Barakah reflections

A person once argued with Ibrahim ibn Adham, saying, “There is no such thing as ‘barakah,’ or blessing.” To this, Ibrahim ibn Adham responded, asking, “Do you know dogs and sheep?”

The man replied, “Yes.”

Ibn Adham then asked, “Which of these animals has larger litters?”

The man said, “A dog can have up to seven puppies, while a ewe can give birth to up to three.”

Ibn Adham continued, “If you look around you, which of these two species is larger in number?”

The man replied, “I see a lot more sheep.”

Ibn Adham then asked, “But aren’t sheep the ones we slaughter and eat, constantly reducing their numbers?”

The layman answered, “Yes.”

Ibn Adham concluded, “That is barakah.”

The man was curious and asked, “But why is that so? Why would sheep deserve this barakah over dogs?”

Ibn Adham responded, “Sheep sleep early and wake up before Fajr, so they seize the time of Mercy, and barakah descends upon them. As for dogs, they stay up barking all night, and when it’s close to Fajr, they fall asleep. They miss the time of Mercy, so they don’t receive much barakah.”

This discourse makes me reflect on the concept of barakah, and how it relates to our own lives. We often wonder why our wealth, time, or families may not be blessed with an abundance that we desire. Could it be that we, too, are depriving ourselves of barakah by not honoring the times when Allah’s mercy is most abundant?

The Qur’an reminds us of the importance of seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings at the right moments. Allah says:

“And those who say, ‘Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we forget or make a mistake.’ He says, ‘I have done so. And I will do so for you.’” (Qur’an 2:286)

It’s in moments of stillness, humility, and early mornings, such as the time before Fajr, that we align ourselves with Allah’s mercy. Just as the sheep receive their blessing by adhering to natural rhythms, we too are invited to seek Allah’s mercy during these blessed times, thereby inviting barakah into our lives.

In a world filled with distractions and long nights, we often lose sight of the importance of rest, prayer, and the pursuit of barakah. By embracing these quiet, sacred moments—like those before dawn—we position ourselves to receive the blessings Allah intends for us in every aspect of our lives, from our wealth to our families, and even our peace of mind.