The Concept of Rizq in Islam: Meaning, Types, and Ways to Increase It

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In Islam, Rizq (sustenance) encompasses every blessing and provision Allah (swt) bestows upon His creation, including wealth, health, knowledge, and even spiritual and emotional well-being. Recognizing Rizq as divinely preordained provides Muslims with a balanced approach to life, combining personal effort with trust in Allah's wisdom. Through a detailed look at Quranic verses, Hadiths, and Duas, we can deepen our understanding of Rizq and its significance in our lives.

What is Rizq and Its Meaning in Islam?

Definition and Scope of Rizq

Rizq is mentioned over 128 times in the Qur’an, emphasizing its crucial role in life. It refers to anything beneficial that we receive, both in this world and the hereafter. Allah (swt) states in the Quran:

"In heaven is your sustenance and whatever you are promised.” (Adh-Dhariyat 51:22)

This verse reassures believers that every form of sustenance comes from Allah. Additionally, our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explained that every individual receives their assigned Rizq, as detailed in this Hadith:

“Each one of you is constituted in the womb of the mother for forty days, and then he becomes a clot of thick blood for a similar period, and then a piece of flesh for a similar period. Then Allah sends an angel who is ordered to write four things. He is ordered to write down his deeds, his livelihood, the date of his death, and whether he will be blessed or wretched. Then the soul is breathed into him…” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 3036)

This Hadith illustrates that our sustenance is decreed along with our lifespan, deeds and character, affirming that no one will pass away until they have received their appointed Rizq.

Types of Rizq: Material and Immaterial Forms

Rizq in Islam is not limited to financial wealth as many people think but encompasses both material and immaterial blessings.

Material Rizq

Material Rizq consists of tangible items that fulfill our basic needs, such as:

• Wealth and Assets: Financial resources, money, and property.
• Physical Needs: Food, water, shelter, and clothing, which sustain life’s essentials.

Immaterial Rizq

Immaterial forms of Rizq include blessings that foster spiritual, mental, and social well-being:

• Knowledge and Wisdom: Beneficial knowledge is a high form of Rizq, guiding us to make righteous choices and live ethically.
• Health: Physical and mental health enables us to engage actively in life.
• Relationships: Loving families, true friends, and supportive communities are crucial aspects of Rizq.
• Faith (Iman): A strong connection with Allah and spiritual well-being are among the most cherished forms of Rizq.

Hadith on Appreciating Rizq

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught his companions and us as his ummah to focus on our own blessings first and those less fortunate rather than comparing oneself to those with more wealth:

"Look at those who stand at a lower level than you but don't look at those who stand at a higher level than you, for that is better-suited that you do not disparage Allah's favors" (Sahih Muslim 2963)

Understanding the Balance Between Effort and Trust in Rizq

Dialogue Between Two Brothers - An Example

In a lively exchange, two brothers discuss how one should approach Rizq. They hold different views, highlighting two common but contrasting approaches to sustaining oneself through divine trust (Tawakkul) and personal effort.

Brother 1: The Advocate of Pure Trust

Brother 1 firmly believes in absolute reliance on Allah (swt), convinced that whatever has been decreed will come to him without requiring active effort. Sitting at ease, he says:

“What Allah has destined for me will reach me. I do not need to strive for it or worry. Even if I sit here, Rizq will come my way, as it is already written for me.”

This brother emphasizes that Allah’s (swt) power and will determine everything, seeing little value in his own contribution or efforts. He believes that since Rizq is decreed by Allah, striving for it is unnecessary, and relying fully on Allah’s plan without working is sufficient.

Brother 2: The Advocate of Action with Trust

In contrast, Brother 2 holds that while trust in Allah’s plan (Tawakkul) is essential, personal effort is equally important. He advocates actively working for one’s provision, blending reliance on Allah (swt) with proactive steps. With a determined tone, he argues:

“Yes, Rizq is indeed written, but that doesn’t mean we sit there and do nothing. We must work to attain it. Allah rewards those who strive and put in the effort. By working, we gain not only Rizq in this life but also Allah’s pleasure and blessings in the hereafter.”

Brother 2 believes in taking full advantage of Allah’s resources - time, skills, health... - encouraging active pursuit as part of fulfilling one’s responsibility.

The Moment of Clarification

At one point, Brother 2 brings some apples he acquired through his work, handing one to his brother and saying,

“Look, this apple is part of my Rizq, and I got it by working for it. Allah rewards action.”

However, Brother 1 sees this as proof of his theory, exclaiming:

“See, I didn’t need to move, yet the apple came to me!”

Resolution: The Balanced View

Islamic teachings highlight that while Rizq is divinely preordained, one is required to strive for it. Therefore the discussion shows that both brothers are partially correct:

• Divine Promise: Rizq is assured by Allah (swt) and whatever is written by Allah will reach every person before death.
• Added Blessings for Action: Islam teaches that striving for sustenance attracts Allah’s blessings, pleasing Him and securing rewards in this life and the hereafter.

The Qur’an reinforces this balanced approach:

“And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him.” (At-Talaq 65:3)

And our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“Allah loves the grateful and self-sufficient, those who rely on Him without dependence on others.” (Sahih Muslim 2965)

This verse indicates that Allah’s support suffices, but Tawakkul ideally pairs with proactive efforts to fulfill one’s role, attracting divine support and enhancing one’s Rizq.

