Ashoka then said, "In a quiet town, amid the dawn’s gentle light, lived Ibrahim, a craftsman known for his skill but humble in his means. His days were filled with the meticulous work of handicrafts, shaping wood into beautiful pieces. Yet, despite his modest earnings, he seemed to always have enough, and his heart was light, his home warm. There was something about Ibrahim, a sense of peace, a sense of barakah—a blessing that seemed to permeate every part of his life. As he prepared for work one morning, a young man, Nasir, approached him, eyes weary, seeking advice. "How is it, Uncle Ibrahim, that you always seem content? Your earnings are small, yet you and your family always seem to have enough. I, too, work hard, but the days slip through my fingers like sand. I don’t understand how you do it."
Ibrahim, with a kind smile, invited Nasir to sit. "Come," he said, "let me share with you the secret of barakah."
Nasir leaned in as Ibrahim spoke, "Barakah is a blessing from Allah that touches not just what we have, but how we experience it. The Prophet(ﷺ) taught us that barakah is more than wealth; it is the richness in our time, our efforts, and our hearts. A single coin with barakah can do more good than piles of gold without it."
Nasir’s face softened with curiosity as Ibrahim continued, "You see, I begin each day in prayer, at dawn. The Prophet (ﷺ) himself prayed, ‘O Allah, bless my nation in their early mornings.’ Rising early fills my day with barakah because the hours feel expanded, and my work is fruitful. But it’s not just about rising early; it’s about rising with purpose, giving thanks, and starting with Allah’s name in mind."
"I get up early too," Nasir interjected, "but it feels like there are never enough hours."
"That’s because barakah is not merely in action; it’s also in intention," Ibrahim said with a knowing nod. He looked around his small workshop and motioned toward his tools. "Everything here has a purpose. Imam al-Ghazali teaches us that ‘Knowledge without action is madness and action without knowledge is void.’ To fill our actions with barakah, we must be sincere and knowledgeable. I approach my work with the knowledge of its value—not just to earn but to serve, to create something useful for others. That sincerity brings barakah, turning a simple piece of wood into something meaningful."
Nasir looked at the tools, now seeing them through Ibrahim’s eyes. "I see, so it’s the intention, the purpose that brings blessing."
Ibrahim nodded. "Exactly. The heart, as Imam al-Ghazali says, is like a fortress, and we must guard its gates. If we let greed or impatience slip in, barakah slips out. Desires make us slaves, but patience, Nasir, it makes us kings. My father taught me that patience invites barakah, even when we don’t see immediate rewards."
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Nasir’s brow furrowed, reflecting. "But isn’t patience hard? How can one truly be patient?"
"Ah, that is the test," Ibrahim replied. "To get what you love, you must first be patient with what you hate. That’s why I strive to be patient with my earnings, to find joy in what I have rather than fixate on what I lack. This patience, this trust in Allah, is what the scholars call tawakkul. I do my best, but leave the outcome in His hands, and barakah flows in because I am not struggling to control what is beyond me."
Nasir absorbed this wisdom, and his heart felt a spark of understanding. Ibrahim continued, "Another essential part of barakah is charity. The Prophet (ﷺ) taught us that giving never decreases wealth. When we give from our small means, Allah blesses the remainder, stretching it in ways unseen. You see, Nasir, barakah in wealth isn’t always more coins, but rather the ability to meet our needs, to find joy, to give and to have enough."
With a smile, Nasir asked, "But how do I make sure I’m sincere, Uncle?"
Ibrahim’s gaze softened. "Be sincere in all you do. Only what is done for Allah will last. If you work just for yourself, your actions are limited by you. But if you work for Allah, barakah fills your efforts. This sincerity turns routine into worship, and life itself becomes a journey toward Allah.
When we work solely for ourselves or our benefit, our efforts and outcomes tend to be limited by our human capacity. Our time, energy, and resources are finite, so the results are often proportional to what we can achieve. This distinction speaks to the difference between a self-centred approach and a purpose-driven approach that connects one's efforts to a higher cause.
When we work only for ourselves, our goals are often finite, shaped by our desires, ambitions, and limitations. For example, we might work to earn a certain amount of money, gain status, or achieve recognition. These goals can be achieved, but they are confined to the personal level and limited by our abilities, circumstances, and resources. The satisfaction derived from achieving these goals often feels short-lived and may lead to a continuous search for more.
Working solely for oneself can lead to a sense of isolation in effort. We may feel solely responsible for the outcome, which can create stress and anxiety, especially when things don’t go as planned. This approach often ignores the broader, interconnected nature of our lives and the universe, where many factors (beyond our control) contribute to our success or failure.
Even when we achieve what we set out to, personal success might still leave a feeling of emptiness. Achieving a goal solely for personal benefit can feel transient, as human desires constantly evolve and grow. This is why many people, despite achieving significant worldly success, may still feel unfulfilled—they find themselves pursuing a sense of satisfaction that always seems just out of reach.
