5 ways to increase earnings

One of the blessings that Allah has given His servants is money. Most of us are preoccupied with the seeking of money to an extent we almost forgotten the reason of our existence that is to “serve Allah”. How many times have you heard, “Money does not buy happiness”? Lots of times, right? 

Our culture sends us two very conflicting messages about money. The first, a message that tells us money is everything. We feel jealous when we see a house bigger than ours, a car newer than our car and etc. Then, there’s the completely opposite message, the one that treats wealth – and the wealthy – with suspicion, that works hard to teach us NOT to envy them, to see the limitations that wealth has and the potential trouble it can cause. In some families, it gets to the point of feeling that money is somehow dirty, that it’s not a proper topic for conversation, that flaunting what you've got is tacky and that being poor is almost a virtue. 

Whatever we feel about money, people with money, or the pursuit of money, can we at least agree that money IS important because of 5 reasons:

1. Having money means that you will not be poor and you’ll be able to fulfill all the five pillars of Islam. 
2. It enables you to have more control over your life, more freedom to carve out your own path and less constraints on your choices. 
3. It means being able to give your children the best education, the best health care and the best start in life. 
4. It enables you to give back to your community, to pick the charities and causes you believe in and support them. 
5. Having money enables you to live life to the fullest, enjoy adventures and textures and tastes of the world. 

I would like to share 5 ways to increase earnings taken from Yasir Qadhi's book, "15 Ways to increase your earnings from Quran and Sunnah". This book compiles a short treatise explaining the manner in which Qur'an and Sunnah describes how Muslims could treat wealth and ways to increase their earnings.

1. The Taqwa of Allah

And for those who fear Allah, He (ever) prepares a way out (from every difficulty). And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish his purpose: verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion. [At-Talaaq: 2-3]

2. Seeking forgiveness and repentance

(And to preach thus), Seek ye the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance; that He may grant you enjoyment, good (and true), for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding grace on all who abound in merit! But if ye turn away, then I fear for you the penalty of a great day. [Hud: 3]

3. Tawakkal

If only they had been content with what Allah and His Messenger gave them, and had said, "Sufficient unto us is Allah. Allah and His Messenger will soon give us of His bounty: to Allah do we turn our hopes!" (that would have been the right course) [At-Taubah: 59]

4. Thanking Allah

And remember! your Lord caused to be declared (publicly): "If ye are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you; But if ye show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed." [Ibrahim: 7]

5. Spending in the Way of Allah

Say: "Verily my Lord enlarges and restricts the Sustenance to such of his servants as He pleases: and nothing do ye spend in the least (in His cause) but He replaces it: for He is the Best of those who grant Sustenance. [Saba':39]

Lastly, let's ponder on this quote: “Wealth consists not in having great possessions but in having few wants”. Having few wants is probably the best insurance against greediness, because it’s human nature to want more, and the more you have, the more you want. It’s a never-ending cycle. 

May Allah give us peace of mind, contentment, happiness and freedom from worries and anxiety.