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In Urdu in the end
The Thirteenth Goat: The Hidden Secret of Wealth, Charity, and Divine Blessings in Islam
Introduction: A Simple Question, A Life-Changing Answer
I once asked a small-scale goat farmer a very simple question:
“How many goats do you have, and how much do you earn annually?”
His answer seemed ordinary at first.
“I have twelve goats of a good breed,” he said calmly,
“They earn me around six hundred thousand rupees a year — about fifty thousand per month.”
But when I looked closely at his herd, I noticed something unusual.
There were thirteen goats, not twelve.
When I asked him about the thirteenth goat, his response stunned me — not because it was complicated, but because it was deeply wise.
That single sentence revealed a success philosophy that expensive business books and modern economic theories often fail to explain.
The Thirteenth Goat: A Philosophy of Barakah
The farmer smiled and said:
“I earn profit from twelve goats.
The thirteenth goat is not counted.”
Confused, I asked why.
He replied:
“The thirteenth goat gives birth to two kids.
One is sacrificed for the sake of Allah,
and the other is given to a poor and deserving person.
This goat is not an expense — it is protection.
It brings blessings (barakah) to the other twelve goats.”
That was it.
No business jargon.
No complex calculations.
No MBA-level theories.
Just faith, generosity, and trust in Allah.
Why This Is Not an Ordinary Story
This is not just a rural anecdote.
This is a living example of an Islamic economic principle that the Qur’an, Hadith, and sayings of the Sahaba have emphasized for centuries.
While modern society teaches:
-
Accumulate more
-
Spend less
-
Give only after you are “secure”
Islam teaches:
-
Give first
-
Trust Allah
-
And watch how He multiplies what remains
Hazrat Ali (RA): The Core Principle of Rizq
Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله تعالى عنه) once said:
“People search for sustenance in hard work,
while it is actually hidden in generosity.”
This statement alone is a complete philosophy of life.
Islam does not deny hard work — but it redefines success.
Hard work is necessary, yes.
But barakah comes from sadaqah.
Rizq Is Not Just Money
In Islam, rizq is not limited to income.
Rizq includes:
-
Peace of heart
-
Health
-
Protection from loss
-
Unexpected ease
-
Contentment
-
Respect
-
Stability
Many people earn more money than ever before, yet live in stress, fear, and dissatisfaction.
Why?
Because rizq is not only about numbers — it is about divine blessing.
What Is Barakah?
Barakah means:
-
Increase without visible reason
-
Benefit beyond expectation
-
Protection from harm
-
Sustainability over time
The farmer’s twelve goats were not successful because of breed alone.
They were successful because the thirteenth goat invited Allah into the business.
Qur’anic Principle: Charity Never Decreases Wealth
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah
is like a seed that grows seven ears;
in every ear there are a hundred grains.
And Allah multiplies for whom He wills.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261)
This verse is not symbolic — it is literal in impact.
What humans see as “loss,”
Allah turns into multiplication.
The Illusion of Control in Modern Economics
Modern economics teaches us that:
-
Wealth comes from control
-
Security comes from hoarding
-
Growth comes from minimizing giving
Islam challenges this illusion.
Allah reminds us:
“And whatever you spend — He will replace it.”
(Surah Saba 34:39)
The farmer did not fear loss.
He feared excluding Allah from his earnings.
Why the Thirteenth Goat Was a Shield
The farmer said something extraordinary:
“This goat protects the other twelve.”
How?
Because charity:
-
Protects wealth from sudden loss
-
Protects businesses from collapse
-
Protects families from hardship
-
Protects hearts from greed
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Charity does not decrease wealth.”
(Sahih Muslim)
What decreases wealth is greed.
What increases wealth is trust in Allah.
Involving Allah in Your Business
Many scholars say:
“A business never fails when Allah is made a partner in it.”
Making Allah a partner does not mean rituals alone.
It means:
-
Setting aside a portion for charity
-
Helping the needy consistently
-
Being honest in dealings
-
Paying zakat properly
-
Giving before being asked
The thirteenth goat was not charity after profit —
it was charity within the system.
The Wisdom of Simple People
The most powerful lesson here is not financial.
It is humility.
That uneducated shepherd understood a truth that elite institutions often ignore:
Wealth is sustained by generosity, not guarded by fear.
His philosophy did not come from books —
it came from imaan.
A Universal Lesson for the Modern World
Whether you are:
-
A business owner
-
A salaried employee
-
A farmer
-
A freelancer
-
A student
The principle remains the same:
👉 Keep a “thirteenth goat” in your life.
Not necessarily a goat — but a fixed portion of your income that is:
-
Not counted
-
Not expected back
-
Given sincerely
-
Dedicated to Allah
Conclusion (Part 1)
This story is not about goats.
It is about belief.
It teaches us that:
-
Rizq is written
-
Barakah is invited
- And Allah never disappoints those who give for His sake
The Thirteenth Goat: Charity, Wealth, and the Divine Economic System (PART 2)
Islamic Wisdom on Sadaqah, Rizq, and True Success
Charity in Islam: More Than an Act of Kindness
In Islam, charity (Sadaqah) is not merely an emotional or moral act — it is a spiritual law that governs wealth, success, and sustainability.
