Rizq (رزق) in the Quran refers to the concept of provision or sustenance provided by Allah to all His creations. It encompasses not just material wealth like food, money, or resources, but also non-material blessings such as health, knowledge, peace of mind, family, and spiritual well-being. The term derives from the Arabic root “r-z-q,” meaning to provide or bestow, and it appears over 100 times in the Quran, emphasizing that all rizq ultimately comes from Allah alone, who is described as Ar-Razzaq (The Provider). Allah controls its distribution, increasing or decreasing it according to His wisdom, and it serves as a test of faith, gratitude, and reliance on Him. Rizq is predestined yet influenced by human actions like effort, prayer, and righteousness, balancing divine decree with personal responsibility.

Key Quranic Verses on Rizq

Here are some prominent verses that illustrate the concept, along with their explanations based on Quranic context:

1. Surah Hud (11:6):
   Arabic: ۞ وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٖ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رِزۡقُهَا وَيَعۡلَمُ مُسۡتَقَرَّهَا وَمُسۡتَوۡدَعَهَاۚ كُلّٞ فِي كِتَٰبٖ مُّبِينٖ
   Translation: “And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register.”
   Explanation: This verse underscores that Allah guarantees rizq for every living being on earth, from humans to animals. It highlights His omniscience—He knows where each creature resides and where it will die—and that all provisions are recorded in the Preserved Tablet (Lauh Mahfuz). It reassures believers not to worry excessively about sustenance, as it is divinely ordained. 10 11 12
2. Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:58):
   Arabic: إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلرَّزَّاقُ ذُو ٱلۡقُوَّةِ ٱلۡمَتِينُ
   Translation: “Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength.”
   Explanation: Here, Allah identifies Himself as Ar-Razzaq, emphasizing His role as the ultimate and abundant Provider. The verse reminds us that rizq is not earned solely through human effort but is granted by Allah’s power and strength, encouraging trust in Him over worldly means. 11
3. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:3):
   Arabic: ٱلَّذِينَ يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَيُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقۡنَٰهُمۡ يُنفِقُونَ
   Translation: “Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them.”
   Explanation: This describes the characteristics of the righteous (muttaqin), who recognize rizq as a gift from Allah and use it charitably. It links provision to acts of worship and generosity, implying that spending in Allah’s way does not diminish rizq but may increase it through divine blessings. 12
4. Surah Ibrahim (14:7):
   Arabic: وَإِذۡ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمۡ لَئِن شَكَرۡتُمۡ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمۡۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرۡتُمۡ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٞ
   Translation: “And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'”
   Explanation: Gratitude (shukr) is directly tied to an increase in rizq, while ingratitude leads to loss or punishment. This verse teaches that acknowledging Allah’s provisions through thanks and good deeds invites more blessings, making rizq dynamic based on one’s attitude. 10 11
5. Surah Taha (20:132):
   Arabic: وَأۡمُرۡ أَهۡلَكَ بِٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَٱصۡطَبِرۡ عَلَيۡهَاۖ لَا نَسۡـَٔلُكَ رِزۡقٗاۖ نَّحۡنُ نَرۡزُقُكَۗ وَٱلۡعَٰقِبَةُ لِلتَّقۡوَىٰ
   Translation: “And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for [those of] righteousness.”
   Explanation: Addressed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), this verse affirms that Allah is the sole Provider and does not burden humans with seeking rizq beyond their capacity. It prioritizes prayer and taqwa (God-consciousness) as paths to ultimate success, with rizq assured by Allah. 11
6. Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:26):
   Arabic: ٱللَّهُ يَبۡسُطُ ٱلرِّزۡقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيَقۡدِرُۚ وَفَرِحُواْ بِٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَمَا ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا فِي ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ إِلَّا مَتَٰعٞ
   Translation: “Allah extends provision for whom He wills and restricts [it]. And they rejoice in the worldly life, while the worldly life is not, compared to the Hereafter, except [brief] enjoyment.”
   Explanation: This highlights Allah’s sovereignty over rizq—He expands or limits it as a test. It warns against excessive attachment to worldly provisions, reminding that true value lies in the Hereafter.

Broader Quranic Themes on Rizq

• Predestination and Effort: Rizq is written before birth, but humans must strive (e.g., like birds seeking food while relying on Allah, as per related hadiths referenced in Quranic contexts). 11 The Quran encourages halal (lawful) means of earning, as in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:168), and prohibits despair or sinful pursuits for fear of poverty (2:268).
• Tests and Gratitude: Rizq tests faith—abundance may lead to arrogance, scarcity to patience. Verses like Surah Nuh (71:10-12) link seeking forgiveness (istighfar) to increased provisions, such as rain, wealth, and children. 11
• Beyond Materialism: Rizq includes spiritual sustenance, like guidance and contentment. In Paradise, believers receive eternal rizq (e.g., fruits in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:25). 12

In summary, the Quran portrays rizq as a divine gift meant to foster dependence on Allah, gratitude, and righteous living. While humans plan and work, ultimate control rests with Him, and focusing on the Hereafter ensures the best outcomes. For deeper study, refer to tafsirs like Ibn Kathir or Al-Tabari on these verses.