In Islam, there’s a cool thing called “Barakah” that’s super important for making our lives better. It means getting extra special blessings from Allah. You won’t find it in our everyday modern talk, but it’s all over the Quran, which is like our guidebook.
So, what’s Barakah really?
Receiving more isn’t just about accumulating stuff; it’s akin to receiving an invisible power-up from Allah that enhances every aspect of our lives. It’s not centered on tallying possessions; instead, it revolves around cultivating a positive inner feeling.
Because things have changed. We don’t always think about the special stuff; instead, we focus on what we can see and touch. This makes us forget about the cool connection between us and Allah.
Imagine this: it’s like having a superpower, but we forget we have it because we’re too busy with everyday things.
So, how do we fix it?
Well, that’s what we’re going to talk about.
We’ll figure out why we lost this super cool connection and how we can get it back. We’ll look at what the Quran and Sunnah say about Barakah. It’s like going on a treasure hunt to find something really special.
Stick around, and let’s explore together how to make our lives more awesome with Barakah!
1. Understanding Barakah
The concept aligns with the ancient Arabian practice of camels kneeling, symbolizing a divine favor and the status of the owner. The term’s association with ponds and lakes implies a blessed possession in arid regions. The kneeling of a camel is also linked to human reverence during worship, though the commonality in meaning remains linguistic.
Barakah, attributed to God as “the Self-Blessed,” manifests through speech or action. Muslims view it as a beneficent force of divine origin, bringing abundance and happiness. This gift from God can take various forms, including knowledge, wisdom, skills, wealth, health, or family.
The divine blessing is not limited to the physical realm but encompasses spiritual aspects, with God being described as the “Self-Blessed.” Barakah signifies a favorable disposition between the blesser and the blessed, manifesting through benedictions or benefactions. This concept serves as a cornerstone in understanding God’s grace and the interconnectedness of blessings in various aspects of life.
In summary, barakah, deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, transcends the material realm, acting as a divine force that brings prosperity, abundance, and happiness to those chosen by God. It is a concept intricately woven into the fabric of Islamic faith and practice, shaping the understanding of blessings in both the temporal and spiritual dimensions.
Defining Barakah
The word “barakah” means good things like growth, happiness, and extra good stuff. It comes from the word “b-r-k,” and some think it’s connected to camels kneeling or being lucky. For Arabs, it shows divine favor and being rich.
Muslims believe “barakah” is a special gift from God, making people happy or giving them good things like knowledge or health. The Qur’an talks about it being linked to places, times, and things.
In simple words, “barakah” is like a special power that brings good things, and it’s an important idea in Islam.
Quranic Verses
Explore specific Quranic verses that mention barakah and decipher the wisdom embedded in these sacred texts.
عَلَ فِيهَا رَوَٰسِيَ مِن فَوۡقِهَا وَبَٰرَكَ فِيهَا وَقَدَّرَ فِيهَآ أَقۡوَٰتَهَا فِيٓ أَرۡبَعَةِ أَيَّامٖ سَوَآءٗ لِّلسَّآئِلِينَ
(Quran 10:52)
And He placed on the earth firmly set mountains over its surface, and He blessed it and determined therein its [creatures’] sustenance in four days without distinction – for [the information] of those who ask.
قِیلَ یَـٰنُوحُ ٱهۡبِطۡ بِسَلَـٰمࣲ مِّنَّا وَبَرَكَـٰتٍ عَلَیۡكَ وَعَلَىٰۤ أُمَمࣲ مِّمَّن مَّعَكَۚ وَأُمَمࣱ سَنُمَتِّعُهُمۡ ثُمَّیَمَسُّهُم مِّنَّا عَذَابٌ أَلِیمࣱ
(Quran 11:48)
It was said (unto him): O Noah! Go thou down (from the mountain) with peace from Us and blessings upon thee and some nations (that will spring) from those with thee. (There will be others) nations unto whom We shall give enjoyment a long while and then a painful doom from Us will overtake them
Exploring the Prophet’s (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) Teachings on Barakah
The life of Prophet Muhammad (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) was a living example of “barakah” – divine blessings permeating his words, deeds, and entire existence. His teachings highlight occasions that attract and dispel these blessings, influencing both the quality and quantity of one’s material and spiritual life.
The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) was meticulous about the use of the term “barakah,” disapproving of names like “Elevated” or “Prosperous.” This emphasizes his concern for the meaningful application of the concept. Several teachings illustrate the avenues to attract “barakah”:
When the Messenger of Allah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) faced persecution from the polytheists of Makkah, Allah (subḥānahū wa taʿālā) commanded Him:
فَٱصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ ٱلشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ ٱلْغُرُوبِ
(Quran 50:39)
“…Endure with patience what they say, and glorify and praise your Lord before sunrise and before sunset.”
