Ever wondered why some with seemingly lesser means lead a life of greater contentment and abundance? The secret lies not just in the accumulation of wealth, but in the ‘Barakah’ (blessings) of the wealth.
We live in a fast-paced world where success is often measured by the digits in our bank account, the car in the driveway, or the size of our home. Yet, there are moments when even with an abundance of wealth, contentment is elusive.
Have you ever felt that no matter how much you earn, it’s never enough? Or wondered why some with seemingly lesser means lead a life of greater contentment and abundance? The secret lies not just in the accumulation of wealth, but in the ‘Barakah’ (blessings) of the wealth.
Here are some ways you can attain Barakah in your wealth:
1. Avoid consuming Haram earnings
The Prophet SAW mentioned a man, who had journeyed far, is dishevelled and dusty, and who spreads out his hands to the sky saying, “O Lord! O Lord!” while his food is haram, his drink is haram, his clothing is haram, and he has been nourished with haram, so how can [his supplication] be answered?” [Muslim]
Consuming Haram wealth takes away from the Barakah of one’s earnings. It is crucial to ensure that the line of work that we do does not contradict Islam, thereby ensuring that the wealth is pure.
2. Paying your Zakat
Zakat, meaning purification, is the third pillar of Islam and is obligatory upon every Muslim who meets the Nisab amount. Paying Zakat is a means of purifying our wealth, and increasing the Barakah behind it.
Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said “Whoever is made wealthy by Allah and does not pay the Zakat of his wealth, then on the Day of Resurrection his wealth will be made like a bald-headed poisonous male snake with two black spots over the eyes. The snake will encircle his neck and bite his cheeks and say, ‘I am your wealth, I am your treasure.’ (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This Hadith is a reminder that neglecting to fulfil this obligation will diminish the Barakah in our wealth and punishment in the hereafter.
3. Not wasting wealth
Islam advises against lavish spending, overindulgence, and unnecessary waste, as these can diminish the Barakah, in one’s wealth. Islam promotes balanced living and is against irresponsible financial behaviours.
As stated in the Quran: “O children of Adam, take your adornment [i.e., wear your clothing] at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.” (Quran 7:31)
4. Avoid Riba
Engaging in financial dealings that involve the accrual or payment of interest is considered Haram in Islam.
The severity of riba is emphasised in the Quran where Allah SWT says, “…those who engage in usurious practices will endure an everlasting punishment in the Fire” (Quran 2:275).
It’s prudent to regularly check your financial records to ensure there’s no interest accumulation. Any accrued interest should be calculated and given away as a means of cleansing one’s wealth. Ensuring that your wealth is pure is important to attaining Barakah.
In our relentless pursuit of more, it’s easy to forget that true wealth doesn’t always manifest as digits on our bank accounts. It’s found through true contentment which can only be found if there is Barakah in our wealth.’
