- “Faqr is My Pride”
One of the most famous sayings attributed to the Prophet ﷺ is, “Faqr is my pride and Faqr is from me.” This statement reveals that Faqr is not a state of deprivation but rather a profound spiritual quality. By embracing Faqr, the Prophet ﷺ demonstrated that closeness to Allah is attained not through material wealth but by recognizing one’s dependence on Allah alone. This approach frees the soul from the illusions of the world, anchoring it firmly in the reality of Divine presence. - Complete Trust in Allah
Throughout his life, the Prophet ﷺ displayed unwavering tawakkul (trust) in Allah, which is at the heart of Faqr. He relied solely on Allah will, even during moments of hardship, showing that true contentment and inner peace come from trust in Allah. His prayer during times of distress, “O Allah, I complain to You alone about my state,” exemplifies this reliance on Allah as the only source of solace and support. - Detachment from Worldly Desires
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s life was marked by simplicity and humility. He often chose a life free from luxury, embracing a simple lifestyle to demonstrate the principle of Faqr—that true richness lies in the heart. He ﷺ taught his followers that detachment from worldly wealth enables one to focus on spiritual growth and keeps the heart pure and dedicated to Allah. - Love and Compassion for All
The Prophet’s life reflected an endless compassion for all beings, which is a vital component of Faqr. He ﷺ encouraged believers to love and care for others, regardless of their status or wealth. By doing so, he taught that a life of Faqr involves a deep humility that allows one to treat all of creation as equal manifestations of Allah love. - Humility as the Path to Allah
Faqr in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is synonymous with humility. He ﷺ said, “No one who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.” In embracing Faqr, the believer realizes that all power and wealth belong to Allah alone. This humility creates a state where the soul remains free from arrogance, and one acknowledges their true place as a servant of Allah. - Seeking Spiritual Wealth Over Material Wealth
The Prophet ﷺ emphasized that the heart’s richness is the real wealth a believer should aspire to attain. He taught, “Richness does not lie in the abundance of wealth, but richness is the richness of the soul.” Through Faqr, the believer finds an everlasting treasure in the form of spiritual wisdom, peace, and contentment, which are more valuable than any worldly riches. - Dependence on Allah Alone
True Faqr involves surrendering one’s entire being to Allah, recognizing that He is the ultimate provider and sustainer. In his supplications, the Prophet ﷺ often expressed this dependence, asking Allah for guidance, sustenance, and spiritual elevation. By submitting to Allah, the soul achieves freedom from anxiety and fear, finding strength in Divine closeness rather than material security. - Patience and Gratitude in All Circumstances
One of the hallmarks of Faqr is maintaining patience and gratitude regardless of life’s circumstances. The Prophet ﷺ taught that a true believer should be grateful in times of abundance and patient in times of hardship, as both are tests from Allah. This balanced approach encourages believers to view their life circumstances as opportunities to grow closer to Allah, seeing every situation as part of His divine wisdom. - Pursuing Allah’s Love Above All
For the Prophet ﷺ, Faqr was a state of undivided love and yearning for Allah. He would often spend nights in worship, expressing his love and devotion. His famous prayer, “O Allah, I ask for Your love, and the love of those who love You, and for the love of every action that will bring me closer to Your love,” encapsulates the essence of Faqr—an endless pursuit of Divine closeness that surpasses all worldly attachments. - Service to Humanity as Service to Allah
In the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Faqr is inseparable from service to humanity. He emphasized that aiding the poor, caring for the needy, and showing mercy to others is akin to serving Allah. This selfless service flows from a heart that has let go of ego and embraced humility, seeing every act of kindness as a step closer to Allah. - Embracing Forgiveness and Mercy
The Prophet ﷺ embodied Rahmah (mercy), forgiving those who wronged him and offering compassion to all. This forgiving nature is part of Faqr, for the one who has renounced ego and worldly attachments can forgive easily and act with boundless compassion. The Prophet’s life reflects that true strength lies in mercy, which brings the believer into harmony with Allah’s Divine qualities. - A Heart Anchored in Divine Presence
Faqr is a state where the heart becomes a sanctuary of Divine remembrance. The Prophet ﷺ taught that a heart constantly engaged in the remembrance of Allah is protected from distraction and corruption. He emphasized that the goal of a believer’s life should be to keep the heart anchored in Allah’s presence, saying, “In the remembrance of Allah, hearts find rest.” This inner tranquility is the essence of Faqr. - Pursuit of Inner Knowledge and Self-Purification
The Prophet ﷺ taught that true Faqr requires the purification of the soul from negative traits like envy, anger, and pride. His teachings encouraged the believer to engage in constant self-reflection, to remove impurities of the heart, and to cultivate virtues that bring one closer to Allah. This inner knowledge, or Marifat, enables the seeker to gain insight into Allah’s essence and realize the true nature of reality.
In sum, Faqr in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is a life of profound humility, simplicity, and devotion to Allah. It’s a state of being where the seeker lets go of worldly attachments, embraces spiritual wealth, and finds fulfillment in Allah’s presence. Through Faqr, one discovers the eternal treasure of Divine love, and by following the example of the Prophet ﷺ, the soul is guided toward spiritual enlightenment, compassion, and unity with the Creator.