In the name of Allaah, Most Beneficent and Most Merciful
We are fortunate that Allah has given us Islam, which is complete code of life. He has guided us in every facet of life through the Quran and the Sunnah of Rasulullah, SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam. Many muslims unfortunately think, that Islam is Salaat, Fasting, Zakat and Haj and we can live however we want. That’s not so. These are pillars of Islam, like the pillars of the House. Like pillars support the building, these pillars are support to Islam in our life. Islam is not only in these pillars but it is our obedience to Allah in all aspects of our life.
Islam governs our earnings too. If we follow what Allah has permitted us and ordered us to do, then our earnings become ibadat of Allah. If we don’t then our earnings will make Allah displeased with us.
In this life the human being is always busy minded, worried, sad and concerned about how he is to find his sustenance (rizq). It is part of human nature to work hard to get his/her sustenance (rizq) for him and his household.
Allah the most high says:
“It is He Who has made the earth manageable for you, so traverse through its tracts and enjoy of the Sustenance which He furnishes: but to Him is the Resurrection.”
(Al-Mulk 67:15)
But some people might use forbidden and prohibited ways to get their sustenance (rizq) without knowing that there is no blessing in any ill gotten earnings (rizq). Of course, those people are ignorant about the right Islamic means by which sustenance can be earned and the doors to blessings can be opened.
Here are, oh Muslims, some criteria by which you should check your means for earning your sustenance. Understand them and more important apply them in your life.
FIRSTLY: Have total reliance on Allah the One and Only, the eternal, and the absolute.
Listen to the saying of the prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam):
“If you were to rely on Allah as He should be relied on, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds. They go out in the morning hungry and return in the evening full.”
[At-Tirmidhi]
Allah says:
“And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is ((Allah)) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish his purpose: indeed, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion.”
[At-Talaq 65:3]
and
“There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance depends on Allah. He knows the time and place of its definite abode and its temporary deposit: All is in a clear Record.”
(Hud 11:6)
So use the lawful means and rely on Allah, do not be lazy or complacent. Where are you in this –do you knock on the door of the most generous with your hands open: a heart full of trust and reliance on him; and stay at His door with a mind full of certainty that sustenance is with Allah only and you will get whatever was written for you?
SECONDLY: Repentance and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
Allah tells you [of the call of his messenger, Noah]
“Saying ‘Ask forgiveness from your Lord; for He is Oft- Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance; And give you increase in wealth and sons; and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers (of flowing water).”
(Nooh 71:10-12)
– Imam Al-Qurtubi (may Allah have mercy on him):
“This ayat is an evidence that seeking forgiveness is a reason to get sustenance (rizq) and rain.”
– Ibn Katheer (may Allah have mercy on him) said explaining those ayat:
“If you repent to Allah, seek his forgiveness and obey him then your sustenance will be more.”
– A man came to Al-Hasan Al-Basri (Rahimahullah) complaining about sterility, he replied:
‘ask Allah for forgiveness’.
Another man came complaining about destitution/poverty, he replied:
‘ask Allah for forgiveness’.
Another man came asking him to pray that Allah gives him a son, he replied:
‘ask Allah for forgiveness’.
His companions then asked him: three different men asked you three different questions and you gave them the same answer!!
He replied:
‘I didn’t say anything by my own, Allah the most high says,
“Saying, ‘Ask forgiveness from your Lord; for He is Oft-Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance; And Give you increase in wealth and sons; and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers (of flowing water).”
So repent to Allah, seek his forgiveness and admit you shortcomings to be blessed with his mercy and showered with his blessings.
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