Have you ever wondered why someone makes du’a repeatedly but feels that their supplications are not being answered?

Have you ever considered that the food we eat, the money we earn and the sources from which we obtain our wealth may have an impact on our relationship with Allah?

Many Muslims are careful about performing their daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, giving charity and attending Jumu’ah. Yet, some pay very little attention to whether their income is lawful or whether the food they consume comes from permissible sources.

A person may spend hours making du’a for financial success, good health, a successful marriage, righteous children and relief from difficulties, while earning money through dishonest business practices, taking bribes, cheating customers or engaging in prohibited transactions.

This raises an important question: Can we expect our lives to be filled with the blessings of Allah while deliberately ignoring His commands concerning how we earn and consume wealth?

Islam teaches that what we eat and how we earn our living are not merely matters of personal preference. They are connected to our obedience to Allah, the purity of our actions and our spiritual wellbeing.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) specifically warned against unlawful consumption and explained its relationship with the acceptance of supplications.

This is a reminder every Muslim should take seriously.

1. Allah Commands Muslims to Eat What Is Lawful and Good

One of the fundamental principles of Islam is that Muslims must be conscious of what they consume.

Allah says:

“O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.”

Surah Al-Baqarah 2:168

Notice that Allah does not simply tell us to eat. He commands us to eat what is both lawful (Halal) and good (Tayyib).

This means that a Muslim should pay attention to the permissibility and quality of what they consume.

Halal refers to what Allah has permitted, while Tayyib carries the meaning of what is wholesome, good and pure.

For example, a Muslim should avoid prohibited food and drink, but the responsibility goes beyond choosing permissible meals.

We must also consider how the money used to purchase that food was obtained.

A person may purchase perfectly permissible food from a restaurant, but if the money used to pay for it was obtained through theft, fraud or bribery, the unlawful source of that money remains a serious matter.

Likewise, someone may earn money through dishonest business dealings and use the proceeds to provide expensive meals for their family.

The fact that the food itself is permissible does not make the unlawful earnings acceptable.

A Muslim must therefore pay attention to both what enters the body and how the means of obtaining it were acquired.

2. The Prophet Explained How Unlawful Consumption Affects Du’a

One of the most important Hadith on this subject is narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him).

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Indeed, Allah is Good and accepts only that which is good.”

He then mentioned a man who travels for a long time, becoming dishevelled and dusty, raising his hands towards the sky and saying, “O Lord, O Lord,” while his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothing is unlawful and he is nourished by what is unlawful.

The Prophet then asked:

“So how can he be answered?”

Sahih Muslim 1015

This Hadith deserves serious reflection.

The man described by the Prophet is in a condition that would ordinarily make us think of someone whose supplication deserves special attention.

He is travelling, exhausted, dusty and raising his hands towards Allah.

Yet, despite these outward circumstances, his unlawful consumption is identified as a serious obstacle to the acceptance of his supplication.

This does not mean that we can declare that every du’a made by someone with unlawful earnings will automatically be rejected.

Allah alone knows the circumstances of every individual and how He responds to every supplication.

However, the Hadith makes it unmistakably clear that unlawful consumption is a serious impediment to the acceptance of du’a.

This should make every Muslim examine their sources of income and the things they consume.

Perhaps the problem is not that we have stopped making du’a. Perhaps there are aspects of our lives that we need to correct while continuing to ask Allah for help.

3. Not Every Source of Wealth Is Halal, Even If the Money Looks Clean

One of the dangers of modern society is that people sometimes judge wealth only by how much someone possesses.

A wealthy businessman may be admired because of his expensive cars, impressive properties and luxurious lifestyle.

A successful employee may be praised for earning a high salary.

However, Islam teaches that the source of wealth matters just as much as the amount of wealth.

Allah says:

“O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent…”

Surah An-Nisa 4:29

This verse establishes an important principle concerning financial dealings.

Wealth must not be obtained through injustice, deception or unlawful means.

Consider some examples:

• A businessman who deliberately cheats customers by using false measurements.
• An employee who steals company money or falsifies financial records.
• A public official who demands bribes before performing their duties.
• A trader who deliberately conceals serious defects in products to deceive buyers.
• Someone who obtains another person’s property through fraud.
• A person who takes money through prohibited gambling activities.
• Someone who exploits vulnerable people through dishonest financial arrangements.

These activities may produce financial benefits, but financial gain does not make an unlawful transaction permissible.

A Muslim must never allow the desire for wealth to override the commands of Allah.

