what is Rizq?

By Athar Mudasir 

Rizq is often understood as wealth, but in the Islamic context, it encompasses all forms of provision. This includes food, clothing, health, knowledge, happiness, and spiritual fulfillment. It is a divine blessing, and Muslims are reminded to always seek it through halal means and to rely on Allah for both their material and spiritual needs.

As per Islamic teachings, Allah has written the sustenance for each of His creations before they are even born. While hard work is essential, trust in Allah’s plan and making dua for rizq allows believers to receive provision in ways beyond their efforts.

The Importance of Making Dua for Rizq

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught his followers to make dua for their needs, including their rizq. Dua is an essential act of worship and a way to seek Allah’s blessings and mercy. It shows reliance on Allah, who is the ultimate Provider, and asking Him for rizq ensures that it comes in a way that is beneficial and full of barakah (blessings).

The Prophet (ﷺ) also said: 

“Whoever would like his rizq (provision) to be abundant and his lifespan to be extended, let him uphold his ties of kinship” [Bukhari, Muslim]. 

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Duas for Rizq from the Quran and Sunnah

1. Dua from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201)

“Rabbana aatina fiddunya hasanatan wafil akhirati hasanatan waqina adhabannaar.” 

Translation: 

“Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” 

2. Dua for Halal Rizq

“Allahumma inni as’aluka min fadlika.” 

Translation: 

“O Allah, I ask for Your favor.” 

This is a short yet powerful dua asking Allah for provision that comes from His grace, ensuring that it is halal and blessed.

3. Dua of Prophet Musa (Quran 28:24)

“Rabbi inni lima anzalta ilayya min khayrin faqir.”

Translation: 

“My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need.”

This was the dua that Prophet Musa (AS) made when he was in desperate need of sustenance. It is a beautiful and humble request for Allah’s provision, acknowledging His power and mercy.

4. Dua from Hadith for Wealth and Guidance

“Allahumma-ighfir li, warhamni, wa-hdini, wa ‘afini, warzuqni.” 

Translation: 

“O Allah! Forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, guard me against harm, and provide me with sustenance.” 

This dua encompasses asking for forgiveness, mercy, guidance, protection, and rizq, making it a comprehensive supplication for all aspects of life.

5. Dua for Sustenance with Barakah

“Allahumma inni as’aluka ‘Ilman naafi’an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan.” 

Translation: 

“O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is of benefit, a good provision, and deeds that will be accepted.” 

This dua combines the request for beneficial knowledge, halal sustenance, and good deeds, highlighting the importance of barakah in every aspect of life.

Actions that Increase Rizq

While making dua is essential, certain actions are also recommended in Islam to attract barakah in rizq. Combining these with regular supplications can lead to an increase in sustenance.

1. Upholding Family Ties

As mentioned in the hadith, maintaining good relations with family members (Silat-ur-Rahm) is one of the most effective ways to increase rizq. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized that being kind and supportive of one’s relatives can lead to abundant sustenance and a longer life.

2. Gratitude (Shukr)

Allah promises in the Quran: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]” (Quran 14:7). 

Being grateful for what you already have, no matter how little, can lead to an increase in blessings. This gratitude can be shown through acts of worship, helping others, and avoiding wastage.

3. Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfar)

Regularly seeking forgiveness (istighfar) is another powerful way to increase rizq. In Surah Nuh (71:10-12), Allah says: “Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in continuing showers and give you increase in wealth and children.” 

This shows the strong link between istighfar and an increase in sustenance.

4. Charity (Sadaqah)

Giving in charity is another way to increase rizq. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Charity does not decrease wealth” [Muslim]. 

Giving charity with a sincere heart not only purifies your wealth but also attracts more blessings from Allah.

5. Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)

Trusting in Allah and His plans is crucial when seeking rizq. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, you would be provided for like the birds: they go out hungry in the morning and return full in the evening” [Al-Tirmidhi]. 

Working hard and then placing complete trust in Allah ensures that sustenance will come in unexpected ways.

Conclusion

In Islam, rizq is more than just wealth; it includes all forms of blessings from Allah. By making dua, upholding good family relations, being grateful, and engaging in charitable acts, Muslims can increase their rizq and receive it with barakah. 

Cultural Patience vs. Islamic Patience: A Comparative Analysis

By Athar Mudasir

Patience is a universal virtue, but its meaning and application can differ significantly based on cultural and religious perspectives. In many societies, patience is often understood as passive resignation—enduring difficulties without resistance or initiative. In contrast, Islamic patience (Ṣabr) is an active and dynamic quality that involves endurance, resilience, and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges. This article explores the differences between cultural patience (passive resignation) and Islamic patience (active endurance), highlighting their implications in personal, social, and spiritual contexts.

Cultural Patience: Passive Resignation

In various cultures, patience is often associated with passive endurance—accepting hardships, oppression, or difficulties without resistance. This form of patience manifests in different ways:

1. Fatalistic Acceptance: Some cultures promote the idea that suffering is inevitable and that individuals should accept their fate without attempting to change their circumstances.

