" The concept of Rizq":
Rizq is the Arabic concept for sustenance and provision from Allah SWT, encompassing not just material needs like food and wealth, but also intangible blessings such as health, knowledge, and opportunities. It is believed to be predetermined by Allah SWT, but it is also a result of human effort, with a believer 's responsibility being to seek it through lawful means while having complete trust in Allah SWT as the ultimate provider.
Key aspects of Rizq:
- Comprehensive provision:
Rizq includes everything beneficial to a person, both tangible ana intangible. This includes material things like food, shelter and money as well as non- material provisions such as good health, knowledge,time, loving relationships, and inner peace.
- Divine and human effort:
Muslims believe that Allah SWT determines and allocates Rizq, and that a soul will not die until It has received all that was destined for it. However, this does not negate the need for human effort. Believers are required to work, strive and seek sustenance through lawful means.
- Trust in Allah SWT:
The concept emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah SWT as the provider. It encourages a balance of working head and making an effort while also trusting that Allah SWT provide what is necessary. This trust is often expressed through Dua.
- A test and a blessing:
Rizq is seen as a test from Allah SWT. It can come in forms that are easy to appreciate(Ike wealth) or difficult to perceive ( like patience during hardship). How a person uses their Rizq is as importance as having it.
How to increase Rizq:
- Strive for lawful earning:
Engage in hard work and seek provisions through ethical and legal means.
- Make Dua:
Ask Allah SWT for beneficial knowledge, good Rizq, and the ability to perform righteous deeds.
- Be grateful:
Acknowledge and be thankful for all the blessings already provided by Allah SWT, both seen and unseen.
- Seek inner Rizq:
Focus on cultivation spiritual Rizq, such as inner peace and contentment, as these are considered more lasting than . material provisions.
Rizk in Arabic or rezeki in Malay in unpredictable. Sometimes, it comes through unknown sources and in varying forms too. Wealth, health even the greyish hair is Rizq from Allah. Some scholars translate Rizq as sustenance, provision and some call it blessings. It can also be seen as something that beings benefit or that which repels harm. Given that, it is quite difficult to encapsulate the meaning of Rizq is sustenance provision, blessings and more.
Allah SWT is Ar- Raziq and Ar- Razzaq:
The word Rizq is mentioned 123 times in the Quran Kareem and most is which essentially addressed how it comes from Allah SWT the exalted. If is he who determines what a person will obtain in this life. If is Allah SWT who gives us happiness and Allah Subhan o Ta'ala who sets the events for sadness. He is Allah Ar-Raziq and Ar-Razzaq , the provider . This is described by Allah SWT himself in the Quran Kareem:
" Indeed it is Allah SWT who is the (continual) Provider , the firm possessor of strength ."
" And indeed it is Allah SWT who is the best of providers ."
The word "Razzaq" is a hyperbolic or active expression of the word "Raziq". Both words literally mean the provider but the former signifies a more profound meaning in the abundance of Rizq that Allah SWT provides his creation with and how his Rizq reaches anybody it has been written for.
Rizq is already written:
The concept of Rizq is so beautiful. Even when you eat a piece of fruit, it was always written for you. From the moment it grew from a tree, it went through all these people and travelled all this way until it was in your hands. It was always meant to be yours."
There is a famous Hadith that reports on how every human shares the same initial stages of life - starting from being in the womb for 40 days, and then into a clot if blood for the same period, before phasing into a lump of flesh for also the same amount of time. Afterwards, the Hadith states:
" Then ( Allah SWT) sends to it an angel who is tasked to breathe soul into it. ( The angel) Is then commanded to write down for matters; the writing of the ( developing child's) Rizq ( sustenance), his life span, his actions, and whether he will be truly happy or miserable."
From the mentioned Hadith, we understand that Rizq, as with everything else in life, has been predetermined by Allah SWT. There are two ways to process this information.
- A person could blame fate for the miserable and destitute conditions that she has been brought up in. One might even be quick to say that they can never live a good life because it has been predetermined.
