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TAG: Tawakkul

Allah’s Promises of Rizq

I was talking to a brother about Allah’s promise for the Rizq for the maklook( creations), but on the other hand, Allah’s promise for the Jannah for one if we are obedient to Allah. Yet people are running after the Duniya for their Rizq which has already been promised by Allah. We should be trying for the Jannah, which has been promised only with our effort. Arriving home I thought to share a few thoughts on this with you.
First, off all let’s agree on the meaning of Rizq mentioned below:

Rizq is earnings, profit, or wealth
The definition of rizq includes everything whether its wealth, spouse, CHILDREN, provisions, sustenance, which of course includes food, clothing, shelter, etc

“All aspects of a person’s subsistence and livelihood fall under the definition of rizq, including but not restricted to wealth, status, business, and children.”

We see in this capitalist society, everyone will do anything that is possible to gain their Rizq. People think they are expanding their rizq by doing haram, opening liquor shops, but they aren’t. Islam tells us the rizq is assigned at our birth and on top of that Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala made five promises of Rizq.

1. Taqwa
“And whoever fears Allah, for him Allah brings forth a way out, and gives him provision (rizq) from where he does not even imagine…” (Surah At-Talaq: 2/3)

In reference to this Ayaat-i- Karima:
“The word taqwa primarily and literally means ‘to guard’ or ‘to refrain’. In Islamic terminology, it signifies ‘to guard against sins’. When the word is related to Allah, it is translated as ‘to fear Allah’ and implies ‘to avoid disobedience of Allah and guard against sins’.”

Once, Saiyyidina Umar ibn al-Khattab (radhiall ahu anho) asked Saiyyidina Ka’ab Ahbaar (radhiallahu anho): “What is the reality of Taqwa?”
Ka’ab (radhiallahu anho) said: “Have you ever passed a thorny tree?”
Umar (radhiallahu anho) answered: “Yes.”
Ka’ab (radhiallahu anho) asked: “How did you pass?”
Umar (radhiallahu anho) answered: “I passed with such care that I ensured that no thorn got caught into my hem.”
Ka’ab (radhiallahu anho) then elaborated: “In the very same way, the reality of Taqwa is for one to save himself from the thorns of sins and negligence.”

So, this is the first thing with which Allah Ta’ala promised the righteous believers, that He will ease every difficulty of theirs and provide for them all their needs from resources they never expected or thought about.

2. Daily Five Prayers
Everyone who ever spends time in Jama’at should know that through the daily five prayers Allah Ta’ala makes the rizq easy – if you don’t then you should definitely spend time in the way of Allah. Anyone for 4 months? Anyway…

A hadith states: “Salaah is the cause of Allah’s pleasure: It is a beloved act of the Malaikah (angels), a sunnah of the Ambiyaa (alayhimus salam), the nur (light) of ma’rifah is achieved by it, du’aas are accepted, and barakah in rizq is attained.”

Once a Sahabi (radhiallahu anho) said: “When the household of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) experienced difficulty in their expenses he commanded the performing of salaah, and recited this aayah:

“And enjoin upon thy people worship, and be constant therein. We ask not of thee a provision: We provide for thee. And the sequel is for righteousness.” (Surah Ta Ha: 132)”

3. Istighfar
Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has said in another Hadith: “The one who seeks forgiveness for Muslim males and females from Allah Ta’aala twenty-six or twenty-five times every day, Allah Ta’ala will count that person among those whose Du’a is accepted, and through the barakah of whom those on earth gain rizq (sustenance) .”

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) not only made himself 70 till 100 times a day Istighfar and Taubah, but as well enjoined the Muslims to ask Allah Ta’ala frequently for forgiveness. One of the many virtues of Istighfar, that can be found in Ahadith, is that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala deals with the person engaging much in Istighfar in a similar way like with the servant attaining Taqwa.

Sayyidina Abdullah bin Abbas (radhiallahu anho) narrates that Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “The one who (regularly) says Istighfaar, that is, frequently repent to Allah Ta’aala for sins committed, Allah ‘Azza Wa-Jalla will open a path from poverty and difficulties. All sorrow and hardship will be removed, and in its place prosperity and contentment granted. One will receive sustenance from unimagined and unexpected sources.”