Modern society treats charity as something optional:
“Give if you can afford it.”
Islam reverses this mindset:
“You can afford because you give.”
The story of the thirteenth goat beautifully reflects this principle. That goat was not an extra burden; it was the foundation of the farmer’s success.
The Qur’anic Law of Replacement
Allah establishes a clear economic rule in the Qur’an:
“And whatever you spend in charity, Allah will replace it.
And He is the Best of Providers.”
(Surah Saba 34:39)
This verse does not say “Allah might replace it.”
It says He will replace it.
Replacement does not always come in the same form:
-
Money may be replaced with peace
-
Loss may be replaced with protection
-
Giving may be replaced with unexpected ease
The farmer’s goats flourished not because of luck — but because Allah was replacing what was given.
Hazrat Ali (RA): Work and Generosity Must Walk Together
Hazrat Ali (رضي الله تعالى عنه) never discouraged hard work.
But he warned against relying on effort alone.
His famous saying:
“People look for provision in effort,
while it is hidden in generosity.”
This does not deny effort — it completes it.
Effort without generosity leads to exhaustion.
Generosity without effort leads to imbalance.
Islam calls for both together.
The farmer worked hard — but he also kept a door open for Allah’s mercy.
Why Charity Protects Wealth
One of the most misunderstood concepts is wealth protection.
People believe wealth is protected by:
-
Insurance
-
Savings
-
Hoarding
-
Control
Islam teaches that wealth is protected by:
-
Zakat
-
Sadaqah
-
Helping the needy
-
Gratitude
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Protect your wealth with charity.”
(Reported in Hadith literature)
This explains why the farmer said:
“The thirteenth goat protects the other twelve.”
That statement was not poetic — it was Islamic economics in action.
Barakah vs. Quantity: A Forgotten Difference
Two people may earn the same amount.
One struggles.
One thrives.
Why?
Because barakah cannot be measured.
Barakah means:
-
Less income, more peace
-
Fewer resources, more outcomes
-
Simple life, deep satisfaction
Allah says:
“If the people of the towns had believed and feared Allah,
We would have opened for them blessings from the heavens and the earth.”
(Surah Al-A‘raf 7:96)
Blessings are opened — not chased.
Charity and the Psychology of Abundance
Modern psychology confirms what Islam taught centuries ago.
Generous people:
-
Experience less anxiety
-
Have stronger social bonds
-
Feel more fulfilled
-
Trust life more
Islam explains this spiritually:
Giving removes fear of poverty from the heart.
Allah says:
“Satan threatens you with poverty and commands you to immorality,
while Allah promises you forgiveness and bounty.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:268)
The farmer was not afraid of losing money —
because he trusted Allah’s promise, not Satan’s whisper.
Historical Examples: Sadaqah in Action
Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA)
Hazrat Umar (RA) once gave half of his wealth in charity.
He was asked:
“What did you leave for your family?”
He replied:
“Allah and His Messenger.”
Did he become poor?
No — he became one of the strongest leaders in history.
Uthman ibn Affan (RA)
During a severe famine, Hazrat Uthman (RA) donated an entire caravan of goods.
Merchants offered him profit.
He replied:
“Allah has promised me a greater return.”
His wealth did not decrease — it became legendary.
The Farmer vs. Modern Capitalism
The farmer’s mindset directly challenges modern capitalism.
Capitalism says:
“Count everything.”
Islam says:
“Give something you don’t count.”
That uncounted portion becomes the source of growth.
This is why zakat is calculated,
but sadaqah is open-ended.
Making Allah a Partner in Your Income
Scholars often say:
“That business never fails in which Allah has a share.”
How do you give Allah a share?
-
Set a fixed percentage for charity
-
Give regularly, not randomly
-
Help silently
-
Don’t expect recognition
-
Give even when income is small
The farmer did not wait to become rich —
his charity made him stable.
A Formula for Modern Life
You don’t need goats.
You need a thirteenth portion.
It could be:
-
A fixed donation every month
-
Supporting an orphan
-
Feeding the poor
-
Helping a struggling student
-
Quietly paying someone’s bill
Whatever it is — do not count it.
That is your shield.
Qur’anic Reminder About Hoarding
Allah warns clearly:
“Those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah —
give them tidings of a painful punishment.”
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:34)
Wealth is not condemned.
Hoarding is.
The farmer owned goats —
but they did not own his heart.
The Secret the World Overlooks
The world teaches:
“Earn more to give later.”
Islam teaches:
“Give now so you can earn with blessing.”
That is the secret behind the thirteenth goat.
Conclusion (Part 2)
This story teaches us that:
-
Charity is not loss
-
Generosity is not weakness
-
Trust in Allah is not ignorance
It is the highest intelligence.
The Thirteenth Goat: Can Charity Change Destiny? (PART 3)
How Sadaqah Removes Hardship, Protects Rizq, and Transforms Lives
Does Charity Really Change Destiny?
One of the most frequently asked questions in Islamic thought is:
Can charity (sadaqah) change destiny?