- We acknowledge that ease and difficulty come from Allah SWT and that a Muslim needs to work towards improving her conditions or in other words, to put in effort accordingly.
- A person can never say that I am fated with little Rizq till the end of my life untill it really has happened. Conversely, one cannot make a calm upon something that has yet to happen.
The significance of effort and the different types of Rizq:
Allah has commanded for every capable individual to put in the right effort in search of provision despite it being pre-determined for everyone. This is also reflected in the way Allah SWT has created birds and animals, their way of life, to survive and to procreate. The Prophet Muhammad SAW mentioned in the Hadith.
" If you were to rely upon Allah paak with the reliance he is due, you would be given provision like the birds. It goes forth hungry in the morning and returns with a fully belly at dusk."
As a believer, one needs to be aware of the intricate relationship between faith and effort in the concept of finding Rizq. Limiting it to only faith that provision will one with no effort is insufficient. However, doing the opposite by making the necessary Effort without acknowledging reliance on Allah SWT is also misguided and will lead the person to ab undesirable result.
An analogy would be that of a cab driver. If the driver only prays for a customer and waits, he might not see the potential customer who is standing just around the corner. On the other hand, if the driver does fir manu rounds in the city and does not rely on Allah, he is missing out on the one who provides and gives, therefore deluding his achievements or failure merely due to hua own efforts.
A believer needs to be aware that whether she brings to the table at home is merely a part of the Rizq. Allah paak has bestowed upon her. We can look at how the day went without accidents and the family being able to commune under one roof as also Rizq. The situation where tha children can learn and be good Muslims is also Rizq. There is just so much that Allah SWT gives us but we tend to overlook and only focus on the hardships that he tests us with.
Rizq is not only the physical. It encompasses from that which is emotional and spiritual as well, such as the feelings of contentment and peace for example.
Various factors that will help prosper our Rizq:
With all that has been said about Rizq, there are times where we still struggle to understand and feel threatened while looking at our bills. We feel insecure about whether we can get through the year with what we have.
Some might even consider investing in means that are illegal in Islam to pull through. No doubt these whispers come from Shatan himself. Allah SWT mentions in Surah Al- Baqarah:
"The Devil threatens you with ( the prospect of) poverty and bids you to the shameful deed ( of stinginess), while Allah SWT promises you forgiveness and great bounties from him. And Allah Subhan o Ta'ala is all bountiful, All- knowing."
The key to property in our Rizq is something that everyone can achieve. Since Rizq comes from Allah SWT, getting closer to him will automatically earn the individual his favours. Allah SWT himself promises in various Quranic verses and Hadith narrations the keys to Rizq, some of which are:
1. Salat:
A prayer commonly associated with Rizq is the Zohr prayer. Nevertheless, Allah SWT mentions prayer in it's entirely in the following verse, signalling that any prayer done with sincerity and solemnity may bring the Rizq one requires:
" Bid your people to pray and be diligent in ( observing) it. We do not ask you to provide. It is we who provide for you. And the ultimate outcome is ( only) for ( the people of ) righteousness."
2. Supplications:
The Prophet Muhammad SAW used to make this supplication in his mornings. It is notable that the Prophet Muhammad SAW continued reciting this prayer despite being the closest to Allah SWT. Hence let us follow in his footsteps and continue asking from Ar- Razzaq, no matter oye states in this world. We can include the following in our prayers too:
" Oh Allah SWT, I ask of you for beneficial knowledge, good provision and deeds that are accepted."
3. Istighfaar:
In surah Nuh, Allah SWT tells us of the story of the Prophet Nuh AS who preached to his people to worship Allah SWT. Among his call to them was the seeking of forgiveness , which results in Rizq from Allah SWT:
" And I said, " Seek your lord's forgiveness, for he is truly most forgiving. He will shower you with abundant rain. And he will supply you will wealth and. Children, and give you Gardens as well as Rivers."
After the call to forgiveness , Allah SWT tells us in the following verse that he will send Rizq in multiple expressions. A simple prayer of "Astaghfirullah" with the heart and soul out into it should open the gates of Rizq.
