Productive Muslim #3

Bismillahirahmannirrahim

To continue previous entry on Spiritual Productivity, 18 Sources of Barakah were beautifully discussed by Abu Productive HERE. As a reminder, all of those sources can be easily destroyed by our own deeds and actions. Let's see what are those destroyers which must be avoided to maintain the blessing of Allah.

 Photo was taken from HERE

11 Barakah Destroyers

1. Sins and Bad Deeds.

Allah said in Surah Al-Rum, Verse 41: "Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness]."

If we make a simple sin, lets seek his Maghfirah.. Because every second, every day, sometimes we didn't realize that we make a mistake, we do bad things. "Either you run to Allah, or brings Him running to you"

2. Not Saying Bismillah 

Bismillah is very important to begin any action. Indeed, sometimes we forget. But when we start remember that we didn't say bismillah, please say "bismillah awwaluhu wa akhiruhu"

In a Hadeeth: The Prophet PBUH said: "If a person mentions the Name of Allah upon entering his house or eating, Satan says, addressing his followers: `You will find no where to spend the night and no dinner.' But if he enters without mentioning the Name of Allah, Satan says [To his followers]; 'You have found [A place] to spend the night in, and if he does not mention the Name of Allah at the time of eating, Satan says: `You have found [A place] to spend the night in as well as food." [Sahih Muslim 2/206]. Read more on benefits of Bismillah HERE.

3. Swearing for the sake of Sale

Swear is not good if it used for personal interest. It might destroy the blessing of God because The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade much swearing in dealing with one another in buying, selling, or other kinds of transactions. As mentioned in one hadith: “Swearing (by the seller) may persuade the buyer to purchase the goods, but it deprives of Allah’s blessing” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Abu Qatadah Al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) also narrated that he heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saying, “Beware of swearing; it produces a ready sale for the commodity, but then blots out the blessing” (Reported by Muslim).

4. Lying and Cheating 

Everyone knows that lying and cheating is not good and will ruin the trust of someone. It is also not permissible in Islam as it will destroy the goodness and blessing of Allah.

Those who practice honesty in any matter will get beuatiful rewards by Allah. One hadith said that The Prophet (PBUH) said: "The trader who is honest, truthful and trustworthy is among the ranks of the Prophets and the martyrs" Another hadith said: "One must always be honest in all one's business dealings." (al-Tabrani)

5. Giving the Worst in Charity 

Do you know that if you want to give charity, please give the most beloved thing of yours. Yeah, it is difficult, but at least, please give something in a good condition. Don't give the worst thing that you have to others, because the recipient will even more sad. Still remember the story of Habil and Qabil, sons of Prophet Adam A.S. Allah tests them to give the best thing that they owned and spend it for the sake of charity. Habil gave the best and healthy sheep, whereas Qabil gave the skinny and the worst sheep. Then Allah only accepted the charity of Habil and rejected Qabil's charity.

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger (SAW) as saying: “Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people).” (Muslim)

6. Selling Property 

Allah said: "Do not devour your property among yourselves falsely except that it be trading by your mutual consent" (4:29).

The property here means that its something that hard to steal and has long-lasted benefit for the owner. In this case, this property cannot be sold.

7. Eating Haram Money 

Those who eat haram money will never be blessed..

Allah said in Surat Al-Baqarah, Verse 276: "Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charities. And Allah does not like every sinning disbeliever." Allah also said: "O you who believe! Eat not Ribâ (usury) doubled and multiplied, but fear Allâh that you may be successful." (3: 130)

8. Miserliness & Greed

Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “A crafty one, a miser, and one who keeps reminding people of what he has given, will not enter Paradise.” (Tirmidhi)

Hadeeth: Taking Money easily..

9. Not Paying Zakat

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever is made wealthy by Allah and does not pay the Zakat of his wealth, then on the Day of Resurrection his wealth will be made like a bald-headed poisonous male snake with two black spots over the eyes. The snake will encircle his neck and bite his cheeks and say, 'I am your wealth, I am your treasure.' " Then the Prophet recited the holy verses:-- 'Let not those who withhold . . .' (to the end of the verse). (3.180). Sahih Bukhari - (Book #24, Hadith #486)

Contradict to that, those who pay zakat will get rewards as mentioned in the Quran: "Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve." (2: 277)

10. Not Weighing the Scales Justly 

The Qur'an commands that Muslims “Give just measure, and cause no loss to others by fraud. And weigh with scales true and upright. And do not withhold things that are justly due to men, nor do evil in the land, working mischief” (Qur'an 26:181–3). 

Hadeeth: Reducing scales..

11. Not being pleased with Allah for your Rizq. 

If you not feel gratitude with God's ni'mah, there will be no more barakah.. Say Alhamdulillah with anything that you get including test from Allah. We must always say Alhamdulillah to Allah SWT for all our sustenance which we got from our birth until we died.

Gratitude actually helps increase one's blessings. Allah says: “And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: ‘If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are thankless, verily, My punishment is indeed severe’” [Ibraaheem 14:7]


**O Allah, Alhamdulillah for everything~