surah At-Tawbah 9: 24]
Even though the rizq is preordained we are ordered to work hard and find the rightful ways to earn our livelihood.
“And when the prayer is ended, then disperse in the land and seek of Allah’s bounty.” [Surah Al-Jummuah 62:10]
In today’s difficult times we may be tempted to work long hours or resort to other methods to increase our wealth that is rizq, which will result in neglecting other responsibilities. Allah subhaana wa ta'aala and His Messenger sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam's have revealed the correct and balanced methods to increase our provisions from Allah.
First of all, I will be discussing the personal efforts an individual can make and inshAllah achieve results from them.
To start with, a believer has to BELIEVE that he is a slave of Allah and his foremost responsibility lies with Allah, His Messenger and His religion. Being pious in all activities in our lives will result in increase in our provisions from Allah. He says:
“And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” [Surah At-Talaq 65: 2-3]
Our reliance on Allah strengthens our imaan and also increases our sustenance from Him as well. When we believe that Allah IS the sole provider it relieves us of the tiresome struggle to gather wealth and focus our efforts towards working towards our Akhirah. This is the nature of the human - to worship Allah. When we connect to our inherent nature the result is peace inside and out.
“And eat of the things which Allah has provided for you, as lawful and good, and keep your duty to Allah in Whom you believe.”[Surah Al-Ma'idah 5: 88]
The above mentioned verse reinforces our real objective - to worship Allah and obeying him.
Seeking our rizq is surely a priority but not a primary one. Our main duty remains to serve Allah. Also we are human and prone to mistakes. Allah graciously accepts sincere repentance made from our wrong doings and sins a source of gaining provisions. And said:
“Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers. And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.”[Surah Nuh 71:10-12]
On a personal level, provisions are increased when efforts are made in the path of Allah and forbidden when sins are committed.
"Whoever brings (carries out) good acts will receive ten times as much.” [Surah An’aam 6: 160]
These good acts include personal spiritual nourishments also improving social and communal bonds. The Messenger of Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam emphasized on the importance of maintaining social bonds in the following hadith:
Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "Who ever is pleased that he be granted more wealth and that his lease of life be pro longed, then he should keep good relations with his Kith and kin." [Sahih Bukhari, Book 73, No. 14]
Kin is any blood or marital relative. Ties can be maintained by visiting them and giving them gifts, inquiring about their health and also by giving charity to the poor.
Say: "Verily my Lord enlarges and restricts the Sustenance to such of His servants as He pleases: and nothing do ye spend in the least (in His Cause) but He replaces it: for He is the Best of those who grant Sustenance. [Surah Saba' 34: 39]
Another social responsibility of a believer is to extend kindness to the weak. They can be sick, poor, needy, orphans and women who have no guardians etc.
Narrated Abu Ad-Dharda' RadiAllahu anhu: I heard the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) say: Seek for me weak persons, for you are provided means of subsistence and helped through your weaklings. [Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 14, No. 2558]
Taking care of them will strengthen the overall brotherhood of a Muslim community as well improve the overall quality of the whole society. Allah promised the believers who spent their lives and wealth in the way of Allah not only the bounties of this world but also the great rewards of Paradise.
The concept of striving for rizq is indeed a deep one. When we understand, believe and practice that Allah is Ar-Razzaq. He is the sole provider. We can truly focus our energies and build our lives towards carrying upon the call.
I'd love to hear your views on this topic. Please post in the comments section below! :)
1 comments:
one of my teachers told us about her friend's father who is a very religious man. He often goes to the Jamaa'at Tabligh and at the time he did not have a stable job. and she said that their family was in this condition for almost a year and yet the man always said that he trusted Allah, and somehow they always had enough money to buy food and they never went bankrupt. i thought that was really amazing bec in today's times, like you mentioned, people think that they always need to have high-paying jobs in order to survive but the truth is, the one who puts his trust in Allah is never disappointed!
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