Means for Increasing Sustenance & Livelihood

Introduction:

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

This was a part of the khutbah delivered by the Imaam and Khateeb of the Um al-Quraa Masjid, Abu Abdul-`Azeez Ibraheem al-Sanaidi, near my house in Jeddah in the beginning of the year 2006. This khutbah, walhamdulillaah, was so beneficial that I requested the Khateeb to give me a copy of it. So here it is, the English translation of the same, for everyone’s benefit, inshaa-Allaah:

The Khutbah:

(Part 1)

All praises be to Allaah; we praise Him, and seek His help and forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allaah from the evil of our own selves, and the evil consequences of our deeds. Whosoever Allaah guides, no one can misguide him. And whomsoever Allaah misguides, no one can guide him. I bear witness that no one has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, and I bear witness that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم is the Slave and Messenger of Allaah.

May peace and blessings of Allaah be upon His last and final Messenger, upon his family and companions, and upon those who follow them with righteousness till the Day of Judgment!

Verily, the best speech is the Book of Allaah (Qur’aan). The best guidance is the guidance of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. The most evil of matters is innovation, and every innovation is a heresy, and every heresy is misguidance and every misguidance is in Hell.

One of the most important concerns which preoccupy everyone (from the people of the past and today as well) is: “How to get their rizq (sustenance), and the search for a good livelihood”. You see people (all around you) who have left their families and homeland (and traveled to far off places); and others suffering from fatigue and weaknesses due to striving to earn a (decent) living for their families. You (may sometimes) see employees and laborers under the mercy of their ruthless employers and sponsors. You see in them the constant fear of unfair deductions from their wages, and the fear of an unexpected decision regarding their jobs. They spend their days and nights having a constant fear (nightmares) of losing their jobs.

One of the reasons for such phenomena is that some of the company owners or managers who do not fear Allaah سبحانه و تعالى deal with their employees and laborers as if they were machines and slaves. They should not forget that all people with disputes will stand in front of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى and (on that Day) everyone’s disputes will be settled (and justice will prevail). 

Life is always mingled with distress and injustice. Therefore, we remind our Muslim brothers of different classes – the rich and the poor, the employers and the employed, the managers and the subordinates – that they get nothing from this world except that which has already been decreed by Allaah سبحانه و تعالى. A Muslim must believe that Allaah سبحانه و تعالى has predetermined his rizq (sustenance), when he was an embryo in his mother's womb:

عن أبي عبد الرحمن عبد الله بن مسعود رضي الله عنه قال: حدّثنا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم وهو الصادق المصدوق: "إن أحدكم يجمع خلقه في بطن أمه أربعين يوماً نطفةً ثم يكون علقةً مثل ذلك ثم يكون مضغةً مثل ذلك، ثم يرسل إليه الملك فينفخ فيه الروح ويؤمر بأربع كلمات: بكَتْب رزقه وأجله وعمله وشقي أوسعيد، فوالله الذي لا إله غيره إن أحد كم ليعمل بعمل أهل الجنة حتى ما يكون بينه وبينها إلا ذراع، فيسبق عليه الكتاب فيعمل بعمل أهل النار فيدخلها، وإن أحدكم ليعمل بعمل أهل النار حتى ما يكون بينه وبينها إلا ذراع فيسبق عليه الكتاب فيعمل بعمل أهل الجنة فيدخلها"

Abu 'Abd al-Rahman 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud, reported: The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم, the most truthful, the most trusted, told us: "Verily the creation of each one of you takes place when he is assembled in his mother's womb; for forty days he is as a drop of fluid, then it becomes a clot for a similar period. Thereafter, it is a lump looking like it has been chewed for a similar period. Then an angel is sent to him, who breathes the ruh (spirit) into him. This Angel is commanded to write four decrees: that he writes down his provision (rizq), his life span, his deeds, and whether he will be among the wretched or the blessed. I swear by Allaah - there is no God but He - one of you may perform the deeds of the people of Paradise till there is naught but an arm's length between him and it, when that which has been written will outstrip him so that he performs the deeds of the people of the Hell Fire; one of you may perform the deeds of the people of the Hell Fire, till there is naught but an arm's length between him and it, when that which has been written will overtake him so that he performs the deeds of the people of Paradise and enters therein." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadeeth 430, 549 and Sahih Muslim]

