Financial hardship can affect every part of our lives. As businesses come under financial strain, inflation, unemployment and unexpected bills can leave us worried about how we will provide for our families. That pressure can affect our sleep, our relationships and our ability to think clearly.
Financial hardship is one of the tests of life
Allah Almighty says:
وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنْفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُمْ مُصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ أُولَٰئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلَوَاتٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُهْتَدُونَ
“We will certainly test you with some fear and hunger, and loss of wealth, lives and crops. But give good news to those who are patient, who, when a calamity strikes them, say, ‘We belong to Allah, and to Him we will return.’ They are the ones who receive blessings and mercy from their Lord, and they are rightly guided.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:155–157)
Tests take different forms. For one person, it may be illness. For another, it may be losing a job or watching a business decline despite years of hard work. Financial difficulty does not, by itself, mean that Allah is displeased with someone or that their faith is weak.
The words “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji‘un” are not just said when someone dies, they are how we respond to any calamity. This fundamental concept reminds us that we belong to Allah, that our possessions are entrusted to us for a time, and that we will return to Him. Even when we cannot see a way forward, we can turn to Him for help.
The Prophet ﷺ taught us how to respond when things go wrong:
وَإِنْ أَصَابَكَ شَيْءٌ فَلَا تَقُلْ لَوْ أَنِّي فَعَلْتُ كَانَ كَذَا وَكَذَا، وَلَكِنْ قُلْ قَدَرُ اللَّهِ وَمَا شَاءَ فَعَلَ، فَإِنَّ لَوْ تَفْتَحُ عَمَلَ الشَّيْطَانِ
“If anything afflicts you, do not say, ‘If only I had done such and such,’ but say, ‘Allah decreed, and He does whatever He wills,’ for ‘if only’ opens the door to the work of Shaytan.” (Sahih Muslim)
We should learn from mistakes and make better decisions. However, repeatedly blaming ourselves for a past we cannot change can leave us unable to move forward. We take the lesson, accept what has happened and consider what we can do now.
Patience is not passive resignation
The Prophet ﷺ said:
إِنَّمَا الصَّبْرُ عِنْدَ الصَّدْمَةِ الْأُولَى
“Patience is at the first shock.” (Sahih Bukhari)
The first moments after bad news can be the hardest. We may feel frightened, angry or overwhelmed. Patience does not require us to pretend that we are not hurting. It means trying to control what we say and do, even while we are in pain.
We can speak about our difficulties, seek advice and ask for help. We can also challenge unfair treatment. Sabr does not mean accepting injustice or abandoning efforts to improve our circumstances.
Importantly, sabr doesn’t mean sitting back, rather it involves taking action.
Trust Allah and take the next step
The Prophet ﷺ said:
الْمُؤْمِنُ الْقَوِيُّ خَيْرٌ وَأَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِ الضَّعِيفِ وَفِي كُلٍّ خَيْرٌ، احْرِصْ عَلَى مَا يَنْفَعُكَ وَاسْتَعِنْ بِاللَّهِ وَلَا تَعْجَزْ
“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, and in each there is good. Be keen on what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not give up.” (Sahih Muslim)
We have been taught repeatedly to be practical, proactive and productive. Therefore, seek new avenues when you hit a dead end.
The Prophet ﷺ also said:
لَوْ أَنَّكُمْ تَتَوَكَّلُونَ عَلَى اللَّهِ حَقَّ تَوَكُّلِهِ لَرَزَقَكُمْ كَمَا يَرْزُقُ الطَّيْرَ، تَغْدُو خِمَاصًا وَتَرُوحُ بِطَانًا
“If you relied upon Allah as He deserves to be relied upon, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds: they go out in the morning hungry and return in the evening full.” (Tirmidhi)
The birds go out. They make an effort to find their food. This helps us understand tawakkul: our hearts rely on Allah while we use the means available to us.
- Look for what benefits you.
- Acquire knowledge.
- Learn new skills.
- Look for opportunities.
- Improve your business.
- Seek employment.
- Work with others.
Tests come with temptations
Under financial pressure we are being tested. In order to overcome financial difficulty, we may pick haram options, while justifying it to ourselves, thinking we have no choice, or that everyone else is doing the same thing. The test is how do we behave under financial pressure. When people are desperate Shaytan tempts them:
- A businessman may begin cheating his customers.
