Is Sustenance Effort or Destiny? This Is How We Understand It from the Quran and Sunnah
A discussion on the relationship between faith and concern for sustenance, featuring Islamic teachings.
The program "Days of Allah" on Al Jazeera discussed the pressing issue of people's anxiety regarding sustenance, juxtaposed with divine promise and earthly struggles. Dr. Mohammed Abdul Karim, the Secretary-General of the Union of Muslim Scholars, highlighted the link between this anxiety and a person's belief and certainty in God. He warned that Satan exploits this fear, leading individuals to rush towards unethical means of earning. He cited the Quran, specifically Surah Al-Baqarah, where it states that Satan promises poverty and encourages wrongdoing.
Dr. Abdul Karim emphasized a critical theological point: understanding that 'God is the Provider, the Strong and Wise' (Quran, Surah Adh-Dhariyat, Verse 58) can break this anxiety cycle, provided that individuals also take lawful actions in their pursuits without humiliation or despair. Furthermore, he indicated that sustenance, according to Quranic conceptions, extends beyond mere financial wealth, encompassing wellness, guidance, knowledge, good character, and social acceptance.
Finally, the discussion acknowledged that God may withhold certain types of sustenance to compensate individuals with other, better-suited forms. This perspective was supported by various stories from the Quran and Hadith illustrating that an abundance of sustenance is not necessarily a sign of divine favor. The conversation captured significant public interest, reflecting the ongoing struggle many face regarding the understanding of sustenance in a faith context.