Reflections on the Name of Allah: Ar-Razzaq

The Sustainer, The Provider.

 Allah, Most Gracious, provides all of His slaves no matter how numerous they might be.
– If He so desires, He provides any of them abundantly and without limits.
 
– He provides all of His slaves with sustenance regardless of their number or quantity of provision.

(إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الرَّزَّاقُ ذُو الْقُوَّةِ الْمَتِينُ ‎) الذاريات  51: 58

(Indeed, Allah ˹Alone˺ is the Supreme Provider—Lord of all Power, Ever Mighty.) Adh-Dhariat 51: 58

Allah’s provision includes humans as well

وَكَأَيِّن مِّن دَآبَّةٍۢ لَّا تَحْمِلُ رِزْقَهَا ٱللَّهُ يَرْزُقُهَا وَإِيَّاكُمْ ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ

(How many are the creatures that cannot secure their provisions! ˹It is˺ Allah ˹Who˺ provides for them and you ˹as well˺. He is indeed the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.) Al-Ankabut 29:60

  Allah, Most Gracious, provides all of His slaves no matter how numerous they might be.

– If He so desires, He provides any of them abundantly and without limits.
 
– He provides all of His slaves with sustenance regardless of their number or quantity of provision.

provision is of two kinds, material and spiritual, the former is for physical bodily needs while the latter is for spiritual ones. In this context, Allah’s Messenger, (PBUH), says, “If the soul finds its provision, it feels secure.”
Some scholars interpret the word “provision” in the above Prophetic Hadith as spiritual provision.

(There is not any means ˹of sustenance˺ whose reserves We do not hold, only bringing it forth in precise measure.) Al-Hijr 15:21

He who knows that Allah is the Only Provider turns only to Him

Scholars say, “Verily, Allah provides people’s souls and hearts just as He provides their bodies. Provision of the hearts is knowledge and revelation, while provision of the body is food and material sustenance.” 

It is mentioned 1 time in the Holy Quran

Ar-Razzaq: Fostering Reliance and Contentment in Daily Life

The understanding of Allah as Ar-Razzaq, “The Supreme Provider,” instills a deep sense of reliance and contentment in the hearts of believers. Recognizing that Allah is the source of all sustenance encourages Muslims to trust in His provision and timing, regardless of the circumstances they face. This trust helps to alleviate anxiety over material needs and fosters a contented spirit, even in times of scarcity. The Quran reminds us of Allah’s comprehensive provision:

وَكَأَيِّن مِّن دَآبَّةٍۢ لَّا تَحْمِلُ رِزْقَهَا ٱللَّهُ يَرْزُقُهَا وَإِيَّاكُمْ ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ
“How many are the creatures that do not carry their own provisions? Allah provides for them and for you. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” (Al-Ankabut 29:60)

This verse reinforces the belief that Allah’s provision is not limited to humans but extends to all creatures, highlighting His omnipotence and mercy.

Ar-Razzaq: Understanding and Appreciating the Dual Nature of Provision

Ar-Razzaq not only provides for the physical needs of His creations but also nourishes their spiritual needs. This dual provision ensures that while the body is sustained materially, the soul is enriched with knowledge, wisdom, and faith. Recognizing this helps believers appreciate the holistic approach Allah takes in catering to both material and spiritual aspects of life. The balance between these two types of sustenance is crucial for achieving true peace and fulfillment. Allah states in the Quran:

وَمَا مِن دَابَّةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى اللَّهِ رِزْقُهَا
“There is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision…” (Hud 11:6)

This verse underscores that Allah is the provider of all needs, encouraging believers to seek both material sustenance and spiritual growth through prayer, meditation, and learning.

Ar-Razzaq: Promoting Generosity and Responsibility Towards Others

Understanding Allah as Ar-Razzaq also carries implications for how Muslims interact with others in their community. Knowing that Allah is the ultimate provider encourages believers to be generous and to support those in need without fear of losing their own sustenance. This attribute of Allah teaches that true wealth is not diminished by charity. Furthermore, it encourages a sense of responsibility to utilize one’s resources wisely and to aid in the distribution of wealth and knowledge within the community. The Quran advises:

مَثَلُ الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِي كُلِّ سُنبُلَةٍ مِائَةُ حَبَّةٍ
“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.” (Al-Baqarah 2:261)

This verse highlights the exponential reward of giving in charity, inspiring believers to trust in Allah’s provision and to contribute to the welfare of their community.