- An employee may begin stealing from his employer.
- A public official may demand bribes.
- A trader may manipulate prices dishonestly.
- A young person may become involved in internet fraud.
Allah says:
وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُمْ بَيْنَكُمْ بِالْبَاطِلِ
“Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:188)
The Prophet ﷺ taught that a person will receive their allotted provision, even if it is slow in coming, and instructed us to seek it properly. He said:
خُذُوا مَا حَلَّ وَدَعُوا مَا حَرُمَ
“Take what is lawful and leave what is forbidden.” (Ibn Majah)
We must be careful about fraud, bribery, gambling and schemes that promise easy money through dishonest means. Our response to uncertainty should be to seek sound advice and lawful opportunities.
Seek blessing as well as income
We naturally want enough money to meet our needs. However, Islam also teaches us to seek barakah – the blessing Allah places in what we have.
A halal income may seem a smaller amount, but like an elastic band, it can stretch much further than wealth that was gained illicitly. It has the magic quality of barakah. So do not be deceived by the numbers on the surface, and do not allow greed to creep into or direct your choices.
The Prophet ﷺ further observed:
إِنَّ هَذَا الْمَالَ خَضِرَةٌ حُلْوَةٌ، فَمَنْ أَخَذَهُ بِسَخَاوَةِ نَفْسٍ بُورِكَ لَهُ فِيهِ، وَمَنْ أَخَذَهُ بِإِشْرَافِ نَفْسٍ لَمْ يُبَارَكْ لَهُ فِيهِ، وَكَانَ كَالَّذِي يَأْكُلُ وَلَا يَشْبَعُ
“This wealth is attractive and sweet. Whoever receives it without greed will be blessed in it, but whoever takes it greedily will not be blessed in it. He will be like someone who eats but is never satisfied.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Give others the rights you expect for yourself
When money is tight, we may become very concerned about what others owe us. We want our full wages, prompt payment and good value for our money. We must show the same concern for what we owe others.
Allah says:
وَيْلٌ لِلْمُطَفِّفِينَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا اكْتَالُوا عَلَى النَّاسِ يَسْتَوْفُونَ وَإِذَا كَالُوهُمْ أَوْ وَزَنُوهُمْ يُخْسِرُونَ
“Woe to those who give less than what is due: those who demand full measure when receiving from others, but give less when they measure or weigh for them.” (Surah al-Mutaffifin 83:1–3)
These verses describe people who use one standard for themselves and another for everyone else. They expect fairness when receiving, but cheat when giving.
The same double standard can appear in our daily lives. An employer may demand a full day’s work while withholding agreed wages. An employee may expect full pay while deliberately neglecting their duties. A trader may charge for a certain quantity or quality and knowingly supply less.
Allah also tells us:
وَأَقِيمُوا الْوَزْنَ بِالْقِسْطِ وَلَا تُخْسِرُوا الْمِيزَانَ
“Give full weight with justice, and do not give less than what is due.” (Surah al-Rahman 55:9)
Prophet Shuayb, peace be upon him, told his people:
وَيَا قَوْمِ أَوْفُوا الْمِكْيَالَ وَالْمِيزَانَ بِالْقِسْطِ وَلَا تَبْخَسُوا النَّاسَ أَشْيَاءَهُمْ وَلَا تَعْثَوْا فِي الْأَرْضِ مُفْسِدِينَ
“O my people! Give full measure and weight with justice. Do not deprive people of what is rightfully theirs, and do not spread corruption in the land.” (Surah Hud 11:85)
Being financially tight, does not mean we can neglect our responsibilities towards others. If we cannot meet an obligation, we should explain our situation honestly and seek a fair arrangement. We should never hide the truth or take advantage of someone else.