There are people who believe that if they hold fast to Islaam and comply with its injunctions, they will never prosper. This is a wicked thought about Allaah; we seek Allaah’s refuge from such thoughts. Muslims invoke Allaah سبحانه و تعالى in and after every prayer saying:

﴿ رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ ﴾

{Our Lord! Give unto us in the world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and guard us from the doom of Fire.} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 201]

Do you not comprehend the meaning of this invocation? This is what Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم used often to invoke Allaah with.

It is beseeching Allaah سبحانه و تعالى to give you of this world that which He has restrained from giving to others; and to complete for you two bliss, the bliss of this world and the bliss of the hereafter.

So, the decree of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى does not neglect the issue of sustenance and of earning livelihood. To the contrary, holding fast to the decree of Allaah and the teachings of Islaam with truth and sincerity is the major cause of increasing   sustenance; and that is only when you practice what Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم came with.

There are ways that are a means for increasing the sustenance. But this will not happen to a person with weak faith in Allaah سبحانه و تعالى.  So remember my   Muslim brothers, that during the supplication, and at all times: your faith and belief in Allaah should be strong and firm. You should have faith in the texts that occurred in the Book of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى and the Sunnah of His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم. There is a great difference between Muslims who believe that Allaah's promise will come true and those others who are doubtful and wavering (in faith). 

1)    Tawbah (Repentance):

One of the major causes of increasing the sustenance is Tawbah from the sins and turning towards Allaah, seeking His forgiveness. Allaah سبحانه و تعالى says in the Holy Qur’aan in reference to his Prophet Nuh (Noah) عليه السلام:

﴿ فَقُلْتُ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُ كَانَ غَفَّارًا يُرْسِلِ السَّمَاء عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًا وَيُمْدِدْكُمْ بِأَمْوَالٍ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ أَنْهَارًا ﴾

{I (Nuh) 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.} [Surah an-Nuh (71): 10-12]

There are many people who seek (Allaah’s) forgiveness, probably seeking forgiveness many times a day; but nothing increases for them except in poverty. Why? The answer is: their repentance is a mere utterance with their tongues. Such repentance, that a person may do every day and after each prayer, becomes a kind of pastime and is of no avail. Your repentance, O Muslim brothers, without consciousness and without any actual practice is a sheer absurdity. It is a must for you that you come out of such a trait. For there are people who say: “ASTAGHFIRULLAAH, ASTAGHFIRULLAAH”, with their tongues, not with their hearts, and do not understand the meaning of it (nor do they let go of their sinful ways).

Imaam Ibn Katheer رحمه الله said in his Tafseer (exegesis) of the aforementioned verses: "If you repent to Allaah سبحانه و تعالى, seek His forgiveness and obey Him, He will increase in your provisions for you and provide you with water from the blessings of the sky. He will cause the blessings of the earth and crops to grow for you. He will increase your livestock and give you more wealth and children. This means He will give you more wealth, more children and gardens with various types of fruits. He will cause rivers to flow across these gardens." –end of quote.

Tell me, O Muslim brothers, keeping Allaah سبحانه و تعالى as a witness and recalling your past life; did you ever, in a day out of your days, when the path became narrowed and when your means of sustenance became constricted, did you ever come to Allaah سبحانه و تعالى repenting and seeking forgiveness sincerely? I leave the answer to you…

A man once complained to Hassan Al-Basri رحمه الله of drought and shortage of water. Hassan said to him, "Ask Allaah for forgiveness." Another man complained of poverty, and his reply was, "Ask Allaah for forgiveness." A third complained: "O Abu Saeed (Hassan Al-Basri), pray to Allaah that he bestow upon me a child for I am childless", and he replied, "Ask Allaah for forgiveness." The fourth one complained that his harvest had failed, and Hassan replied in the same way. So one of those who were sitting (in the gathering) said, "There came to you men with different complaints but you instructed them all to repent to Allaah and ask Him for forgiveness." So Al-Hassan replied that Allaah says (in the Qur’aan):

