Question:
What do the scholars and experts of Shariah recommend for increase in livelihood and material provisions?
Answer:
All praise is for Allah ﷻ, Lord of all the worlds. Peace and salutations upon our Master Muhammad ﷺ, upon his blessed family and his noble companions. We believe in the law ‘you reap what you sow’ so hard work, with the intention of service to humanity are first steps. Along with working to the best of your ability, there are certain actions a person can do which Allah ﷻ has mentioned to us and our Prophet ﷺ has further expanded on in order to gain blessings in one’s wealth.
- Become God consciousness, mindful and pious, develop taqwa, Allah ﷻ said in the Qur’an:
“Whoever is mindful of Allah, He shall make a way out for him, and provide him sustenance from where he couldn’t expect. Whoever puts trust in Allah, He is enough for him. Allah will complete His task. Allah has made a precise amount of sustenance for all things.” (Talaq:2-3)
- Maintain family ties, be good to your relatives, bear their nuisance patiently. It has been narrated from Sayiduna Anas that he heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Whoever wishes for his sustenance to be increased or for longevity, should maintain his familial ties.” (Al-Bukhari) - Constantly Seek forgiveness from Allah ﷻ Allah ﷻ has mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:
“Seek your Lord’s forgiveness; He is Most Forgiving. He will send plenty of rain for you from the sky, and bless you with wealth, children, provide for you gardens, and provide for you rivers. (Surah Nuh: 10-12) - Regularly praying to Allah ﷻ
It has been narrated from Sayyiduna Ali that a servant (who had agreed the price of his freedom with his owner) came to him and said, “I am unable to pay for my freedom, please help.” Sayyiduna Ali replied, “Shall I not tell you the words which the Prophet ﷺ taught me? If one has a debt equal to a mountain, Allah ﷻ will relieve him from his debt.” Then Sayyiduna Ali told him to recite:
اللَّهُمَّ اكْفِنِي بِحَلَالِكَ عَنْ حَرَامِكَ، وَأَغْنِنِي بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِوَاكَ
O Allah ﷻ, make the lawful sufficient for me against the unlawful, and relieve me through Your grace from everything besides You.
And Allah knows best.
Dr Musharraf Hussain Al-Azhari
Director of British Fatwa Council
