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In Thy name, we live
Episode 5: Ar-Razzak (The Superb Provider)
In the name of Allah, The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful, all praises be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. All Prayers and Blessings of Allah be upon the Messenger of Allah (SAWS). Today we will say, “In Thy name, we live, O Superb Provider”. Allah says what can be translated as, “Surely Allah is The Superb Provider, The Owner of Power, The Ever-Pervading” (TMQ, 51:58). The aim of this episode is that you completely trust in the fact that your sustenance is in the hands of Allah. Let us agree on two points to come away with from this episode: never take any money unlawfully, and never humiliate yourself for the sake of your livelihood. Your sustenance is guaranteed by “The Superb Provider”.
The episode consists of five central points:
1) The meaning of the name of Allah, “The Superb Provider”
2) “The Superb Provider” in the Qur’an
3) “The Superb Provider” and contemplation of the universe
4) Does sustenance here mean only money (material provisions)?
5) What “The Superb Provider” wants from us
The meaning of the name:
“The Superb Provider” means the One who created sustenance and the One responsible for ensuring that it reaches its recipient; each and every creature receives its preordained share. In the Qu’ran it is always “The Superb Provider” and never “The Provider”. The provider may or may not give, or may give some and not others, but “The Superb Provider” is much more comprehensive; He provides for the obedient and the sinful, the believers and the rejecters of faith, the good and the bad. He not only provides for all human beings, but all creatures, too. Allah (TWT) says what can be translated as, “And in no way is there any beast in the earth except that its provision (depends) on Allah” (TMQ, 11:6).
Allah has obliged Himself to provide for all beings, and yet nowadays, our countries are full of people who cheat and take what does not belong to them. I know that people are suffering and there is a lot of poverty, but never take anything that is not rightfully yours, never humiliate yourself for the sake of some more money, no matter what; know and trust that your sustenance will reach you.
“The Superb Provider” in the Qur’an:
Allah says what can be translated as, “Say, “Is it true that indeed you surely disbelieve in (The One) Who created the earth in two days, and do you set up compeers to Him?” That is The Lord of the worlds. And He made therein anchorages (i.e., mountains) from above it, and He blessed it, and determined therein its nourishments in four days, equal to the questioners. Thereafter He leveled Himself (How He did so is beyond human understanding) to the heaven (while) it was smoke, then said to it and to the earth, “Come up (you two) willingly (Or: in obedience ) or unwillingly!” They (both) said, “We come up willingly.” (TMQ, 41:9-11). Thus, sustenance was measured, before we were created. He also says, “Allah is (He) Who created you; thereafter He provided for you; thereafter He will cause you to die; thereafter He will give you life” (TMQ, 30:40), ‘provided’ here is in the past tense since it is already accomplished; you have already been provided for. Young people, if all those around you are taking money unlawfully and humiliating themselves for it, do not be like that, so that there may still be hope. Believe that He is “The Superb Provider” and act accordingly. Allah says what can be translated as, “And in the heaven is your provision and whatever you are promised. So by The Lord of the heaven and the earth, surely it is indeed true as (it is true) that you (can) pronounce (your languages).”(TMQ, 51:22-23). He also says, “Or even who is this that will provide for you in case He holds back His provision? No indeed, (but) they still insist on (their) rebellion and repulsion” (TMQ, 67:21). I am not asking you not to deal with people, of course you will since you work with them. However, be proud and never humiliate yourself, because as the Prophet (SAWS) said, it is all preordained.
The Superb Provider and contemplation of the universe:
In the Qur’an, the name, “The Superb Provider” is usually associated with the name, “The Creator”. At school we all studied the water cycle; the seas, the sun, and the clouds, but never with Allah in mind. Consider it now, in a new light, to get to know “The Superb Provider”. He says what can be translated as, “And We have made a glowing luminary. And We have sent down from the clouds (i.e., rain clouds) pressing forth water cascading” (TMQ, 78:13-14) “Have you not seen that Allah wafts clouds, thereafter joins them together, thereafter makes them accumulated” (TMQ, 24:43) “….till when they carry heavy clouds, We drive it (i.e., the clouds) to a dead land; then We therewith send down water; so We bring out therewith products of all (kinds.” (TMQ, 7:57) It is a miracle; a whole factory created to make water for you to drink. The rain comes down to a predestined place because it is destined for a certain person, in a certain place, to drink. That is why Allah says, “Have you then seen the water you drink? Is it you who have sent it down from the rainy clouds or are We, Ever We, The Senders down? If We had (so) decided, We would have made it bitter” (TMQ, 56:68-70). Do you still not believe and trust that Allah is The Superb Provider?
Does sustenance mean only material provisions?
The warmth of the sun, a virtuous neighbor, and a righteous child are all examples of Allah’s blessings. Allah provides for us in many ways much better than money. We are made up of both body and soul. Sustenance for the body is food, drink, clothes, marriage, and so on. However, sustenance for the soul is dua’a (supplication), praying, reciting Qur’an, Ramadan, and so forth. Do not neglect the soul’s sustenance for the sake of the body.
What “The Superb Provider” wants from us:
Firstly, beware of unlawful money. O young people, please have faith that our countries will improve. Your supplication will never be answered if you pursue unlawful money.
Secondly, have self-esteem. A ruler, who wanted to win over a scholar, went to him in the mosque and asked him if he needed anything. The pious scholar replied that he dare not ask anything from anyone while he was in the house of Allah. Thus, the ruler waited until the scholar came out of the mosque to ask him again if he needed anything. The scholar asked the ruler whether he meant something in this worldly life or the hereafter. The ruler then said that he did not own the hereafter; he was offering something in this wordly life. The scholar answered that he did not ask for anything from the One who owns it, so how could he ask from he who did not own it?! Can you have this kind of self-esteem?
Thirdly, endeavor, make an effort, and work hard. If you do not you will incur Allah’s wrath for He created all this for you. The pilgrims perform sa'i which refers to the endeavors made by Lady Hajar (AS) when searching for water. Now, sa’i is part of our worship to remind us of how a woman sought sustenance. She did not give up until Allah (SWT) provided for her by sending Jibril (AS) (Gabriel) to dig a well beneath the feet of baby Isma’il (AS) (Ishmael). See how worship and seeking sustenace complete each other in Islam?
The final point in this episode is for the wealthy. Allah has given you money to spend on the poor. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “…and expend of that to which He has made you successors” (TMQ, 57:7). Allah has ordered us to give zakat (mandatory alms-giving) as it is the right of the needy. If the rich gave their zakat properly, there would not be needy or poor people in the Muslim community.
Today we have two practical assignments. The first is to give sadaqa (a charitable deed) in order to make the poor love and have faith in “The Superb Provider”. The second is to enable the people to know and love Allah; tell them about the most beautiful names of Allah.
The meaning of the Superb Provider will be continued tomorrow, if Allah wills.
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