It is often believed that wealth drives us towards contentment and happiness, but taking a step back to ponder, does it drive you towards any of those? We have doubts about our jobs, even about our existence at times, the jobs we struggled to find, today takes us on a train of thoughts filled with questions, then where does the contentment lie?
As quoted by Franklin D. Roosevelt in Forbes,
Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.
Then let’s question, where do we find happiness?
Through a job? The best car? A good dress? We could say yes to all, but we all know that certainly, these may not be accurate in the long run.
The concept of Rizq?
Rizq can be defined as anything that brings benefits or goodness to us, but we relate this word often to Money.
While Allah (ﷻ) says:
And there is no creature on earth, but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and business of storage. So all is in a clear register.
It’s written, your wealth, your morsel & your success!
Then why do we go out and work when it’s written?
Because of a predicted mindset, the concept of meritocracy is avidly pushed, suggesting that effort equates to reward. Thus, people often feel they are solely responsible for creating their wealth and opportunities. Living in a capitalistic framework also encourages us to adopt a materialistic view of the world, income and wealth.
The hustle culture and all the “motivational quotes” are designed to make one feel inferior about one’s abilities & skills. So, you strive to achieve, but achieve what?
The definition of success is so much subjected to the way you dress, look, communicate, and how well your business/work is doing, that we have forgotten one crucial objective, The Purpose.
Reflecting on why I did start, What is the Purpose of this very job or anything in my life? & the famous One! What is the Purpose of life?
Let's Understand!
Allah (ﷻ) Says:
I have only created Jinns and men, so that they may serve Me.
What does serving Allah mean?
The Arabic term used in the above verse is Ibadah, meaning service or servitude.
Praying & Serving ←→ The Right Purpose.
Striving towards the Purpose doesn’t just mean you exclude yourself from this world.
You strive while you stay in Dunya!
While praying remains the preliminary approach of ibadah, the other part of ibadah is serving through the skill you have. Serve people with the best of what you have to offer through your mastery of architecture, engineering, medicine, journalism, social sciences and the list is long. Utilize these towards the service of the Almighty & Humanity.
When you have a degree with the intention of service, then there could be hard days, but be assured there would not be any “Impossible Ones.”
What about my needs if I strive towards serving?
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.
It’s in control, has always been in control!
Build your belief that what’s written for shall find its way to you.
Let's Decode!
Rizq is from Allah
Rabb- an Arabic word that means the nourisher, the provider. Allah (ﷻ) takes it as responsibility for him to provide for his Entire Creation. Internalising the concept that Rizq is from Allah (ﷻ) certainly helps us to find the proper Purpose of anything we try to accomplish in life.
One of the beautiful names of Allah (ﷻ) is Al-Razzaq: The Provider, The Providence. The One who creates all means of nourishment and subsistence
Verily Allah provides sustenance to whom He wills without measure.
The start is always the hardest! Take a step to liberate your mind. Use your skills and abilities in his cause to spread his word & service to humanity, to be the messengers of the message.
The Synergy Between Islam & Rizq
While Quran has declared the giver of Life, Death, Relations & Rizq is Allah (ﷻ), so then why work? For the Purpose, for the passion of learning & creativity.
As the quote goes, “whatever you focus on, Grows”, so let your skills grow, let your learning grow, the earning will eventually follow because it’s written.
The carrier of Islam must be ready to face the trials and tribulations of those who oppose it. The only way to prepare for this is to have the precise knowledge of the vital Islamic ideas such as Rizq (sustenance) being from Allah (ﷻ), and Tawakkul (reliance on Allah [ﷻ]) amongst other ideas.
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.’
