The Role of Sustenance and Wealth in Da’wah

Devin Halim Wijaya2 January 2025

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A Muslims life is greatly impacted by sustenance or rizq as it is known in Islamic terminology. It includes all of the things that Allah has given us such as money health wisdom and spiritual favors. The Islamic practice of dawah or calling others to Islam is intricately linked to the idea of sustenance. The success and efficacy of da’wah initiatives can be significantly impacted by proper comprehension and application of sustenance. This article examines the function of sustenance and wealth in da’wah from the perspective of Islamic teachings backed by Quranic verses and hadiths.

Sustenance: A Sacred Trust.

The Quran reminds believers that one of Allah’s tests is sustenance. Allah said in Al-qur’an Surah Al-Anfal verse 28:

وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّمَآ أَمۡوَٰلُكُمۡ وَأَوۡلَٰدُكُمۡ فِتۡنَةٞ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥٓ أَجۡرٌ عَظِيمٞ

And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward.

This verse emphasizes that people are entrusted with wealth and resources for moral reasons such as dawah rather than just for their own benefit. When Muslims see their food as a gift from Allah they are inspired to use it for things that will make them more like Him. In addition the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted the importance of wealth when deployed for the greater good like what prophet Muhammad shallallahu alaihi wa sallam said:

واليدُ العُليا خيرٌ من اليدِ السُّفلَى

Giving is a better upper hand than receiving.(Hadith 1427 Sahih Bukhari).

In dawah the upper hand refers to the capacity to effectively promote Islamic causes open doors for others and disseminate the word of Islam.

Using Sustenance to support da’wah.

Unquestionably Sustenance plays a significant role in empowering dawah. In order to set up institutions, print instructional materials, plan programs and reach a variety of audiences, da’wah needs resources. The ability of duaat (callers to Islam) to focus on their mission is strengthened when they are financially stable. an Islamic preacher who is financially independent can make a bigger difference. They can focus their time and efforts on spreading the Islamic message by reducing their personal financial obligations. Additionally financial independence guarantees that duaat can deliver the truth without fear of reliance on outside sources and avoid conflicts of interest. In a similar vein When wealth and sustenance are handled properly it can be used as a spiritual tool rather than just a material possession expanding the application of Islamic teachings.

Also read:The Balance in Spending Wealth: Guidance from Surah Al-Furqan Verse 67

Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu Alaihi was Sallam and His Companions as an Example.

The practical use of sustenance in dawah is illustrated by prophetic instances. The Prophet Muhammad shallallahu alaihi wa sallam frequently exhorted his companions to use their wealth and sustenance to further Islam. An example of total faith in Allah’s provision is Abu Bakr As-Siddiq alaihissalam who is famous for giving away all of his wealth during the Tabuk campaign. Benefit of a givers in Islam is explained by surah Al-Baqarah verse 261:

مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمۡوَٰلَهُمۡ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتۡ سَبۡعَ سَنَابِلَ فِي كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٖ مِّاْئَةُ حَبَّةٖۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُۚ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

Muslims are encouraged to give liberally by this verse which also promises them that their sincerity will be rewarded with an endless supply of blessings from Allah. The relationships between wealth and successful dawah are further demonstrated by the lives of wealthy companions such as Uthman ibn Affan and Abdur-Rahman ibn Auf. Their donations financed important initiatives like the construction of mosques and the distribution of water to the poor both of which were crucial for fostering community and advancing Islam.

Balance between spirit and reality.

Although money is a powerful tool for da’wah Islam promotes moderation. A focus on material wealth that is too great can breed greed or a disregard for ones spiritual responsibilities. The Quran cautions against an overindulgent passion for wealth. Allah said in surah Al-Fajr verse 20:

وَّتُحِبُّوۡنَ الۡمَالَ حُبًّا جَمًّا ؕ‏

And you have a deep affection for wealth.

The Prophet Muhammad shallallahu alaihi wa sallam also issued a warning :

إنَّ لكلِّ أمَّةٍ فتنةً وفتنَةُ أمَّتي المالُ

It is true that every ummah (society) faces a trial and for my ummah that trial is wealth. (Shahih Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 2336).

To keep sustenance a blessing rather than a cause of corruption a balance must be struck between using wealth for dawah and upholding spiritual humility.

Also read:The Islamic Perspective on Wealth and Possession

Sustenances Contemporary Implications for Da’wah.

Da’wah initiatives today face particular difficulties that call for a significant investment of resources. Opportunities like virtual outreach programs multimedia content and online platforms have been made possible by the digital age but they all require financial investment. Wealth and sustenance also directly contributes to the spread of Islam through initiatives like the creation of educational institutions the creation of Islamic literature and the hosting of interfaith discussions. Money can be a transformative force when it is invested carefully. It helps Muslims to contribute to society and confidently represent their faith dispelling myths and fostering peace in the process.

In conclusion

A key factor in the success of dawah is sustenance which can take the shape of money expertise or time. It becomes a way to gain Allahs favor and spread the Islamic message when used sincerely and in accordance with Islamic teachings. The Prophet Muhammad shallallahu alaihi wa sallam and his companions examples along with current debates highlight how crucial financial empowerment is to dawah initiatives. Muslims can enhance their contributions to da’wah and guarantee its efficacy in reaching a variety of communities across the globe by accepting the idea of sustenance as a divine trust.

Also read:The Balance Between Increasing Charity and Safeguarding Personal Wealth