We often hear the phrase “your rizq is from Allah” shared as a means to assuage someone who has endured a financial challenge. But what does “rizq” really mean in Islam?
Rizq, like many Arabic terms, can be hard to directly translate but refers to the concept of sustenance. It encompasses all the resources, blessings, and provisions that are granted to individuals by Allah ﷻ to meet their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Rizq is not limited to material wealth or possessions, but it encompasses a broader understanding of sustenance. It includes provisions such as food, water, shelter, clothing, money, knowledge, skills, opportunities, and even good health, relationships, and happiness. Essentially, rizq encompasses everything that is necessary for a person’s well-being and fulfillment in life.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us the significance of trusting Allah for our rizq. He tells us “If you put your trust in Allah as you ought to, He will provide for you as He provides for the birds. They go out early in the morning hungry and return in the evening full.” (Sahih Bukhari)
One of Allah’s most beautiful names is Ar-Razzaq because He is the ultimate provider and the source of all rizq. Our sustenance is predetermined by Allah, and He distributes it according to His divine wisdom. While human effort and striving are encouraged, we must deeply comprehend that it is only Allah who grants our rizq. This understanding cultivates a sense of gratitude, reliance on Allah, and contentment with whatever provision we receive.
Allah ﷻ reminds us in the Quran, Surat Al-Hijr:
وَالۡاَرۡضَ مَدَدۡنٰهَا وَاَلۡقَيۡنَا فِيۡهَا رَوَاسِىَ وَاَنۡۢبَتۡنَا فِيۡهَا مِنۡ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ مَّوۡزُوۡنٍ
(15:19) As for the earth, We have stretched it out and have cast on it firm mountains, and have caused to grow in it everything well-measured.
وَجَعَلۡنَا لَـكُمۡ فِيۡهَا مَعَايِشَ وَمَنۡ لَّسۡتُمۡ لَهٗ بِرٰزِقِيۡنَ
(15:20) And We have provided sustenance for you on it and also for those of whom you are not the providers.
وَاِنۡ مِّنۡ شَىۡءٍ اِلَّا عِنۡدَنَا خَزَآئِنُهٗ وَمَا نُنَزِّلُهٗۤ اِلَّا بِقَدَرٍ مَّعۡلُوۡمٍ
(15:21) There is nothing except that its treasuries are with Us and We do not send it down except in a known measure.
Even while knowing that our rizq is divinely ordained, we are encouraged to seek halal (lawful) means to earn our livelihood and work hard at it. As the Prophet ﷺ tells us:
“No servant [of Allah] eats a meal better than what he earns with his own hands. It is better for a person to take a rope and bring a bundle of wood on his back to sell so that Allah may preserve his honor, than that he should beg from people, whether they give him or refuse.” (Sahih Muslim)
That encourages self-reliance, personal responsibility, and discourages dependence on others without necessity. We are also urged to be moderate in our pursuit of wealth, always keeping in mind the principles of fairness, justice, and generosity.
Moreover, Islam emphasizes the importance of sharing our rizq with others, especially those in need. Acts of charity, “sadaqah,” are virtuous, benefiting us in the akhirah but also in the dunya, by increasing our rizq. Thus, we are encouraged to give generously, as it not only benefits the recipients but also purifies our heart and increases blessings in our livelihood.
Lastly, Allah ﷻ reminds us in the Quran that even in our rizq, there may be trial. And as with all of life’s test, the response should be patience.
He says in Surat Al-Baqarah (2:155):
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.”
