Still Struggling Financially Before Eid? Abandon These 5 Habits
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - In Islam, rezeki (sustenance) is any form of provision from Allah to His creation, not only in the form of wealth or material goods, but also health, knowledge, time, family, peace of mind, and opportunities to do good.
Sustenance is believed to be predetermined by Allah, but humans are still commanded to strive (make an effort) in a halal (permissible) way and with trust in Allah.
Citing Islamic Finance Guru (IFG), there are several habits that can reduce blessings in one’s wealth. When blessings decrease, sustenance feels scarce even though it may appear sufficient in nominal terms. Here are five habits that are said to hinder the arrival of sustenance according to Islamic teachings:
- Consuming Haram (forbidden) or Dubious Wealth
Islam emphasizes the importance of halal and clean sources of income. Income from haram or questionable transactions is believed to eliminate blessings.
The Prophet Muhammad SAW once mentioned a person who prayed earnestly, but his food, drink, and clothing came from haram sources. In such a situation, prayers are difficult to be answered. And the message is clear, which is to improve financial matters and ensure that the wealth spent comes from a halal source.
- Neglecting to Pay Zakat
Zakat is not just a social obligation, but also a form of purification of wealth. Literally, Zakat means “to cleanse” and “to grow”.
Ignoring Zakat not only has the potential to reduce the blessings of wealth, but is also said to have serious consequences in the afterlife.
In a hadith, it is mentioned that the wealth of those who do not pay Zakat can become a source of punishment for them on the Day of Judgment. Therefore, Muslims who are able are obliged to calculate and pay Zakat every year.
- Engaging in Riba (Interest)
Riba or interest in lending transactions is strictly prohibited in Islam. The Quran mentions severe threats for those who engage in riba.
Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 275 that those who return to riba will be among the inhabitants of hell.
“Those who consume interest do not stand on the Day of Judgment except as one stands who is being made mad by Satan’s touch. That is because they said,”Indeed, the trade and the interest are the same, but Allah has made the trade lawful and the interest unlawful.” So whoever comes to his Lord having done wrong, then he will be recompensed with double. (QS 2:275).”
Therefore, Muslims are encouraged to review their financial transactions, including bank accounts, to ensure that they are not involved in interest-based practices. If they have already received interest, it is recommended to purify it by channeling it to charity without the intention of giving alms.
- Being Wasteful and Excessive
Islam encourages a moderate lifestyle and prohibits wastefulness. Excessive spending, a consumerist lifestyle, and buying things outside of needs can erode blessings.
The Quran in Surah Al-A’raf verse 31 states that Allah does not like those who are wasteful.
This means that it is not forbidden to enjoy wealth, but there needs to be control and healthy management so as not to fall into wasteful behavior.
- Failing to Fulfill Financial Obligations
Delaying payment of debts, denying financial promises, or being dishonest in transactions is also said to eliminate blessings.
The Prophet Muhammad said that two parties in a transaction will be blessed if they are honest and open. Conversely, if they lie or hide something, the blessings of the transaction will be lost.
Integrity in financial matters is an important part of maintaining blessings.