4. The Danger of Bribery and Dishonest Business Practices

Bribery is a serious problem that affects individuals, businesses and entire communities.

In some environments, people have become so accustomed to dishonest financial practices that they no longer consider them serious religious violations.

Someone may pay a bribe to secure a contract, obtain an unfair advantage, influence an official decision or avoid a responsibility.

Another person may demand money before performing a duty they are already being paid to perform.

Islam strongly condemns bribery.

Allah says:

“And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you to consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].”

Surah Al-Baqarah 2:188

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also condemned those involved in bribery.

Abdullah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah cursed the one who gives a bribe and the one who takes it.

Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 1337; Sunan Abi Dawud 3580

This is a serious warning.

A Muslim should not become comfortable with bribery simply because it has become common in a particular industry or society.

Something does not become Halal because everybody is doing it.

Our responsibility is to earn through lawful means, even when dishonest alternatives appear more profitable.

Where someone is compelled to pay money to recover a right or escape an injustice, the circumstances and scholarly rulings may differ. The person demanding an unlawful payment should not be confused with someone reluctantly paying to obtain what is rightfully theirs.

5. Unlawful Earnings Can Affect the Spiritual Life of a Muslim

The effects of unlawful consumption should not be considered only in financial terms.

A person’s relationship with Allah is central to their wellbeing.

When someone repeatedly engages in prohibited financial practices without repentance, they place themselves in a dangerous spiritual position.

The heart may gradually become comfortable with disobedience.

A person who once felt uncomfortable deceiving customers may eventually consider it normal.

Someone who once rejected bribery may begin to justify it as part of doing business.

Another individual may become so attached to wealth that they no longer care whether it is earned lawfully.

This is why Muslims must pay attention to the condition of their hearts.

Allah says:

“No! Rather, the stain has covered their hearts of that which they were earning.”

Surah Al-Mutaffifin 83:14

This verse refers to the spiritual consequences of persistent wrongdoing.

It reminds us that sins can leave an effect upon the heart.

When a person repeatedly disobeys Allah without repentance, their sensitivity towards wrongdoing may gradually diminish.

This should concern every believer.

We should not only ask how much money we have accumulated. We should also ask whether our pursuit of wealth is bringing us closer to Allah or further away from Him.

6. A Small Halal Income Is Better Than a Large Haram Income

Many people are tempted by unlawful earnings because they believe that financial success is measured by how much money they make.

They may see dishonest people becoming wealthy and begin to question the value of earning lawfully.

Some may even convince themselves that they have no choice but to participate in prohibited activities because lawful income appears insufficient.

But Islam teaches Muslims to value the blessings of lawful provision.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Indeed, this wealth is green and sweet. Whoever takes it with a generous soul will be blessed in it, but whoever takes it with greed will not be blessed in it…”

Sahih al-Bukhari 1465

This Hadith reminds us that wealth is a test and that the manner in which we acquire it matters.

A person may possess a large amount of money but find little peace or blessing in it.

Another person may earn a modest salary, meet their responsibilities and live with gratitude and contentment.

We should not measure success only by the size of our bank accounts.

A lawful income accompanied by gratitude, contentment and obedience to Allah is a blessing worth protecting.

Do not destroy your relationship with Allah in pursuit of wealth that may bring temporary comfort but lasting accountability.

7. What About Feeding Your Family With Unlawful Money?

This is another important area that Muslims must consider.

Parents and guardians have responsibilities towards their families. They must provide food, clothing, shelter and other necessities according to their means.

However, the desire to provide a comfortable life for one’s family must never become an excuse for earning through prohibited means.

Some people justify dishonest business practices by saying they are doing everything for their children.

Others engage in bribery, fraud or deception because they want their families to enjoy a better standard of living.

But can we truly claim to be protecting our families when we provide for them through disobedience to Allah?

Allah says:

“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire…”

Surah At-Tahrim 66:6

This verse reminds us that our responsibilities towards our families extend beyond providing material comfort.

We must also guide them towards obedience to Allah.

A father who earns unlawful money to purchase expensive gifts for his children should reflect on whether he is truly fulfilling his responsibilities.

A mother who participates in dishonest financial activities to maintain a luxurious lifestyle should also examine her choices.

Providing for a family is an act of responsibility, but the means must be lawful.

Our children need food and education, but they also need parents who understand that obedience to Allah comes before worldly comfort.

8. Do Not Let Unlawful Wealth Enter Your Charity

One of the mistakes some people make is assuming that they can compensate for unlawful earnings by giving part of the money away in charity.

