Bibi Zainab Dowlut, Author at Destination KSA

Six Ways to Increase Your Rizq

Increasing your blessings, in this life and the next, how to increase rizq .

how to increase rizq in islam

Rizq: Provision is the blessings of this world and of the Hereafter.

One should work, and take up the means to attain his rizq. As always, there are tips from the Qur’an and Sunnah to aid us in this endeavor.

Who is Allah

Over time, people have sought to try to understand the divine being they refer to as ‘god’. They have drawn images, depicted statues and carved idols to whom they devote their acts of worship. Many a times, they have applied this concept to Islam and have expressed confusion as to who Muslims worship.

who is allah in islamic ?

Firstly, it is necessary to know that Islam is the Muslim’s way of life. I say ‘way of life’ and not religion, for islam is not merely a combination of rituals and belief, rather Islam is a system of living; a mode of conduct that affects every aspect of life from the moment one awakes, until he returns to his bed. To define Islam, it is; to submit to the Will of Almighty God. Islam has been the religion of all Prophets and Messengers who obeyed Almighty God and adhered to His commands. Islam is as old as history itself, and has existed since the time of Adam and Eve.

Many would assume that Muhammad (s) was the founder of Islam, or he is himself the god of Muslims. Others would guess that the ‘black box in the middle of the desert’ was the god of Muslims. Muhammad (s) was merely a messenger who instructed the people in the worship of one true god. The black box is called the Ka’bah and is a point of direction for unity amongst Muslims.

The Rights of Muhammad (PBUH)

Belief: To believe in his Prophet hood and to believe that he was sent by Allah as a messenger to mankind.

“So believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Qur’an which We have sent down.” (64:08)

Obedience: To obey him in what he has commanded and abstain from what he has prohibited.

The Prophet said, “All my nation will enter paradise except those who would refuse.’ They asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, who would refuse?’ He replied, ‘Whoever obeys me will enter paradise, whoever disobeyed me has in fact refused.” (Bukhari)

‘Ittibaa’: To emulate his example, and follow his Sunnah (way).

“Say, “If you should love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins.” (3:31)

Love: To love him with respect and admiration, more than loving one’s self and family.

“None of you believes until I become more beloved to him than his parents, children and all of humanity.” (Ibn Majah)

Reverence: To honour and respect him.

“…So they who have believed in him, honoured him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him – it is those who will be the successful.” (7:157)

Seal of Prophets: He is the final messenger; there are no prophets after him.

“Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets.” (33:40)

Tasleem and Salawaat: Sending peace and blessings upon him at the mention of his name.

The Messenger of Allah said, “The miser is the one in whose presence I am mentioned but he does not supplicate for me.” [At- Tirmidhi].

Defence: To defend his honour and reputation and that of his family and companions.

Correct Information: To share the truth about him and to spread correct knowledge.

“Whoever tells a lie against me (intentionally) then let him occupy, his seat in Hellfire.” (Bukhari)

Learning more about him: We can only do the above by learning about him, finding out who he was, what was his message, and what was his mission.

Immense Yourself in Praising Allah

Praise when directed to one who is deserving should not be held back. Who is more deserving of the greatest praise, but our Lord Most High? It is only natural that we praise and exalt Him, for He has created us, created our world, and bestowed upon us many bounties.

The Prophet narrated to us that a servant of Allah once said ‘O Allah, Yours is the Hamd that is suitable for the grace of Your Face and the greatness of Your supreme authority.’ The two angels were confused as to how to write these words. They ascended to Allah and said, ‘O our Lord! A servant has just uttered a statement and we unsure of how to record it for him.’ Allah said, while having more knowledge in what His servant had said, ‘What did my servant say?’ They said, ‘He said, O Allah, Yours is the Hamd that is suitable for the Garcia of Your face and the greatness of Your Supreme authority.’ Allah said to them, write is as my servant has said it, until he meets Me, and then I shall reward him for it. (Ibn Majah)

Wouldn’t you want the angels to do the same for you? How would you feel, if you knew that your words were accepted by Allah, and that he would reward it with something unimaginable?! A wave of emotions would wash over you affecting every part of you, just as the tide washes up on the beach, touching even the tiniest particles of sand.

