{"id":3280,"date":"2012-06-27T15:13:35","date_gmt":"2012-06-27T07:13:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/muzlimbuzz.sg\/?p=3280"},"modified":"2012-06-27T15:15:51","modified_gmt":"2012-06-27T07:15:51","slug":"bringing-barakah-into-your-wealth-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyislam.sg\/muslimbuzz\/bringing-barakah-into-your-wealth-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Bringing Barakah into your Wealth & Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

Question: Assalamu alaikum.\u00a0 For the past couple of years I\u2019ve been noticing that alhamdulillah I make enough money but its tough to make both ends meet – Its like it vanishes away, it is taking a toll on my wife and I and we stay tense most of the time about it \u2026 Is there an obligatory duty being missed ? We do regular charity at a masjid and zakat, maybe its not getting accepted ?<\/strong>
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\nAnswer<\/strong>: Wa alaikum salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,<\/p>\n

Thank you for your question.<\/p>\n

You have noted that your income is not insufficient or little in terms of its amount and how much one would expect would cover their expenses, but for some unexplainable reason, it never seems to be enough for the needs of the home.\u00a0 This is a sign – not of a lack of wealth, but rather of a lack of divine blessings (barakah) in that wealth.<\/p>\n

There are things that one can do to increase the barakah of one\u2019s wealth.\u00a0 First, we need to understand the meaning of barakah, then look at ways to increase it, and end with some advice on the role of wealth in one\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

What is Barakah?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Barakah is a term that means an \u201cincrease\u201d and \u201cgrowth\u201d- and also, happiness.\u00a0 It is the establishment of divine goodness in something; from whence it exudes cannot be sensed by people, nor can it be outwardly quantified, nor is it limited by anything, but rather, something with barakah in it is called mubaarak, and has an unexplainable increase and benefit in it from Allah. [al-Isfahani, Mufradaat al-Qur\u2019an]<\/p>\n

Having more barakah in one\u2019s wealth does not mean the dollar amount increases- rather, that the benefits seen from that limited amount increase, reach further and last longer.<\/p>\n

Barakah in anything, especially wealth, which is a part of one\u2019s destined sustenance from Allah Most High, can increase and decrease depending on the good and bad actions one does.<\/p>\n

The Means of Bringing Barakah Into One\u2019s Wealth- and Life<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are many, many different means we can take to bring barakah into our wealth, and indeed, into every aspect of our lives.\u00a0 The most important thing to remember is that these are only means \u2013 worldly causes that we put forth with our human efforts- but the One who gives wealth and bestows blessings in the first place is Allah Most High.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Hence, these actions are not mathematical formulae for automatic increase.\u00a0 One must keep Allah at the forefront of one\u2019s seeking in this world, and make pleasing and reaching Him the ultimate goal, rather than the increase of wealth.\u00a0 Amongst the things that one can do are:<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Earn a lawful (Halal) and wholesome income:<\/strong> Ensure that your line of work does not contravene the Sacred Law and that your wealth is lawful.\u00a0 This not only includes what work you do, but who you work for and their source of income as well.\u00a0 Ensure that your work is ethical and moral.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Work with excellence, loyalty and honesty<\/strong>:\u00a0 Do not take a single penny except that you duly deserve it.\u00a0 Do not squander the time and resources that you employer is paying for.\u00a0 Be loyal and honest at work.\u00a0 Nothing reduces barakah like cheating or deception in a sale, or unethical practices like bribes. [al-Razi, Mafatih al-Ghaib]<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Make a good intention for Allah\u2019s sake:<\/strong> purify your intention to earn for Allah\u2019s sake, to provide for your family, to not have to borrow and ask from others, and to do works of good for others.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Avoid interest in all its forms, as much as possible. <\/strong> This includes taking it, or paying it out.\u00a0 If you must pay it due to a debt, work as hard as possible to pay it off in a short time then resolve not to enter into it again.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Give thanks for what you have been given<\/strong>: Allah Most High says in the Qur\u2019an, \u201cAnd if you all give thanks [to Me, for what I have bestowed on you], I shall surely increase you.\u201d [al-Qur\u2019an 14:7]\u00a0 Thank Allah with your tongue, your heart, by using His blessings for good purposes, and by obeying and worshipping Him. [al-Alusi, Ruh al-Ma\u2019ani]<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Give in charity,<\/strong> both yourself and your wife: this includes the obligatory charities (Zakat, Sadaqatul Fitr and the Qurbani for those with sufficient wealth), but also optional charity to good causes.\u00a0\u00a0 The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, \u201cCharity does not reduce wealth.\u201d [Muslim, Sahih]\u00a0 The physical amount outwardly decreases, but the remaining amount attracts barakah so that the actual benefit from it is not less. [al-Nawawi, Sharh Muslim]<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0\u00a0 Be God-conscious and increase in piety:<\/strong> Allah Most High says, \u201cWhosoever is conscious of Allah, He makes for them a way out [of any difficulty] and provides for them sustenance from whence they cannot not conceive.\u201d [al-Qur\u2019an, 65:2-3]<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Place your full trust in Allah Most High<\/strong>:\u00a0 Know that Allah is providing for you and sustaining you at each moment.\u00a0 Do not worry constantly and have fear- this is from the Shayton, who tries to instill fear of poverty, while Allah offers bounties [al-Quran 2:268].\u00a0 Allah Most High says, \u201c\u2026and whosoever puts their full reliance on Allah, then He is sufficient for them.\u201d [al-Quran, 65:3]<\/p>\n

9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Establish prayer (al-salah) in your home<\/strong>: work to establish the obligatory prayers amongst your family, and encourage extra optional (nafl) prayers as well.\u00a0 [al-Biqa\u2019i, Tafsir]<\/p>\n