This means that in tough times, we should be patient and remember Allah in the morning and evening. We should talk to Allah, praising Him when the day starts and when it’s about to end.
When we do this, we notice the world changing from night to day and day to night. It’s like feeling Allah’s power. Our hearts feel calm and think about Allah more during these times.
Doing tasbih (praising Allah) is good at these times, along with praying at night, so we can be happy. When we talk to Allah, we feel close to Him, and that makes us calm and sure that Allah is helping and protecting us. So, being happy is like a reward for talking to Allah and doing good things.
Journey to Allah in these two times:
The Messenger of Allah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: “Journey to Allah in the morning, the evening, and a part of the night…” (Bukhārī)
This means we should do good things in the morning, evening, and a bit at night. It’s like traveling to Allah by doing what Allah likes. This is mentioned in many parts of the Quran, like when it says:
وَٱذْكُرِ ٱسْمَ رَبِّكَ بُكْرَةًۭ وَأَصِيلًۭا – وَٱذْكُرِ ٱسْمَ رَبِّكَ بُكْرَةًۭ وَأَصِيلًۭا
(Quran 76:25-26)
“Remember the Name of your Lord in the morning and the evening. And during some parts of the night, prostrate before Him, and glorify Him throughout the long night.”
In the morning and evening, we can do the prayers we have to do and some extra good things. And at night, we can ask Allah for forgiveness.
Engaging in prayers and other virtuous acts from sunrise to sunset qualifies us as one of those special individuals.
Additionally, performing good deeds at the end of the night implies that we’ve been virtuous throughout all three time periods. Sincerely committing to this may lead us to attain the ultimate reward:
Protect Yourself from All Evil:
Doing these good things protects us from bad things like sickness, worry, sadness, devils, the evil eye, and magic.
It’s like wearing a strong coat made of talking to Allah and asking for forgiveness. The thicker our coat, the safer we are. It’s so strong that if someone tries to harm us, it might hurt them instead.
Remember, talking to Allah in the morning and evening is like a shield that keeps us safe.
2. Fajr Prayer: The Foundation
In the rich fabric of practicing Islam, Fajr prayer acts as a crucial and unifying thread, akin to the foundation of a building. Unveiling its significance in the early morning’s tranquil moments, this prayer becomes a golden opportunity, as observed in the Prophet’s daily routine. It offers a chance to forge a deep connection with Allah, resembling a precious moment with a loved one. Beyond a mere routine, Fajr prayer stands as an extraordinary opportunity to draw close to Allah, inviting abundant blessings. Let’s delve into the enchantment of Fajr prayer, exploring the grace it imparts to our lives.
The Spiritual Impact
When you stand for Fajr, it’s not just about moving your body; it’s like you’re opening a direct line to connect with Allah. The Prophet, peace be upon him, was aware of this secret, and he took deliberate steps to commence his day with this special connection.
The Magic Unveiled
Now, here’s where the magic happens – when you sincerely offer your Fajr prayer, it’s like filling your day with light. It’s not just any light; it’s the spiritual kind that brightens everything you do. The Prophet’s (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) life, a whole day wrapped in devotion, showed us that this early morning ritual isn’t just a routine; it’s a way to supercharge your day with positive vibes.
Creating Deep Connections
You see, the Fajr prayer isn’t just about asking for things; it’s about creating a deep connection with the Divine. And when you’re connected like that, it’s like having a secret ingredient in everything you touch throughout the day. The Prophet’s (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) life story is a guidebook, and in A Day in the Life of the Prophet, you find the blueprint for filling each moment with barakah through the magical key of Fajr prayer.
Dhikr: Remembrance of Allah
Dhikr means remembering Allah, and it’s a super special way to make your time extra special. Imagine it like adding a touch of magic to your everyday moments.
Dhikr Anytime, Anywhere
Now, the cool thing about Dhikr is that you can do it anywhere, anytime. It’s not complicated; it’s like having a heart-to-heart conversation with Allah. A Day in the Life of the Prophet teaches us that the Prophet, (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) was a Dhikr expert. He knew how to sprinkle these moments of remembrance throughout his day.
Turning Ordinary into Extraordinary
Want to know a little secret? Dhikr is a key to turning ordinary time into something extraordinary. In this guide, you’ll learn easy and practical ways to make Dhikr a part of your daily life. It’s like having a special connection with Allah that fills your time with blessings. So, let’s dive in and explore the wonders of Dhikr together!
