Reasons for Abundance in Sustenance
Allah has guaranteed sustenance for His servants until the end of their lives. He stated, “And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its dwelling place and repository; all is in a clear record.” Therefore, He advises them to place their trust in Him and to be content with what He has decreed. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized this by saying, “Look at those who are below you, and do not look at those who are above you.” This teaches that the servant strives diligently for their livelihood, then puts their trust in their Creator, being satisfied with what Allah has ordained.
Trusting in Allah While Taking Necessary Steps
Taking necessary steps is essential for placing one’s trust in Allah. Engaging in actions is the means to achieve the ultimate goal of reliance, as there is no trust without effort. However, one should not rely solely on their efforts; rather, true trust lies in sincere reliance on Allah, acknowledging that no one can benefit or harm except Him. Trust in Allah is, therefore, a key factor in obtaining what the servant seeks. Those who rely solely on their intellect are misled, those who depend on their status are humiliated, those who lean on their wealth find it diminished, while those who place their trust in Allah face no misguidance, humiliation, or diminishment. Ultimately, when causes fade away, only the Cause remains, and He is Exalted.
Seeking Forgiveness and Repentance
A significant reason that brings about sustenance is abstaining from sins and wrongdoings, as these acts deprive the sinner of goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. Allah says, “And whatever strikes you of disaster is for what your own hands have earned, and He forgives much.” The wrongdoing of a servant can obstruct their sustenance, making repentance essential.
Moreover, seeking forgiveness is a tremendous way to attract provision. Allah states, “Say, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever-Forgiving; He will send rain from the sky upon you in showers, and give you increase in wealth and children, and make for you gardens and make for you rivers.’
Piety and Consciousness of Allah
The concept of piety encompasses the avoidance of all that Allah has prohibited, distancing oneself from actions that may incur His wrath and punishment, and protecting oneself from all that leads to torment by refraining from sinful behaviors. Thus, a person must guard their sight, hearing, hands, and feet from committing what Allah has forbidden.
Because of this, Allah has made piety a commandment to all creation from the earliest to the latest generations, including the prophets. He states, “And We instructed those who were given the Scripture before you and [We instruct] you that you fear Allah.” The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also advised to embrace piety.
Furthermore, Allah promises His pious servants that He will provide a way out of every distress, relief from every worry, and expand their sustenance from sources they did not expect or hope for. He says, “And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a decree.”
Charitable Spending in the Way of Allah
Spending in the path of Allah is a significant avenue leading to abundance and provision. This can take various forms, including aiding the needy and supporting the cause of Allah. Whenever a servant spends anything in a manner permissible by Allah seeking His pleasure, Allah compensates them with goodness in this world and opens the doors of provision for them.
Moreover, they will receive immense rewards for such acts in the Hereafter, as highlighted by Allah’s statement: “And whatever you spend of anything, He will replace it; and He is the best of providers.” Charity results in blessings for what remains of one’s wealth and an increase over time.
An example of this is seen with one of the wives of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with her), who slaughtered a sheep and distributed its meat to the poor, keeping only the foreleg. When the Prophet inquired about the sheep, she replied that it had all been consumed except the foreleg. To this, he remarked that all had remained except the foreleg, illustrating that the reward for what she had distributed stays with her in terms of the good deed and its reward.
Maintaining Family Ties
One of the best forms of worship that a servant can perform to draw closer to Allah is maintaining familial relationships. This has immense merit in achieving blessings in lifespan and sustenance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, “Whoever wishes for his provision to be extended and his life to be lengthened, let him maintain the ties of kinship.” Thus, maintaining family ties results in Allah’s guidance and opens doors of provision for the servant.
Muslims are encouraged to set aside time to visit their relatives, check on them, spend time together, and engage in conversation. Family ties should be prioritized, treated with care and compassion. Allah says, “And those of kinship are more worthy of each other in the decree of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Knowing of all things.”