4. Tawakul On Allah
Tawakkul on Allah could be translated as sincere reliance on Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. In our context right now it means to be 100% convinced that Allah will definitely give me the rizq, that He has fixed for me. If all creations of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala (malaikah, jinns, humans, animals etc.) come together to change something about that, they simply can not.

Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has said: “If you have proper and sincere tawakkul (reliance) on Allah Ta’ala. He will grant you rizq like the birds are given rizq, who come out of their nests in the morning with empty stomachs and return to their nests in the evening with a full stomach. Allah Ta’aala says:

“And whoever places his trust in Allah, He is sufficient for him.” (Surah At-Talaq: 3)”

That’s how the Ayaat quoted above continues. Subhan’Allah, what an amazingly illustrious example our beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has given, may Allah shower His blessings upon him and his family.

Sayyidina Imraan bin Husayn (radhiallahu anho) narrates from Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) that: “The person who (sincerely) relies on Allah Ta’aala, Allah Ta’aala will suffice for all the responsibilities of that person. Rizq will be received from such sources, whence it cannot be imagined. The one who relies on the (material) world, Allah Ta’aala hands that person over to the world.”

“One who wishes to become the strongest should make tawakkul on Allah Ta’aala. One who wishes to become the most respectful should adopt taqwa (piety). The one who wishes to become the wealthiest should rely more on the qudrah (power) of Allah than that which is in ones possession.”

5. Infaaq Fisabilillah
It’s no secret that when spending or giving charity in the path of Allah, Allah Ta’ala according to His boundless mercy gives back much times more. There are many Ahadith regarding this, but to spare you time I’ll just type the incident of Hadhrat Sayyidina Ali (karamallahu wajuhu) and a beggar which will make you understand this concept very easily.

Oh yeah, and I almost forgot Asbab. There are no promises of Allah attached to Asbab, but our Yaqeen nowadays is made on them. May Allah forgive us and bring all these attributes into our life. Ameen!

Better Than A Servant

Ali Radhi Allahu Anhu narrates : “Fatima Radhi Allahu Anha complained of the suffering caused to her by the hand mill. Some captives were brought to the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. She came to him but did not find him at home. Aisha Radhi Allahu Anha was present there and Fatima Radhi Allahu Anha told (of her desire for a servant). When the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam came, Aisha Radhi Allahu Anha informed him about Fatima’s visit. So the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam came to us, while we had gone to bed. I wanted to get up but the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “Remain at your place”. Then he sat down between us till I could feel the coolness of his feet on my chest. Then he said, “Shall I teach you something which is better than what you have asked me? When you go to bed, say, ‘Allahu-Akbar’ thirty-four times, Subhan Allah thirty-three times and Alhamdu-lillah thirty-three times for that is better for you than a servant.” (Bukhari)

Commentary
This incident has been mentioned in Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood, Nasai, and other books. From other narrations of this hadith, we learn more about this incident :

Fatima Radhi Allahu Anha had developed sores on her hands due to grinding flour with her hand mill. She had also developed sores on her neck due to carrying water. Sweeping her home had made her clothes dusty and baking bread had discolored her face. Now, Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam had received some slaves and Ali Radhi Allahu Anhu had heard about this. Ali Radhi Allahu Anhu advised her to go to him and ask for a servant to help her with her household chores as these had overpowered her. When she came to the house of her father she did not find him. Rather, he was in the masjid in discussion with his companions. Later, after he was told about the arrival of his daughter to see him, he came to see them in their room. The cloth that was covering Ali and Faatima Radhi Allahu Anhuma was so small that their feet were exposed when they covered their heads and their heads were exposed when they covered their feet. When he requested to enter they wanted to first dress appropriately but he asked them to remain lying down as they were. He said that he would prefer to sell the slaves that he had received and spend the money on the Ahlus Suffa as they had no food. He instead taught them certain azkaar which were better than a servant.

Ali Radhi Allahu said : “I have not left practicing on this ever since I heard this from Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.” Somebody asked : “Not even on the night of Siffeen?” Ali Radhi Allahu Anhu replied : “Not even on the night of Siffeen.” (Muslim)

Siffeen is the name of a place close to the Euphrates where the famous battle took place between Ali Radhi Allahu Anhu and the Syrians in the year 37 Hijri. It was a trying and strenuous battle for Ali Radhi Allahu Anhu, hence the questioner asked him to see if he had remembered to practice on the advice of his master on that night too. This shows Ali’s Radhi Allahu Anhu obedience to Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and his punctuality and discipline in worship.

