Understanding and Overcoming Financial Challenges in Islam
Haha my dear brother/sister, Allah Almighty may block anyone's provision, Al-Razzaq. If you have committed any form of shirk (polytheism), be aware that it might attract Allah's wrath. However, remember that every sin except shirk can be forgiven if broken. Check whether you have committed any shirk through major or minor acts by searching relevant videos on YouTube. For instance, Mufti Menks has in-depth discussions on the topic. Allah is the Most Forgiving, and He loves you unconditionally.
Just remember that life is fraught with tests, and Allah stated in the Quran: Allah will test you (Talaaq 65:2). What matters is your response. If you genuinely remember Allah and seek His help, He will be happy and grant you more than what you ask. Conversely, leave the 5 daily prayers for those who claim they can grant you financial assistance through non-religious means, such as amulets or similar superstitions. These actions can be considered forms of shirk and will not be accepted by Allah. Instead, focus on asking for help from Allah and finding specific verses for financial provision in the Quran, may Allah bless you and your family.
Means to Increase Provision According to Islam
To increase your provision and blessings, consider the following means prescribed by Islam:
1. Istighfaar (Seeking Allah’s Forgiveness)
God Almighty said in the Quran:
I said to them: Ask forgiveness from your Lord; Verily He is Oft Forgiving. He will send rain to you in abundance, and give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and rivers to drink.
(Nuh:10-12)
Through seeking forgiveness, you can obtain abundant blessings, wealth, children, gardens, and rivers to quench your thirst (i.e., provision).
2. Upholding Ties of Kinship
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in a Hadith narrated by Anas ibn Malik:
“Whoever would like his rizq provision to be increased and his life to be extended should uphold the ties of kinship.”
Upholding the ties of kinship can lead to an expanded provision and life extension.
3. Giving a Great Deal of Charity
God Almighty says in the Quran:
“Say: ‘Truly, my Lord broadens the provision for whom He wills of His servants, and He restricts it. And whatever you spend of good, He repays it many times over.”
(Al-Saba:39)
Charity not only does not decrease your wealth but can lead to an increase in both money and blessings. Al-Nawawi mentioned that the apparent decrease in wealth can be compensated by hidden blessings, and even outwardly, it can be multiplied through divine rewards.
4. Being Mindful of Allah and Fearing Him (Taqwa)
God Almighty said:
#34;And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out, and provide for him from where he does not expect.#34;
(Al-Talaq:2-3)
Through taqwa, you can find new ways out of your financial difficulties and receive unexpected blessings from Allah.
5. Performing Hajj and ‘Umrah Often
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
#34;Make the Hajj and ‘Umrah follow each other closely for they remove poverty and sins as the bellows remove the dross of iron, gold, and silver, and an accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise.#34;
Performing these rituals can decrease both poverty and sins, and bring you closer to Allah. It’s crucial to remember that performing these acts with pure intentions can bring more than just spiritual benefits; it may also provide physical and financial assistance.
6. Du’a’ (Supplication)
Supplicating to Allah is another powerful means of seeking financial assistance. Umm Salamah narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) used to say the dua during Fajr prayers:
#34;Allahumma inni as’aluka ‘ilman naafi’an wa rizqan tayyiban wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan: O Allah I ask you for beneficial knowledge, good halaal provision, and accepted good deeds.#34;
As a Muslim, it’s essential to seek assistance through proper means mentioned in the Quran and Hadiths and stay away from superstitious practices. May Allah grant you all the provision and blessings you desire.