Therefore, one should never undermine a deed, however, small it may seem to the moral eye. Other means to be blessed with Rizq includes having Taqwa , constantly having tawakul upon him and giving Charity in his name.
This does not mean that these deeds should be neglected if one is already rich or living the easy life. In response to such an attitude, Allah SWT warns us firmly in the following verse:
" And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed, " if you are grateful I will surely increase you( in favour) ; but if you deny, surely my punishment is severe."
Indeed, everything belongs to him and man has no right to boast and be arrogant of the Rizq he is given to possess.
What does the Quran Kareem teaches us about increasing the Rizq:
As Muslim we understand the significance of Rizq in our lives. It's a concept deeply intertwined with our faith, reflecting Allah's SWT provision for his creation. However, in our journey to seek more Rizq, it's essential to align our efforts with the teachings of Quran Kareem. We are delving into some Quranic guidance on increasing Rizq, offering insights, that go beyond mere material wealth.
What Is Rizq : A Quranic perspective:
Before we explore ways to increase Rizq, it's crucial to understand it's Quranic context. Rizq is not limited to financial prosperity but encompasses all forms of sustenance provided by Allah SWT, health , knowledge, time , opportunities and even the people we have in our lives.
Allah SWT says in the Quran Kareem:
"There is no moving creature on earth whose provision is not guaranteed by Allah SWT. And he knows where it lives and where it is laid to rest. All is written reminds us that our sustenance is preordained, and Allah Subhan o Ta'ala is fully aware of oye needs and circumstances.
Seeking Rizq through Tawakul:
The concept of tawakul or reliance on Allah SWT, is fundamental in Islam. The Quran Kareem says, " And whoever relies upon Allah paak - then he is sufficient for him,". Placing our trust in Allah SWT for our provision is a form of worship and acknowledgedment of his Omnipotence. It does not mean abandoning effort but pairing our endeavors with faith in Allah's plan. When we place our trust in Allah SWT, we',re increased tenfold!
The power of Dua ( supplication):
Making Dua for Rizq is a profound act of worship. The Prophet Muhammad SAW taught us specific Duas for seeking increase in Rizq. One such Dua is , " O Allah paak, I ask you for knowledge that is beneficial, a good provision, and deeds that will be accepted." Regularly, especially during times of distress, keeps us connected with Allah SWT and reinforces our faith in his provision.
Being grateful: A key to increase Rizq:
Gratitude plays a pivotal role in increasing Rizq. Allah paak says, " if you are grateful, I will surely increase you but if you deny, indeed, my punishment I severe." This verse clearly links gratitude for what we already have opens doors to more blessings.
Earning through Halal means:
One of the emphasized aspects in Islam is earning and consuming halal. The Quran Kareem is clear about this. " O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth ( That is) lawful and good...." Engaging in halal business practices and avoiding haram sources of income is crucial in seeking Allah's SWT blessings in our Rizq.
Giving Sadaqah( charity):
The act of giving, especially in the form.of Sadaqah , is a powerful means to increase Rizq. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, " Charity does not decrease wealth." By giving we purify our wealth, help those in need, and trust Allah SWT to replenish and multiply our Rizq.
Strengthening family ties:
Maintaining kinship ties i another way to increase Rizq. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, " whoever would like his Rizq to be increased and his life span to be extended, should uphold the ties of kinship." This Hadith highlights the importance of family relationships in the context of rizq.
Performing good deeds:
Good deeds whether it's regular prayer, fasting or helping others, these all count, towards our provision. Allah paak rewards righteous actions in various forms!
Seeking knowledge:
Pursuing knowledge, particularly religious knowledge is also vital. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, " Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim. " Knowledge empowers us to make decisions And opens doors to various forms of Rizq.
Patience and contentment:
Lastly, patience and contentment are crucial in our pursuit of increased Rizq. The Quran Kareem says, " And be patient, for indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward ic the good- doers." Being content with what Allah SWT has provided and patient in adversity are attributes that draw divine blessings.
