Supporting a family of five on the income of a sole breadwinner can seem daunting, especially in
today’s economic climate. However, through faith, wise financial management, and understanding the concept of Barakah, it becomes possible to not only make ends meet but also find contentment and blessings in what you have.
Here's how:
1. Barakah: The Divine Blessing
Barakah, or divine blessing, plays a crucial role in making what seems insufficient, sufficient. When wealth is earned through halal means, managed with gratitude, and used to help others, it invites Barakah. This blessing from Allah can make a small income stretch further than expected, covering needs and bringing peace to the family.
2. Prioritizing Needs Over
Wants
Living within one’s means becomes essential in a single-income household. Prioritizing essential needs—like food, shelter, clothing, and education—over non-essential wants helps in managing the budget. The family can also adopt simple living, focusing on quality time and spiritual growth rather than material possessions.
3. Budgeting and
Financial Planning
Creating a budget and sticking to it is critical. By carefully planning and tracking expenses, the sole breadwinner can ensure that the family's needs are met without falling into debt. This also includes saving for emergencies and future goals, no matter how small the contributions may be.
4. Gratitude and Contentment
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized contentment as a form of wealth. When a family embraces contentment, they are less likely to feel deprived. Instead of constantly seeking more, they appreciate what they have, which can bring a sense of abundance even with limited resources.
5. Seeking Allah’s Assistance
Regular prayer, supplication, and reliance on Allah are essential for a Muslim family. Seeking Allah’s help in making the provision sufficient is an act of faith. The family can make dua for Barakah in their wealth and practice giving, even if it’s a small amount, as charity brings about further blessings.
6. Strengthening Family Bonds
In a family with a sole breadwinner, it’s crucial to strengthen family bonds and support one another emotionally. This unity and shared responsibility lighten the burden on the breadwinner and help everyone feel more secure and content, knowing they are in it together.
7. Avoiding Debt and
Extravagance
Islam encourages living debt-free and avoiding extravagance. By staying away from unnecessary loans and living modestly, the family can avoid financial stress and ensure that the income they have goes towards meaningful and necessary expenditures.
Conclusion
While it may seem challenging for a family of five to rely on one sole breadwinner, it's important to remember that with faith, careful planning, and the pursuit of Barakah, it is possible to not only survive but thrive. By focusing on what truly matters—faith, family, and contentment—the family can find that their needs are met, and their lives are enriched in ways that go beyond material wealth.
Learn about the W.E.A.L.T.H system that Zaid Masagoes and team had developed over the
years which has helped thousands in our community thrive.