Infusing Daily Life with Dhikr
Discover how to infuse your daily activities, from work to chores, with the remembrance of Allah. The text teaches us to be patient and remember Allah during tough times, especially in the morning and evening. It says that by doing this, we connect with Allah when the day starts and ends, feeling the changes in the world around us. Remembering Allah during these times brings peace to our hearts.
Following Allah’s Path
The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) encouraged us to follow Allah’s path in the morning, evening, and part of the night. This means doing things that Allah likes. In the morning and evening, we can pray, and at night, we can ask Allah for forgiveness. It tells us that even if we’re not very good at praying at night, we can still ask for forgiveness before sleeping. Following these habits can make us feel close to Allah and protect us from bad things.
4. Acts of Charity
Charity holds a special place in Islam, and the act of giving is a powerful means to invite barakah into your life. Helping those in need is an important way to make a positive impact, and one way to do this is by giving charity.
Blessings in Charity
The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) assured us that when we give charity, our wealth doesn’t decrease; instead, it brings blessings and purifies our wealth. This act not only earns spiritual rewards but also makes us feel happy and positive. According to Imam an-Nawawi, giving charity blesses our wealth and protects us from harm. Even if it seems like we have less for a while, we will be rewarded many times over in the next life.
Abundant Rewards
Allah tells us in the Qur’an that those who give in charity will be rewarded abundantly:
قُلْ إِنَّ رَبِّى يَبْسُطُ ٱلرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦ وَيَقْدِرُ لَهُۥ ۚ وَمَآ أَنفَقْتُم مِّن شَىْءٍۢ فَهُوَ يُخْلِفُهُۥ ۖ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ ٱلرَّٰزِقِينَ
(Quran, 34:39)
“My Lord enlarges the provision for whom He wills of His slaves, and (also) restricts (it) for him, and whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allah’s Cause), He will compensate it. And He is the Best of providers.”
Allah promises to multiply the reward for charity up to 700 times:
مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍۢ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍۢ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَـٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ
(Quran, 2:261)
“The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.”
Halal Income
It’s important to ensure that your income is earned in a halal (permissible) way, following Islamic guidelines. This includes not only how you earn money but also who you work for and how the money is sourced.
Honesty in Transactions
The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) emphasized the importance of honesty in business transactions. He said,
“The two parties of a transaction have the right (to annul the contract) as long as they do not separate (from each other). So, if they were truthful (to one another) and honest in explaining (the defects of an item), then they would be blessed in their transaction. But, if they lied and hid (the defects of an item), then the blessings of their transaction are destroyed.” (Muslim)
Provision from the Lawful
The companion Ibn Abbas (radia allho anh) warned against taking prohibited means for income, stating,
“There is no believer or sinner but that Allah Almighty has decreed his provision from the lawful. If he is patient until it comes to him, Allah will give it to him. If he becomes anxious and consumes something from the unlawful, Allah will decrease his provision from the lawful.” (Hilyat al-Awliya)
5. Seeking Knowledge
Understanding religion is the most valuable knowledge in the eyes of Allah.
Muawiya narrated that Allah’s Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, “If Allah (S.W.T) wants to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion…” (Sahih Bukhari).
Elevated by Knowledge
أَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمْ تَفَسَّحُوا۟ فِى ٱلْمَجَـٰلِسِ فَٱفْسَحُوا۟ يَفْسَحِ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۖ وَإِذَا قِيلَ ٱنشُزُوا۟ فَٱنشُزُوا۟ يَرْفَعِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مِنكُمْ وَٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمَ دَرَجَـٰتٍۢ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌۭ
(Quran, 58:11).
“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees…”
Those who sincerely seek knowledge are elevated by Allah. However, when you give your sincerity to other than Allah, it’s like turning your back on Him. This emphasizes the importance of sincerity in the pursuit of knowledge.
Sincerity Brings Blessings
Working on sincerity day and night leads to increased Barakah. The sincere seeker of knowledge is blessed in life, wealth, and happiness. Even with limited resources, such a person may be perceived as wealthy due to Allah’s blessings.
Ash-Shakoor’s Blessings
With sincere intentions, Allah, ash-Shakoor (The Most Appreciative), showers one with sweetness in the heart and blessings in this life. Sincerity brings Barakah in knowledge, allowing a deeper understanding of familiar texts, such as the Qur’an.
Sincerity in Da’wah
Clearing intentions is crucial in every action, including Da’wah. Responding with sincerity is better than engaging in quarrels that mix personal gain with the cause of Da’wah. Defending the cause, not the person, is emphasized.