Remember that wealth is a test
Hardship tests our patience. Wealth tests how we behave when we have choices and opportunities.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
إِنَّ الدُّنْيَا حُلْوَةٌ خَضِرَةٌ، وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ مُسْتَخْلِفُكُمْ فِيهَا، فَيَنْظُرُ كَيْفَ تَعْمَلُونَ
“This world is sweet and attractive. Allah has entrusted you with responsibility in it, and He observes how you act.” (Sahih Muslim)
It is natural to want a comfortable home, a successful business and security for our family. However, the desire for more can become so strong that we stop caring about how we obtain it. However, we can try and improve our situation, while remaining content with what Allah has given us today.
Seek your provision lawfully
The Prophet ﷺ taught that no soul will die before receiving its allotted provision, even if it is slow in coming. He instructed us to seek our living properly and said:
خُذُوا مَا حَلَّ وَدَعُوا مَا حَرُمَ
“Take what is lawful and leave what is forbidden.” (Ibn Majah)
We must continue looking for lawful opportunities, seeking advice and asking for help when we need it. Fraud, bribery and exploitation harm other people and put our own faith at risk. Seek work that benefits others.
Allah says:
هُوَ أَنْشَأَكُمْ مِنَ الْأَرْضِ وَاسْتَعْمَرَكُمْ فِيهَا
“He brought you into being from the earth and entrusted you with its development.” (Surah Hud 11:61)
Our work should contribute something useful. Farming, building, teaching, repairing and trading honestly all help people meet their needs. We should use our abilities and resources responsibly, remembering that we will answer to Allah for what we do.
Keys to Provision (Rizq) in the Qur’an and Sunnah
Alongside our practical efforts, the Quran and Sunnah teach us ways to seek Allah’s provision and blessing.
1. Keep up your prayers
Allah says:
وَأْمُرْ أَهْلَكَ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَاصْطَبِرْ عَلَيْهَا ۖ لَا نَسْأَلُكَ رِزْقًا ۖ نَحْنُ نَرْزُقُكَ ۗ وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ
“Enjoin prayer upon your family and be steadfast in it. We do not ask you for provision; We provide for you. And the good outcome is for those who are mindful of Allah.” (Surah Taha 20:132)
Do not let the pressure of earning a living push salah out of your day. Keep returning to Allah and encourage your family to do the same.
2. Ask Allah for forgiveness
Prophet Nuh, peace be upon him, told his people:
فَقُلْتُ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُ كَانَ غَفَّارًا يُرْسِلِ السَّمَاءَ عَلَيْكُمْ مِدْرَارًا وَيُمْدِدْكُمْ بِأَمْوَالٍ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ وَيَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ أَنْهَارًا
“Ask your Lord for forgiveness. He is truly Most Forgiving. He will send rain upon you in abundance, increase you in wealth and children, and provide you with gardens and rivers.” (Surah Nuh 71:10–12)
Make istighfar part of your day. Sincere repentance also means leaving the wrong action and trying to put right any harm you have caused.
3. Make use of the early morning
The Prophet ﷺ said:
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لِأُمَّتِي فِي بُكُورِهَا
“O Allah, bless my nation in their early mornings.” (Abu Dawud)
Where your circumstances allow, use the early morning for useful work. It can be a good time to plan, study, apply for jobs or begin the day’s tasks.
4. Be mindful of Allah in your decisions
Allah says:
وَمَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مَخْرَجًا وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ
“Whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them and provide for them from where they do not expect.” (Surah al-Talaq 65:2–3)
When we pray, repent and live honestly, not every financial problem will disappear immediately, but but Allah will find a way out for you that is in His timing, with His wisdom and may be completely unexpected.
5. Turn away from wrongdoing
Allah tells us that corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what people have done, so that they may taste some of its consequences and return to Him. (Surah al-Rum 30:41)
Our actions have consequences. Cheating, corruption and exploitation damage livelihoods and communities. We should examine our own behaviour, stop wrongdoing and make amends.
This does not mean we can judge someone’s faith by their financial circumstances. Righteous people also experience poverty and hardship.
6. Rely on Allah while making an effort
Allah says:
وَمَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ
“Whoever relies upon Allah, He is sufficient for them.” (Surah al-Talaq 65:3)
Apply for work, learn skills, seek advice and plan carefully. Ask Allah to guide your efforts, and trust Him with what is beyond your control.
