Have you ever wondered about the barakah and blessings we were showered with as Muslims? Think about it—it is such a blessing to be born a Muslim and be raised as the people of the Qur’an. We were promised numerous perks and gifts, constant guidance, and an easy path to Jannah just by following the command of Allah (s.w.t.) and the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.).
Let’s dive deeper into the topic of barakah and the blessings we acquire as Muslims. Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to host Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim, where he shared profound insights on barakah in rizq and the blessings of the Qur’an. The event was a gathering of hearts eager to seek knowledge and deepen their connection with Allah’s (s.w.t.) guidance. Here are some key takeaways from his talk.
Barakah in Rizq
Barakah, or blessing in rizq is more than just wealth; it’s about feeling content, sufficient, and receiving goodness in what we earn. True rizq is not measured by how much we have, but by how much benefit and peace it brings into our lives. The true barakah and blessings can be earned or lost based on our actions.
قُلْ إِنَّ رَبِّى يَبْسُطُ ٱلرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦ وَيَقْدِرُ لَهُۥ ۚ وَمَآ أَنفَقْتُم مِّن شَىْءٍۢ فَهُوَ يُخْلِفُهُۥ ۖ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ ٱلرَّٰزِقِينَ (٣٩)
Say, O Prophet, “Surely it is my Lord Who gives abundant or limited provisions to whoever He wills of His servants. And whatever you spend in charity, He will compensate you for it. For He is the Best Provider.”
(Surah Saba’, 34:39)
Always try your best to spend your rizq in ways that will please Him (s.w.t.), and watch as your life becomes easier, your blessings become abundant, and your heart becomes content.
Beware of Destroying the Barakah in Rizq
While Allah (s.w.t.) provides for all His creation, certain actions can remove barakah from our earnings. In his talk, Sheikh Yahya highlighted some common pitfalls that can strip away blessings.
1. Laziness and Lack of Effort
Allah (s.w.t.) commands us to work hard and seek halal earnings. Sitting back and expecting money to fall from the sky without us making any effort goes against Islamic teachings. Procrastination, lack of effort, and wasting time are barriers to success and barakah.
2. Neglecting Zakah
Zakah purifies wealth and ensures it continues to grow. Failing to give zakah not only removes barakah but also brings spiritual consequences. Keep this in mind: zakah is not a loss; it is an investment in divine blessings.
3. Consuming Haram Earnings
Any income from interest (riba’), dishonesty, or unethical business practices removes barakah. Even if it appears to be profitable and abundant, the wealth gained without Allah’s (s.w.t.) blessings will bring hardship.
4. Ignoring Family Ties
One of the quickest ways to lose barakah is by disrespecting or cutting ties with family. The Prophet (s.a.w.) emphasised that maintaining family relationships increases both lifespan and sustenance.
It was narrated from ‘Ali (r.a.) that The Prophet (s.a.w.) said:
“Whoever would like his lifespan to be extended, his provision to be increased and a bad death to be warded off from him, let him fear Allah and uphold his ties of kinship”
(Qawi [Darussalam] Musnad Ahmad 1213)
5. Withholding Help from Others
One of the fastest ways to increase barakah is to give to those in need. The more we give, the more Allah (s.w.t.) blesses what we have. Barakah grows when we give.
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.) as saying:
Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.
(Sahih Muslim 2588)
Al-Qur’an: A Source of Rizq & Blessings
Al-Qur’an is a direct and greatest source of barakah. It is more than just a book; it is a source of guidance, healing, and an increase in blessings. The Qur’an is a living miracle. Its words nourish the heart and bring clarity, wisdom, and peace into our lives. It also protects us from hardships. Reciting and living the Qur’an helps remove obstacles in both worldly and spiritual matters.
Remember that the Qur’an runs away from a neglectful heart. If we don’t engage with it daily, it’s impact fades. We must strive to keep it alive in our hearts through recitation, memorisation, and reflection.
Here’s how we can invite the blessings of the Qur’an into our daily lives:
1. Recite and Reflect on the Qur’an Daily
Even if it’s just one verse a day, consistency with the Qur’an brings transformation.
2. Implement the Teachings of the Qur’an
Living according to the Qur’an attracts Allah’s (s.w.t.) blessings in all aspects of life.
3. Make Du’a’ Using Qur’anic Verses
The Qur’an contains powerful du’a’ for rizq, protection, and contentment.
Reflections
Sheikh Yahya’s talk left us with a profound message: Barakah is not about having more; it’s about having better. A person with a little wealth but immense barakah can be far more content than one who has millions but no peace.
By working hard, maintaining taqwa, and holding on to the Qur’an’s guidance, we open doors to a life filled with sustenance, contentment, and divine blessings.
Let’s take this lesson forward and strive for rizq that is pure, blessed, and pleasing to Allah (s.w.t.)
With Ramadan coming real soon, we pray that your Ramadan will be blessed and full of barakah. May our ibadah this Ramadan be the starting point of our journey to be better Muslims, amiin.
Till next time!