Actions That Decrease Rizq in Islam

Dependency and Laziness

Relying excessively on others without effort is discouraged. Self-reliance aligns with Islamic principles of independence and gratitude, while dependency can lead to dissatisfaction with one's own provisions.

 Extravagance and Wastefulness

Extravagance is explicitly discouraged in Islam. This includes being stingy and not fulfilling the basic rights of yourself, family and others. Allah (swt) warns us in the Qur’an:

“ O Children of Adam! Dress properly whenever you are at worship. Eat and drink, but do not waste. Surely He does not like the wasteful.” (Araf 7:31) 

 Persistent Sin and Lack of Gratitude

Persisting in sin while failing to fulfill Allah's commands and obligations and also failing to show gratitude can hinder one’s blessings and decrease Rizq. Shukr (gratitude) to Allah (swt) and fulfilling duties to family and community strengthen the believer’s connection with the Creator, who increases their blessings accordingly.

Shirk

Relying on superstitious and delusional beliefs like horoscopes or manifestation techniques is not only shirk and therefore a major sin, but it will lead one to place hope in illusions rather than in concrete efforts and faith in Allah, the Almighty.

Abandoning Zakat and Earning Haram Money

Avoiding zakat and earning money through haram sources compromises a person’s blessings and peace of mind and is distancing them from true spiritual fulfillment, as both actions go against the ethical and moral standards prescribed in Islam.

Destroying Family Ties

Destroying relationships within the family and creating lasting harm, disrupting the trust, support, and love that family bonds are meant to provide is a heavy sin and decreases Rizq. Islam places high value on maintaining family ties, so causing conflict or division within the family goes against the teachings of compassion, patience, and unity.

Ways to Increase Your Rizq According to Islam

Being Proactive and avoiding Procrastination

Islam encourages being proactive and productive since a Muslim should always strive to be better and to improve himself.

Tawakkul and maintaining an Optimistic Mindset

By combining an optimistic mindset with Tawakkul in Allah and using available resources, a Muslim maximizes their potential for success while trusting that Allah will guide their efforts. While Tawakkul reminds us to trust in Allah's plan, maintaining an optimistic mindset keeps us motivated to act, showing that Iman and positivity go hand in hand.

Gratitude and Appreciation

Being grateful for one’s blessings is a central tenet of Islam. We as Muslims have to show gratitude with the tongue and with good deeds. The Qur'an mentions:

“ And ˹remember˺ when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. But if you are ungrateful, surely My punishment is severe.” (Ibrahim 14:7)

Gratitude reinforces appreciation for all forms of Rizq, opening doors for even greater blessings.

Early Rising and Daily Planning

Studies have shown that productivity is higher in the morning, aligning with our Prophet’s encouragement to start the day early and plan activities.

"Take advantage of five things before five others: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your busyness, and your life before your death.” (Shu’ab al-Iman lil-Bayhaqi 10250)

Repentance and Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

Continual repentance and remembrance are known to open the doors of sustenance. Frequent Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) is a way to secure more Rizq.

“And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them, and provide for them from sources they could never imagine. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He ˹alone˺ is sufficient for them. Certainly Allah achieves His Will. Allah has already set a destiny for everything.” (At-Talaq 65:2-3)

 Maintaining good Family Relations

Having good relations with family and relatives is important in Islam, and we should strive to do so to the best of our ability, showing kindness, patience, and understanding. Yet it is important to mention that this does not mean to allow ourselves to be mistreated or taken advantage of, nor that we are required to endure abusive or harmful behavior in the name of family loyalty. There should be a good balance - we have to make efforts to stay connected, but we are also allowed to set boundaries that prevent us from being hurt or taken for granted.

 Sadaqah and Charity

Islam teaches us that charity begins at home - giving sadaqah is not limited to the poor but can also be extended to our neighbors reminding us to share kindness and support with those closest to us, as well as those in need and even to ourselves as an act of self-care and gratitude.

Duas and Practices for a Fulfilled Life and Rizq

Here are some Duas specific to various needs, such as sustenance, relief from hardship, and enhanced wisdom, but you can find more online:

• Dua for Hardships (Prophet Yunus’s (as.) Dua):

• Dua for Protection from Poverty and Oppression:

• Dua for Jannah and Protection from Hellfire:

• Dua for Beneficial Knowledge and Pure Sustenance:

Conclusion

Understanding and appreciating Rizq as part of Allah’s wisdom fosters a life filled with gratitude, effort, and trust. By balancing Tawakkul with action, practicing gratitude, and seeking Allah’s blessings through Duas and righteous actions, believers align their lives with the divine wisdom of Rizq. In doing so, they cultivate a fulfilled life, grounded in both worldly sustenance and spiritual prosperity.

References and Further Reading

• Qur'an
• Hadith Collections
• Islamic Scholars and Texts
• Psychological texts

One more Note for You

This text has been prepared to the best of my knowledge and conscience and also agreed with a person of knowledge - but as it is the nature of mankind errors are unavoidable. All good comes from Allah and all mistakes from me. And Allah knows best. If you recognize any mistake do not hesitate to inform me at info@yourdigitalukhti.com.
Thank you very much for reading my blog post - May Allah bless you immensely!

Wassalamu Alaykum.

Your sister, Aleyna