10 ways to Increase Rizq (Sustenance)

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem, a question some of you may have is how do I get more rizq? What can I do to improve my financial situation? Well, with Covid-19 affecting so many of us, this question perhaps is even more pertinent now. Now Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala states in the Holy Qur'an Chapter 51 verse number 58, that he is Ar Razzaq, the one who grants and sustains.

So there are so many recommendations in the Holy Qur'an and the teachings of the Holy Prophet and his Ahlul Bayt, peace be upon them. But here are 10 main ones I have chosen for you.

Number 1 is Sadaqa. That is right. Giving charity is a key to gaining more. Imam Ali, alayhi asalam, in Nahjul Balagha states when you give charity, you obtain rizq.

Once Imam Sadiq, alayhi assalam, told his son Muhammad, how much money do we have? He said 40 dinars. He said, OK, give it in sadaqa. His son said, but we do not have any more. Imam replied the key to rizq is sadaqa and after a few days, Imam received four thousand dinars due to a transaction and said, We gave God 40 dinars and he gave us 4000.

Number 2, being thankful to God and expressing gratitude through words and actions continuously. The Almighty States in the Holy Qur'an ''And when your Lord proclaimed, If you are grateful, I will surely enhance you in blessings"(14:7).

Number 3, Salat ul-Layl the night prayer. Imam Sadiq, alayhi assalam, is narrated to have said: anyone who claims to be praying Salat ul-Layl and is still in need, is a liar. Allah has made Salat ul-Layl, a sustenance for the day. It is 11 units rakats and can be done any time at night. It can be done shorter or even while sitting or lying in bed.

Number 4, Istighfar and asking for forgiveness. This is a Qur'anic prescription. Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala states in Surah Nuh Chapter 71 verses 11 to 13 "Plead to your Lord for forgiveness. Indeed, He is the all forgiver. He will send for you abundant rains from the sky and grant you wealth and children and provide you with gardens and provide you with rivers."(7:11-13)

Number 5, recitation of Surah Waqiya chapter 56 every night. Other chapters of the Holy Qur'an also mentioned in Hadith for continuous rizq include Maryam, Chapter 19, Surah As-Saffat, Chapter 37 and Al-Shams, Chapter 91. It is also recommended to recite Suratul Qadr Chapter 97 one thousand times a day.

Number 6, good relations with kinfolk, Silat ur-Rahm. This has been mentioned in traditions to increase rizq and extend life. Asking about them, visiting them and helping them is highly encouraged.

Number 7, cleanliness and personal hygiene. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his Holy progeny, was once asked what to do to expand one's rizq. He replied, remain on purity (i.e. on Wudhu).

Narrations highlight the need to be in Wudhu whilst eating, for example, Imam Al-Sadiq, alayhi assalam, also recommends wearing clean clothes, smelling good, cleaning the house regularly and ensuring, for example, the front of the house remains clean as well. Similarly, narrations recommend trimming the nails on Fridays and trimming the mustache on that day for men as well.

Number 8, one of the great scholars recommends the following for increased rizq, which he says he has tried and indeed tested it after each obligatory prayer Salah we recite the following. Tasbeeh Fatima Al-Zahra, one time Ayatul Kursi, 3 times Surah Ikhlas, 3 times salawat and to recite the following verses. Chapter 65, verse number two to number three: "…and whoever is careful of (his duty to) Allah, He will make for him an outlet, And give him sustenance from whence he thinks not; and whoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him; surely Allah attains His purpose; Allah indeed has appointed a measure for everything."(65:2-3)

A very effective dua for rizq and hajat recommended by our respected Marajah to recite in Sajdah, both in prayers and other times, is the following "Ya khayr al-mas'uleen wa ya khayr al-maw'teen, irzukni warzuk ayali min fadhlik, fa innaka dhul fadhl il-adheem." O The best of those who are asked, O the best giver, grant me sustenance and grant my family sustenance with your grace. For indeed you are the possessor of great grace.

Number 10, there are a number of other recommendations, such as being trustworthy, praying for others without them knowing, reciting dhikr and Qur'an between Fajr and Sunrise, performing the Daily the Salaat correctly, not speaking whilst in the bathroom except for dhikr, reciting the Azan with the mu'adhdhin, the reciter, and improving Akhlaq have all been mentioned in Hadith for increased risk.

Remember, sometimes it may not be in our interest to gain more wealth or sustenance from God. Contentment coupled with du'a and hope are the best way for us all to attain God's pleasure.