03 Dec Ar-Razaaq-The Provider
Allah (SWT) has given Himself Names and attributes (siffat) so that we can know Him. What is most amazing and beautiful about Allah’s Names is that through them, you can see how our Creator recognizes the needs of His creation.
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“Knowledge of the Most Beautiful Names of Allah is the basis of all other kinds of knowledge, for the objects of all these other branches of knowledge were either created or commanded by Him (the various branches of knowledge either deal with objects created by Him or with the laws and guidance revealed by Him). The reason for creation and guidance is found in His Most Beautiful Names (because He is the Creator, He creates things; because He is the Guide to the Straight Path, He reveals guidance, and so on)… Knowing the Most Beautiful Names is the basis of all objects of knowledge, because all knowledge stems from these Names…” (Bada’i’ al-Fawaa’id by Ibn al-Qayyim, 1/163).
One of Allah’s beautiful names and attributes is Ar-Razzaq and learning about this will help all of us to deepen our relationship with Allah (SWT).
Allah (SWT) is Ar-Razzaq (the All-Provider). He provides all of His slaves with sustenance regardless of their number or quantity of provision. The word Ar-Razzaq has been mentioned in the Qur’an and in the hadith of our prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Verily, Allah is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong. (Qur’an, 51:58).
Abdullah ibn Qays reported from Allah’s Messenger (SAW) that none is more forbearing in listening to the most irksome thing than Allah (SWT). They associate rivals with Him, but in spite of this, He provides them sustenance (rizq), grants them safety and confers upon them so many things (Muslim).
Allah (SWT) provides food, water, and all that is necessary for the living things including man, animals and plants. He says in the Qur’an:
“And no moving (living) creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allah. And He knows its dwelling place and its deposit (in uterus or grave). All is in a Clear Book (Al-lauh Al-Mahfuz – the Book of Decrees with Allah).” (Quran, 11:6).
The Prophet (SAW) said that a soul will not die until it gets all of the provision that has been apportioned for it (Ibn Hibban).
What is Rizq?
Rizq is that which has been apportioned for us by Allah SWT.
“And He (Allah) will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things.”
Allah’s (SWT) tells us in this verse that His help goes beyond our imagination. If we only ask Allah (SWT) based on our understanding of what is possible, then we are putting limitations on ourselves and missing out on the miraculous nature of Allah’s help. He goes onto tell us that we should trust in Him and that this trust will lead us to peace and contentment. Finally, Allah (SWT) reminds us that our provision is already written, and so we do the best of our efforts and make du’a for a good provision.
So how can we bless our rizq with baraqah and so improve our provision?
a- Giving Sadaqah (charity): “Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over?” (Qur’an, 2:245)
b- With Piety (Taqwa): “And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever put his trust in Allah, then, He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed, Allah has set a measure for all things.” (Qur’an, 65:2-3)
c- Repenting to Allah Ta’ala (tawbah): “And I said (to them), ‘Ask forgiveness from your Lord, verily, He is Oft-Forgiving. He will send rain to you in abundance. And give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers.” (Qur’an, 71:10-12)
d- Being grateful to Allah Ta’ala: “And (remember) when Your Lord proclaimed: “If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily, My punishment is indeed severe.” {Quran, 14:7}.
e- Helping family members: The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Whoever would like his rizq (provision) to be increased and his life to be extended, should uphold the ties of kinship,’ {Bukhari)
f- Reliance on Allah Ta’la (tawkal): (And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a (decreed) extent.” (Quran, 65:3)
g- Keeping away from haram means: “Allah will destroy Riba and will give increase for Sadaqat (deeds of charity, alms). And Allah likes not the disbelievers, sinners.” Qur’an (2:276)`
We pray that Allah (SWT) makes us of those which the above qualities and actions and make us amongst His righteous servants.
Shaykh Mohamed Abdulle
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The Prophet (Pbuh) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small.