For example, someone may obtain wealth through bribery or fraud and then donate a portion to a mosque, sponsor an Islamic programme or support an orphanage.

They may believe that their charitable activities will make everything acceptable.

But unlawful wealth does not become lawful simply because some of it is donated.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Allah does not accept charity from wealth acquired through unlawful means.”

Sahih Muslim 1015

This is part of the same Hadith that explains the importance of lawful consumption.

A person cannot deliberately earn money through prohibited means and assume that donating some of it will make the source acceptable.

The proper response is to repent sincerely, stop the unlawful activity and address the rights of anyone whose wealth has been taken unjustly.

Where unlawful wealth belongs to identifiable people, it must be returned to its rightful owners or their heirs where possible.

Where the rightful owner cannot be identified or located after reasonable efforts, scholars discuss disposing of the money for public benefit or charitable purposes without treating it as an ordinary reward-seeking donation.

For complicated financial circumstances, Muslims should seek guidance from qualified scholars who understand the relevant transactions.

The important lesson is that charity must never become an excuse for continuing to earn unlawfully.

9. How Can a Muslim Purify Their Wealth and Return to Halal Living?

The good news is that a person who has been involved in unlawful earnings is not beyond the mercy of Allah.

Islam encourages sincere repentance and provides a way back for those who recognise their mistakes.

Allah says:

“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'”

Surah Az-Zumar 39:53

If you have been earning or consuming wealth through unlawful means, do not allow shame or fear to prevent you from returning to Allah.

Take the following steps:

1. Stop the unlawful activity.

If your business, employment or financial dealings involve prohibited practices, make a sincere effort to stop them.

Do not continue deliberately engaging in wrongdoing while assuming that future charity will compensate for it.

2. Make sincere repentance.

Acknowledge your mistake, regret the wrongdoing and sincerely resolve not to return to it.

3. Return people’s rights.

If you obtained money through theft, fraud, cheating or another form of injustice, make every reasonable effort to return what belongs to its rightful owner.

4. Examine your sources of income.

Review your business dealings, contracts, investments and other financial arrangements.

Seek qualified Islamic guidance where you are uncertain about a particular transaction.

5. Seek lawful alternatives.

Look for permissible ways to earn a living, develop useful skills and conduct honest business.

6. Increase your supplications and good deeds.

Ask Allah to forgive you, purify your wealth and make lawful provision sufficient for your needs.

Never underestimate the mercy of Allah.

A person who sincerely turns away from wrongdoing and seeks forgiveness should never despair of Allah’s mercy.

10. Teach Your Children the Importance of Halal Earnings

One of the greatest responsibilities parents have is teaching their children the difference between lawful and unlawful wealth.

Children should grow up understanding that not every opportunity to make money should be accepted.

They should learn that honesty is more important than appearing wealthy.

They should understand that cheating customers, stealing, bribery and financial deception are not acceptable ways of achieving success.

Parents must also lead by example.

It is difficult to teach children honesty while regularly engaging in dishonest business practices.

It is difficult to tell children to fear Allah while deliberately ignoring His commands in financial dealings.

The values we demonstrate at home may influence how our children approach wealth and responsibility throughout their lives.

Let us raise children who understand that earning lawfully is part of worship and that success should never come at the expense of obedience to Allah.

Conclusion: Before You Eat, Consider How You Earned It

Dear brothers and sisters, the issue of Halal and Haram consumption deserves much more attention than many of us give it.

We are careful about what we eat because of our health, but are we equally careful about the money used to purchase it?

We worry about the quality of our food, but do we consider whether our earnings are lawful?

We spend hours making du’a for Allah’s blessings, but have we examined the sources of our income?

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) warned us that unlawful food, drink, clothing and nourishment are serious obstacles to the acceptance of supplications.

This should make every Muslim reflect.

Do not allow the desire for wealth to make you careless about your relationship with Allah.

Do not deceive people simply because dishonest business practices appear profitable.

Do not take bribes because they have become normalised in your environment.

Do not earn through prohibited means simply because you want to provide a luxurious lifestyle for your family.

And do not assume that giving charity can make unlawful earnings acceptable.

Remember that wealth is a test, and one day we will be accountable for how we acquired and spent it.

A small amount earned lawfully is better than a fortune built upon injustice and disobedience.

Let us seek lawful provision, consume what Allah has permitted, fulfil the rights of others and teach our families the importance of earning honestly.

May Allah grant us Halal and wholesome provision, protect us from unlawful earnings, purify our hearts, accept our supplications, forgive our shortcomings and make us content with what He has provided. Ameen.