The concept of Rizq ( sustenance) is so beautiful:
Allah SWT says in the Quran Kareem:
" Allah paak whose over fears Allah and keeps his duty to him, he will make a way for him to get out. And he will provide him from he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then he will suffice him. Verily, Allah SWT will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah SWT has set a measure for all things."
Surah at-Tariq:
- The most beautiful form of Rizq is not money, rather it is, tranquility of a soul, healthiness of a body, purity of a heart, Dua from a mother, kindness of a father , caring of a friend ,Dua from someone who loves you for the sake id Allah SWT.
- May Allah SWT grant you all these forms of Rizq.
Quran verses on Rizq:
In this article we have gathered the Quranic verses on Rizq. The methodology was to compile all the Quran Kareem verses that shared the English word's Arabic trilateral root. For example, rahmatan translates, to mercy. But the trilateral root, ( ر ح م) leads us to the following variants: bilmarhamati meaning compassion, I- rahmani " the most Gracious", ruhman in affection, " but also arhamakum " your ties of kinship." By doing things this way , we believe it will provide a better gateway for users to research and self explore the verses in more details.
" Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what we have provided for them.
" (He) Who made for you the earth a bed ( spread out) and the sky a ceiling and sent down from the sky, rain and brought forth thereby fruits as provision for you. So do not attributes to Allah SWT equals while you know ( that there is nothing similar to him)."
" And we shaded you with clouds and sent down to you manna and quails , ( saying), " Eat from the good things with which. We have provided you." And they wronged us not- but they were only wronging themselves.
" And recall when Moses prayed for water for his people, so we said " Strike with your staff the stone." And there gushed forth from it twelve springs, and every people knew it's watering place. " Eat and drink from the provision of Allah SWT, and do not. Commit abuse on the earth spreading corruption."
And when Abraham said, "My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits- whoever of them believes in Allah SWT and the last day ." Whoever disbelieves in Allah SWT and the last day." Allah said. " And whoever disbelieves - I will grant him enjoyment for a little; then I will force him to the punishment of the fire, and wretched is the destination."
" O you who have believed, eat from the good things which which we have provided for you and be grateful to Allah SWT if it is ( indeed) him that you worship."
" Beautified for those who disbelieve is the life of this world, and they ridicule those who believe. But those who fear Allah SWT are above them on the day of resurrection. And Allah Subhan o Ta'ala gives provision to whom he will without Account."
" O you who have believed, spend from that which. We have provided for you before there comes a day in which there is no exchange and no friendship and no intercession. And the disbelievers - they are the wrongdoers."
You cause the night to enter the day, and you cause the day to enter the night; and you bring the living out of the dead, and you bring the dead our of the living. And you give provision to whom you will without account.
So her Lord accepted her with good acceptance and caused her to grow in a good manner and put her in the care of Zechariah. Every time Zechariah entered upon her in the prayer chamber, he found with her provision. He said, " O Mary, from where is this ( coming) to you?" She said, " it is from Allah SWT. Indeed, Allah SWT probably videos for whom he wills without account."
Unexpected ways to increase your Rizq:
What is Rizq:
Rizq is a comprehensive Arabic term for the sustenance or provisions that Allah SWT provides to his creation. It encompasses all forms of resources, blessings and provisions that are necessary for the maintenance and well- being of well- being of individuals.
Rizq includes not only material possession such as food, wealth, and shelter but also encompasses, intangible blessings like knowledge, good health, opportunities And guidance.
Islam teaches us that Rizq is predetermined by Allah SWT and distributed according to hua will. However, this does not absolve individuals from their responsibility to work hard, Strive for excellence, and make efforts to earn a living.
As a Muslim, we are required to seek lawful means you c sustenance, engage in productive work, and be mindful of our day-to- day activities and transactions.
But Isn't Rizq written already:
Our Rizq is preordained by Allah SWT. Abdullah bin Masud RA said:
" The messenger of Allah SWT and he is the truthful, the believed narrated to us, " Verily the creation of each one of you is bought together in his mother's womb for forty days in the form of a nuffah ( a drop) , then he becomes an alaqah (clot) for a like period, then a mud-ghah ( morsel of flesh) for a like period, then there is sent to him the Angel who blows his spirit into him and who is commanded with four matters, to write down his Rizq, his life span, his actions, and whether he will be happy or unhappy.
