Tuesday, August 20, 2013

RIZQ OR SUSTENANCE

Human beings are composed of material body and soul. Sustenance for body is in the form of food or drinks while sustenance for the souls is knowledge and true inspirations. The bodies are sustained as long as they are alive while the souls which are sustained by knowledge are for ever.
Allah sustains all His creations by whatever means to keep them alive, He sustains the minds with knowledge, hearts with understanding, the souls with manifestations, and bodies with food and water.
The word “Rizq” may be used for means of income, livelihood, sustenance, money, and wealth etc. for the earning of something good, be in this world or hereafter.
The word “Rizq” have been used in the Noble Qur’an 123 times.
Some of the Allah’s Commandments in the Noble Qur’an are:
“It is the pious who believe in the unseen, attend to prayer, give in charity part of what We have granted them.” (2:3)
“People, eat of the good and lawful things on earth. Do not follow the footsteps of Shaytaan; he is clearly your enemy.” (2:168)
“Allah grants sustenance to any one He wants.” (2:212)
“They will have forgiveness (from their Lord) and (will be granted) honorable provisions.” (8:74)
“There is no creature on earth that does not receive sustenance from Allah.” (11:6)
“(It is such servants of Allah) who in their spending were neither extravagant nor stingy but maintain moderation.” (25:67)
“Seek your sustenance from the bounties of Allah. Worship Him. Give Him thanks. To Him you will return.” (29:17)
“Our provision (for you) will never be exhausted.” (38:54)
“In the heaven there is your sustenance.” (51:22)
 “Allah will make a way (out of difficulty) for one who has fear of Him and will provide him with sustenance in a way that he will not even notice.” (65:3)
Sustenance for Martyrs: “Do not think of those slain for the cause of Allah as dead. They are alive with their Lord and receive sustenance from Him.” (3:169)
Rizq or sustenance is anything of benefit to man, animals or plants because they are all “living things”. The word Rizq has numerous meanings. It may include:
Sustenance from heaven and earth, income, livelihood, money, wealth, food, water.
There are two types of Rizq: one sustains the body and the other sustains the soul.
Examples of Rizq for the soul are; knowledge, faith, true inspiration, piety, sincerity,
intellect, love of Allah and AhlulBayt.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad-e-Mustafa (s.a.w.s.) said: “Should I show a weapon that will deliver you from your enemies and increase in your provisions (Rizq)” the companions said: “Indeed”, he said: “Supplicate your Lord, day and night, for the weapon of a believer is supplication.”
Commander of the Faithful, Gateway of Knowledge, Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “My son, remember that sustenance is of two types; one which you pursue and the other which pursues and trace you out.”
Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “When you are in financial need, rise early in the day, for the sustenance is distributed before sunrise. And Allah, Most High, has blessed this Ummah in its early hours.” “So many believers have the intention of committing sin and Allah deprives them of sustenance.” A pious Muslim believes that whatever Rizq Allah has given him is the Grant from Him and is a trust with him for few days of this world. He feels pleasure in sharing it with His creations, like sun, he showers Allah’s blessings without any hope of return from them. The Imam says: “They transmit the knowledge imparted by us to others who need it.”
A good word of wisdom was given by Ayatullah Shaikh Abdulla Mamkani to his son in his “Wasiyatnamah” which says: “Son, whether you have a son or a daughter, do not inculcate the habit of wearing costly dresses and eating high quality food, because if circumstances are not helpful in future, they will be greatly inconvenienced . If you make them follow “middle path” then they will be happy in whatever they get.”
Similarly, the mother of Muqaddas Ardabili (r.a.) was asked  the cause of high status of his son, she said: “I never ate a doubtful food, used to do wudu before giving milk to the baby, I never looked at a “Na Mahram”, later endeavored in his training, observed cleanliness and purity, and made him sit with good children.”
The “Rizq” referred to in Ayaah (2:168) elaborates that Muslims are permitted to eat and drink every thing the Creator has created except those that are clearly prohibited. And also directs against excesses or “Israaf”
The “Rizq” referred to in Ayah (2:212) is regardless of His creature’s faith!
The “Rizq” referred to in Ayah (8:74) explains the enormous benefits in this world and hereafter. In this world they get gains, high status, success, peace and tranquility.
The “Rizq” referred in Ayah (11:6) is confirming that all living things whether mankind or animals or plants; whether an unborn baby in mother’s womb or creatures in the depths of oceans. Because Allah is All-Knowing, He is aware of all creatures on earth or oceans. But human beings are required to work to receive Halal Sustenance; they cannot sit at home and expect the Rizq.



References:

The Noble Qur'an
Allah: Concept of God                          Yasin T. Jabouri
Al-Amili                                                           Shaikh Mufid (r.a.)
Seeking Allah’s Protection from Satan   Ayatullah Dastaghaib (r.a.)
From Marriage to Parenthood                           Abbas and Shaheen Merali
A Commentary on Prayer                                 Muhsin Qara’ati


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