﴿ فَقُلْتُ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُ كَانَ غَفَّارًا يُرْسِلِ السَّمَاء عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًا وَيُمْدِدْكُمْ بِأَمْوَالٍ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ أَنْهَارًا ﴾

{I (Nuh) 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.} [Surah An-Nuh (71): 10-12]

Another quick-witted man who recognized the fruits of repentance as a means to attain sustenance was the Prophet of Allaah, Hood عليه السلام, who said (to his people):

﴿ وَيَا قَوْمِ اسْتَغْفِرُواْ رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُواْ إِلَيْهِ يُرْسِلِ السَّمَاء عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًا وَيَزِدْكُمْ قُوَّةً إِلَى قُوَّتِكُمْ وَلاَ تَتَوَلَّوْاْ مُجْرِمِينَ ﴾

{O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain, and add strength to your strength, so do not turn away as criminals (disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah).} [Surah Hood (11): 52]

The words of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى are true, so if you repent and still do not see the response and the results, then know that there is a defect in you; yes in you, and not in others; for your repentance does not go beyond your tongue. Examine your state and look into your affairs. It may be that your (unwillingness to let go of) sins might be the reason because of which Allaah سبحانه و تعالى has denied you the fruits of repentance.

2)    Taqwa (God-consciousness):

Another major source of sustenance is Taqwa (fear) of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى in secret and in public. This means fearing Him, complying with His orders, warding off that which He has forbidden, and avoiding disobedience. Allaah سبحانه و تعالى says:

﴿ وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مَخْرَجًا وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ﴾

{And whosoever fears Allaah 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.} [Surah at-Talaq (65): 2-3]

Abdullah Ibn Mas`ood رضي الله عنه said, "The greatest ayah in the Qur’aan that contains relief is:

﴿ وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مَخْرَجًا وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ﴾

{And whosoever fears Allaah 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.}  [Surah at-Talaq (65): 2-3]

Allaah سبحانه و تعالى also says:

﴿ وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ الْقُرَى آمَنُواْ وَاتَّقَواْ لَفَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِم بَرَكَاتٍ مِّنَ السَّمَاء وَالأَرْضِ وَلَـكِن كَذَّبُواْ فَأَخَذْنَاهُم بِمَا كَانُواْ يَكْسِبُونَ ﴾

{And if the people of the towns had believed and had Taqwa (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth, but they belied (the Messengers). So we took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn.} [Surah al-A`raf (7): 96]

Where do we stand, O Muslims, in connection with these verses? Wrong are those who fear for their sustenance (when asked to) leave off their illicit and impermissible earnings! Wrong are those who think that they will never prosper materially unless they attach themselves to the traits and habits of the people of the West from the Jews and the Christians! Do they not read these words of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى:

﴿ وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ الْقُرَى آمَنُواْ وَاتَّقَواْ لَفَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِم بَرَكَاتٍ مِّنَ السَّمَاء وَالأَرْضِ وَلَـكِن كَذَّبُواْ فَأَخَذْنَاهُم بِمَا كَانُواْ يَكْسِبُونَ ﴾

{And if the people of the towns had believed and had Taqwa (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth, but they belied (the Messengers). So we took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn.} [Surah al-A`raf (7): 96]

It is not (a promise of a) mere sufficiency in sustenance. Nay, it is (the promise that) the earth and the sky will open with rizq (provision). For when Allaah سبحانه و تعالى opens up the gates of the heaven (as a blessing) for a servant of His, or a group (of people), or for the (whole) Ummah, who can stop it or even decrease it or diminish it? So, why do Muslims bind their economy with the Kuffaar? If they are true believers, then why do they fear economic crises, whereas we have these clear verses? Allaah سبحانه و تعالى says:

