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The Concept of Sustenance and How It Is Perceived in Islam

Devin Halim Wijaya13 October 2025

5 4 minutes read

Sustenance or rizq in Arabic is far more than just material wealth in Islam. It includes all that Allah ﷻ offers His creation such as opportunities, family, faith, health and knowledge. Every blessing every meal and every breath a person takes are all examples of rizq. Islam offers an expanded spiritual understanding of sustenance in contrast to the materialistic worldview that equates it only with money or material belongings. Sustenance is determined by Allah ﷻ in His wisdom and mercy not just by what one earns via hard work. It illustrates a divine harmony between faith in the Creator and striving in the world.

Also read: The Role of Sustenance and Wealth in Da’wah

The Source of Divine Life

The fact that Allah ﷻ alone is the Provider (Ar-Razzaq) is emphasized numerous times in the Quran. Whatever Allah ﷻ wills all living things—human or otherwise—are given sustenance. The divine plan includes the distribution of wealth and provisions so it is not arbitrary. In the Quran Allah ﷻ says:

“And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register.”
(Qur’an, Hud: 6)

The two main points of this verse are that Allah ﷻ provides sustenance and that it is based on His wisdom and knowledge. Therefore a believer is encouraged to work hard while also understanding that divine will not just hard work is ultimately in control. Envy and anxiety are eliminated by this comprehension. It is forbidden for one person to take anothers sustenance or to postpone it past what Allah ﷻ has ordained. No one gets more or less than what is meant for them.

Also read: Hard Work and It’s Importance in Islam

Keeping Tawakkul (faith in Allah ﷻ) and effort in balance

Islam teaches tawakkul (trust) and ikhtiar (effort) to be perfectly balanced. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “If you were to rely upon Allah ﷻ with true reliance, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds: they go out hungry in the morning and return with full stomachs in the evening.” (Tirmidhi, 2344)

This hadith is a wonderful example of how trust does not equate to passivity. Although birds actively seek food rather than passively waiting for it their hearts are at peace with the knowledge that Allah ﷻ is ultimately the source of provision. Therefore a Muslim must work hard—through education, business employment and legal means—but not allow the desire for material gain to take over their emotions. Neglecting effort is a sign of ingratitude while worrying excessively about money can weaken faith. Sincere effort and putting ones faith in Allah ﷻs will are the keys to finding true balance.

Also read: Tawakkal in Islam: When Surrender Meets Hard Work

Sustenance Expanded Meaning

Rizq in Islamic philosophy goes well beyond monetary gains. It encompasses spiritual insight opportunities for good deeds, family harmony, emotional well-being and even the capacity for worship. Compared to a wealthy person who is stressed out and driven by greed, someone with little money but a happy heart may have more rizq. Muslims are encouraged to be thankful in every situation by this more expansive definition. Look at those below you and not at those above you because this will better enable you to appreciate the favors Allah ﷻ has bestowed upon you contrast to greed which turns plenty into suffering, gratitude makes sustenance a blessing. People start to live with humility, patience and contentment when they realize that Allah ﷻ provides all benefits no matter how minor.

Also read: Turn Wealth into Rewards with Islamic Financial Planning

Lawful Sustenance and the Ethics of Earning

Islam emphasizes the importance of earning ones own sustenance. Usury, theft, bribery and exploitation are examples of illegal (haram) income that are prohibited by the Quran. Even though it might seem plentiful, sustenance obtained through injustice is not a blessing. In contrast, halal earning has moral and spiritual significance. This ethical perspective links moral integrity and material success. Muslims pursue wealth not only for their own benefit but also to fulfill their social obligations to support their families, assist others and advance the welfare of the community. Islam also reminds believers that righteousness and sustenance are related. In the Quran Allah ﷻ says:

“And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah ﷻ is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register.”
(Qur’an, Hud: 6)

Thus the flow of divine provision is directly impacted by morality and faith.

The Foundation of Contentment as Real Wealth

Qana‘ah or contentment is arguably the best example of heart sustenance. While greed makes abundance seem insufficient contentment transforms modest means into abundance. A satisfied believer knows that contentment is determined by how much ones heart is content with what Allah ﷻ has decreed not by how much one owns. In times of plenty such a mindset brings patience in times of scarcity it brings peace. It helps believers stay grounded thankful and focused on using their resources to make Allah ﷻ happy.

In Conclusion

Islam has a very spiritual view of sustenance. According to this teaching rizq can only be obtained from Allah ﷻ it must be pursued legally and its blessing is maintained via thankfulness. Being content with what Allah ﷻ provides is what truly defines wealth not material belongings. Islams message of sustenance—strive without attachment, work without greed and trust without doubt—remains timeless in an era characterized by material pursuits. The provision of the believer is already written its level of blessing is determined by their effort and thankfulness.