The Blessings of Wealth and the Spiritual Power of Surah Al-Wāqiʿah
In the journey of life, many of us search for means to attain both sustenance and serenity — not just material gain, but a deeper connection with the Giver of sustenance, Allah ﷻ. Today, we walk a path well-trodden by generations before us: seeking wealth, not as a worldly end, but as a divine blessing that brings us closer to Allah and enables us to serve His creation.
Wealth in Islam: A Trust, Not a Trophy
In Islam, wealth is not condemned; rather, it is honored — provided it is acquired ethically, shared generously, and used to promote justice, compassion, and care. Allah ﷻ says:
وَٱبْتَغِ فِيمَآ ءَاتَىٰكَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلدَّارَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةَ وَلَا تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ ٱلدُّنْيَا ۖ وَأَحْسِن كَمَآ أَحْسَنَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيْكَ
“But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you.”
(Surah Al-Qaṣaṣ 28:77)
One of the means recommended by scholars and practiced by the righteous is the recitation of Surah Al-Wāqiʿah, a chapter known for its profound meanings and association with financial stability and spiritual reflection.
Virtues of Surah Al-Wāqiʿah
A Hadith About Its Recitation
Sayyiduna ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd رضي الله عنه narrated:
“من قرأ سورة الواقعة في كل ليلة لم تصبه فاقة أبدا”
“Whoever recites Surah Al-Wāqiʿah every night will never suffer from poverty.”
(Shuʿab al-Īmān, al-Bayhaqī – classified by some scholars as ḥasan li-ghayrihi)It was also reported that Ibn Masʿūd used to advise his daughters to recite it regularly.
Though there is scholarly discussion around the chain of this narration, it has been widely accepted in practice due to its thematic alignment with Qur’anic encouragement to remember Allah and seek sustenance through spiritual means.¹
Key Benefits of Reciting Surah Al-Wāqiʿah
1. Protection from Poverty
Those who make it a habit to recite Surah Al-Wāqiʿah, especially at night, are promised protection from dire poverty (faqr). The words of Ibn Masʿūd and other companions affirm this blessing.
2. Source of Barakah in Wealth
Surah Al-Wāqiʿah is often referred to as Surah al-Ghināʾ (“The Surah of Wealth”) due to its association with increased rizq (sustenance). The practice of regularly reciting it cultivates mindfulness of Allah’s role as Al-Razzāq (The Provider).
3. Reflection on the Afterlife
More than just material gain, Surah Al-Wāqiʿah reminds us of the transience of this world and the certainty of the Hereafter. It categorizes people into three groups: the foremost (Muqarrabūn), the people of the right (Ashāb al-Yamīn), and the people of the left (Ashāb al-Shimāl) — encouraging us to strive for the highest spiritual rank.
4. Spiritual Healing and Peace
Many who recite this Surah find that it brings inner tranquility, especially in times of financial or emotional distress. It reconnects the heart with divine reality, reminding us that our provision is in Allah’s hands alone.
Listen to Surah Al-Wāqiʿah Online
You can read and listen to the full Surah here:
🔗 Surah Al-Wāqiʿah – Quran.com
You may also download a PDF for daily recitation. Link to download PDF
Please note that these benefits are beliefs held by many individuals, and the spiritual and personal effects of reciting Surah Al-Waqiah may vary from person to person. It is recommended to recite and seek blessings from the Quran with sincerity and a pure heart.
When to Recite Surah Al-Wāqiʿah
While there is no obligatory time for reciting Surah Al-Wāqiʿah, many scholars and early Muslims preferred to recite it at night, following the narration of Ibn Masʿūd. The quietude of the night allows for more sincere reflection and connection.
Practical Tips:
- Recite it after ʿIshāʾ or before sleep.
- Recite with tadabbur (reflection), not just tongue.
- Recite with duʿāʾ at the end asking Allah for ḥalāl rizq.
Certainly. Below is a comprehensive and spiritually grounded article discussing the mentions of wealth in the Qur’an and Sunnah, including its virtues, tests, and causes of increase or decrease according to Islamic tradition.
Wealth in the Qur’an and Sunnah: Blessing, Test, and Responsibility
Wealth (māl) in Islam is viewed not merely as a material possession, but as a trust (amānah) from Allah ﷻ. It is a blessing, a trial, and an opportunity — depending on how one earns it, spends it, and responds to it.
In both the Qur’an and the Sunnah, wealth is addressed frequently, reminding believers of its temporary nature, its potential for good or harm, and the ethical responsibilities it brings.
📖 Wealth as a Blessing and a Sign of Allah’s Provision
Allah ﷻ describes wealth as one of His favors upon mankind:
هُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ ذَلُولًۭا فَٱمْشُوا۟ فِى مَنَاكِبِهَا وَكُلُوا۟ مِن رِّزْقِهِۦ ۖ وَإِلَيْهِ ٱلنُّشُورُ
“It is He who made the earth manageable for you—so traverse its regions and eat of His provision. And to Him is the resurrection.”
— Surah Al-Mulk (67:15)
This verse affirms that seeking provision is not only permissible but encouraged — as long as it’s done within the bounds of ḥalāl.
Wealth As a Test and Responsibility
However, wealth is also described as a trial:
وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّمَآ أَمْوَٰلُكُمْ وَأَوْلَـٰدُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌۭ ۙ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥٓ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌۭ
“Know that your wealth and your children are but a trial, and that with Allah is a great reward.”