But Rizq also has a metaphysical nature to it and that is in the level of Barakah infused within it from Allah SWT. For example £50 infused with Barakah will be more fruitful and benefit you more than £500 bereft of Barakah! A 30 years life filled with Barakah can be more productive and impactful than an 80 year life with a lack of Barakah.
Some may think that saving up, or being clever with money or adopting healthy habits us what will increase their Rizq. While all of those things are important, there are certain " Sunnah of Allah SWT" that we should also be aware of to increase our Rizq.
The term "Sunnah of Allah SWT" refers to the established patterns or modi operandi (ways of operation) that Allah SWT has ingrained in the creation and governance id the universe. It signifies the divine laws and principles that Allah SWT has set in motion and that apply consistently. The Sunnah of Allah SWT encompasses the natural order, cause and effect relationships and the regularities observed in the functioning of the universe.
While we cannot control the exact amount of Rizq we receive we can certainly take actions that open doors for blessings and abundance. In fact, it is the Sunnah of Allah SWT, that he causes certain actions to bring abundance into our lives and for certain deeds, he promises an increase in provision! So let's learn about them.
Seeking an increase in Rizq does not contradict our Rizq being preordained. When you seek one of these means and Allah Subhan o Ta'ala increases and blesses your Rizq, it means he has also written for you that you would seek those means. So everything is encompasses by Allah's decreed for us, the sky's the limit when it comes to doing our best to strive and seek the means to increase our Rizq.
Another important point to remember is that being blessed in Rizq is not solely connected to monetary gain. Money is often the means or intermediation to our Rizq, whereas " Rizq" itself includes everything that we have already been provided with by Allah SWT.
For example, one can make Dua to be housed, to be blessed with transport that facilities them to destinations safely, and doe nutritions meals to accompany the well-being of their children. These aspects impact our relationship with Allah SWT, as our focus is on his provision that will equip our needs in both worlds, rather than our intentions being purely focussed on gaining money.
This is why it is essential that we connect ourselves to Al- Razzaq, the provider. We need to learn to be grateful for not only what he has provided us with, but hua infinite mercy in doing so. In the same way, we trust that he SWT will provide for our needs, equipping us with what's essential for our spiritual, physical and mental well being.
1. Choose halal, give up Haram
Another word for choosing the Halal and staying away from Haram is to have: Taqwa. The Quran Kareem emphasis the profound relationship between Taqwa and Rizq. In surah Araf , Allah SWT reveals his promise:
"And if the people of the towns had believed and had Taqwa, certainly, we should have opened for them blessings from Heaven and the earth, but they belied. So, we took them for what they used to earn."
In Surah at- Talaq of the Quran Kareem, Allah SWT informs us of an inspiring truth.
" And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to him, he will make a way for him to get our. And he will provide him from from hw never could imagine."
2. Ask Allah SWT and call on him:
One of the name of Allah SWT is Al- Ghani , the rich And free of need. In a Hadith qudsi, the Prophet Muhammad SAW related that Allah SWT says:
" O my servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the Jin of you to rise up in one place and make a request of me, and were I go give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, any more that a needle decreases the sea if put into it."
Allah SWT loves us to supplicate to him alone and express our need for him. When Musa AS was a fugitive in a foreign land , without family, penniless and destitute he called on Allah SWT:
" Rabbi inner lima anzalta Islamiyat min khairin faqeer." My Lord, I am in dire need of whatever good thing you may send me."
The Prophet Muhammad SAW is reported to have made the following Dua after the morning prayer:
" O Allah, I ask you for knowledge which. Is beneficial and sustenance which is good, and deeds which are accepted."
3. Seek forgiveness and repent:
The Quran Kareem highlights the importance of sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness as a mean to increase Rizq.
" And oh my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to him. He will send the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength to your strength."
