Promise of Rizq

Allah says in His Perfect Words: "Who is the one who is going to give you rizq if Allah withholds it from you" [Surah al-Mulk 67:21]. "Allah has favoured some of you over others with regards to rizq." [Surah an-Nahl 16:71]

Jabir ibn Abdullah narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: "Do not think that your sustenance is far off. Whatever sustenance is destined, will inevitably come, before one succumbs to death." [ibn Hibban]

On another occasion, he ﷺ said: "No one can obtain more sustenance than the amount allotted for him. No one dies unless he receives his sustenance and consumes it either. His sustenance will be given to him even if he does not want it." [al-Hakim]

The above given ayahs confirm that sustenance comes from Allah alone, and this is complemented by the promise in the hadiths that we will receive our guaranteed share before we depart from this world. So, what is it that makes us fear we have missed out on anything, or have been short-changed in any way?

What we have been given is exactly what was written for us at this stage, even if that was nothing at all. If our expectations were not met, we should be careful not to complain, and consequently propel ourselves into the category of the ungrateful ones that Allah has mentioned in Surah al-Fajr: "If Allah tests a person and withholds his rizq he will say 'my Lord has humiliated me'." [Surah al-Fajr 89:16]

This by no means suggests that you should not compete for success, but it definitely requires that one always remains thankful to Allah regardless of the outcome and appreciates all that he/she has been granted.

Those upon whom Allah has bestowed an increase in rizq through this process should bear in mind that wealth brings with it a great responsibility. Allah has given them an opportunity to do good with it, and therefore they should be conscious of Him when putting it to use, whether that be on themselves or in His way.

“And whosoever fears Allah 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. 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.” [Surah al-Talaaq 65:2-3]

May Allah always keep us in a state of contentment and gratitude for all that He has bestowed upon us, and enable us to use whatever sustenance He has granted us in this world, in a way that will benefit our akhirah, Ameen.