﴿ وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ أَقَامُواْ التَّوْرَاةَ وَالإِنجِيلَ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيهِم مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ لأكَلُواْ مِن فَوْقِهِمْ وَمِن تَحْتِ أَرْجُلِهِم ﴾

{And if only they (the Jews and the Christians) had acted according to the Taurat, and the Injeel, and what has (now) been sent down to them from their Lord (the Qur’aan), they would surely, have gotten provision from above them and underneath their feet…} [Surah al-Ma’idah (5): 66]

He سبحانه و تعالى further said:

﴿ وَأَلَّوِ اسْتَقَامُوا عَلَى الطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسْقَيْنَاهُم مَّاء غَدَقًا ﴾

{If they (the non-Muslims) had believed in Allaah, and went on the Right Way (i.e. Islaam), We would surely, have bestowed on them water (rain) in abundance.} [Surah al-Jinn (72): 16]

And He also said:

﴿ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٌ ﴾

{If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allaah), I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are thankless, verily, My punishment is indeed severe.} [Surah Ibrahim (14): 7]

Many Muslim owners of companies and establishments, and even some employees and workers, know that they are engaged in (things which are) violating the Shari`ah (Islaamic Legislation), irrespective of what they say and claim. They know very well, even before others (have to address them), that they are engaged in forbidden acts like riba (usury & interest), gambling, deceiving (illegal) contracts, helping one another in sins and other forbidden things. Some of them know it for sure that they are really involved and entangled (in the things which are Haraam), but the love of wealth and fear of poverty makes them stick fast to these prohibited acts and practices (muharramaat). And the best of them in such a state will say to you: "Excuse me! But give me a substitute for this prohibited act, so that I may leave it."

How strange! How do you expect a substitute from Allaah سبحانه و تعالى while you do not want to leave these sinful ways? You alone will be accountable for the wrongs which you have committed. Replacement comes only with leaving the forbidden (Muharramaat).

﴿إِنَّ اللَّهَ لاَ يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّى يُغَيِّرُواْ مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ﴾

{Verily, Allaah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves.} [Surah ar-Ra`d (13): 11]

Secondly, we must realize that the help of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى never comes except with true reliance upon Him and sincere belief in His promise.

Many righteous people implemented these verses (in their lives), and see how the fear of Allaah along with patience opened up for them the means of sustenance that had never occurred to them before.

This requires both courage and resolve with faith. A Muslim should commit himself to sticking to piety and rejecting illicit things. After that he may wait for relief from Allaah, the Generous and Merciful, whose treasuries and favors are never exhausted nor do they decrease.

3)    Silat-ur-rahem (Observing bonds of kinship):

A third way for increasing the sustenance and wealth in this world is through silat-ar-rahem; that is observing bonds of kinship. It means providing all kinds of kindness and (financial) assistance and making visits to your family members and relatives, be they young or old, males or females (from the mahaarim), living in your neighborhood, or city or far away from you. Imam al-Bukhari رحمه الله narrated in his Sahih (Authentic book of Hadith):

عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقـول "من سره أن يبسط له في رزقه وأن ينسأ له في أثره فليصل رحمه"

Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, "Whoever is pleased that he be granted more wealth and that his lease of life be prolonged, then he should keep good relations with his kin." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, Kitab al-Adab, Hadith 14 & 15 and Sahih Muslim]

And this is why Imam al-Bukhari رحمه الله named the chapter relating to this as: “Chapter: "Whoever has been made wealthy because of kindness to kin"”

You may find it strange to see some Muslims; that Allaah سبحانه و تعالى has opened for them the gates of sustenance even though they are rather inactive, and have little experience and skill, and are (now) the owners of great wealth and assets. But if you examine their personal lives, you will find them observing the bonds of kinship. Furthermore, you may even find some disobedient and immoral, licentious people having increase in wealth, just because they observe the bonds of kinship.

