The word "rizq" is mentioned 123 times in the Quran, the majority of which explain how it comes from Allah (s.w.t).
Muslims often mix the circumstances under which we obtain rizq with its cause. Some say Rizq will come from one's own efforts. The harder we work, the more we'll achieve. Muslims believe that Allah (swt) is the source of all things, although our behaviors may not reflect this belief. The obligations we have to our jobs, family, and other commitments take precedence over the responsibility Allah has given us to carry out the work He has entrusted to us.
In a capitalist society, money and income (Rizq) are directly proportional to an individual's amount of effort, which promotes a materialistic mindset. According to this concept, success is closely linked to one's hard work, and as a result, people falsely believe that they are solely responsible for their own future success and well-being.
When viewed through the lens of Islam, the concept of having rizq is conceptually distinct.
1. Rizq is in the hands of Allah (s.w.t)
A Muslim's core belief establishes that Rizq is in the hands of Allah (s.w.t)
Allah (s.w.t) says:
نَحۡنُ نَرۡزُقُكُمۡ
“We provide for you” [TMQ Al-Anaam:151]
These ayaat clearly establish that Allah (s.w.t) is Al-Razzaq (Provider) and that Rizq is ascribed to Him alone - He (s.w.t) provides to whom He wills, and He (s.w.t) alone has this authority.
2. Allah urges us to enjoy in what He (swt) has provided, but also reminds us of our obligation to Him (s.w.t)
Allah (s.w.t) says:
وَكُلُوا۟ مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ حَلَـٰلًۭا طَيِّبًۭا ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنتُم بِهِۦ مُؤْمِنُونَ
”And eat of the things which Allah (s.w.t) has provided for you, as lawful and good, and keep your duty to Allah in Whom you believe.” [TMQ Al-Ma’idah: 88]
We are urged to make use of what Allah has supplied, but we are also reminded of our responsibilities. It doesn't matter how much we've "earned," Allah reminds us that our rizq comes from Him.
3. The management of rizq is in the hands of a man
Moreover, it is essential to note that rizq is not mentioned in any Quranic verses or hadiths, except in relation to its management and distribution.
Allah (s.w.t) says:
وَلاَ تُؤْتُواْ السُّفَهَاء أَمْوَالَكُمُ الَّتِي جَعَلَ اللّهُ لَكُمْ قِيَاماً وَارْزُقُوهُمْ فِيهَا وَاكْسُوهُمْ وَقُولُواْ لَهُمْ قَوْلاً مَّعْرُوفًا
“Do not give to the foolish (what is in) your (keeping of their) wealth, which Allah (s.w.t) has given you to maintain; but feed and clothe them from it.” [TMQ Surah An-Nisa:5]
4. Allah links Taqwa to Rizq
In the following verse, Allah makes a connection between having taqwa and the provision of rizq.
وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُۥ مَخْرَجًۭا
"And whoever fears Allah – He will make a way out for him. And will provide for him from where he does not expect." [TMQ Surah At-Talaq: 2-3]
This indicates that whomever has Taqwa of Allah in what He has commanded and avoids what He has forbidden, then Allah will provide a way out for him from every problem and will provide for him from sources that he never imagined or thought about.
5. Rizq is fixed
Another very crucial concept to grasp is that the amount of rizq cannot be altered in any way. According to the narration of Ibn Mas'ud (r.a), Allah's Messenger (s.a.w) addressed his wife, Umm Habiba, and stated the following:
"Verily you have asked Allah about the duration of life already set, and the steps you would take, and the sustenance the share of which is fixed. Nothing will take place before its due time, and nothing will be deferred beyond when it is due" [Muslim].
This essential component of iman provides the believer with the fortitude to prevail in the face of adversity, and it is therefore obligatory on every Muslim. When times are harsh, a person who has the correct understanding that his provision comes from Allah (s.w.t) will trust completely in Allah's (s.w.t) ability to care for him regardless of the circumstances.
When faced with difficult circumstances, we may be tempted to work extra hours or take a second job that occupies our energies and causes us to neglect other obligations. The persistent believer knows his rizq comes only from Allah (s.w.t) and he constantly remind himself of the Prophetic saying:
"Let not the fear of people stop anyone of you from saying what is true, or doing something important, because what you say or do will not keep you from your rizq, or keep you from your ajl (life span)."
In conclusion, the Islamic understanding of rizq is diametrically opposite to the capitalist view, illustrating the argument. As Muslims, we can breathe a sigh of relief because Allah's decree regarding rizq is unalterable. This enables a Muslim to live a tranquil life while performing all of the direct obligations that Allah (swt) has imposed on him.
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