2. Avoidance of Confrontation: Many societies emphasize avoiding conflict, even at the cost of personal dignity or justice. People are encouraged to "wait and hope" rather than take action.

3. Social Conformity: In some communities, patience is used as a tool for maintaining the status quo. Individuals are discouraged from questioning authority or seeking justice under the pretense of being “patient.”

4. Emotional Suppression: People may be advised to suppress their emotions and grievances, leading to internal distress rather than constructive resolution.

While cultural patience may prevent unnecessary conflicts, it can also lead to stagnation, injustice, and the suppression of rightful struggles for change.

Islamic Patience: Active Endurance and Resilience

In contrast, Islamic patience (Ṣabr) is not about passive suffering but about active resilience, perseverance, and reliance on Allah. Islam teaches that patience is a means of spiritual growth and worldly success, requiring a balance between endurance and action.

1. Patience in Worship (Ṣabr ‘ala Ṭā‘ah): This involves maintaining consistency in prayers, fasting, and acts of worship, even when facing difficulties. It is an active commitment to faith.

2. Patience in Avoiding Sin (Ṣabr ‘an al-Ma‘ṣiyah): True patience means resisting temptations and staying steadfast in righteousness, even when sinful actions appear easy or tempting.

3. Patience in Hardship (Ṣabr ‘ala al-Balā’): Islam does not promote passive suffering but encourages believers to seek solutions, make efforts, and trust in Allah's wisdom. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified this in his struggles against oppression while remaining steadfast in his mission.

4. Seeking Justice with Patience: The Qur’an emphasizes that patience should not mean tolerating injustice. Instead, it encourages standing up for truth while enduring hardships with faith.

The Prophet (PBUH) and his companions faced extreme persecution in Makkah but did not passively resign to their fate. They endured suffering with faith, strategy, and perseverance, ultimately leading to the victory of Islam in Madinah.

Conclusion

While cultural patience often leads to passive resignation and acceptance of unfavorable circumstances, Islamic patience promotes active endurance, resilience, and faith-driven action. True Islamic patience is about striving for positive change while trusting in Allah’s wisdom and justice. It is a dynamic force that empowers individuals to endure hardships, seek justice, and remain steadfast in their faith.

Ultimately, the choice between cultural and Islamic patience shapes how individuals and societies respond to challenges. Islam encourages believers to be patient yet proactive, enduring yet resilient, and hopeful yet persistent in all aspects of life.

Trauma and social cohesion

By Athar Mudasir 

Trauma a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that lasts for ages and generations with an immersive impact on a person's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. 

Its tenticals are spread to varied aspects of life and deeply impacts ones reactive and decision making. In such situations a Nobel person becomes volatile before the people and suffers lonilness, estrangement and annihilation from loved and associated people. 

The incident or set of events forming experiences brings a person to crunch in a narrow and conceited life style and thinking. Thus marking its enslavement with limited role in family and society. 

The problem now arise is it transfer it's state of exhaustion and mental structure to its decidents. The future gets stuck in past and present becomes stagnant. This condition at mass level is mouthwatering for the patriarchal social cohesion and political enclave to thrive on decayed mental corpse.

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Oh blessed one: A Prophet's Journey

By Athar Mudasir 

The heavens danced on your arrival.

Birds viped elephants.

Palaces shock and crack.

A radiant light descends in the middle of earth.

Thy presence brought abundance wherever it resided.

A revelation, a message divine,

Arrived on his shoulders,

From the heavens above, a celestial sign.

With courage and faith, he spread the decree,

Undeterred by trials, steadfast and free.

In Mecca’s heart, a city carving stones,  

Muhammad was born, the final prophet known.  

A merchant of truth, with a heart pure and bright,  

Guiding the lost from darkness to light.

To Medina he traveled, the city of peace,  

Where Islam would flourish, its blessings increase.  

A community united, believers as one,  

Building a nation, where justice would be done.

A battle of faith, a test of their will,

At Badr they triumphed, their spirits to fill.

A victory for Islam, a sign from above,

Strengthening their belief and their unwavering love.

A journey to Jerusalem, a vision profound,  

A meeting with prophets from all lands around.  

A celestial ascent, a testament to his might,  

A beacon of hope, illuminating the night.

A life well-lived, a legacy fully told,

The prophet of Islam, a story to uphold.

His teachings, a guide for all time,

Inspiring the faithful, a beacon divine.

The Perils of Overconfidence: From Excitement to Delusion and Myth

BY ATHAR MUDASIR

Overconfidence, often fueled by excessive excitement, can be a double-edged sword. While it can drive innovation and achievement, it can also lead to a slippery slope towards delusion and myth. When unchecked, these delusions can pave the way for misguided decisions and actions, ultimately leading to wrong paths.

The Path to Delusion

Overconfidence can blind us to the potential pitfalls and limitations of our plans. When we become overly excited about an idea or project, we may downplay risks, ignore dissenting opinions, and overestimate our abilities. This can create a distorted view of reality, leading to delusions about our chances of success.

