In Islam, Rizq (Arabic: رزق) refers to all forms of sustenance and provision that Allah bestows upon His creation.
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| Sustenance (Rizq) in the Light of the Quran: Divine Promise and Wisdom |
Introduction: What is Rizq (Sustenance)?
In Islam, Rizq (Arabic: رزق) refers to all forms of sustenance and provision that Allah bestows upon His creation. This includes not only food, wealth, and material resources, but also knowledge, health, relationships, time, faith, guidance, and even spiritual contentment.
The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that Allah is Ar-Razzaq (The Provider) and that He provides for all living beings without limit or measure, often from sources we cannot imagine.
Allah – The Sole Provider
The Quran highlights that provision comes solely from Allah, not from our employers, businesses, or governments. These are merely means, but the true source is Allah.
Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:58)
“Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength.”
إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الرَّزَّاقُ ذُو الْقُوَّةِ الْمَتِينُ
This verse clearly defines Allah’s name Ar-Razzaq – The Sustainer of all. No one can increase or decrease your sustenance without His will.
Key Quranic Verses About Sustenance
Here are some powerful Quranic verses about sustenance along with explanations and brief Tafsir:
1. Surah Hud (11:6)
“There is no creature on the earth but that Allah provides for it.”
وَمَا مِن دَابَّةٍ فِي ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رِزْقُهَا
Tafsir:
Ibn Kathir explains this as a guarantee from Allah. Every animal, bird, insect, or human—their Rizq is written and ensured by Allah. Even if hidden in the depth of the ocean or a desert, Allah knows and provides.
2. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:3)
“And they spend from what We have provided them.”
وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ
Tafsir:
Believers acknowledge that their wealth is from Allah, and they spend in charity, knowing it increases blessings and sustenance.
3. Surah Al-Mulk (67:15)
“So walk among its slopes and eat of His provision.”
فَٱمْشُوا۟ فِى مَنَاكِبِهَا وَكُلُوا۟ مِن رِّزْقِهِۦ
Tafsir:
Allah commands us to seek sustenance by effort and work. Tawakkul (trust in Allah) doesn’t mean laziness. We must work while relying on Allah.
4. Surah Ash-Shura (42:12)
“To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth. He extends provision for whom He wills and restricts it.”
Tafsir:
Allah tests people by increasing or limiting Rizq. This variation is a test of gratitude or patience.
5. Surah Dhariyat (51:22-23)
“And in the heaven is your provision and whatever you are promised.”
Tafsir:
Imam Al-Qurtubi explains that Rizq is already written in the heavens, and will reach you no matter what. No need for haram (unlawful) earnings.
Spiritual Causes of Rizq
The Quran and Hadith identify several spiritual actions that increase sustenance:
1. Taqwa (God-consciousness)
“And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect.”
(Surah At-Talaq 65:2-3)
2. Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)
“If you trust in Allah truly, He will provide for you as He provides for the birds…” (Hadith – Tirmidhi)
3. Charity (Sadaqah)
“The example of those who spend their wealth… Allah multiplies for whom He wills.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261)
4. Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness)
“Ask forgiveness of your Lord… He will increase you in wealth and children.”
(Surah Nuh 71:10-12)
Effort and Rizq – The Balance Between Work and Faith
Islam doesn’t teach to just wait for sustenance. It teaches to work hard, but depend only on Allah.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“If you were to rely upon Allah as He should be relied upon, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds: They go out hungry in the morning and return with full stomachs.”
(Hadith – Tirmidhi)
Birds don’t sit in their nests—they fly, search, and trust.
Misconceptions About Rizq
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Rizq = Only Money:
Rizq includes peace, family, health, time, and deen. -
More wealth = More blessing:
Sometimes, wealth is a test or punishment. True Rizq is what benefits you spiritually and emotionally. -
Only hard work brings Rizq:
Effort is important, but without Allah’s will, it won’t bring fruit. Many work hard but still face poverty.
Scientific and Economic Reflections
Modern economics focuses on scarcity, while Islam teaches that Allah’s Rizq is limitless.
“Indeed, Allah is the Best of Providers.” (Surah Al-Jumu'ah 62:11)
Islamic teachings promote fair trade, charity, and sharing, which reduce poverty. When people hoard wealth and ignore the poor, barakah (blessing) is lost.
Practical Steps to Increase Sustenance
- Pray Salah on time
- Read Surah Waqiah daily (after Maghrib or Isha)
- Give regular charity (even little)
- Help family and neighbors
- Avoid haram income
- Recite these du'as:
- "Allahumma inni asaluka rizqan tayyiban" (O Allah, I ask You for pure sustenance)
- "Hasbiyallahu la ilaha illa Huwa..." (Surah At-Tawbah 9:129)
Conclusion
The Quran teaches us that Rizq is in Allah’s hand, but He expects us to make effort, remain honest, give charity, and stay connected to Him. Sustenance is not just about food and money, but about spiritual richness, inner peace, and blessings in every part of life.
If we live with taqwa, gratitude, and trust, Allah promises not just Rizq—but Rizq with Barakah.
“Whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him.”
(Surah At-Talaq 65:3)
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