In this regard, Ibn Hibbaan رحمه الله has narrated in his Sahih:

عـن أبي بكرة قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم "ما من ذنب أجدر أن يعجل الله لصاحبه العقوبة في الدنيا مع ما يدخر له في الآخرة من البغي وقطيعة الرحم ]وإن أعجل الطاعة ثوابا صلة الرحم حتى إن أهل البيت ليكونوا فجرة فتنمو أموالهم ويكثر عددهم إذا تواصلوا"[

Abu Bakrah reported the Messenger Of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم as saying: “There is no wrong action which Allaah is swifter to punish in this world – in addition to the punishment which He has stored up for the wrongdoer in the Next World – than oppression and cutting off ties of kinship. [The swiftest of good deeds in retribution is the (act of) fulfilling the ties of kinship. So much so, that it is possible that a family can be evil, but their wealth and their numbers will increase if they fulfill the ties of kinship.]” [Sahih Ibn Hibban 440. Part of the Hadith is narrated by Abu Dawood 4902, Ibn Majah 4211, Tirmidhi 2511, Adab Al Mufrad of Imam al-Bukhari, and Tabarani and authenticated by Shaikh Al-Albani in as-Saheehah 918. The second part was also authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee in Saheeh al-Jaami` 5705]

4)    Sadaqah (Charity):

A fourth way for obtaining livelihood and sustenance is spending for the sake and in the cause of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى. For whatever you spend, it increases your sustenance and wealth. This is contrary to what the materialists think that if you give zakah or sadaqah, your wealth will decrease. Allaah سبحانه و تعالى says:

﴿ وَمَا أَنفَقْتُم مِّن شَيْءٍ فَهُوَ يُخْلِفُهُ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ ﴾

{And whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allaah’s cause), He will replace it. And He is the best of providers.} [Surah as-Saba’ (34): 39]

Imam Ibn Katheer رحمه الله says in his Tafseer (interpretation) of the above mentioned verse: "Whatever you spend in the ways that Allaah سبحانه و تعالى has commanded you and permitted you, He will compensate you for it in this world by giving you something else instead and in the Hereafter by giving you reward." –end of quote.

This is why Allaah سبحانه و تعالى, after commanding us to spend in His cause, said soon after it:

﴿الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَيَأْمُرُكُم بِالْفَحْشَاء وَاللّهُ يَعِدُكُم مَّغْفِرَةً مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلاً وَاللّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ﴾

{Shaytaan (Satan) threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit lewdness; whereas Allaah promises you Forgiveness from Himself and Bounty, and Allaah is All-sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 268]

عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال "ما من يوم يصبح العباد فيه إلا ملكان ينزلان فيقول أحدهما اللهم أعط منفقا خلفا ويقول الآخر اللهم أعط ممسكا تلفا"

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Every day two angels come down from Heaven and one of them says, 'O Allaah! Compensate every person who spends in Your cause,' and the other (angel) says, 'O Allaah! Destroy every miser.'"  [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 2, Kitab az-Zakat, Hadith 522 and Sahih Muslim]

Some Muslims do not imagine themselves spending in the cause of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى. Neither do they think that a day will come when they will spend in the cause of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى, except when they become millionaires. This is wrong, for everyone can spend according to his means, position and ability. For even one riyal, which you spend in the cause of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى with truth and sincerity, may be better than millions spent with the intent of showing off. And Allaah سبحانه و تعالى is the knower of intents.

Allaah سبحانه و تعالى says:

﴿ مَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا وَزِينَتَهَا نُوَفِّ إِلَيْهِمْ أَعْمَالَهُمْ فِيهَا وَهُمْ فِيهَا لاَ يُبْخَسُونَ * أُوْلَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ لَيْسَ لَهُمْ فِي الآخِرَةِ إِلاَّ النَّارُ وَحَبِطَ مَا صَنَعُواْ فِيهَا وَبَاطِلٌ مَّا كَانُواْ يَعْمَلُونَ﴾

{Whosoever desires the life of the world and its glitter, to them We shall pay in full (the wages of) their deeds therein, and they will have no diminution therein. They are those for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but Fire, and vain are the deeds they did therein. And of no effect is that which they used to do.} [Surah Hud (11): 15-16]

