As Muslims, we often heard of the word “Barakah” being used in our daily conversations, invocations, and especially in greetings during festive occasions. We greet our fellow Muslim counterparts with “Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.” During Eid, we proclaim “Eid Mubarak” which contains a derivative of the word. 

A common dua recited for newly married couples, “Baarakallaahu laka, wa baaraka 'alayka, wa jama'a baynakumaa fii khayr” too captures the essence of the word. What is barakah and how do we internalise its meaning to fully reap the benefits it brings?

The Meaning of Barakah

The word barakah (بَرَكَة) in the Arabic language offers several meanings which are worth analysing. Linguistically, barakah connotes 'stability and firmness' like how a camel knelt down and places its body firmly on the ground, as reflected in the sentence “بَرَكَ الجمل”. Barakah also implies growth and increase in quantity¹ (النَّمَاءُ وَالزِّيَادَة). Contextually, when we do something that has barakah, it grows and multiplies exponentially. Another definition of barakah is ‘continuity’, a quality of being in a consistent flow and achieving stability without interruption² (الاستمرارية).

From the definitions above, barakah can be understood as a profound spiritual concept, a divine blessing which signifies the presence of goodness and its abundance. This goodness has the potential to grow and continue to be in existence for a long period of time³.

Why Barakah Matters

The word barakah is repeated over 32 times in the Quran and in different forms (wazan), found in 24 surahs. The emphasis on barakah is further extended when Allah Himself proclaimed that the Quran itself is a form of barakah, and being revealed in a state of being blessed (مُبَارَكٌ).

وَهَذَا كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ مُبَارَكٌ

“And this is a Book which We have sent down, blessed.”

(Surah Al-An’am 6:92)

Analysing the verse above, let’s take a look at a sahih hadith (sound hadith that is considered authentic) reported by Abdullah ibn Mas’uood r.a,that the Messenger of Allah s.a.w. said,

مَنْ قَرَأَ حَرْفًا مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ فَلَهُ بِهِ حَسَنَةٌ وَالْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا لاَ أَقُولُ الم حَرْفٌ وَلَكِنْ أَلِفٌ حَرْفٌ وَلاَمٌ حَرْفٌ وَمِيمٌ حَرْفٌ

“Whoever reads one letter from the Book of Allah will earn one good (hasanah) thereby. One good deed is equal to ten good deeds the like of it. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter and Meem is a letter.’”

(Sunan At-Tirmizi)
 

The hadith by Abdullah ibn Mas’ud r.a. provides a clear example of how the Quran is a form of blessing, which in this case, the reciter attains reward for every letter that is being read, with one good deed liken to ten. When barakah is present, the efforts yield fruitful results, and Allah s.w.t. multiplies it, allowing individuals to achieve more with less effort and time.

Thus, barakah can be seen as a divine gift bestowed by Allah s.w.t, who is after all, the source of all blessings. It manifests in every aspect of our life, and we can even experience its transformative power, which warrants that even limited means can lead to abundant outcomes.

Weaving Barakah into Our Daily Lives

We often recognise the value of barakah when we experience its absence. While some may possess great wealth yet feel empty, others may experience a sense of fulfillment and contentment, even in the face of limited resources. Recognising the profound significance of barakah and its ability to enhance our lives, we should make a conscious effort to achieve it. 

To achieve barakah, especially amidst living a life filled with challenges and uncertainties is to first acknowledge that barakah is not a complex and far-fetched concept. 

In a Quranic verse, Allah emphasised the significance of being grateful,

وَإِذۡ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمۡ لَئِن شَكَرۡتُمۡ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمۡۖ

“And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you (in favour).”

(Surah Ibrahim 14:7)

Read: What Is Gratitude in Islam?

By fulfilling our religious obligations and expressing gratitude to Allah, we invite His blessings into our lives. When we experience barakah, we can feel a sense of divine favour and closeness to the Almighty. In the book “The Barakah Effect: More With Less”, author Mohammed Faris, recognised that attaining barakah entails adopting a holistic approach towards worship. It draws upon the Islamic principle of ‘ibadah, which involves a conscious submission to Allah s.w.t, acknowledging Allah’s presence and making choices that align with His commandments. 

When we begin to embrace this holistic approach to faith, we unlock the door to a life filled with barakah⁴.

Below are some recommendations on how we can attempt to infuse barakah in our everyday dealings.

1. Establishing a Connection with Allah Through Dua

Dua (invocation) is a cornerstone of our connection with Allah s.w.t. We should dedicate time each day to make sincere supplications, especially in seeking barakah. Ask Allah to bless us with barakah in three crucial aspects of our lives: time, wealth and health. 

With barakah in time, we can maximise our productivity; with barakah in wealth, we can live sufficiently and support those in need; and with barakah in health, we can serve others and maintain our independence.

2. Plan Your Day Around the Time of Prayers 

Aligning daily tasks with prayer times provides structure and purpose. By integrating prayer into your schedule, you will find it easier to manage time and fulfill obligations. This sacred synchronisation not only enhances productivity but also invites the blessings of barakah to flow into your life.

Read: Valuing Time as Allah’s Blessing

3. Maintaining Good Relations 

Our relationships, whether personal or professional, thrive on respect, sincerity and mutual trust. When these relationships are blessed with barakah, they foster peace, happiness and fulfillment. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. urged us to cherish our family bonds and to work towards repairing any broken relationships⁵. Strong family ties are a source of blessings and support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, barakah is a divine gift that can transform our lives. By seeking Allah's pleasure, cultivating a positive mindset, and practising good character, we can invite barakah into our homes, our hearts and our communities.

References:

¹ ​​​​​​'Ibn Manzūr, M. (d. 1312 CE) 1999. Lisān al-‘Arab, ed. A.‘Abd al-Wahab & M. al-‘Abaydī (Beirut, Lebanon: Dār Ihya’ al-Turath al-‘Arabī) 3rd edn.

² 'Al-Fayrūzabādī, M. (d. 1415CE) 1991. Al-Qāmūs al-Muhīt (Beirut, Lebanon: Dār Ihya’ al-Turath al-‘Arabī) 1st edn, Al-Zubaydī, M. (d.1791CE) 1994. Taj al-‘Arūs min Jawahīr al-Qamūs, ed. A.Shiri (Beirut, Lebanon: Dār al-Fikr).

³ 'Abd  al-Jawwad,  Muhammad  Mahmud.  (2007).  Al-Barakah:  Asbabuha,  wa makanatuha, wa turuquha jibliha. Iskandariyah: Dar al-Iman.

⁴ Mohammed A Faris, The Barakah Effect: More With Less (Claritas Books, 2023).

⁵ Jami’ at-Tirmidhi (n.d) (10) Chapter: What Has Been Related About Connecting The Ties of Kinship. Retrieved from here.

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