Navigating Economic Hardship as a Muslim
Financial hardship can affect every part of our lives. Rising prices, unemployment, a struggling business or 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.
Islam recognises these difficulties. It teaches us how to remain close to Allah while taking practical steps to improve our situation. It also places responsibilities on those who have the means to help. A family facing hardship should not have to carry the burden alone.
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 reserved for news of a death. They are a response to calamity. They remind 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.
Patience begins with our response
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.
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)
This gives us a practical approach. Look at what may help, seek Allah’s assistance and act. That might mean learning a new skill, applying for work, asking someone to review our business or finding a better way to use the resources we already have.
In the same hadith, 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.
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.
Seek provision without losing your principles
Financial pressure can make a dishonest opportunity look tempting. Someone may tell themselves that they have no choice, or that everyone else is doing the same thing. Yet another person’s wealth and rights do not become ours simply because we are struggling.
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.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
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)
Contentment allows us to work towards a better situation without making our peace of mind depend on having what someone else has. We can improve our income while remaining grateful and refusing to let greed direct our choices.
Keep your connection with Allah
Worry about earning a living can take over our day. Salah helps us return to Allah and remember whom we rely upon. 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)
We should also seek forgiveness and turn back to Allah. 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)
Taqwa means remembering Allah and allowing that awareness to guide our 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)
These teachings encourage us to pray, repent and live honestly. They are not a promise that every financial problem will disappear immediately, nor a reason to blame someone whose hardship continues. We worship Allah with trust in His wisdom, while continuing our efforts and helping those who need support.
Make good use of your time and care for others
The Prophet ﷺ made this dua:
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لِأُمَّتِي فِي بُكُورِهَا
“O Allah, bless my nation in their early mornings.” (Abu Dawud)
Where our circumstances allow, beginning useful work early can help us organise our day and make steady progress. Even a small daily effort towards finding work or learning a skill can be valuable.
Our relationships also matter. 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)
Financial worries should not make us forget our relatives. Maintaining family ties may involve a visit, a phone call or practical help. It does not always require money.
The Prophet ﷺ also said:
هَلْ تُنْصَرُونَ وَتُرْزَقُونَ إِلَّا بِضُعَفَائِكُمْ
“Are you given victory and provision except through the weak among you?” (Sahih Bukhari)
Those who need support must never be treated as though they have no value. Caring for them is part of our responsibility before Allah.
Spend according to your circumstances
Allah describes His servants as those who spend with balance:
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)
During hardship, it helps to look honestly at what comes in and what goes out. Essential needs should come first. We may need to reduce non-essential purchases, avoid waste and stop spending to keep up appearances.
Families should be able to discuss these changes without blame or humiliation. Children can learn that a simpler celebration or fewer purchases do not mean they are loved any less. Where the money available cannot cover basic needs, cutting back alone will not solve the problem. That family needs support.
Support people with dignity
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)
If we know that someone is struggling, we should consider what we can do. Some families are too embarrassed to ask. A quiet offer of help may allow them to accept support without feeling exposed.
Zakat is one of the ways Islam provides for those in need. Allah says:
إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ
“Zakat is for the poor and the needy…” (Surah al-Tawbah 9:60)
These are among the categories of people entitled to receive zakat. Those who owe zakat should ensure that it reaches eligible recipients. Sadaqah allows further voluntary support according to our means.
Help may meet an immediate need, such as food or rent. It may also help someone earn an income, through tools, equipment or support for a suitable small business. Zakat must still be used according to its rules and for eligible recipients. Wider community projects and loan funds can be supported through appropriate voluntary funds.
Not everyone can give money. We may be able to help someone prepare a CV, teach a useful skill, introduce them to an employer or offer childcare while they attend an interview. We should respect people’s privacy and avoid making them feel indebted to us personally.
Create opportunities and address the causes
Lasting improvement requires attention to the reasons people cannot earn enough. In Nigeria, as in other countries facing economic hardship, communities, businesses and public institutions each have a role.
Voluntary funds could provide qard hasan, loans without interest, to suitable small traders and people who need temporary help. Such funds need clear records, fair terms and realistic arrangements for repayment.
Training should teach skills that people can use to find work or meet a local need. Businesses can help through apprenticeships, paid work and mentoring. Support for farming and local manufacturing can include equipment, access to markets and suitable finance. Solar power and electricity storage may also help some enterprises, where the costs and local conditions make them practical.
Islamic financial institutions can support productive activity through properly structured, Shariah-compliant financing. Public authorities must protect public money, address corruption and improve the services businesses and households depend upon.
These proposals need careful planning and honest management. Their purpose should be to help people earn a reliable living and reduce the difficulties that keep them in poverty.
Hold on to hope and share the responsibility
Allah says:
فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا
“Indeed, with hardship comes ease. Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” (Surah al-Sharh 94:5–6)
We may not know when our circumstances will change. We can still make dua, seek advice and take the next useful step. Asking for help when we need it is compatible with trusting Allah.
We must not expect the poor alone to be patient. Those with wealth should give, employers should act fairly, and people in authority should fulfil the trust placed in them. Each of us should consider what is within our ability to do.
May Allah grant relief to those in difficulty, bless our lawful provision and enable us to support one another with kindness and dignity. Ameen.
Based on the Khutbah of Shaykh Haytham Tamim at Lemu Mosque in Lagos on 30th October 2026.
For more on honesty, fair dealings and fulfilling others’ rights, see Islamic Ethics: Rights, Responsibilities and Professional Conduct.