It is important to note that Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam mentioned a number of different azkaar to be recited at the time of going to sleep. These are applicable to different situations and occasions. Each of these is virtuous in their own way.

The statement of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam that these azkaar were better than a servant can mean two things. Firstly, a servant is related to this worldly life whereas azkaar are related to the hereafter. The hereafter is superior and everlasting when compared to this world. Secondly, it could mean that these azkaar are of greater benefit in fulfilling the household chores than a servant.

Lessons

  1. From this hadith, we learn that Ali Radhi Allahu Anhu was very close to the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Proof of this is from the following :
    1. Ali Radhi Allahu Anhu was the son-in-law of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam
    2. Imam Bukhari Rahimahullah mentioned this hadith in the section dealing with the virtues of Ali Radhi Allahu Anhu.
    3. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam entered into their private room in a very informal manner.
  2. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam gave preference to Aakhirah for his close family. He did not choose the comforts of the world for them. He encouraged his daughter and son-in-law towards patience and the remembrance of Allah Azza Wajal instead of acquiring a servant. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam chose for his daughter what he chose for himself in terms of patience and azkaar in times of difficulty.It was a settled principle with the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam that he always placed his family members and those who were nearer to him in the front line in facing risk or hazard but allotted them the last place when he distributed favors, rewards, and spoils of war. When the three well-known warriors of the Quraish, Utba, Shayba, and Walid Ibn Utba, challenged the Muslims to single combat at Badr, the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam sent forward Hamza, Ali and Ubayda Radhi Allahu Anhum, although he knew about the bravery and strength of the enemy combatants. Hamza, Ali, and Ubayda Radhi Allahu Anhum belonged to the Prophet’s Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam own clan, the Banu Hashim, and were his near relatives.
  3. Scholars mention that from this hadith one learns an important technique in teaching people. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam approached his daughter and son-in-law with extreme love and affection asking them not to inconvenience themselves by moving from their bed. He then sat affectionately between them as close as he could. He explained to them what he thought was better for them by means of kind words. Such kindness and affection will melt the heart of any person. When one wants to convince another it can be easily achieved with love and affection.
  4. This zikr makes strenuous tasks easy.
  5. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam through this incident taught the Ummah to exercise patience in difficulty, to accumulate good deeds for the hereafter, and to be kept safe from the deceptive worldly life by focussing on the hereafter.
  6. One should encourage one’s family towards giving preference to the hereafter over the world according to their level of tawakkul and reliance upon Allah Azza Wajal.

Tawakkal – Depending On Allah

If we can learn to depend on Allah with due reliance, He will certainly give us provisions as He gives to the birds who leave their nests in the mornings and return with full bellies at dusk.

But what do we need in order to achieve this? We must have firm belief that only Allah can help and benefit us. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever wishes to be strong should rely on Allah.”

Allah the Almighty says: “… Victory will be yours; and put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed.” (Qur’an 5:23)

These words give us strength to face hardships. But at the same time as depending on Allah, we must exert effort and use all the material resources provided by Allah. If we do so we will be obeying His orders. When we sincerely depend on Allah we feel tranquility in our hearts because we know that Allah is on our side. We should try to detach ourselves from always seeking material things and keep in mind that no harm or benefit comes to us without the permission of Allah.

Umar Bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) told us about the birds and how they wake up in the early morning, glorify Allah and go in search of food, (they exert effort) trust in Allah and find sustenance. You may think it strange that birds glorify Allah but the Almighty says in the Qur’an : “The seven heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, glorify Him and there is not a thing but glorifies His praise; and yet you understand not how they declare His glory! Verily, He is the Ever-forbearing, Oft-Forgiving.” (17:44)

Even the prophets worked and so did the Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him), but they all trusted in Allah in every aspect of life.

When Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was being thrown into the fire, Jibreel (peace be upon him) asked him, ‘Do you need anything?’

But Ibrahim answered, ‘Nothing from you. Allah knows my condition (status).”

Another time, Ibrahim (peace be upon him) took his wife Hajar and his son Isma’il to a place near Makkah.

Allah the Almighty ordered Ibrahim to leave them in the desert, and when Hajar saw him leaving her she wanted to know if it was an order from Allah. Ibrahim answered , ‘Yes’. So she put her trust in Allah and was sure that He would take care of them. Indeed, all help and power are from Allah. Trust in Him! His promise is true.