Ar-Razzaq

In Imam Qurtubi’s Tafseer of Ayat 6 of Surah Hud is narrated an incident of the Ashari’een tribe. They accepted Islam and migrated to Madeena but by the time they got to Madeena all the food and provisions they had brought with them had finished. So they sent a man from amongst them to the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) so he could arrange some food for them. When this person reached the door of the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) he heard the sound of the recitation of the Quran coming from within. The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) was reciting the Ayat, “There is no creature on earth whose sustenance is not undertaken by Allah. He knows its permanent and its temporary place. Everything is in a clear book.” [Ayat 6, Surah Hud]

On hearing these words the person thought to himself that if Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) has taken the provision of all living creatures on himself then surely an Ashari man is not worse than an animal in Allah’s eyes; so He will definitely provide for us. Thinking this he returned, having not told the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) anything.

On returning to his companions he told them, “Rejoice! Allah’s help is on its way.” His Ashari companions thought that as had been decided upon, he had gone to the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) and informed him of their need and he had promised to arrange something for them. So they sat down satisfied.

They had barely sat down when they saw two men approaching with a huge platter full of meat and bread. The men gave it to the Ashari’een. They ate to their hearts content but when there was still food left over they thought that they should return it to the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) so he may use it. So they sent two of their men with the leftover food to the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam).

Then they all went to the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) and said: “Oh Messenger of Allah, the food you sent was very plentiful and delicious.” The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) replied, “I didn’t send you any food.” Then they recounted how they had sent a man to the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) and what he had said to them on returning. The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said to them, “That was Rizq sent to you from Allah.” [Tafseer Qurtubi]

One of Allah’s names is Ar-Razzaq – The Provider of plentiful Rizq. Rizq is more than wealth or food: Anything that is a source of benefit to man is classified as Rizq. Allah is the plentiful Provider of every creature He created. None but He takes care of them and feeds them regardless of where they may be.