— Surah Al-Anfāl (8:28)
We are reminded that wealth can lead to greed, arrogance, or neglect of duties if not checked by faith (taqwā). This is why the Prophet ﷺ said:
“إن لكل أمة فتنة، وفتنة أمتي المال”
“Indeed, every nation has a trial, and the trial of my nation is wealth.”
— Sunan al-Tirmidhī (2336), Ṣaḥīḥ
Causes of Increase in Wealth (Barakah and Rizq)
Islam teaches that wealth is not only earned through effort, but also through spiritual means. Some causes that lead to increase in wealth and blessings (barakah):
1. Tawakkul (Reliance on Allah)
“If you were to rely on Allah as He deserves, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds: they go out hungry in the morning and return full in the evening.”
— Sunan al-Tirmidhī (2344)
2. Taqwa (Consciousness of Allah)
وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُۥ مَخْرَجًۭا • وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ
“Whoever fears Allah — He will make for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect.”
— Surah At-Ṭalāq (65:2-3)
3. Istighfār (Seeking Forgiveness)
The Prophet Nūḥ (ʿalayhi as-salām) told his people:
فَقُلْتُ ٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ غَفَّارًۭا • يُرْسِلِ ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًۭا • وَيُمْدِدْكُم بِأَمْوَٰلٍۢ وَبَنِينَ
“I said, seek forgiveness from your Lord… He will send [rain] from the sky, and give you increase in wealth and children.”
— Surah Nūḥ (71:10–12)
4. Giving Charity (Ṣadaqah)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“ما نقصت صدقة من مال”
“Charity does not decrease wealth.”
— Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (2588)
This Hadith emphasizes that spending for Allah’s sake only multiplies one’s wealth — spiritually and even materially.
Causes of Loss in Wealth
Just as wealth can be increased through righteous action, it can be lost or stripped of blessing due to sinful or neglectful behavior:
1. Earning Through Ḥarām Means
“Any flesh that grows from harām, the Hellfire is more deserving of it.”
— Sunan al-Tirmidhī (614)
Interest (ribā), cheating, and dishonest business practices may yield money, but they strip away barakah and bring spiritual ruin.
2. Ingratitude and Arrogance
وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًۭا قَرْيَةًۭ كَانَتْ ءَامِنَةًۭ مُّطْمَئِنَّةًۭ يَأْتِيهَا رِزْقُهَا رَغَدًۭا مِّن كُلِّ مَكَانٍۢ فَكَفَرَتْ بِأَنْعُمِ ٱللَّهِ فَأَذَٰقَهَا ٱللَّهُ لِبَاسَ ٱلْجُوعِ وَٱلْخَوْفِ
“Allah sets forth the example of a town that was secure and at ease, receiving its provision in abundance, but it denied the favors of Allah — so He made it taste hunger and fear.”
— Surah An-Naḥl (16:112)
3. Neglecting Zakah
Failing to pay zakah is a major sin that can lead to loss in wealth and even punishment in the Hereafter.
“Wealth is not reduced by giving zakat, but wealth kept without giving zakat will be a source of torment.”
— Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Muslim
🕌 What Should We Do With Wealth?
Wealth is a tool — and the Prophet ﷺ warned against being consumed by it. The believer should:
- Earn halal
- Spend moderately
- Save for needs
- Give in charity
- Avoid debt and waste
- Be grateful for blessings
كُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ
“Eat and drink, but do not be excessive. Indeed, He does not love the extravagant.”
— Surah Al-Aʿrāf (7:31)
Dua for Halal Wealth and Barakah
Here is a prophetic duʿāʾ for wealth:
اللَّهُمَّ اكْفِنِي بِحَلَالِكَ عَنْ حَرَامِكَ، وَأَغْنِنِي بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِوَاكَ
“O Allah, suffice me with what You have made ḥalāl instead of what You have made ḥarām, and make me independent of all others besides You.”
— Reported by al-Tirmidhī (3563), ḥasan
Wealth With Taqwa
Wealth is neither inherently good nor bad — it depends on the hands and hearts it resides in. The Qur’an and Sunnah call us to treat it as a gift, a test, and a means to gain Jannah, if used correctly.
Let our goal never be to hoard wealth, but to use it as a bridge to Allah: feeding the poor, supporting the masjid, sponsoring orphans, and living a dignified, moderate life filled with shukr and taqwā.
وَٱلَّذِينَ فِىٓ أَمْوَٰلِهِمْ حَقٌّۭ مَّعْلُومٌۭ • لِّلسَّآئِلِ وَٱلْمَحْرُومِ
“And those in whose wealth there is a recognized right — for the beggar and the deprived.”
— Surah Al-Maʿārij (70:24-25)
Wealth With Purpose
The pursuit of wealth is not shameful, but its purpose must be pure. When wealth is sought to:
- Serve Allah ﷻ
- Provide for one’s family
- Support the poor
- Uplift the Ummah
Then it becomes a form of worship.
Surah Al-Wāqiʿah not only calls us to reflect on the Day of Judgment but also instills contentment, humility, and trust in Allah’s divine decree and provision.
“وَفِي ٱلسَّمَآءِ رِزْقُكُمْ وَمَا تُوعَدُونَ”
“And in the heaven is your provision and whatever you are promised.”
(Surah Al-Dhāriyāt 51:22)
Sources & Further Reading
Sources:
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