God is the sustainer and provider of all in his Creation. He insures that all have the provisions necessary for survival. His Attribute of Al-Razzaq comes from the root word, Razaqa, which means, “to provide, supply, bestow, grant.” Razzaq is “one who provides or supplies.” (Omar pg 209)
As such, God in His attribute of Al Razzaq is one who provides all that his creation needs to operate in the way it needs to function.
God as Provider in Islam
In Islam, Muslims believe that from God flows every provision. Humans possess a variety of senses to help them to have good insight about, and enjoy the beautiful world around them.
“It is He Who has created for you (the faculties of) hearing, sight, feeling and understanding: little thanks it is ye give!” (Quran 23:78)
Yet, a large percentage of humanity goes about their day unappreciative of these provisions. Provisions normally believed in, by a significant number of people as a right. Yet, without God creating humanity and blessing them with life, no one would be talking about rights because no one would exist.
God as Supplier in Islam
Human beings often look towards other people for their support and supplies. The farmer is looked towards for his produce. The rancher is looked towards for his cattle; and the water company is looked towards for a refreshing drink.
However in the Quran, according to Islam, God states,
“It is He who produceth gardens, with trellises and without, and dates, and tilth with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in variety): eat of their fruit in their season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered…” (Quran 6:141)
As such, although bounties appear to come from others who should be duly compensated for their work, for the Muslim all praises go to God; for He it is who gave the ability and skills to the farmer, rancher and others to perform their tasks.
God as the Grantor of Gifts in Islam
All gifts given to individuals in their given fields of expertise are believed by the Muslims to flow from God. This is so men and women can fulfill their task of being caretakers of the earth.
As such, God is one who,
“… listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and Who relieves its suffering, and makes you (mankind) inheritors of the earth …” (Quran 27:62)
It is for this reason, among many others, that Muslims turn towards Mecca five times a day and worship their Lord in prayer.
The Muslim prays that God forgives their carelessness, and sins. The Muslim knows that their Lord will forgive their indiscretions, and give them the gifts they need to fulfill their role as custodians of the earth.
Sources:
Abdullah Yusef Ali, The Holy Quran; With Arabic Text.
Abdul Mannan Omar, Dictionary of The Holy Quran.
Khalil Green - Khalil Green has obtained a Bachelors Degree with Departmental Honors in Religious Studies from Washburn University in Topeka Ks. His ...
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