On another occasion, thirty angels rushed to write down the words of praise uttered by one man directed to his Lord, due to their happiness and the value of these words.

Abu Rifa’ bin Rafi Az-Zuraqi said, ‘one day we were praying behind the Prophet (peace be upon him). When he raised his head from bowing (ruku’) he said, ‘Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him).’ A man behind him said, ‘rabbana wa lakal hamd, hamdan katheeran tayyiban mubarakan feeh’ meaning ‘O our Lord, all praises are for You, many good and blessed praises.’ When the Prophet completed the prayer he asked, who said these words?’ the man replied, ‘I’. The Prophet said, ‘I saw over thirty angels competing to write it first.” (Bukhari)

As humans we bask and thrive on praise, we love it when others admire us, and for Allah is the highest and best of examples. The Prophet is reported to have said,

“Verily, your Lord likes Al Hamd (praise).” (Ahmad and An-Nisa’i)

Such easy, short words. Don’t you anticipate the rewards of Allah? Don’t you desire the pleasure of Allah?
When Ali was asked about ‘Alhamdulilah,’ he said, “a statement that Allah liked for Himself, was pleased with for Himself, and He likes that it be repeated.” (At-Tabari and Tafseer Ibn Kathir)

Immerse yourself in praising Allah; for Alhamdulilah is the best supplication as taught to us by the Prophet PBUH. Repeat these words frequently, for it will bring the pleasure of Allah, and immense rewards. Let Alhamdulilah fill your scales, for ‘hamd’ is a general statement of praise signifying that praise is for Allah, Lord of the Worlds alone, and is not befitting for other than Him. It is a praise that Allah has used for Himself and is beloved to Him, connoting that we too should participate in His praise.

A Guide to Being a Muslim Abroad

You may have already packed your bags as you head off to a well-earned break. Away from home, away from work. Or soon you’ll be packing them. Or this holiday, you may decide to stay at home and just put your feet up as you take a long de-stress.

Well, whatever you are doing this holiday…keep in mind a few guidelines.

You’re an Ambassador: You may not be walking around in a suit or carrying a briefcase, but you are an ambassador for Islam. With the negative image of Muslims painted by the media and all the stereotypes, you need to uphold yourself with dignity and respect. Sadly, many will judge you by your appearance and actions before they get to know you personally.

Mind your manners: Respect those you meet, and the rules of those you meet. No littering, no vandalising. You wouldn’t want to leave behind a bad reputation and risk never being invited back again. The Messenger taught us,

“Nothing is heavier on the believer’s Scale on the Day of Judgment than good character. For indeed Allah, Most High, is angered by the shameless obscene person.” (Al Tirmidhi, Sahih)

Maintain a good Routine: Holidays usually entail sleeping late and waking late, which isn’t a big problem as long as you can wake up on time to catch your flights and visit all the attractions you want to, and most importantly, pray on time. Sleeping late can sometimes mean that waking up for Fajr just doesn’t happen, and if it does, one is half asleep whilst praying. Plus, you don’t want to return home to normality, work and school only to find you are more tired than when you left.

You’re a Muslim: This doesn’t change whilst your away. Allah has legislated certain standards that were illustrated to us by the Messenger PBUH, and we have to live upto them, no matter where we are. You still have to pray on time and adhere to the principles of Islam. There’s no break from our deen, we are constantly on duty, protecting ourselves from the traps of Shaytaan.

Be proud of your identity: With the rise of islamophobia, and attacks on Muslims it’s easy to shy away from who you are. Hold your head up high, and don’t be afraid. Remember Allah has said,

“They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it. It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, although those who associate others with Allah dislike it.” (Surah As-Saff 61:8-9)

This holiday, be on your best behaviour, or as my mum would put it, ‘Enjoy yourself, but don’t forget yourself!’

Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan

Some would look at the above title and think, “hmmmmmph! What benefits do I get? My stomach is aching, I’m starving, thirsty, dizzy, tired, and I can’t go about my usual routines!”

Read on dear readers, read on…

Physical Benefits

Let’s begin with the physical benefits. Fasting is detoxifying to your body. Your body clears itself of the excess fat reserves, and stored food. Oxford anaesthetist Razeen Mahroof, says “A detoxification process also occurs, because any toxins stored in the body’s fat are dissolved and removed from the body.”

After a heavy meal, it is estimated that your body uses 65% of its energy to break up and digest what you have consumed. By fasting, there is no meal to digest, so the body uses this ‘spare’ energy to mend broken tissues and cells.

Fasting opens the way to healthier eating habits. Eating two fair sized meals a day, in line with the Prophetic Sunnah, can help maintain a healthy weight. Fasting makes it easy to cut out those fatty snacks, and thereby help you to lose weight; it may just be your ticket to achieving that hour glass figure. Remember the Prophet taught us that the worst container a human being can fill is his stomach (Ibn Majah).

Did I forget to mention that it can help you sleep better too? Michaelson et al.’s study in 2003, and found that fasting can get you a better night’s rest.

Credit: muslims4peace.org

Psychological Benefits:

It has been proven to improve brain health. It helps with the homeostatic process of neuronal autophagy, and increases levels of BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor), positively affecting the cognitive part of our brains. Fasting for a few days causes higher levels of endorphins in the blood, which makes us more alert and attentive, and thus an improved state of mental well-being.

Michaelson et al. in 2009 found that fasting alleviates depression and improves anxiety. Other studies have found that it alleviates migraines, and decreases the risk of diseases including ischemic strokes, Huntington’s disease, depression and Alzheimer’s among others.

When one complies with the Prophetic method of fasting, one will find that their mind is clear as one is not occupied with trivial matters. One’s focus when fasting should be to seek the pleasure of Allah, and thus their mind is constantly seeking out ways of achieving Allah’s pleasure.

Spiritual Benefits:

Fasting is not short of these advantages; the rewards are abundant and plentiful. The Prophet told us that Allah has said, “Fasting is for me and I will give reward for it…” (Bukhari). Fasting is a means of drawing closer to Allah, and piling up the rewards.

The doors of heaven are opened during this beautiful time of year, a symbol of Allah’s mercy, indicating that paradise is available for everyone who tries, and who seeks it. Also, Allah has made it easy for you to come closer to Him and maintain the purity of your fast by tying up the devils.

Fasting is a prophetic remedy for the body, mind, heart and soul. I leave you with this hadith to ponder upon,

Credit: darussalam

A month of starvation

Ramadan, a blessed time of year, but often branded as the month of starvation. Many dread the days ahead, fearing the hunger pangs, parched throat, headaches and tiredness. However, Ramadan is more than mere suffering. Its purpose is much deeper. Allah has prescribed fasting for us so that we can reconnect, and become better people.

Allah says in the Qur’an,

Credits: holyquranquotes.tumblr.com

The underlying reason for fasting is to attain righteousness, and piety. As Muslims, we are constantly striving to improve ourselves, to become better human beings, and Ramadan provides an atmosphere where one can improve their character, eating habits and routines. Ramadan is a chance to regain lost discipline and get closer to Allah.

Muslims only fast for daylight hours, meaning the fast begins from dawn and ends at sunset. During the evening, one can enjoy food and drink as much as they please. During winter, this is merely a few hours, however in summer, the fast will be a longer stretch. The good news is that the month of Ramadan is not a consecutive non-stop marathon fast.

Fasting illustrates submission to Allah and His commands. Humans are too often plagued by a sense of control and authority. Engaging in a fast reminds us that it is Allah who is our Sustainer and our Lord, and we are His servants.

