9 Ways to Increase Barakah in Your Life
Barakah is Allah SWT’s blessings. It is His divine power -- something that grows beyond measure, beyond ordinary expectations. Barakah can show its miraculous capability in all facets of one’s life – achieving more in less time, getting sustenance from sources you least expected, spending less on groceries, while still having a full fridge, Subhan'Allah.
We all want Allah SWT's Barakah in our lives. Below are some ways that can increase Barakah.
1. Read the Quran
Allah SWT says in the Quran:
“And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning." (Surah Al-A'raf Verse 96)
These quotes reiterate the importance of reading the Quran, understanding it, and more importantly acting upon its teachings. Oftentimes, we don’t read the Holy Book ourselves, obtaining knowledge from other sources which might not be authentic.
2. Be God-fearing
Allah (SWT) says, “Whosoever is conscious of Allah, He makes for them a way out [of any difficulty] and provides for them sustenance from whence they cannot conceive.” [al-Qur’an, 65:2-3].
Before engaging with people or carrying out any task, remember God is watching your every action. Be conscious of Allah’s presence in your life, and Allah will bless you in this life and in the hereafter InshAllah.
3. Place your Trust in Allah SWT
It is important to realize that God has complete control. You should not rely on any person – everything exists because of Allah’s blessing. Remember, Allah (SWT) is the ultimate provider and sustainer, looking out for you every step of the way.
4. Give Sadaqah
Allah SWT says in the Quran: “Verily those who give sadaqah, men, and women, and lend Allah a goodly loan, it shall be increased manifold, and theirs shall be an honorable good reward (Paradise)”. [Quran 57:18].
This verse from the Quran relays the importance of giving charity and helping the underprivileged. Offering charity can increase your wealth, and Sadaqah can be a pathway to Paradise.
5. Make a Halal Living
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reiterated, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “O people, Allah is Good and only accepts that which is good. Allah commanded the pious to follow the same commandments as He gave to the Messengers.
It is important that your line of work is lawful and ethical. Loyalty and honesty are paramount. Unethical practices including bribery, cheating, and deception should be avoided at all costs.
6. Eat Halal Food
In the Quran, it is written: "O you who believe, Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you with, and be grateful to Allah if it is indeed Him who you worship," (2:172). From this Surah, we come to understand the importance of following Allah SWT's commands when it comes to the food we consume.
"O (you) Messengers! Eat of the Tayyibaat and do righteous deeds. Verily, I am well acquainted with what you do' [al-Mu'minoon 23:51] Allah SWT has repeatedly told us the importance of eating food made permissible only by Him.
7. Start Work in the Morning
We are often so caught up in a rat race to gain worldly pleasures, that we forget the goodness in our lives. We are not grateful for all of Allah’s blessings. Shukur to Allah is so important and can increase Barakah in our lives.
8. Eat Together and Share Food
In a hadith, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“Eat together, for blessing is in Jamma’a (congregation or being together)”
In some families, it is not unusual for members to eat meals at different times. Family members should make it a point to sit together at the dinner table and eat a meal. The blessing of eating together can be monumental. The quote above also emphasizes the importance of feeding others and sharing your meals with the poor.
Let’s do everything to incorporate the lessons of the Quran and the Hadith in our daily lives so we can receive enormous Barakah in this life and in the hereafter InshAllah.
