Four Practices for Increased Blessings and Sustenance

Every person seeks blessings (barakah) and sustenance (rizq) in life, whether in wealth, health, time, or peace of mind. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (May Allah have mercy on him) mentioned four powerful practices that can open the doors of blessings and increase sustenance:

1. Night Prayer (Qiyām al-Layl)
2. Frequent Supplication at Dawn (Istighfār in the early morning hours)
3. Consistent Charity (Sadaqah)
4. Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr in the morning and evening)

By incorporating these practices into our daily routine, we invite divine blessings, contentment, and prosperity into our lives.

1. Night Prayer (Qiyām al-Layl)

Praying in the stillness of the night is one of the greatest ways to attain closeness to Allah and seek His blessings. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” (Muslim)

Allah describes the righteous believers:

وَبِٱلْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ

“And in the hours before dawn, they seek forgiveness.” (Sūrah Adh-Dhāriyat 51:18)

Night prayer strengthens the soul, purifies the heart, and is a means of sustenance, both spiritual and material. It is a secret between the servant and his Lord, one that brings barakah into all aspects of life.

The Prophet ﷺ encouraged us:

“Hold fast to the night prayer, for it is the practice of the righteous before you. It brings you closer to your Lord, expiates sins, prevents wrongdoing, and drives away illness from the body.” (Tirmidhī)

2. Frequent Supplication at Dawn (Istighfār in the early morning hours)

Seeking forgiveness from Allah, especially before dawn, is a practice of the pious. Allah praises those who do so:

وَبِٱلْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ

“And they seek forgiveness before dawn.” (Surah Adh-Dhāriyat 51:18)

The Prophet ﷺ also taught:

“Whoever seeks forgiveness abundantly, Allah will grant him relief from every worry, a way out of every difficulty, and will provide for him from sources he never expected.” (Abu Dāwūd, Ibn Mājah)

When we sincerely turn to Allah at dawn, we acknowledge our dependence on Him. This humility and sincerity invite blessings into our lives in ways we cannot imagine.

3. Consistent Charity (Sadaqah)

Giving charity regularly is a means of purification and an avenue for increasing sustenance. Allah promises:

مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ یُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِی سَبِیلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِی كُلِّ سُنبُلَةٍۢ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍۢ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ یُضَٰعِفُ لِمَن یَشَآءُ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِیمٌ

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears; in each ear is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is All-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261)

The Prophet ﷺ reassured us:

“Charity does not decrease wealth.” (Muslim)

When we give for the sake of Allah, we are actually increasing our wealth, not diminishing it. Allah replaces what is given with something even better.

4. Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr in the Morning and Evening)

Regular remembrance of Allah brings peace, contentment, and barakah in life. Allah tells us:

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَىٕنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَىٕنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ

“Those who believe and whose hearts find tranquility in the remembrance of Allah. Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Surah Ar-Raʿd 13:28)

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The one who remembers his Lord and the one who does not are like the living and the dead.” (Bukhārī & Muslim)

By engaging in morning and evening dhikr, we protect ourselves from harm, attract divine mercy, and increase our provisions. The Prophet ﷺ taught us various supplications to recite at these times, ensuring that we remain connected to Allah throughout the day.

By consistently practicing these four actions—praying at night, seeking forgiveness at dawn, giving charity, and remembering Allah—we open the doors to barakah in all aspects of our lives. 

These are not just rituals; they are powerful means of drawing closer to Allah and ensuring both spiritual and worldly success.