Fasting is a humbling experience, which trains the self to consider those who are less fortunate. It depletes haughtiness, as a fasting person realises that he too is vulnerable, that he too experiences pain and hunger. Thus, fasting regulates the ego and quells arrogance.

Whilst fasting pangs of hunger will pinch, and whilst we usually take food for granted; preparing lavish dinners and elaborate five-course meals, there are those who are starving, who go to sleep hungry. We learn to appreciate the blessings of a hot meal, and cold water from the tap. How many, have to walk miles to access a river of dirty water, and how many die from starvation? By fasting, one tastes a little of the pain they feel, and hence we learn to appreciate what we have.

Fasting is a training exercise for one’s character. It strengthens one’s personality as one builds patience and endurance, and enables one to bear difficulties with a better attitude. Fasting softens one’s heart, arousing empathy and inclining one towards good. Its underlying purpose is self-improvement; to train the individual to become a better person holistically.

So, is Ramadan really a month of starvation, or a month of development and enrichment?

Furthermore, many Muslims look forward to the month of Ramadan due the elaborate feasts and delicacies that are specially prepared to begin and break the fast. Is it really a month of starvation? I’ll leave that to you to answer.

Racism in Islam

“Racism is prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior.”

Allah has created each of us uniquely, with different colors, skin textures, voices and physical features. Yet, we all are the descendants of Adam and Hawwa, and are a part of the human population. Racism and discrimination has no place in Islam. Many a times, Allah reminds us to enjoin justice and fairness, and warns us that He is All-Aware and Ever-Seeing of our actions.

“Be just: that is nearer to piety, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.” (Al-Maa’idah 5:8)

Racism is a form of injustice; an oppression against others. It only causes hatred and discord amongst different peoples, leading to corruption.

“And do good as Allah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allah likes not the Mufsidoon (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupt.)” (Al-Qasas 28:77)
All forms of injustices are frowned upon in Islam. The perpetrators of inequity, no matter how small or big, will be recompensed for their actions in full. They should contemplate that they will have to stand before Allah on a coming day and will have to answer for their deeds.

The Prophet made clear Islam’s stance on racism. In his farewell pilgrimage’s sermon, the Prophet addressed the people; included in his speech is the following words, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety (taqwa) and good action.”

No race has any excellence over another. We are all created from the same substance. No color is better than another. We are the same species, from the same ancestors. Color and race is something beyond our control. Rather, it is our deeds and character that differentiate us, and make us stand out. The more we excel in good conduct and morality, the better it makes us.

Narrated Masruq, “We were sitting with `Abdullah bin `Amr who was narrating to us, he said, “Allah’s Messenger used to say, ‘The best among you are the best in character.” (Bukhari)

We should see our colors, skin tones and nationalities as an opportunity for multiculturalism, where we co-exist with others side-by-side sharing our cultures and customs, learning from each other and striving towards goodness.
Allah says in the Quran, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” (Surah Hujurat 49:13)

May Allah aid us in our strife for good deeds and righteous actions.

Exploring and Discoveries in an Islamic Sense

Exploring has always been an excitement-filled acquaintance with new cuisines, cultures, peoples and languages. Adventure and exploring can be done in a variety of strata with discoveries of different worth and import, and the precious acquirement of all discoveries is useful knowledge.

As Socrates says: “The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance.” (469 BC – 399 BC)

However, that what are precious are hardly easy to obtain; yet the pleasure of gaining something precious is unquestionably priceless.

Be it the diamond formation process or scaling the Alps etc., everything requires hard work, dedication and definitely the worth of Islamic knowledge is incomparable. Furthermore, Islam is the religion of knowledge; the first ayah of the Qur’an to be revealed enjoined reading, which is the key to knowledge.

In Islam, knowledge comes before action; there can be no action without knowledge, not to mention the fact that gaining Islamic knowledge is in fact obligatory on every Muslim, as the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: ‘Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.’ (220. Classed as Sahih by Al Albaani in Sahih Sunan Ibn Maajah)

As we embark on our journey to seek Islamic knowledge, we should keep in mind the following hadith, whereby the Messenger (PBUH) said, “He who treads the path in search of (Islamic) knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.” [Sahih Muslim]

Subhan Allah, bingo there we go, a pathway to Jannah.

