‘Rizq’ (or living) and How it gets ‘Barkaa’ (gains in Utility)?

Muhammad Rizwan-ul Haque

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

(1) Introduction:               

Faith (or Imaan) is the opposite of worldly laws even when it comes to earning a living. In this world we say; ‘seeing is believing’, while faith is to believe in the invisible’. 

(2) A Couple of examples:          

A common sense will motivate us to accumulate, so that we become wealthier. But Allah SWT tells us that, if we spend in charity (e.g. zakat, khairat, sadaqat), then we will have no worries and will also earn benefits.

(3) Surah Al-Baqara, verse no. 274:          

“Those who spend their wealth (in charity) in the night and in the day secretly and openly. They have their reward with their Lord. There is neither any fear nor any grief to them.

(4) Surah Al-Baqara, verse no. 276:             

Allah destroys interest and increases charity and Allah loves not any ungrateful big sinner (2/276).

(5) World Vs the Commandment:                

Additions means more, while subtraction means reduction. Whereas, Allah SWT says that if we spend in HIS path, then HE will return it by increasing it by many times.

(6) Surah Al-Baqara, verse no. 245:                     

“Is there any who should give a goodly loan to Allah so that Allah may increase many times for him. And Allah scants and amplifies, and you are to return unto Him” (2/245).

(7) Law of Allah SWT on ‘Rizq’:        

As per the above law, a subtraction doesn’t lead to a reduction; instead it results in a multiplication.  

(8) Formula to Strengthen Faith:                  

If we seek guidance from Al-Quran, only then we may reap provisions. Otherwise, in pursuit of worldly gains, we may go astray.

(9) Surah Al-Ankabut, verse no. 17:             

“You indeed worship idols besides Allah and you fabricate pure lie. Undoubtedly, those whom you worship besides Allah have no power to provide. For you, then seek your provision from Allah and worship Him and be grateful to Him. You are to return towards Him” (29/17).

(10) Spread the Message:             

It is therefore essential to spread the true message to create awareness amongst all men, so that they may identify and follow the straight path.

(11) Surah Al-Ankabut, verse no. 68:            

“And who is more unjust than one who forged lie against Allah or belies the truth when it comes to him? Is there not an abode of the infidels in the Hell? (29/68)

(12) World is a Trial:         

It is vital to understand that this world is a testing ground. By following the straight path does not mean that we will acquire all the worldly benefits. But it will definitely ensure that we accumulate legitimate gains, which will offer ‘Barkaa’.

(13) Surah Al-Ankabut, verse no. 69:            

“And those who struggled in Our path, surely We shall guide them in Our ways. And no doubt, Allah is with the righteous” (29/69).

(14) ‘Barkaa’:            

‘Barkaa’ does not have an exact translation in English, however it can be referred as ‘an increase in utility of a product’. It can best be with following narration. For example a curry prepared from 1-kg of meat can easily feed a family of 5-6. Now this household receive 4-5 guests and upon serving, if the same curry remains sufficient to fully nourish them all; then it is regarded as ‘barkaa’ and it happens because the living was not only legitimately earned, but a regular amount was being spent in the path of Allah SWT.

(15) ‘Bai Barakat’:    It is the opposite of ‘Barakaa’ e.g. a person earning much more than the previous household (as mentioned above), but doesn’t give away in charity and is also not careful to purify his living. Such families may often experience accidental expenses e.g. car may break-down, or there can be illness in the household, or someone may snatch mobile / wallet resulting in a loss, hence diluting the utility of ‘rizq’.