This verse of the Quran Kareem makes a direct connection between repenting to Allah SWT, seeking his forgiveness and being given plentiful as a result. By acknowledging our sins, seeking forgiveness and repenting sincerely, we open the doors to Allah's mercy and blessings, which can lead to increase in provision.
4. Have reliance upon Allah paak:
Tawakul is an action of the heart. An action of the heart refers to a internal action or a state that occurs within the heart of an individual.
These actions are related to one's beliefs, intentions, and spiritual states. These inner actions have a direct impact on our outward behavior of course. Tawakul means relying and trusting completely in Allah SWT. It entails having full confidence in hua plan, seeking his guidance, and surrendering to gu will, while actively striving to fulfil ones responsibilities.
When we rely on Allah SWT, it prevents us from having too much anxiety about the future and about our own survival within it.
Umar Ibn Al Khattab reported: The Messenger of Allah SWT said:
" If you were to rely upon Allah paak with reliance due to him, he would provide for you just as he provides for the birds. They go out in the morning with empty stomachs ana return full."
5. Be a consistent worshiper:
The pursuit of wealth and distract people away from Allah SWT and even be a factor in people neglecting their acts of worship that Allah SWT has obligated us to fulfil. But if we busy ourselves with ibadah, worshipping Allah SWT, then he has promised us that he will take care of our needs.
Abu Huraira RA reported:
" The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, "Allah SWT said: O son of Adam , use your free time to worship me and I will fill your heart with riches and alleviate your poverty, otherwise I will fill your life with troubles and never relieve your poverty."
6. Show gratitude to Allah SWT and praise him:
Surah Ibrahim highlights the connection between gratitude and rizq :
"If you give thanks, I will give you more. But if your are thankless, My punishment is severe".
This verse emphasis that expressing gratitude by accepting faith and worshipping Allah SWT leads to increased provisions.
7. Go for Umrah and Hajj:
The truth they hajj and Umrah are acts of worship with immense rewards and they are actually investments. If I were to tell you to spend tao thousand pounds and you will get three thousand or four thousand in return, would you to willing to do it.
? I'm sure you would. Similarly, or rather, more importantly by spending on the obligation of Hajj, or on visiting the house if Allah SWT doe Umrah you are fulfilling deeds that are some of the most rewardable acta of worship and you are showing Allah SWT house commitment to his Deen as well as honoring his symbol.
According to a narration by Abdullah ibn Masud RA , the prophet of Allah SWT said,
" Continuously perform hajj and Umrah as they both eradicate poverty and sins, just as a furnace removes impurities from iron, gold and silver. And a Hajj that is accepted has a reward no less than paradise."
8. Keep the ties of kinship:
Maintaining strong bonds with family members, including extended relatives can bring Barakah and increase Rizq.
The Prophet Muhammad SAW said,
" Whoever wishes for an expansion in his provision and for his life to be extended, should maintain good Ties with his relatives".
This means keeping in contact with them, forgiving and overlooking, gifting and taking care of family members and relatives, even when they don't always reciprocate.
9. Migrate for the sake of Allah:
In surah Al- Nisa
" And whoever emigrates for the Cause of Allah SWT will find on the earth many locations and abundance. And whoever leaves his home as an emigrant to Allah and hu messenger and then death overtakes him- his reward has already become incumbent upon Allah paak. And Allah's SWT is ever forgiving and merciful."
The act of migrating to another land can sometimes be a daunting endeavor. However, when an individual leaves their Homeland or current residence with the intention of seeking a place that will better support their faith or for a righteous purpose, Allah SWT promises to enrich them. This assurance from Allah SWT emphasis his recognition and reward for those who make sacrifices for hua sake.
Conclusion:
In Islam, Rizq refers to all forms of sustenance and provision granted by Allah, encompassing not only wealth and food but also health, knowledge, and opportunities. It reminds believers that sustenance is ultimately in Allah’s hands, though human effort and trust (tawakkul) must go hand in hand. The concept of Rizq teaches gratitude, humility, and reliance on Allah, emphasizing that what is destined for a person will reach them, and that sharing one’s Rizq with others is a form of worship and a means of spiritual growth.