10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Read Qur\u2019an in the home<\/strong>: the reading of Surah al-Waqi\u2019ah is known to prevent poverty in a house.\u00a0 It is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, \u201cIndeed, the house in which the Qur\u2019an is recited- the goodness [in it] increases\u2026\u201d and in another version, \u201cthings are made easier for its family.\u201d [Ibn Kathir, Tafsir]<\/p>\n

11.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Be generous and give gifts<\/strong>: this means giving people around you things that they love, from the things that you love.\u00a0 Start with your immediate family, and relatives, and neighbors.\u00a0 Become more generous and open-handed, and try to fight the urge to be stingy.<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Be obedient, dutiful and respectful to your parents:<\/strong> this is a means of increase in one\u2019s lifespan and sustenance.\u00a0 [al-Sha\u2019rani, Lawaqih al-Anwar al-Qudsiyya]<\/p>\n

13.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Keep up family ties and do good to relatives<\/strong>: it is mentioned that the barakah comes in the act of enjoining family relations only when it is combined with piety and God-fearingness [Ibn Hibban, Sahih]<\/p>\n

14.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Do not lie or say false oaths<\/strong> [Ibn Hajr, Fath al-Bari]<\/p>\n

15.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Give a little more than what you owe people<\/strong> when selling or paying someone [al-Munawi, Sharh Fayd al Qadeer]<\/p>\n

16.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Try to work starting in the early part of the day<\/strong>:\u00a0 Preferably, try to become productive after Fajr and do not sleep through the early part of the day.\u00a0 Try to work in mornings, as the Prophet (Allah\u2019s peace and blessings be upon him) prayed, \u201cOh Allah, give barakah to my Ummah in their early-morning work.\u201d [Ibn Majah, Sunan]<\/p>\n

17.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Eat together<\/strong>: the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, \u201c\u2026Gather together to eat your food, and say Allah\u2019s name over it (bismillah) and you will be blessed in it,\u201d [Abu Dawud, Sunan] and \u201cEat together, all of you, and do not separate individually, because the barakah is in the group.\u201d [Ibn Majah, Sunan]<\/p>\n

18.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Invite the pious to eat from your food:<\/strong> the Prophet (peace be upon him) made dua\u2019 for his host that pious people eat from his food, as it attracts barakah.\u00a0 It also promotes good company that changes the atmosphere of the home.\u00a0 [al-Bayhaqi, Sunan al-Kubra]<\/p>\n

19.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ask Allah\u2019s forgiveness often<\/strong> in your home and elsewhere through saying \u201castaghferallah\u201d. [al-Bayhaqi, Shu\u2019ab al Imaan]<\/p>\n

20.\u00a0\u00a0 Be easy-going, of kind nature, and forgiving to others:<\/strong> this includes from your spouse and family, to even those who do you wrong.\u00a0 This should spur you to heal relations with anyone you or your family may have a rift with.\u00a0 [al-Munawi, Fayd al-Qadeer]<\/p>\n

21.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Do not be wasteful and extravagant, nor overly-attached to worldly things<\/strong>: this includes finishing all of one\u2019s food and living in moderation. [ibid]<\/p>\n

22.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Finally, ask Allah Most High to bless you with wealth: <\/strong>when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked to pray for young Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), the first thing he prayed for was wealth, amongst others things [Bukhari].\u00a0 Ask Allah to put the wealth in your hand, and not in your heart.<\/p>\n

There are countless more ways to attract barakah into one\u2019s life and earnings, mentioned in the vast Islamic primary sources as well as the wisdom of the scholars and righteous.\u00a0 We will suffice with what has been mentioned above.<\/p>\n

The Reality of Financial Difficulties<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When a Muslim\u2019s finances are tight, this is a test from Allah Most High.\u00a0 It is a mercy in disguise because through something as worldly as wealth, Allah causes us to turn towards Him in earnestness.\u00a0 It teaches us patience and contentment, and results in forgiveness of sins and reliance on Allah.<\/p>\n

However, the general rule of thumb to attract blessings is always the same.\u00a0 When we attach our hearts to Allah Most High and submit to Him completely, and make Him our sole goal and purpose and not the blessings, then the barakah will enter our lives from all sides without us having to worry about it.<\/p>\n

Wasalam,<\/p>\n

Abdullah Anik Misra<\/p>\n

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani<\/p>\n

[divider]<\/p>\n

This article is reposted from Seekers Guidance<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Question: Assalamu alaikum.\u00a0 For the past couple of years I\u2019ve been noticing that alhamdulillah I make enough money but its tough to make both ends meet – Its like it vanishes away, it is taking a toll on my wife and I and we stay tense most of the time about it \u2026 Is there […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3281,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[55],"tags":[1682,1681,10,1683,173,128,363,1685,1686,1687,1684],"class_list":["post-3280","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spiritualreligious","tag-barakah","tag-barakah-in-wealth","tag-featured","tag-financial-difficulties","tag-islam","tag-money","tag-muslim","tag-poverty","tag-unya","tag-wealth","tag-wisdom-behind-poverty"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/simplyislam.sg\/muslimbuzz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3280","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/simplyislam.sg\/muslimbuzz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/simplyislam.sg\/muslimbuzz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simplyislam.sg\/muslimbuzz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simplyislam.sg\/muslimbuzz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3280"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/simplyislam.sg\/muslimbuzz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3280\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3283,"href":"https:\/\/simplyislam.sg\/muslimbuzz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3280\/revisions\/3283"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simplyislam.sg\/muslimbuzz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3281"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/simplyislam.sg\/muslimbuzz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3280"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simplyislam.sg\/muslimbuzz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3280"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simplyislam.sg\/muslimbuzz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3280"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}