Provision (رزق)
God Almighty created humankind and guaranteed their provision. He made provision, a universal human need, one of the unseen matters known only to Him. Consequently, individuals are encouraged to pursue their sustenance as commanded by Allah. People vary in their provision; some are wealthy while others are poor, some are healthy while others are ill. Importantly, provision encompasses more than just financial wealth; it includes health, knowledge, wisdom, a righteous spouse, and offspring—all of which are blessings from God.
Allah, Exalted and Glorious, has broadened the avenues for earning lawful provision. Examples of lawful earnings include trade, agriculture, and industry. However, many individuals resort to forbidden means of income such as theft, usury, fraud, and unjustly consuming others’ wealth. This behavior often stems from moving away from religious teachings and a lack of awareness that the true owner of wealth is Allah, with humans merely entrusted with it.
Definition of Provision
Provision in Language
The linguistic definition of provision states: “To nourish creation with sustenance.” The term ‘provision’ (رزق) is the actual noun form, while ‘رزق’ (rizq) can also signify the source. When saying “God provided him with good sustenance,” it refers to nourishment or sustenance. Collectively, these are referred to as provisions (أرزاق).
Provision in Terms of Definition
In a scholarly context, provision refers to any material or spiritual wealth that is beneficial to individuals. Examples of material provision include gold, silver, livestock, crops, and real estate. Conversely, examples of spiritual provision encompass knowledge, reputation, status, authority, intellect, and good character. Regardless of whether this benefit is in this world or the next, it can earn God’s pleasure and rewards, leading to success in paradise.
The Legitimacy of Seeking Provision
Seeking provision is permissible and is supported by numerous evidences, including:
- The Holy Qur’an: As stated in Allah’s words: “And when the prayer has concluded, disperse within the land and seek the bounty of Allah and remember Allah often, that you may succeed,” (Qur’an 62:10). Similarly, it mentions, “It is He who made for you the earth subservient, so walk among its slopes and eat from His provision. And to Him is the resurrection,” (Qur’an 67:15).
- The Prophetic Sunnah: Anas ibn Malik reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: “Whoever desires his provision to be expanded or his life to be prolonged should maintain good relations with his relatives.”
- Consensus: There is a consensus on the permissibility of seeking provision, as many Quranic verses and prophetic traditions encourage work, in addition to the confirmed practices of the prophets.
Factors Leading to Increased Provision
Allah has revealed that obedience to Him is a means of attracting provision and expanding it. Examples include:
- Piety: This involves adhering to God’s commands and avoiding His prohibitions, as mentioned: “If only the people of those cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened up to them blessings from the heavens and the earth,” (Qur’an 7:96).
- Sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah: This is illustrated in the verse: “Ask for forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever-Forgiving. He will send rain from the sky upon you in showers and give you increased wealth and children and provide for you gardens and rivers,” (Qur’an 71:10-12).
- Gratitude for blessings: Allah states, “And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed: ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase your favor upon you; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe’,” (Qur’an 14:7).
- Marriage: Allah advises, “And marry those who are single among you… If they should be poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty,” (Qur’an 24:32).
- Maintaining family ties: Anas ibn Malik reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, “Whoever is pleased to have his provision expanded and his life prolonged should maintain the ties of kinship.”
- Spending in the way of Allah: As stated, “Say, ‘My Lord extends provision for whom He wills of His servants and restricts [it for whom He wills]. And whatever you spend of anything – He will substitute it; and He is the best of providers’,” (Qur’an 34:39).
- Prayer and reliance on Allah: Abu Dharr reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, narrated from Allah, saying: “O My servants, I have forbidden injustice to Myself and made it forbidden among you, so do not oppress one another…” One should therefore seek sustenance from Allah through prayer and strive for guidance and knowledge.
Ways to Increase Provision
Some may wonder how one can increase their provision when it is predetermined. Despite fate being fixed, Imam an-Nawawi highlighted various responses from scholars, including:
- The increase can be through blessings in one’s lifespan, success in fulfilling commands, and using time wisely to benefit the Hereafter.
- Allah has shown the angels in the preserved tablet that a person’s lifespan is sixty years, but if they maintain family ties, their lifespan is extended, as He knows what will transpire.
- The lasting remembrance and good reputation of a person among people can be seen as a form of continuity; it is as if they have not passed away.