The question of striving to gain one’s sustenance (Rizq) often causes confusion among believers. If wealth is preordained by Divine Decree (Qadar)—meaning we will get exactly “not a penny more, not a penny less”—does that render hard work, education, and professional struggle unnecessary?
This article clarifies the delicate balance between trusting in Allah’s decree and the mandatory obligation to take practical measures.
The Reality of Preordained Rizq
It is a fundamental aspect of Islamic faith that Rizq (provision) is preordained. Allah has written down the sustenance of every living creature before they were even born.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) confirmed this, saying:
“The Holy Spirit has given me the inspiration that no soul will die until it has completed its lifespan and received all its set provisions. Therefore, be conscious of Allah and maintain propriety when you ask Him for what you want. And never get so impatient to the verge of disobedience of Allah. What Allah has can never be acquired but through obedience to Him.” (Hilyat al-Awliya)
This narration teaches that anxiety about the amount of wealth is unnecessary because the guarantee exists. However, it also emphasizes that the method of acquiring it must be through obedience and lawful seeking.
The Obligation to Take Means (Asbab)
While the result is in Allah’s hands, the effort is the duty of the human being. Islam rejects fatalism (laziness disguised as trust).
True Tawakkul (trust in Allah) requires two components:
- Reliance of the Heart: Knowing that Allah is the Provider.
- Action of the Body: Striving using lawful means.
Studying to become a professional, working hard, and seeking knowledge are not “unnecessary” struggles; they are acts of worship. They are the lawful means (Asbab) through which a person accesses the provision Allah has stored for them. Furthermore, striving allows a Muslim to seek a “respectable” and Halal source of income, rather than depending on others or resorting to begging.
“The Sky Does Not Rain Gold”
A famous incident involving Caliph `Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) perfectly illustrates this principle.
He once entered the mosque and saw a group of people sitting idly during the day. When he asked them what kept them there, they replied that they were Mutawakkilun (those who rely on Allah), waiting for His bounties. `Umar retorted:
“Get up and work, for the sky never rains gold or silver.”
He reminded them that Allah’s command to traverse the earth is explicit in the Qur’an:
“It is He who made the earth tame for you – so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision – and to Him is the resurrection.” (Surah Al-Mulk, 67:15)
Conclusion
Striving is not contradictory to belief in Destiny; it is the implementation of it.
- Why study? To acquire skills that allow you to access your provision in a dignified, useful, and Halal manner.
- Why work? To fulfill the command of Allah to traverse the earth.
- Why do illiterates sometimes have millions? Because Allah’s distribution of wealth is a test, not always a result of logic. However, the rule for the believer remains: Work is worship.
