The Concepts of Sustenance and Certainty
Allah -the Almighty- created human beings with innate qualities that define their existence, one being the inherent weakness and dependency of individuals on external sources for support. Humans are fundamentally unable to fulfill their needs independently and must seek assistance from a power greater than themselves, one who is wise and capable. Allah -the Most High- serves as this refuge, providing certainty of success and the sustenance required throughout one’s life. To alleviate any anxiety regarding sustenance and to grant peace of mind, Allah has guaranteed provision to His servant just as He has assured their lifespan. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has said: “Surely the Spirit of Truth has breathed into my heart that no soul will die until it has completed its term and received its provision.” In terms of effort, sustenance is categorized into two types: one that reaches a person irrespective of their efforts, such as inheritance, and another that requires pursuit through hard work and endeavor.
Allah’s wisdom is evident in how He allocates sustenance among His creation, establishing a balance between the rich and the poor. This variation ensures diversity in circumstances that allows for mutual tests and communal support in managing life’s affairs, as illustrated by the verse: “Indeed, We have divided among them their livelihood in this world, and We have raised some of them above others in degrees, so that they may help one another.” Additionally, Allah distributes sustenance according to His knowledge of their situations, knowing that a poor individual turned rich might become arrogant and ungrateful, thus making poverty ultimately a form of mercy. It is stated: “If Allah were to extend provision for His servants, they would transgress in the land; but He sends down in accordance with His wise decree.” Therefore, it is essential for a Muslim to find contentment with what Allah has allocated to them and to maintain certainty that what has been decreed is indeed for their good, allowing their soul to find solace in this acceptance.
Ways to Attract Sustenance
There is no harm for a Muslim to strive for increased opportunities for sustenance, provided that the methods employed are lawful and align with pleasing Allah. Numerous material and spiritual factors can enhance the flow of sustenance and blessings, such as:
- God-Consciousness (Taqwa): This foundational principle encompasses all other causes. A life led with piety places the individual in the favor of Allah, resulting in increased provision and blessings. Allah says: “And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect.”
- Consistent Seeking of Forgiveness: Allah has made seeking forgiveness a direct cause for increased sustenance and blessings, as stated by Prophet Noah (peace be upon him): “Say, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is Forgiving. He will send rain from the heavens upon you in [continuing] showers and increase you in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.’” True seeking of forgiveness requires heartfelt remorse and commitment to avoid sin.
- Maintaining Family Ties: The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised, “Whoever wishes for his provision to be expanded and his lifespan to be prolonged should maintain the ties of kinship.” This refers to blessings in both provision and longevity.
- Giving Charity: Allah frequently promises the generous with ample returns and an increase in sustenance. He says: “And whatever you spend of anything – He will replace it; and He is the best of providers.” The Prophet also mentioned, “Charity does not decrease wealth.”
- Marriage for Chastity and Seeking Offspring: Allah pledges assistance and blessings in provision to those who marry to maintain their chastity, as indicated by the Prophet (peace be upon him): “There are three whom Allah is obliged to assist: the one who strives in His way, the one who marries seeking chastity.”
- Kindness to Parents: Treating one’s parents well is a gateway to untold blessings and sustenance.
- Supporting Seekers of Knowledge: A notable story involves two companions, one working and the other learning from the Prophet. The Prophet affirmed that the scholar might be a source of sustenance for the worker.
- Frequent Acts of Pilgrimage: The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, “Follow between Hajj and Umrah, for they remove poverty and sin as a furnace removes impurities from iron, gold, and silver.”
- Gratitude for Blessings: Thankfulness is a catalyst for increasing sustenance and blessings in all forms.
Types of Sustenance
When discussing sustenance, it is crucial to realize that it extends beyond material wealth, embracing all forms of goodness that benefit one’s life. Here are various types of sustenance:
- Sustenance of health, wellness, and physical strength.
- Provision of a righteous spouse.
- Gift of beneficial knowledge.
- Blessing of righteous offspring.
- Gift of faith and righteousness, the greatest bounty, as it leads to the best of this world and the Hereafter, having a lasting impact on one’s life.
- Sustenance of tranquility and peace of mind.
- Gift of virtuous character.
- Provision of beauty and attractiveness.
- Grant of wisdom and intelligence, which are essential in acquiring wealth and earning people’s trust.
- Blessing of a good reputation.