Remember that supporting the weak and the needy is a major factor in increasing sustenance, as the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم has said:

قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم "هل تنصرون وترزقون إلا بضعفائكم"

"You gain no victory or livelihood except through (the blessings and invocations of) the poor amongst you." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, Kitab al-Jihad, Hadith 145 and Sunan Nasa’i]

5)    Ibaadah (Worship):

A fifth means of increasing sustenance in this world is through true worship of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى; that is to worship Allaah سبحانه و تعالى with devotion and concentration of the heart, and freeing it from other than Him. Do not worship your Lord while you are thinking about something or somebody else. Narrated Imam Ahmad, Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah:

عن أبي هريرة عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال "إن الله تعالى يقول يا بن آدم تفرغ لعبادتي أملأ صدرك غنى وأسد فقرك وإلا تفعل ملأت صدرك شغلا ولم أسد فقرك"

Narrated Abu Hurairah: that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "Allaah the Sanctified says, "O son of Adam, devote yourself to my worship. I will brim your breast with freedom from want and plug up your poverty. If you do not do this, I will fill your breast with (worldly) pursuits and will not obstruct poverty." [Musnad Imam Ahmad, Tirmidhi 2466, Ibn Majah 4107. Authenticated by Shaikh Al-Albaani, As-Saheehah 1359. The wordings are of Ibn Majah]

Devotion here doesn't mean that one should stop working and rely on others for his sustenance. To the contrary, it means that a Muslim seeks his sustenance (but does not spend his life chasing wealth); and especially during the times of ibaadah he should devote himself to Allaah with all his heart. So, do not be like those who pray with their bodies, but their hearts wander right and left. We pray to Allaah سبحانه و تعالى that he lays down our burden for us.

Allaah سبحانه و تعالى profit me and you in taking guidance from His Book, and following the Sunnah of His Messenger, Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. I say these words of mine, and seek Allaah’s forgiveness for me and you from every sin and mistake. Seek His forgiveness, for He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

  

(Part 2)

Praise be to Allaah, the One and Only, the self-Sufficient, the one who begets not nor is He begotten, and there is none like unto Him. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Slave and Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم. To proceed...

6)    Hajj and `Umrah:

A sixth means of increasing the provision is through repeated performance of  Hajj and `Umrah, and visiting  al Haram (in Makkah) whenever you get a chance, whether for Hajj or `Umrah or for mere prayer and supplication. This is a point that lots of people ignore and do not think of. Allaah سبحانه و تعالى has power over all things and His favors are widespread. Narrated Imam Ahmad, Tirmidhi, and Nasa'i:

عن عبد الله بن مسعود قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم "تابعوا بين الحج والعمرة فإنهما ينفيان الفقر والذنوب كما ينفي الكير خبث الحديد والذهب والفضة وليس للحجة المبرورة ثواب إلا الجنة"

Narrated Abdullah Ibn Mas`ood that the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Perform Hajj and `Umrah consecutively. Verily, the succession between the two (rituals) removes away poverty and removes away sins just as the bellows removes away the dross of iron and gold and silver. And a Hajj not mingled with a sin has no reward except paradise.” [Musnad Imam Ahmad, Tirmidhi 810, Nasa’i 2360 & 2361, Ibn Majah 2887. Authenticated by Shaikh Al-Albaani, As-Saheehah 1200.]

7)    Hijrah (Migration):

A seventh way for increasing rizq (provision) is emigration in the way of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى as He says in the Qur’aan:

﴿ وَمَن يُهَاجِرْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ يَجِدْ فِي الأَرْضِ مُرَاغَمًا كَثِيراً وَسَعَةً وَمَن يَخْرُجْ مِن بَيْتِهِ مُهَاجِرًا إِلَى اللّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ثُمَّ يُدْرِكْهُ الْمَوْتُ فَقَدْ وَقَعَ أَجْرُهُ عَلى اللّهِ وَكَانَ اللّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا ﴾

