In this blog post, we will delve into the Islamic teachings on rizq, the means of attaining it, the role of gratitude, and the importance of contentment, supported by verses from the Quran and prophetic traditions.
Rizq Is from Allah Alone
One of the foundational beliefs in Islam is that Allah is the sole provider of rizq. No one can increase or decrease what has been destined for someone, except by Allah’s will. This recognition strengthens the believer’s trust in Allah’s wisdom and plan.“And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register.” (Surah Hud, 11:6)
The Quran also emphasizes that Allah provides sustenance to all His creatures, regardless of their level of piety.
“And how many a creature carries not its [own] provision. Allah provides for it and for you. And He is the Hearing, the Knowing.” (Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:60)
This verse serves as a reminder to believers that Allah’s mercy and provision are vast, encompassing all of creation.
Types of Rizq in Islam
- Material Rizq
This includes wealth, food, clothing, shelter, and any other resources that fulfill worldly needs.
The way material rizq is earned and spent holds great significance in Islam. Believers are urged to seek lawful means (halal) and avoid unethical practices.
The way material rizq is earned and spent holds great significance in Islam. Believers are urged to seek lawful means (halal) and avoid unethical practices.
- Spiritual Rizq
Spiritual sustenance includes faith, guidance, knowledge, inner peace, and the blessings of good deeds. These are often overlooked but are essential for a balanced and meaningful life.
- Unexpected Rizq (Rizq min ghayri hisab)
Sometimes, Allah blesses individuals with sustenance from unexpected sources as a result of their faith and reliance on Him.
The Quran states:
“And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him.” (Surah At-Talaq, 65:2-3)
The Quran states:
“And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him.” (Surah At-Talaq, 65:2-3)
Means of Attaining Rizq
While Allah is the provider, Islam emphasizes the importance of human effort and striving to earn sustenance through lawful means.- Striving with Diligence
The Quran encourages believers to work hard and seek lawful livelihoods:
“It is He who made the earth tame for you – so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision – and to Him is the resurrection.” (Surah Al-Mulk, 67:15)
“It is He who made the earth tame for you – so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision – and to Him is the resurrection.” (Surah Al-Mulk, 67:15)
- Supplication (Dua)
Asking Allah for provision is an act of worship. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often made dua for barakah (blessings) in sustenance.
- Gratitude
Expressing gratitude for Allah’s blessings increases them:
“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.’” (Surah Ibrahim, 14:7)
“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.’” (Surah Ibrahim, 14:7)
- Tawakkul (Reliance on Allah)
Relying on Allah while striving for lawful means is essential. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“If you were to rely upon Allah with reliance due to Him, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds. They go out in the morning hungry and return full.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4164)
“O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:29)
The Prophet (PBUH) also warned against consuming unlawful wealth, saying:
“A body nourished with haram will not enter Paradise.” (Tirmidhi, Hadith 614)
The Prophet (PBUH) taught that wealth does not lie in having many possessions but in being content with what one has:
“Wealth is not in having many possessions, but wealth is in contentment of the soul.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6446)
“Indeed, your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward.”
(Surah At-Taghabun, 64:15)
Believers are encouraged to use their wealth to please Allah, such as through zakat, charity (sadaqah), and spending on their families.
By striving for halal means, expressing gratitude, and sharing our blessings with others, we not only fulfill our duties but also earn Allah’s pleasure. May Allah grant us halal rizq with barakah and make us grateful for His countless favors. Ameen.
“And whatever you spend in good – it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:272).
“If you were to rely upon Allah with reliance due to Him, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds. They go out in the morning hungry and return full.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4164)
The Ethics of Earning Rizq
Islam places great emphasis on earning rizq through ethical and halal means. Wealth obtained through haram sources, such as theft, fraud, or interest (riba), is not only devoid of blessings but also leads to accountability on the Day of Judgment.“O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:29)
The Prophet (PBUH) also warned against consuming unlawful wealth, saying:
“A body nourished with haram will not enter Paradise.” (Tirmidhi, Hadith 614)
Gratitude and Barakah in Rizq
Gratitude (shukr) is a key to increasing one’s blessings. A grateful heart recognizes Allah’s provision and uses it responsibly. Barakah (blessings) in rizq does not necessarily mean abundance but rather contentment and the ability to derive benefit from what one has.The Prophet (PBUH) taught that wealth does not lie in having many possessions but in being content with what one has:
“Wealth is not in having many possessions, but wealth is in contentment of the soul.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6446)
The Test of Rizq
Wealth and provision are both a blessing and a test. Allah tests individuals with abundance and scarcity to see how they respond.“Indeed, your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward.”
(Surah At-Taghabun, 64:15)
Believers are encouraged to use their wealth to please Allah, such as through zakat, charity (sadaqah), and spending on their families.
Conclusion
Belief in Allah as the sole provider of rizq strengthens a Muslim’s connection with their Creator. It fosters reliance on Him, gratitude for His blessings, and ethical responsibility in earning and utilizing sustenance. Whether in abundance or scarcity, the believer remains content, knowing that everything is part of Allah’s divine plan.By striving for halal means, expressing gratitude, and sharing our blessings with others, we not only fulfill our duties but also earn Allah’s pleasure. May Allah grant us halal rizq with barakah and make us grateful for His countless favors. Ameen.
“And whatever you spend in good – it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:272).