Trust in Ar-Razzaq: How Nikah Unlocks the Doors to Sustenance
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
One of the most significant milestones in a Muslim’s life is Nikah (marriage). It is a beautiful Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), a means of completing half our deen, and the foundation of a righteous family. Yet, for many, the thought of marriage is accompanied by a wave of anxiety, with one question echoing louder than others: “How will I afford it?”
In a world that often measures stability by bank balances, it is easy to let financial fears delay or even deter us from this blessed union. We worry about the expenses of a wedding, the responsibility of maintaining a household, and the costs of raising children. However, as Muslims, our perspective must be rooted not in worldly calculations alone, but in the unwavering promises of Allah, Ar-Razzaq (The Provider).
The Quran and Sunnah, as understood by the righteous predecessors (the Salaf-us-Saalih), are clear and reassuring: Nikah, when undertaken with the right intention, is not a financial burden but a means of increasing sustenance and inviting the blessings of Allah.
The Unmistakable Promise of Allah Ta’ala
The most direct and powerful assurance comes from the Book of Allah itself. In Surah Nur, Allah Ta’ala gives a clear command and a promise:
“And marry the unmarried among you and the righteous among your male slaves and female slaves. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Surah An-Nur, 24:32)
Reflect upon the beauty of this ayah. Allah does not say, “Marry only when you are rich.” He commands us to facilitate marriage and then addresses the primary concern of poverty head-on with a divine guarantee: “If they are poor, Allah will enrich them.”
This understanding was deeply ingrained in the companions of the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). The great scholar of the Quran, Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma), commented on this verse, saying: “Allah Ta’ala commanded and encouraged them to get married, and he promised them wealth.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)
Indeed, the Caliphs who followed this path held the same conviction. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr As-Siddiq and Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) also made similar statements, reinforcing this belief. Sayyiduna ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab (radiyallahu ‘anhu) expressed his astonishment at those who did not seek abundance through marriage, stating:
“I am amazed at a man who does not seek ghina (wealth and contentment) through Nikah, for indeed Allah has said: ‘If they be poor, Allah will enrich them out of His Bounty.’” (Musannaf ‘Abdur Razzaq)
A successful marriage is built on a foundation of knowledge and taqwa. Understanding the rights and responsibilities bestowed by Allah is crucial for inviting His blessings into your union. Equip yourself with authentic Islamic knowledge before you embark on this journey.
Allah’s Guaranteed Help for Those Who Seek Chastity
The intention behind an action is the cornerstone of its acceptance and reward in Islam. When a person marries with the sincere intention of protecting themselves from haram and preserving their chastity, they earn a special guarantee of assistance from Allah.
Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“There are three whom it is a right upon Allah to help: the warrior in the cause of Allah, the slave who wants to buy his freedom, and the one who gets married seeking chastity.” (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1655 | Graded Hasan)
Subhan’Allah! Imagine being in a category of people for whom Allah’s help is a right (haqq). This Hadith elevates the act of marrying for chastity to the level of striving in the path of Allah. It shifts our focus from stressing over our limited resources to relying on the unlimited support of Al-Wakeel (The Trustee).
Seeking Sustenance in the Sunnah
The guidance of our Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) consistently points towards the blessings hidden within marriage. He encouraged it not just for companionship and procreation, but as a means of attracting wealth.
- Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Marry women, for they will bring wealth.” (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, 16161)
- And in another narration from Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma), he reports that the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Seek sustenance through Nikah.” (Daylami)
While scholars have commented on the chains of some of these narrations, the collective theme is undeniable and powerfully supported by the verse in Surah Nur and the authentic Hadith on seeking chastity. The barakah (blessing) in one’s rizq after marriage is a well-known phenomenon, experienced by countless Muslims throughout history who placed their trust in Allah. This sustenance may come in the form of a better job, unexpected opportunities, or even a deep sense of contentment (qana’ah) with what one has, which itself is a form of immense wealth.
Anxiety and waswasa (whispers from Shaytan) regarding major life decisions can sometimes feel overwhelming. It is a sign of faith to seek guidance and counsel rooted in the Quran and Sunnah to find clarity and peace.
Trust, Tawakkul, and Taking the Means
The promise of increased sustenance through Nikah is not a call for irresponsibility. A believer must have Tawakkul (trust and reliance on Allah) while also “tying their camel” – that is, taking the practical and permissible means to provide for their family.
This means striving to earn a halal income, planning responsibly, and living within one’s means. The barakah comes when our sincere efforts are combined with unshakable faith in Allah’s promise.
Let us abandon the crippling fear of poverty and embrace the certainty of Allah’s bounty. Let us revive this Sunnah with pure intentions, seeking chastity, companionship, and the pleasure of our Lord. When we fulfill our part of the covenant, Allah, the Most Generous, will undoubtedly fulfill His promise.
May Allah grant the unmarried righteous spouses, bless all marriages with love, tranquility, and abundant, halal sustenance. Ameen.
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