{He who migrates (from his home) in the Cause of Allaah, will find on earth many dwelling places and plenty to live by. And whosoever leaves his home as an emigrant unto Allaah and His Messenger, and death overtakes him, his reward is then surely incumbent upon Allaah. And Allaah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.} [Surah al-Nisaa’ (4): 100]

8)    Tawakkul (Reliance upon Allaah alone):

An eighth means is Trusting in Allaah سبحانه و تعالى as He should be trusted, and to sincerely rely upon Him alone with your heart (for all your needs). (It is the) feeling that you are incapable (and that Allaah is free from all wants) and your trust in your Creator (and that only He alone can provide you). Imam Ahmad and Tirmidhi have reported:

عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنه يقول أنه سمع نبي الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول "لو أنكم تتوكلون على الله حق توكله لرزقكم كما يرزق الطير تغدو خماصا وتروح بطانا"

Narrated `Umar Ibn Al-Khattab that he heard the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم saying: “If you would trust in Allaah as He truly should be trusted in, He would surely provide for you as He provides for the birds. They set out in the morning with empty stomachs and return in the evening with full stomachs.” [Musnad Imam Ahmad, Ibn Majah 4164, Tirmidhi 2344. Authenticated by Shaikh Al-Albaani, As-Saheehah 310.]

It is imperative that a person realizes that true tawakkul does not mean leaving the actions that are necessary to achieve one’s goal. On the contrary, true tawakkul necessitates that a person strives with all efforts and in all permissible ways to achieve what is desired, all the while realizing that such efforts will not produce the desired results unless Allaah has already willed it. True tawakkul does not mean being lazy, or not taking the necessary precautions.

Anas bin Malik, said: "A man said: ‘O Messenger of Allaah, should I tie it (the camel) and make tawakkul, or let it go free and make tawakkul?' He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "Tie it and make tawakkul.'" [At-Tirmidhi]

Finally, there is no doubt that sustenance (rizq) in this world and the pursuit of it haunts and obsesses every Muslim without any exception. No doubt that an intelligent man is he who pursues these religious means which have been mentioned above.  But the best of all is patience.  Muslims should seek the blessings of the Hereafter, and make their goals of dwelling in permanent paradise where they never die or fall sick. That is why one of the invocations of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم used to be:

’اللهم لا عيش إلا عيش الآخرة‘

"O Allaah! There is no life except the life of the Hereafter.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 5, Kitab Al-Jihad, Hadith 87, 208 & Vol. 5, Kitab Al-Fadail as-Sahaba, Hadith 139, 140, 141]

--end of khutbah

Some more points not covered in the khutbah:

9)    An-nikaah (Marriage):

How many times do we come across a people, who when asked to get married, say we are not financially stable!!! They make money the prerequisite for getting married; whereas Allaah promised to make marriage one of the prerequisites of getting rich. Such is the price of ignorance we pay!!! Allaah says:

﴿وَأَنْكِحُواْ الأَيَـمَى مِنْكُمْ وَالصَّـلِحِينَ مِنْ عِبَادِكُمْ وَإِمائِكُمْ إِن يَكُونُواْ فُقَرَآءَ يُغْنِهِمُ اللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِ وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ﴾

{Marry those among you who are single or the virtuous ones among your slaves male or female: If they be poor, Allaah will enrich them out of His bounty. And Allaah is All-Sufficent for His creatures' needs, All-Knowing (about the state of the people).} [Surah al-Noor (24):32]

Imaam Ibn Katheer رحمه الله says in his tafseer: “These clear Ayaat include a group of unambiguous rulings and firm commands.

{And marry those among you who are single (Al-Ayama)....} This is a command to marry.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "يَا مَعْشَرَ الشَّبَابِ، مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ مِنْكُمُ الْبَاءَةَ فَلْيَتَزَوَّجْ، فَإِنَّهُ أَغَضُّ لِلْبَصَرِ وَأَحْصَنُ لِلْفَرْجِ، وَمَنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَعَلَيْهِ بِالصَّوْمِ فَإِنَّهُ لَهُ وِجَاءٌ"

“O young men, whoever among you can afford to get married, let him marry, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and protecting the private parts. Whoever cannot do that, then let him fast, for it is a protection for him.” This was recorded in the Two Sahihs from the Hadith of Ibn Mas`ud.

