What is Rizq in Islam

Rizq meaning in Arabic is sustenance, provision, or blessings. Many people believe that rizq is only in the form of money or other material possessions. But according to Islam, the concept of Rizq encompasses all sorts of material things. It can be seen as something that brings contentment or repels harm, whether a good job, an obedient child, an inheritance, or a gift (tangible rizq). Rizq is also in the form of good mental health, ability to seek knowledge, gratitude, level of iman, etc. (intangible rizq)

Rizq Is Already Written

The concept of Rizq is a beautiful one. It entails that even if you eat a fruit, it was already written for you.

In a hadith, the Prophet SAW says an angel is sent to blow the soul into the mudghah. This angel is commanded in four matters: One is to write down his rizq (sustenance). Two is his life span. Three is his actions. Lastly, he is commanded to determine whether he will be happy or unhappy (i.e., whether he enters paradise or hell).

Allah Is The Provider

There are 99 names of Allah SWT, all of which highlight his various attributes. Ar-Raziq (the sustainer) and Ar-Razzaq (the provider) are among these names. These names highlight that Allah is the only one who provides and sustains every entity.

In the Quran, Allah states that “there is no creature that moves on earth whose provision is not guaranteed by Allah. And He knows where it lives and where it is laid to rest. All of it is written in a perfect record.” (the perfect record refers to the Al-Lawḥ Al-Maḥfûẓ in which Allah has written the destiny of every one of his creations.) [Surah Hud, verse 06]

This verse clearly states that Allah provides for every living creature, whether humans, plants, or animals. He also provides special provisions for his righteous believers, such as lawful earning sources, strong faith, and knowledge about the deen.

Why Work For Rizq in Islam?

If rizq is already predetermined, why strive and work hard for it? This is the most common question that comes to mind after knowing Allah has already planned our whole life. While this is true, it doesn’t entail that one shouldn’t work hard and strive to be their best version just because they believe Allah will provide.

The example of birds perfectly explains this. They wake up and search for food to feed themselves and their families. They don’t sit in their nest and wait for sustenance to reach them. Like birds, we are encouraged to work hard in our life.

How To Increase Rizq

By Reciting Dua for Rizq and Wealth

Dua 01

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّلاً

Transliteration:

Allahumma inni as’aluka ‘ilman nafi’an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan

Translation:

O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and acceptable deeds.

Prophet SAW used to recite this dua in the fajr prayer. [ Sunan Ibn Majah 925]

Dua 02

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ رِزْقًا وَاسِعًا طَيِّبًا مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا أَحْتَسِبُ

Transliteration:

Allahumma inni as’aluka rizqan wasi’an tayyiban min haythu la ahtasibu.

Translation:

O Allah, I ask You for ample, good sustenance from sources I do not anticipate.

Saying Astigfar

Ibn ‘Abbas said that the Prophet PBUH said that if someone constantly seeks forgiveness from Allah, Allah will appoint him a way out of every distress, and a relief from every anixety. And, Allah will provide sustenance (rizq) for him from where he doesnt even expect it. [Riyad as-Salihin 1873]

There are many ways to ask for forgiveness, including duas. But the shortest of them is Astaghfirullah, which means I seek forgiveness from Allah. This dua increases sustenance and opens the door to Allah’s mercy.

Thanking Allah

In the Quran, Allah says that if a person is thankful, Allah will certainly give him more. But if he is ungrateful then surely his punishment is severe. [Surah Ibrahim, verse 8]

Alhamdulilah (All praise is to Allah) is a short supplication that can be recited many times throughout the day to increase our sustenance and gain Allah’s pleasure.

Abandoning Sins

In a hadith, Prophet Muhammad PBUH said that nothing extends the lifespan of a person but righteousness, nothing averts the divine decree but supplication and nothing limits a man of hi provision except for the sins he commits. [Sunan Ibn Majah 90]

This hadith clearly states that committing sins deprives a person of his provisions. Therefore, he should reflect on his past actions whenever he faces any hardship.

Giving Charity

Giving alms has many benefits. Not only does it help increase rizq, but it also helps you gain Allah’s mercy. In the Quran, Allah states that whatever one spends in charity, Allah will compensate him for it. [Surah Saba, verse 39]

Allah also says that whoever spends in the way of Allah, He will multiply the reward by by 700 times. [Surah Baqarah, verse 261]

Does Rizq Include Hardships?

Jabir bin Abdullah narrated that Prophet Muhammad PBUH said, “O people, fear Allah and be moderate when seeking a living, for no soul will encounter death before that soul has received all its provision, even if the provision is slow in coming. So fear Allah and be moderate when seeking provision; take that which is permissible and leave what is forbidden.” [ Sunan Ibn Majah 2144]

This hadith clearly states that a person will not die unless they have received all the provisions written for them. This provision also includes the hardships, adversities, and difficulties one faces. This hadith also highlights that if someone is working hard and is not receiving something, that doesn’t mean they should give up; rather, they should remain steadfast and continue to try their best. And if one encounters any hardship, he should stay patient and call upon the Lord, as Allah always responds to whoever calls him.