Allah calls Himself Ar-Razzaaq— The Provider, The Bestower of Sustenance— on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who creates all means of nourishment and provision. Ar-Razzaaq provides all of His slaves with sustenance no matter how many they are or how great their need!

The Provider, The Supplier

Razzaaq comes from the root raa-zaa-qaa and points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to receive something beneficial or to receive a portion or share. The second main meaning is to be provided or supplied with the necessities of life.

This root appears 123 times in the Quran in four derived forms. Examples of these forms are razaqnaakum (“we provided you”) and al-rizqa (“the provision).

Linguistically, Razzaaq has the structure of intensification, indicating a complete way of providing and sustaining. Ar-Razzaaq bestows all means of support and growth, both for the body and soul.

Ar-Razzaaq Himself says: Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength. [Quran, 51:58]

What is rizq?

Rizq (provision) is what benefits you and it includes not just money but also knowledge, good manners, security, peace of mind, and spiritual enhancement. Allah Ar-Razzaaq created your rizq, and He delivers it to you in the way He wants: And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision [rizq], and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register. [Quran, 11:6]

The test of rizq

Ar-Razzaaq told us that if we don’t rule with justice, there will be corruption on earth. These days resources are overused, people are abused, and wealth is not being distributed justly. People ask: why is there poverty? Why are people starving? Our actions have consequences. We human beings created a system that went against the way Allah the All Wise instructed us to live. Wealth can be a trial and poverty a reason for elevation in the Hereafter; these are the ways of Ar-Razzaaq.

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Be content.
Be satisfied with all the rizq you are given. Umar ibn al-Khattaab radiyallahu ‘anhu said: If something is meant to go elsewhere, it will never come on your way, but if it is yours by destiny, from you it cannot flee. Complaining about your body or your wealth means you complain against Ar-Razzaaq; strive for ridaa (contentment with His Decree).

2. Work hard.
Provision has to do with honesty and uprightness. What you see of wealth given to some and poverty to others is only superficial; Allah ‘azza wa ljal will bestow the best types of rizq on the best types of people. You need to work as if your rizq depends on how hard you try, but in your heart you know that nothing will come to you except what He has written for you. Knowing that rizq is guaranteed is not an excuse to be lazy. Ar-Razzaaq recompenses you according to your intentions.

3. Understand the ways of Ar-Razzaaq.
Some people do good deeds and practise their religion, yet they don’t feel much spiritual comfort. This motivates them to hasten to do more righteous work, which helps them to go to the higher and better spiritual state that Allah Ar-Razzaaq wants them to reach. So you might feel deprived of spiritual rizq (like tranquility in the heart), but this is a way Allah ‘azza wa jall causes you to be motivated to do more and therefore be elevated even more.

4. Trust in Ar-Razzaaq.
Never commit bad deeds in the name of seeking provision, and trust that all provisions will come from Allah ‘azza wa jal. A beautiful example is the baby raven; when it hatches, it looks white and therefore its mother (black in color) denies it and doesn’t recognize it. Then Ar-Razzaaq sends it insects to feed on until its feathers grow and turn black for its mother to recognize it. As a baby this bird is left forsaken, but Allah sends it its provision. Just as He provided for you when you were in the womb, He will provide for you after you are born.

5. Ponder what Ar-Razzaaq has given you.
Ar-Razzaaq placed us on fertile lands with countless blessings; even without care the green crops grow, flowers blossom, fruits and vegetables come out of the soil, and the blue oceans are bursting with fish. Ar-Razzaaq places the meat of most animals and birds at our service and gives them pure milk and honey. Contemplate your environment and grow your love for Ar-Razzaaq and your will to please Him.

6. Remember the counterparts in the Hereafter.
All the blessings from this world have perfect counterparts in the Hereafter. Remember the food and drinks in Jannah and ask Ar-Razzaaq for them each day. The people of the hellfire will have the most horrific foods and drink; ask Ar-Razzaaq to protect you from these.

7. Use your rizq in the right way.
Be trustworthy with Allah’s provisions; don’t seek haram means; this also prevents your supplications from being answered. One of the things that prevent your rizq from reaching you is your sin. So if you see people disobeying Allah who have material rizq, Ar-Razzaaq may have denied them their spiritual rizq, which is much worse.

8. Learn how to increase your rizq!
In the Quran and Sunnah ways are mentioned for you to increase your rizq; look out for them. Examples are striving for taqwa, praying with khushoo’, having tawakkul (reliance on Allah), upholding the ties of kinship, being thankful, asking for forgiveness and repenting, giving charity, and reading the Quran. When Fatima radiyallahu ‘anha complained to the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam about her heavy work, he said: Shall I direct you to something better than what you have requested? When you go to bed say ‘Subhan Allah’ thirty-three times, ‘Alhamdulillah’ thirty three times, and Allahu Akbar’ thirty four times, for that is better for you than a servant. [Al-Bukharee] Benefit from this advice.

O Allah, Ar-Razzaaq, we know that You are the one and only Provider. Make us of those who are content with Your provisions, guide us to work hard and use Your provisions wisely, and make us ponder them. Lead us to deeds that increase Your rizq and enter us into Your gardens by Your rahmah so we can enjoin the best of Your provisions, ameen!

And Allah knows best.

The Understand Quran Academy Team

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