For example, a startup founder may become so convinced of their revolutionary product that they fail to recognize the competitive landscape or the challenges of scaling the business. Similarly, a political leader might believe so strongly in their ideology that they disregard the concerns of their constituents and pursue policies that are ultimately harmful.

The Birth of Myth

Delusions can often give rise to myths, which are exaggerated or false stories that are widely believed. These myths can be perpetuated through word of mouth, media, or even religious or cultural traditions. Once a myth takes hold, it can be difficult to dispel, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

The history of human civilization is littered with examples of myths that have had profound and lasting consequences. The belief in a flat Earth, for instance, hindered exploration and scientific progress for centuries. Similarly, the myth of racial superiority has fueled discrimination, violence, and oppression.

The Wrong Path

Delusions and myths can lead to misguided decisions and actions that have negative consequences. For example, a company that believes it is invincible may make reckless investments or engage in unethical practices. A government that is misled by false information may pursue policies that harm its citizens or destabilise the region.

Moreover, delusions and myths can create a self-fulfilling prophecy. If people believe that something is inevitable or impossible, they may behave in ways that make it more likely to come true. For example, a fear of economic collapse can lead to panic buying and hoarding, which can actually trigger a recession.

In conclusion, overconfidence can be a powerful force, but it must be tempered with a healthy dose of scepticism and critical thinking. By recognizing the dangers of delusion and myth, we can avoid making costly mistakes and stay on the right path.

The Vicious Grip of Drug Abuse.

The vicious Grip of Drug Abuse.

Drug abuse, a seemingly simple term, masks a complex and devastating issue. It is an umbrella of evil which covers most aspects of human life and its institutions. It not only devours the consumer and It's bad choices; it's a disease that hijacks the brain, dismantles lives, and tears at the fabric of communities.

But what makes it so evil? 

The insidious nature of drug abuse lies in its ability to exploit vulnerabilities. It thrives in the shadows, preying on those seeking comfort, escape, or belonging. It's a dark pit, once fallen takes ages and lives to come out from it. 

Here's how drug abuse reveals its malevolent character:

Brain Deception: Drugs manipulate the brain's reward system, flooding it with pleasure chemicals like dopamine. This creates a powerful reinforcement loop, making users crave the drug to re-experience the "high." Over time, the brain's natural reward system weakens, making everyday life feel dull and unfulfilling without the drug. It forms the need of the body rather than now a desire.

Relentless Dependence: As tolerance builds, users need increasingly higher doses to achieve the thirst effect. This fuels a vicious cycle of abuse, robbing individuals of their autonomy and control. Person loses control over his anger, reaction and behavior.

 

Health Havoc: From organ damage to mental illness, the physical and psychological toll of drug abuse is immense. Weakened immune systems leave users susceptible to infections, while mental health can suffer from anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis. The person is continuously in exhaustion and suffering.

Social Devastation: Drug abuse severs connections. Relationships deteriorate as trust crumbles and finances dwindle. Families bear the brunt of the emotional and financial strain, while communities grapple with an increase in crime and violence. A son or daughter turns into a thief in his own home.

Stolen Futures: Drug abuse steals potential. Education, careers, and dreams fall by the wayside. The path to recovery is arduous, and some may never fully reclaim the lives they once had. 

Drug abuse isn't evil because of a single act; it's the relentless grip it takes on individuals, families, and communities as a whole. It leaves no aspect of society which doesn't get damaged. 

It's a darkness that promises escape but delivers a cage. 

However, there is hope. Effective treatment programs, strong support systems, and open conversations about mental health can help individuals break free. By shedding light on the true face of drug abuse, we can build a future where recovery is the norm, not the exception. People need to come together to form solutions and take personal responsibility to stop 🛑 any form of drug abuse.

@Athar Mudasir, in the interest of general public.

On the Scales of Duties and Obligations

By Athar mudasir

On the Scales of Duties and Obligations

Jonah ran from the town,
Thinking, being upright, he ran out of sight,
To levy wrath on the town.

On the scales of criterion—right and wrong—
The ship got stuck in the high 🌊 tide.

On the ⚖️ scales of reason and logic of men,
Jonah is the one
Who was sacrificed to save the boat ⛵🌊.

Thrown in the raging sea,
Panting and struggling between the waves,
Bubbles engulfed him—
Suddenly, dark curtains rose all around like walls.

Looking toward the sky,
The blue 🔵 sky turned 🌑 black.
He slipped deep inside the fish 🐋.

In the depths of sea and fish,
He listened to the sounds of the deep.
And there he realized—
Being a prophet, why was he abandoned?

Doing his duty,
He questioned why?

This is the difference between a commoner and prophet.
He listened to the cries of the great fish,
The praise they send in the darkest oceans.

There he realized the darkness—
Of his heart, of the fish, and of the sea.

He knew why.
He knew—
He flew.