In the Sunan (i.e. Abu Dawood and others), it was recorded from more than one person that the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "تَزَوَّجُوا تَوَالَدُوا تَنَاسَلُوا فَإِنِّي مُبَاهٍ بِكُمُ الْأُمَمَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ"

“Marry and have children, for I will be proud of you before the nations on the Day of Resurrection.”

The word Al-Ayaamaa, the plural form of Ayyim, is used to describe a woman who has no husband and a man who has no wife, regardless of whether they have been married and then separated, or have never been married at all. Al-Jawhari reported this from the scholars of the (Arabic) language, and the word is applied to men and women alike.

{If they be poor, Allaah will enrich them out of His bounty.} `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported from Ibn `Abbas: "Allaah encouraged them to get married, commanded both free men and servants to get married, and He promised to enrich them.''

It was recorded that Ibn Mas`ud said: "Seek the richness through marriage, for Allaah says: {If they be poor, Allaah will enrich them out of His bounty.}'' This was recorded by Ibn Jarir. Al-Baghawi also recorded something similar from `Umar.

It was reported from Al-Layth from Muhammad bin `Ajlan from Sa`id Al-Maqburi from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "ثَلَاثَةٌ حَقٌّ عَلَى اللهِ عَوْنُهُمْ: النَّاكِحُ يُرِيدُ الْعَفَافَ، وَالْمُكَاتَبُ يُرِيدُ الْأَدَاءَ، وَالْغَازِي فِي سَبِيلِ اللهِ"

“There are three whom it is a right upon Allaah to help: one who gets married seeking chastity; a slave who makes a contract with his master with the aim of buying his freedom; and one who fights for the sake of Allaah.” This was recorded by Imam Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم performed the marriage of a man who owned nothing but his waist wrap, and could not even buy a ring made of iron, but he still married him to that woman, making the Mahr his promise to teach her whatever he knew of the Qur'an. And it is known from the generosity and kindness of Allaah that He provided him with whatever was sufficient for her and for him.” –end of quote.

10)  Du`aa (Supplication):

It is a part of our religion to humble ourselves in front of Allaah, and to ask Him for all our needs. Du`aa is an act to show our dependence upon Allaah and the belief that He alone can fulfill our needs.  It is to show that we are humble and not haughty and that we depend upon him for our sustenance, while He alone is free from all wants. Through du`aa, the Messenger of Allaah, Ibraaheem عليه السلام asked for provision for the people of Makkah, as Allaah says in the Qur’aan about him:

﴿وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَهِيمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هَـذَا بَلَدًا آمِنًا وَارْزُقْ أَهْلَهُ مِنَ الثَّمَرَتِ مَنْ ءَامَنَ مِنْهُم بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الاٌّخِرِ﴾

{And (remember) when Ibrahim said, "My Lord, make this city (Makkah) a place of security and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day.''} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 126]

Musa عليه السلام said:

﴿رَبِّ إِنِّى لِمَآ أَنزَلْتَ إِلَىَّ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَقِيرٌ﴾

{"My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!''} [Surah al-Qasas (28): 24]

The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم used to invoke Allaah after the Fajr prayer saying:

عن ام سلمة ان نبي صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يقول إذا صلى الصبح حين يسلم "اللهم إني أسألك علما نافعا ورزقا طيبا وعملامـتـقـبـلا"

Umm Salamah reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم  used to say, when he would pray the Morning Prayer, after making the taslim [saying assalamualikum warahma tullah to the right then to the left] he would say, “O Allah I ask you for beneficial knowledge, and good provision and accepted action.” [Ibn Majah and authenticated by Shaikh Al-Albaanee]

Wa sallillaahumma wa sallim wa baarik `alaa Nabiyyinaa Muhammad.