7 Ways to Attain Blessing in all Ramifications
O you who believe! Be you helpers in the cause of Allah as said by Jesus son of Mary to the disciples: who are my helpers in the cause of Allah? The disciples said: “we are Allah’s helpers”. Then a group of the children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So we gave power to those who believed against their enemies and they became the uppermost. — Qur’an 61[As-Saff]:14
The word Barakah is an Arabic term that can be literally interpreted as blessing. To a layman, this is understood as God’s favor that encapsulates protection, guidance and well being. We often strive to be blessed, wish for blessing and even pray for it. The sad story is: blessing is scarce these days — you do not find it among gross people. Many people have wealth, yet it’s not beneficial. Some have kids but don’t see joy in their eyes. In this turbulent time when barakah is lost, we find a restoring pointer in these key points.
- Saying basmallah and indulging in the remembrance of Allah: Mentioning the name of Allah in everything we do induces the blessing, brings satisfaction and guarantees protection. Did you remember the story of Imam Ahmad and the Baker? That’s the way Allah accepts the supplication of one who remembers Him often.
The messenger ﷺ said: if a man enters his home and he mentioned Allah’s name upon entrance and before he starts eating, the devil says to his companions: ‘there is no home nor food for you here’.
2. The early morning hustle: One productive tip confirmed by highly effective people is the morning grind. God has blessed the early hours of the day for this nation of Muhammad ﷺ. This was confirmed when the Holy Prophet ﷺ prayed to Allah to grant abundance to the Ummah in their early mornings:
O Allah, bless my nation in their early mornings (i.e. what they do early in the morning) — Ibn Majah
Indeed in the early hours is blessing for those who strive. And like the German proverb says: the early morning has gold in it’s mouth.
3. Helping the needy: It’s a constant in life — the one who shows mercy is been shown mercy by the All-Merciful. No matter how little the kindness you render, God has a way in blessing you in return. That’s why He asked a rhetorical question in the Qur’an: “Is there any reward for good other than good?” — Qur’an 55[Ar-Rahman]:60
Charity doesn't diminish wealth, rather it increases it. The more you give, the more you get blessed.
Ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah,ﷺ said, “Verily, Allah has people for whom he has assigned blessings to benefit his servants. He consolidates their blessings as long as they offer them to others. If they refuse to give them, he takes them away and directs them to others.”
4. Keeping family ties: This is one of the most neglected of the blissful acts. We sometimes forget our immediate family once we establish a nuclear family. There’s a secret to greatness in keeping family ties.
Narrated Anas ibn Malik: The Messenger of Allah, ﷺ said:“Whoever is pleased to have his provision expanded and his life span extended, then he should keep good relations with his family.”
5. Establishing the prayers timely and adequately: Many Muslims complain of loss of blessing in their business. Yet they take this business superior to the worship of their Creator. Remember Allah is not in need of your prayer. If you do pray, it’s for the benefit of your soul.
And enjoin As-Salat (the prayer) on your family, and be patient in offering them. We ask not of you a provision , We provide for you. And the good end (i.e. Paradise) is for the Pious — Qur’an 20[Taha]:132
6. Having unflinching trust in Allah: If we truly believe in Allah and the last day, we’d have no doubt about the Omnipotence of Allah. This is where the blessing lies; in the belief that God is able to do all things. This doesn’t mean one has to remain idle waiting for manna. The last time manna came from heaven was in the time of Moses and it was abused. So you must strive first, then God will bless your hustle. The prophet puts it clear:
Umar ibn Al-Khattab reported: The Messenger of Allah, ﷺ said: “If you were to rely upon Allah with reliance due to him, then he would provide for you just as he provides for the birds. They go out in the morning with empty stomachs and return full.” — Tirmidhī
7. Making sincere repentance: One of the most beloved deeds to Allah is a sincere repentance from His servant. Allah will not only forgive the one who seeks pardon, He will bless him out of His enormous bounties.
Imam Hasan al Basri -Rahimullaah- mentioned: “That a man complained to him concerning drought so it was said seek forgiveness from Allaah, another complained about inadequate provisions so it was said seek forgiveness from Allah. Yet another person complained about lack of rain for his land so it was said seek forgiveness from Allah. Someone else complained of no offspring so it was said seek forgiveness from Allah. Then one of his students asked why have you recommended the same solution to different challenges? Hasan al Basri then recited to him thus:
“Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send rain from the sky upon you in [continuing] showers and give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.” — Qur’an 71[Nuh]: 10–12
[Taken from: ‘Fath al-Bari’ Chapter: the Best Method of Seeking forgiveness]
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