What Does Islam Say About Luck?

Islam, being a complete and balanced religion, has a clear stance on the concept of luck. Luck, in its commonly understood form—where people attribute outcomes to an external force—is fundamentally opposed to Islamic teachings.

The Concept of Luck in Islam

From an Islamic perspective, the idea of luck is seen as shirk, which is the worship of someone or something other than Allah. In Islam, belief in luck is equated to the worship of a false deity, as it implies that outcomes are determined by an external force rather than by God's will.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, ‘Faith is to believe in God, the angels, the Books, the Prophets, the Last Day, and predestination’ (Qadr). The concept of Qadr, or predestination, is central to Islamic tradition. It is the belief that all events are predetermined by Allah, and that free will exists within this divine plan.

Understanding Rizk in Islam

Furthermore, there is a specific term in Arabic, Rizk, that refers to Allah's provision or sustenance. According to Islamic teachings, every individual’s fate and sustenance is predetermined by Allah. Prophet Muhammad (PBP) often advised his companions to accept what was allocated to them through Rizk, emphasizing that outcomes are part of Allah's grand scheme and not solely dependent on human actions.

An Example of Rizk

A famous example of this is when Angel Gabriel came to Prophet Muhammad (PBP) in the form of a man and asked, 'What is faith?' Muhammad replied, 'Faith is to believe in God, the angels, the Books, the Prophets, the Last Day, and predestination (Qadr).'

Another instance that illustrates the concept of Rizk is a time when several of Muhammad's companions sought trade advice from him. One of them asked, 'Why do we receive different results in our trades, even though we all seek your advice?' The Prophet replied, 'This is their Rizk from Allah; do not compare.' Here, 'Rizk' refers to the provision or sustenance provided by Allah, and it is not controlled by human actions alone.

Religious Extremism and Luck

It is important to note that the idea of eliminating luck from one's life entirely is not a common practice in Islam. While some extremist interpretations may see the pursuit of luck as a form of shirk, mainstream Islamic belief emphasizes acceptance of one's predetermined fate.

Moreover, there is a principle in Islam known as 'there is no compulsion in religion' (Quran 2:256). This means that people have the freedom to choose their own beliefs and practices, without external coercion. While fanatic groups may enforce strict social norms, these are not representative of the broader spectrum of Islamic teachings.

Believing in and adjusting one's lifestyle based on the concept of luck is contrary to the teachings of Islam, which stress accepting one's Rizk and fate as predetermined by Allah. Embracing this belief in a balanced and harmonious manner aligns individuals with the overarching themes of accepting Allah's will and living a life guided by his divine will.

Understanding and applying these principles can help Muslims achieve spiritual peace and contentment, living their lives in accordance with the true teachings of Islam.