7. Maintain your family ties
The Prophet ﷺ said:
مَنْ سَرَّهُ أَنْ يُبْسَطَ لَهُ فِي رِزْقِهِ وَيُنْسَأَ لَهُ فِي أَثَرِهِ فَلْيَصِلْ رَحِمَهُ
“Whoever would like their provision to be expanded and their lifespan extended should maintain their ties of kinship.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Stay in touch with relatives and look after them according to your ability. A phone call, a visit or practical help can maintain a relationship even when you have little money.
8. Care for those who need support
The Prophet ﷺ said:
هَلْ تُنْصَرُونَ وَتُرْزَقُونَ إِلَّا بِضُعَفَائِكُمْ
“Are you given victory and provision except through the weak among you?” (Sahih Bukhari)
Treat people who need help with respect. Their worth is not measured by their income or what they can do for us.
These teachings encourage us to remain close to Allah throughout our efforts. We should continue practising them even when relief takes time.
Help one another through hardship
The Prophet ﷺ said:
مَثَلُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ فِي تَوَادِّهِمْ وَتَرَاحُمِهِمْ وَتَعَاطُفِهِمْ مَثَلُ الْجَسَدِ، إِذَا اشْتَكَى مِنْهُ عُضْوٌ تَدَاعَى لَهُ سَائِرُ الْجَسَدِ بِالسَّهَرِ وَالْحُمَّى
“The believers, in their mutual love, mercy and compassion, are like one body. When one part suffers, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
When a family cannot afford food, rent or other essentials, the community should respond. We should notice those who are struggling, including people who feel too embarrassed to ask.
Allah says:
إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ
“Zakat is for the poor and the needy…” (Surah al-Tawbah 9:60)
Those who owe zakat should make sure it reaches eligible recipients. Sadaqah provides further help according to our means.
Support can meet an urgent need or help someone earn a living. For example, it might pay for food today or provide tools for someone who already has a useful skill. Zakat must be distributed according to its rules; other donations can fund wider community projects.
Money is one way to help. We can also share job opportunities, teach a skill or introduce someone to a potential employer.
Spend carefully and talk honestly
Allah says:
وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا أَنْفَقُوا لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ قَوَامًا
“Those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor miserly, but follow a balanced course between the two.” (Surah al-Furqan 25:67)
Look at what you earn and what you spend. Put essential needs first, reduce waste and avoid taking on unnecessary debt.
Talk to your family about what you can afford. There is no shame in choosing a simpler meal, celebration or lifestyle. Spending to impress others can create pressure that lasts long after the occasion has passed.
For some families, careful budgeting will still leave a shortfall. They need practical support as well as advice.
Seven ways to overcome economic hardship
Communities, businesses and public institutions can work together to help people earn a reliable living. The proposals include:
- Support small businesses. Help people obtain suitable tools, equipment and training, alongside support for their immediate needs.
- Provide loans without interest. Properly managed qard hasan funds can help small traders and people facing temporary difficulties.
- Support farming and local industry. Help producers access equipment, suitable finance and customers.
- Improve access to reliable energy. Consider solar power and electricity storage where they are practical and affordable.
- Train young people for available work. Link training to real opportunities through apprenticeships, work experience and introductions to employers.
- Use Islamic finance for productive projects. Support suitable businesses, agriculture, industry and infrastructure through properly structured financing.
- Protect public money. Honest management, transparency and accountability help resources reach the people who need them.
These efforts need cooperation and careful planning. People should receive support suited to their circumstances, whether that means immediate relief, help finding employment or assistance with a viable business.
Everyone has a responsibility
Our response to economic hardship should bring together faith, patience, practical effort, lawful earnings, careful spending, mutual support and justice.
We must not leave the poor to carry the burden alone. Those with wealth should give. Traders should be honest. Employers should treat workers fairly. Those in authority should fulfil their responsibilities and protect public resources.
Each of us should consider what we can do with the money, time, skills or influence Allah has given us. By fulfilling our own duties and helping others fulfil theirs, we can ease hardship and build stronger communities.
Based on the Khutbah of Shaykh Haytham Tamim at Lemu Mosque in Lagos, Nigeria on 30th October 2026.
For more on honesty, fair dealings and fulfilling others’ rights, see Islamic Ethics: Rights, Responsibilities and Professional Conduct.