With time moving faster than it used to and many of us struggling to find time for what matters to us, it is wise to look to Islam for the answers. Undoubtedly time will move faster than it used to, yet there is always a way to add blessings to your time and wealth, such that one feels satiated with what one has done with one’s time and wealth. In this article, we discuss six ways Muslims can increase Barakah in their time and wealth. But before we do that, let us explore what Barakah means.
What is Barakah
According to the renowned Persian scholar, Raghib al-Isfahani, Barakah refers to things like “growth”, “increase” and “happiness”. It is when divine goodness reaches something, which cannot be calculated or easily perceived by other people. In other words, it is when something contains within it an incomprehensible divine increase from Allah.
Now that we know the meaning, let us explore the six main ways of increasing – or restoring – Barakah in our time and wealth.
Begin Early
This is a simple tip, yet one that many of us find extremely difficult. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “O Allah, bless my nation in their early morning.” [Jami Tirmidhi] Whatever he did, he started early. In fact, Allah also swears by two times – the beginning of the day and the end of the day as people are either waking up or winding down. These are two times when Muslims should be racing forward to get done as much as possible.
Be Grateful
There is no increase in one’s wealth or one’s time without being grateful to Allah for what He has already bestowed us with. In fact, being grateful is the primary way of increasing what blessings we already have, as Allah mentions, “If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more.” [14:7] Whilst one can be thankful by simply uttering the word Alhamdulillah, real gratitude surpasses mere utterance and is done by being grateful for one’s time, wealth and health. Express your gratitude by giving. Express gratitude by spending time helping someone that may need help. Express gratitude by volunteering for a good cause whilst you are healthy.
Avoiding Sins
Just as good deeds can invite blessings into our lives, sinning can remove blessings from our lives. If we sin, we should immediately repent to Allah for our wrongdoings which will prevent any reduction of blessings in our lives. To invite Barakah into our time and wealth, we must exert as much effort as possible into being conscious of Allah and reducing any wrongdoings in our lives. Whether that’s backbiting, wrongful gazing, swearing or lying, all these things can tarnish our identity as Muslims and prevent any Barakah from entering our lives.
Give Sadaqah
The more you give, the more you get. Sadaqah does not decrease one’s wealth as the Prophet ﷺ mentions in a hadith, ”Charity does not decrease wealth.” [Sahih Muslim] Muslims who spend in the way of Allah – on the poor, religious establishments, and also by spending on their families – find that they always seem to have enough – or more than enough – to keep them going. Even those with less who spend often find themselves with enough wealth for themselves and others.
Recite The Quran
Surah Baqarah is a specific Surah Muslims should recite if they are searching for Barakah in their lives. The entire Quran itself is Barakah and its recitation only brings forth immense blessings. The Quran is a powerful way to not only remember Allah, but also a great way to remember many stories of the prophets and be reminded of the timely prescriptions that Allah has provided us with if we’re searching for Barakah in our lives.
Maintain Family Ties
In a beautiful hadith, the Prophet ﷺ mentioned, “Whoever is pleased to have his provision expanded and his life span extended, let him keep good relations with his family.” [Sahih Bukhari] This is a Sunnah that is too often neglected, which has sadly resulted in broken families and divided siblings. To restore Barakah into our lives again, let us restore our relationships with our family members and maintain this as long as we are in this world. The reward for this? Provisions and life span expanded. Now, who doesn’t want those things?
Main Image Credit: Moritz Kindler [Unsplash]
Juber Ahmed is our Digital Editor and travel enthusiast with a keen interest in Islamic history and heritage. He travels with his wife to various places around the world and writes about his experiences.
Juber's favourite Quote...
"The World Is a Book and Those Who Do Not Travel Read Only One Page" [Saint Augustine]