Knowledge and Taqwa, fear of Allah, may be attained by knowing His signs and creation. The knowledgeable are those who know that, hence Allah praises them by saying (interpretation of the meaning):

“It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah” [Faatir 35:28]

Yet there is no goodness in knowledge, which is not confirmed by action, or words, which are not confirmed by deeds. Hence it is incumbent that we act upon what we learn.

‘Knowledge must come through action; you can have no test which is not fanciful, save by trial.’ (Sophocles, 496 BC – 406 BC, Trachiniae)

In addition to our resolutions, seeking Allah’s help is absolutely essential, for Allah alone can help us in our quest.

Six Ways to Increase Your Rizq

Since a visit to the beach is out of reach, head out to these pools to get your summer cool.

Manahil Women’s Center

A lot of those who grew up in Riyadh learned how to swim at Manahil’s pool. While the center is known for its swimming classes, you can actually go in for dip at SR 50 per day. There’s also the option of taking water classes if doing laps on your own is not your thing.

For: Women and children
Location: Diplomatic Quarters
Type: Indoor lap pool

Diplomatic Quarter Sports Complex

Type: Wave pool

For: Families

Location: Diplomatic Quarters

It’s great for all-year round recreational activities for the family. It’s almost like a resort and you can get access for as long as you get the membership. They have a tennis court as well as a field so it’s perfect for families who like being active.

Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski – Resense Spa

Type: Outdoor

For: Men and Women (Separate pools)

Location: Burj Rafal, King Fahad Rd.

A good choice if you want to bask in the sun and get a tan. We recommend taking this for a quick weekend retreat to make the most of it, since the price starts at SR 299 for a day spa visit. It includes the use of the wet area facilities.

Malaz Swimming Pool

Type: Outdoor

For: Children (swimming lessons – Sat/Mon/Wed), Men (Fri/Sat – mornings), Women and girls above 10 years old (Fri/Sat – afternoons)

Facebook: Malaz-Swimming-Pool

Location: Malaz

Open during the summer season, Malaz Swimming Pool basically offers swimming lessons for children at SR 400. On weekends, they open the pool for men and women through separate morning and afternoon sessions at a rate of SR 50 per person.

Al Yamamah Resort

Type: Water park and wave pools for children, private pools in chalets for families

For: Families

Location: Thumama District

Admittedly, there’s not a lot of water parks in the city and so, while Al Yamamah offers the bare basics, it’s an interesting option for families wanting to have a weekend barbecue/gathering and don’t have their own istrahas (villas). Women won’t get to swim in the park itself but there are chalets you can rent out that are fitted with small pools.

For the record, we do recognize that Splash Island also exists on Exit 9 at the East Ring Road. It has the slides and water play areas for children but we don’t approve of the cleanliness of the place, hence do not recommend it.

Aquatots

Type: Indoor

For: Babies and Children

Instagram: aquatots_ksa

Location: King Fahad Rd.

An international franchise, Aquatots is a swimming school for children that has just opened in Riyadh this month. They’re noteworthy since they’re the first school to teach babies as young as 6-months (a first, it seems from what we’ve heard in the city).

DR Disclaimer/Tip:

We didn’t include the places that are usually exclusive for members or are selective of guests. And for bachelors, you’ve got it so much easier so please help yourself and Google “gyms or hotels with swimming pools.” Unless otherwise stated, it’s usually for guys only.

Six Ways to Increase Your Rizq

how to increase rizq in islam

Who is Allah

who is allah in islamic ?

“Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.” (20:14)

“And to Allah belongs the Dominion of the heavens and earth, and Allah is over all things competent.”(03:189)

The Rights of Muhammad (PBUH)

Immense Yourself in Praising Allah

A Guide to Being a Muslim Abroad