Seven spiritual avenues that increase wealth

There are many avenues we use to increase our wealth. Some look for jobs, others start businesses, invest or even marry rich! All of these are material methods of increasing wealth, however, as Muslims we also recognise that Allah is The Provider and ultimately all wealth is from Him. Therefore, as Muslims, we shouldn’t forget the many spiritual avenues that increase our wealth(rizq). Some of these include the following:

Seeking forgiveness

Seeking forgiveness, or istighfar, is one of the spiritual avenues that a Muslim can use to increase their wealth (rizq). This is part of the advice that Prophet Nuh عليه السلام gave to his people and is repeated in the Qur’an.

“…then I surely preached to them publicly and privately, saying, ‘Seek your Lord’s forgiveness, for He is truly Most Forgiving. He will shower you with abundant rain, supply you with wealth and children, and give you gardens as well as rivers. What is the matter with you that you are not in awe of the Majesty of Allah…” (Qur’an 71:9-13).

Gratitude

 All human beings have been blessed immensely by Allah. The many blessings and favours from our Creator may not always be apparent as modern society has instilled within us a consumer centric mindset which often brings out the negative human characteristic of greed, jealousy and ingratitude. However, being grateful for His blessings is actually a means of increasing them. He says:

“…if you are grateful, I will surely increase you; but if you are ungrateful, indeed, My punishment is severe.” (Qur’an 14:7).

Developing a sense of gratitude towards our Provider also allows us to develop a deeper connection with Him and fill a gap which can be filled by none but He. Having gratitude has many more benefits besides a mere increase in rizq.

Taqwa

The state of having taqwa, constant awareness of Allah, is another avenue of rizq. Allah says:

“…And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them, and provide for them from sources they could never imagine…” (Qur’an 65:2-3).

Tawakul

Tawakul, is to put your ultimate reliance on Allah. Tawakul means to work your hardest, while remaining convinced that Allah will provide for you what is best for you. Unsurprisingly, an individual who works, and is dependent on The Merciful Provider isn’t disappointed. The Beloved ﷺ taught us that:

“If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, you would be given provision like the birds: They go out hungry in the morning and come back with full bellies in the evening.” (Ibn Majah).

Worship

“Allah says: ‘O son of Adam, devote yourself to My worship, and I will fill your heart with contentment and take care of your poverty; but if you do not do that, then I will fill your heart with worldly concerns and will not take care of your poverty.’” (Ibn Majah).

Supplication

One of the greatest benefits a believer has is the ability to make dua (supplicate) to Allah. The extent of a believer’s supplication is effectively limitless as you are supplicating to the One who can make what seems impossible, possible. Supplicating for wealth is no exception and an act in which there is no shame. There are numerous examples of The Beloved ﷺ as well as our pious predecessors explicitly praying for material wealth in this world.

Charity

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies the reward even more to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.” (Qur’an 2:261).

The returns on giving charity are multiplied many times over. Nonetheless, as with the other factors, charity should be given with sincerity for the sake of Allah.

Allah Knows Best