When our work is only for ourselves, its impact typically remains small. We may only benefit ourselves or a limited circle of people. This can create a life that feels insular, where our actions don’t extend beyond a personal scope or serve a purpose larger than our immediate interests. The effort is unlikely to be sustained after our involvement ends, and it may not have a lasting effect on others or in the broader community.
A purely self-focused approach often lacks a sense of greater meaning, which is essential for many to feel connected to something beyond themselves. This is because, when the focus remains on "me," the impact of each action is viewed solely through the lens of personal benefit, rather than a broader vision that could bring deeper purpose and fulfilment.
When one works with the intention to serve Allah, the perspective shifts from a self-centred view to a purpose-centered view. Actions are no longer confined to personal gain but are undertaken as part of a broader mission that aligns with a divine purpose. Islam teaches that actions done for Allah’s sake are inherently more fulfilling, as they connect the individual to a larger, infinite purpose that transcends worldly limitations.
"Actions done for Allah’s sake" refer to any deeds performed with the sincere intention of pleasing Allah and fulfilling His commands, rather than for personal gain, recognition, or worldly benefits. In Islam, intention (niyyah) is crucial, as it transforms even ordinary acts into acts of worship if they are done to seek Allah’s pleasure. The key to an action being "for Allah’s sake" is that the primary intention behind it is to seek Allah’s pleasure. This involves aligning one’s motives with what Allah has commanded or encouraged, rather than with purely worldly gains or recognition from others. These actions should also align with what is encouraged in Islam, including acts of worship, acts of kindness, and moral behaviour. While worldly benefits might come from these actions, the believer's ultimate motivation remains spiritual, focusing on earning Allah's blessings and rewards. Actions done sincerely for Allah’s sake are often sustained with greater commitment because the motivation behind them goes beyond immediate benefits or temporary praise. This commitment shows a dedication to upholding principles and values, even when it’s challenging or when no one is watching. For example, Teaching one’s children values, morals, and knowledge of Islam to guide them toward righteousness for Allah’s sake, not for personal pride. This includes patience and dedication, seeing parenting as a form of worship.
Conducting business honestly, even when one might profit more by being dishonest because one values Allah’s command to be truthful and just. Such integrity, practised to please Allah, becomes a source of barakah (blessing) in one’s livelihood.
If entrusted with a responsibility, such as a managerial position or a task, a Muslim strives to be just and diligent in fulfilling it, aiming to honour the trust placed in them by Allah, who values honesty.
Simple actions like conserving water, recycling, and reducing waste can be done to be a responsible steward of the Earth, as Allah has entrusted humans with this role. Islam encourages care for creation, so these acts become worship when intended to preserve Allah’s creation.
In essence, working solely for oneself can lead to a life confined by one's limitations, while working for Allah opens the door to possibilities and fulfilment that transcend personal boundaries. Actions become not just about the individual but part of a collective, divinely-inspired mission that has the potential to bring far-reaching and enduring effects. It transforms work from merely functional to spiritually fulfilling."
The words sank deep into Nasir’s heart as he watched Ibrahim, a man who truly embodied the blessings of barakah. Ibrahim continued, "Our hearts, Nasir, are like mirrors. They reflect whatever they face. If our hearts are purified of greed, envy, and impatience, they reflect divine light. If you desire knowledge of Allah, purify your heart from the illusions of the world.’ A purified heart perceives barakah, sees beauty in simplicity, and joy in what others overlook."
Nasir felt a change within him as he listened to Ibrahim’s words, inspired him to live with a renewed sense of purpose. He realized that barakah was more than just wealth or success; it was a way of life that infused each moment with meaning and abundance.
In the days that followed, Nasir took Ibrahim’s lessons to heart. He began each day in prayer, giving thanks for his blessings, seeking barakah in his work and patience in his struggles. Slowly, he found that his earnings seemed to stretch further, his work felt lighter, and his days seemed fuller.
One evening, he returned to visit Ibrahim, joy evident in his face. "Uncle, I feel the barakah you spoke of. My life hasn’t changed in wealth or ease, but it feels richer, more meaningful."
Ibrahim placed a hand on Nasir’s shoulder. "Then you understand, my dear nephew. Barakah is not about how much we have but about how we see, live, and use what we have. It is a gift from Allah, granted to those who seek it with sincerity, patience, and gratitude."
Nasir nodded, the words etched into his heart. And as he walked home under the stars, he felt truly blessed, for he had finally understood the essence of barakah—a divine gift, a life imbued with blessings, and a heart at peace, connected to Allah in every breath," pungkas Asoka.
As dawn painted the sky with hues of gold and pink, the plants parted ways, their hearts filled with a newfound understanding. They had learned that 'Barakah' was not a destination to be reached, but a journey to be embraced, a path illuminated by gratitude, kindness, and trust.
And so, they continued to live in their secret garden, their lives a testament to the power of 'Barakah', a living embodiment of the beauty and grace that can be found in even the smallest of things.
