‘Rizq’ (Living) and How It Gains ‘Barkaa’ (Blessings and Utility)

By Muhammad Rizwan-ul Haque

Founding Chairman, Dawood Family Takaful, CEO of an Investment Bank, and Director of a Trust

August 7, 2018

Introduction

Faith (Imaan) often appears opposite to worldly logic — even in matters related to earning a living. In worldly affairs, people commonly believe that “seeing is believing,” whereas faith teaches us to believe in the unseen.

A Couple of Examples

Common sense may encourage a person to continuously accumulate wealth in order to become richer. However, Allah (SWT) teaches that spending in charity — such as Zakat, Khairat, and Sadaqah — removes worries and brings greater rewards and blessings.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:274)

“Those who spend their wealth in charity by night and day, secretly and openly — they shall have their reward with their Lord. No fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve.”

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:276)

“Allah destroys interest and increases charity, and Allah does not love any ungrateful sinner.”

Worldly Logic vs Divine Commandment

In worldly mathematics, addition means increase and subtraction means decrease. Yet Allah (SWT) teaches that when wealth is spent in His path, He returns it multiplied many times over.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:245)

“Who is it that will lend to Allah a goodly loan so that He may multiply it for him many times over? And Allah decreases and increases, and to Him you shall return.”

The Divine Law of Rizq

According to this divine principle, spending in the way of Allah does not diminish sustenance. Rather, it becomes a source of increase and multiplication.

A Formula to Strengthen Faith

True guidance and blessings in provision come through seeking direction from the Qur’an. Otherwise, in pursuit of worldly gains alone, a person may easily go astray.

Surah Al-Ankabut (29:17)

“You worship idols besides Allah and fabricate falsehood. Surely, those whom you worship besides Allah have no power to provide for you. So seek your provision from Allah, worship Him, and be grateful to Him. To Him you shall return.”

Spread the Message

It is therefore important to spread the true message so that people may recognize and follow the straight path.

Surah Al-Ankabut (29:68)

“And who is more unjust than one who invents lies against Allah or denies the truth when it comes to him? Is there not a dwelling in Hell for the disbelievers?”

This World Is a Trial

It is essential to understand that this world is a testing ground. Following the straight path does not necessarily guarantee worldly luxuries or unlimited wealth. However, it ensures lawful and purified earnings that carry Barkaa (blessings).

Surah Al-Ankabut (29:69)

“And those who strive in Our cause — We will surely guide them to Our ways. Indeed, Allah is with those who do good.”

What Is ‘Barkaa’?

The term Barkaa does not have a precise English translation, but it may be understood as an increase in the usefulness and blessings of something.

For example, a curry prepared from one kilogram of meat may normally feed a family of five or six people. If unexpected guests arrive and the same food still becomes sufficient for everyone, this is often regarded as Barkaa. Such blessings are believed to come from lawful earnings and regular spending in the path of Allah (SWT).

What Is ‘Bai Barakat’?

Bai Barakat refers to the opposite situation — where earnings may be high, but blessings and utility are missing. A person may earn significantly more yet fail to give charity or neglect the purification of wealth. As a result, unexpected expenses may repeatedly arise: illness, accidents, breakdowns, theft, or other losses that reduce the benefit and peace associated with one’s Rizq.

Author Credit:

This article is written by Muhammad Rizwan-ul Haque, Founding Chairman of Dawood Family Takaful and a researcher in Islamic finance.