Summary of Letter:
Respected Mufti Saheb
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh
In reply to my previous letter, Hadhrat advised me not to regard any particular avenue of rizq as the only door through which sustenance can be acquired. From this it appears to me that perhaps I will not get back my civil service job. Hadhrat! I was earning Rs1100,00. If I had remained employed, by the time I would have retired I would have earned approximately Rs400000 (rupees). Upon retirement a further lump sum would have been given to me. All this has been snatched from me due to a small mistake. Hadhrat! I have six young children. I desperately need your dua that I get my job back.
Summary of Reply:
Bismihi Ta’ala
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh
Firmly embed this fact in your heart that one’s sustenance has been decreed by Allah Ta`ala. You will certainly receive whatever is destined for you. It is reported in the Hadith: “No person will die until he completely receives his sustenance.” The one who trusts in Allah Ta`ala, Allah Ta`ala opens up the doors of sustenance for him and grants him from such sources that he could not imagine. This is explained in the aayah wherein Allah Ta`ala says: “The one who fears Allah, Allah will make a way out for him (from his problem) and grant him sustenance from sources that he did not imagine.”
If something is not decreed for one, one will NEVER receive it. Furthermore, one’s needs are fulfilled with the blessings of Allah Ta`ala. The fulfilment of needs is not dependant on excess wealth. I have seen many people who, despite earning thousands every month, cannot make ends meet. They are steeped in debts and are constantly in worry. Often they are not in the position to pay for basic medical treatment for their families. Despite what they earn they cannot afford their own home, or pay for their children’s education or even afford their own vehicle.
Likewise, I have also seen people who earn hardly anything, or in some cases, nothing. Yet they are comfortable and happy. They have nothing in their houses for tomorrow, but they also have no concern and worry. Their conviction is that the One who gave us food today will give us tomorrow as well.
Therefore, I once again have the same advice for you – DO NOT REGARD the Rs 1100 job as your sustainer. Do not specify a particular avenue of rizq for yourself and then insist upon Allah Ta`ala to grant it to you only from that avenue. Consider carefully that if you do get the Rs1100 job, but at the same time get saddled with such expenses wherein the entire Rs1100 gets spent, what benefit will there be in such income?
Was Salaam (Ramadhaan 1407/1985) (Maktoobaat, vol.4)