Regret of Insincere Knowledge
When knowledge is devoid of sincerity, it becomes regretful, causing more harm than help. Seeking knowledge is not for gaining followers, impressing others, or personal motives. The transformation brought by knowledge should be reflected in actions, attitudes, and appearance.
Seriousness in Seeking Knowledge
Taking knowledge seriously is emphasized by the warning that the first to go to Hell is an ‘Aalim (scholar). Seeking knowledge is not to be taken lightly; it requires careful consideration and sincerity.
6. Gratitude and patience
Remember when our Lord said, ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more.’ Gratitude is a powerful source of blessings, and it’s important for believers to cultivate an attitude of thankfulness. In Islam, positive thinking and a life of gratitude are encouraged.
Embracing Positive Thinking
Despite life’s challenges, there is always much to be thankful for. The Quran encourages us to recognize the blessings in our lives and express gratitude to God daily. A life of gratitude leads to an increase in blessings, which can manifest in more of the same, something better, or added blessings (barakah) in what we already have.
Balancing Gratitude and Patience
Some people think we should be grateful in good times and patient in bad times. However, both gratitude and patience are essential at all times. In good times, express thanks for blessings and be patient in doing good deeds. In hardships, be patient with life’s trials and actively seek reasons to be grateful.
Finding Light in Hardship
Finding things to be thankful for during difficulties eases pain, lifts spirits, fights off depression, and keeps us optimistic. Expressing gratitude can be done in various ways.
Expressing Gratitude in Actions
Simply saying “Alḥamdulillah” (all praise is for Allah) for something you’re grateful for is one way. Using blessings in a way that pleases God, such as sharing wealth with others, is another. A significant gesture of gratitude is to prostrate in thanks to God when reflecting on major blessings.
Contentment in Gratitude and Patience
To live contentedly, one must be in a state of gratitude for the good received or patient during affliction. We will all experience both conditions—prosperity and adversity. Neither condition determines ultimate success or failure, as Allah has made it clear in the Quran.
True Success in Gratitude and Patience
True success is being genuinely grateful and patient when needed, demonstrating mindfulness of Allah, and trust in His power and reward in this life and the Hereafter. The beautiful Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) highlighted the wonderful case of a believer. In every situation, whether in prosperity or adversity, there is good for the believer.
Life’s Ultimate Purpose
This exclusive application to believers emphasizes that life is about knowing and connecting with Allah. Discovering Allah’s Majesty, Power, and Grace takes a lifetime, and this lifetime is an opportunity to know and love Him. The believer understands the temporary nature of this world, avoiding excessive joy in material possessions and undue sadness over what is lacking. Focusing on the material world, which will end, without recognizing the blessings leads to emptiness.
7. Time Management through Salah
- Early Birds Catch the Blessings:
Practical tips for waking up at dawn are provided, portraying early mornings as a tranquil time for self-reflection, spiritual growth, and increased productivity. The quiet moments before the world awakens offer a unique opportunity for personal development.
- Aligning with Prayer Times:
Emphasizes the significance of organizing daily schedules around the five daily prayers.
- Balancing Act – Prioritize and Be Consistent:
It looks at the Prophet’s daily routine as an example. The focus is on the importance of deciding what’s most important and sticking to a regular schedule. By using the Prophet’s timeless wisdom, we learn how to balance our everyday tasks and spiritual responsibilities.
- Seizing the Moment for Good Deeds:
Urgency in performing good deeds is emphasized in Islam to avoid procrastination and unlock transformative rewards., encouraging beginners to view every moment as an opportunity for positive change…
- Respecting Others’ Time:
Respecting the time of others is deeply ingrained in Islamic ethics. Practicing such as delivering concise sermons, fulfilling promises promptly, and punctuality as a means of honoring the time of fellow individuals. It highlights the interconnectedness of individual time management with collective well-being.
- Navigating the Pitfalls Set by Shaytan:
Recognizing the subtle traps laid by Shaytan (Satan) to divert individuals from their obligations and waste time is crucial.Recognizing the subtle traps laid by Shaytan (Satan) to divert individuals from their obligations and waste time is crucial.
- Seeking Guidance Through Du’a:
The spiritual dimension of time management is explored through the supplications of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam). infusing a sense of purpose into daily activities. Regular supplication becomes a compass guiding one through the journey of life.
In Conclusion:
In its conclusion, the guide encapsulates its teachings in ten practical steps for effective time management. It emphasizes the critical importance of understanding life’s purpose, maintaining consistent supplications, and integrating Islamic principles seamlessly into daily life. By adhering to these teachings, beginners can embark on a transformative journey towards purposeful living, where worldly and spiritual pursuits align in a harmonious balance, guided by the timeless principles of Islam.