Saving for Retirement & Trust in Allah

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question: In many countries, people save up money for retirement. I know there is nothing wrong with this but isn’t this sort of against the concept of tawakkul that one fears for his future and saves up money each year so he may have a “secure” life? I know that one has to take the means but to save up lots of money to have a steady salary after retirement doesn’t seem to me the best option. Please advise.

Answer: Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Saving up for retirement and other future contingencies is from the taking of means–and is not contrary to trust in Allah (tawakkul). Trust in Allah is for one’s heart to be at rest and confident with the Divine Promise. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) himself would store food for his wives, as protection against future shortcomings.

And Allah alone gives success.
Faraz Rabbani