Islam’s answer is powerful, clear, and hopeful.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Charity repels calamity and increases lifespan.”
(Reported in Hadith literature)
This statement alone changes how we understand life, hardship, and success.
Destiny (Qadr) in Islam is not a rigid, lifeless script.
It is alive, dynamic, and deeply connected to our actions — especially sadaqah.
The thirteenth goat was not only about wealth.
It was about protection from unseen harm.
Two Types of Destiny in Islam
Islamic scholars explain destiny in two levels:
1. Al-Qadr Al-Mubram (Fixed Decree)
This is what Allah has decided absolutely.
2. Al-Qadr Al-Mu‘allaq (Conditional Decree)
This destiny changes based on actions, such as:
-
Dua
-
Charity
-
Repentance
-
Good deeds
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Nothing repels destiny except supplication,
and nothing increases lifespan except righteousness.”
Charity is both righteousness and silent dua.
Charity as a Shield Against Hardship
Many people ask:
“Why do problems still come even when I earn honestly?”
Islam answers:
Because earning alone does not invite protection.
Protection comes from giving.
The farmer did not say:
“This goat earns me money.”
He said:
“This goat protects my other goats.”
That is an extraordinary insight.
The Qur’an on Trials and Relief
Allah says:
“Whatever misfortune befalls you is because of what your hands have earned,
but He pardons much.”
(Surah Ash-Shura 42:30)
And also:
“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”
(Surah Ash-Sharh 94:6)
Scholars explain that charity accelerates ease and reduces hardship.
Sometimes hardship is written —
but its severity and duration are softened by sadaqah.
Real-Life Reflection: Why Some People Are “Always Safe”
Have you noticed?
Some people:
-
Face accidents but walk away unharmed
-
Lose money but recover quickly
-
Face crises but remain calm
While others:
-
Collapse under minor problems
-
Live in constant fear
-
Never feel secure
The difference is not intelligence.
The difference is barakah and protection.
Charity builds an invisible shield.
The Prophet ﷺ and the Culture of Giving
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the most generous human being.
Ibn Abbas (RA) said:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of people,
and he was even more generous in Ramadan.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
Despite having little, he gave continuously.
Why?
Because he knew:
What is given for Allah is never lost.
Sadaqah Is Not Only Money
Many people delay charity because they think:
“I don’t have enough money.”
Islam corrects this misunderstanding.
Charity includes:
-
Feeding someone
-
Smiling
-
Helping physically
-
Teaching knowledge
-
Removing harm from the road
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Every good deed is charity.”
(Sahih Muslim)
The farmer gave goats —
but the principle applies to everyone.
Wealth Is a Test, Not a Reward
Allah says:
“Your wealth and your children are but a trial.”
(Surah At-Taghabun 64:15)
Wealth is not proof of Allah’s pleasure.
It is a responsibility.
The question is not:
“How much do you earn?”
The real question is:
“How much do you give?”
Why Charity Must Be Consistent
One-time charity is good.
Consistent charity is transformative.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done regularly, even if small.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
The farmer’s system was continuous:
-
Every year
-
Without fail
-
Without counting it as profit
That consistency is why barakah stayed.
The Psychology of Letting Go
Charity trains the heart.
It teaches:
-
Detachment
-
Trust
-
Gratitude
-
Humility
People who never give often live in fear:
-
Fear of loss
-
Fear of future
-
Fear of poverty
Allah addresses this fear directly:
“And whoever fears Allah —
He will make a way out for him
and provide for him from where he does not expect.”
(Surah At-Talaq 65:2–3)
Unexpected provision is a result of trust, not control.
The Thirteenth Goat as a Life Strategy
Let us define the concept clearly.
The Thirteenth Goat Means:
-
A portion of your income you do not rely on
-
A part of your resources you give away sincerely
-
Something you remove from calculations
-
A silent partnership with Allah
This strategy works:
-
In business
-
In jobs
-
In families
-
In personal life
Charity During Difficulty: The Highest Level
The greatest charity is not given in ease —
it is given in difficulty.
Allah praises those who give:
“They give food, in spite of love for it,
to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.”
(Surah Al-Insan 76:8)
Giving when you “need it yourself”
is what unlocks miracles.
A Modern Misconception: “I’ll Give Later”
Many say:
“When I become successful, I’ll start giving.”
Islam says:
“Give now — so success comes with blessing.”
The farmer did not wait to be rich.
His giving kept him stable.
When Charity Becomes a Lifestyle
When charity becomes a habit:
-
Wealth becomes calm
-
Life becomes lighter
-
Fear disappears
-
Gratitude increases
You stop asking:
“What if I lose?”
And start believing:
“Allah will replace.”
Conclusion (Part 3)
This part teaches us:
-
Charity can change destiny
-
Sadaqah removes hardship
-
Giving protects wealth
-
Trust invites unseen help
The thirteenth goat was not superstition.
It was Islamic wisdom lived in reality.
The Thirteenth Goat: A Practical Life System for Wealth, Barakah, and Divine Partnership (PART 4 – FINAL)
Turning Wisdom into Action
So far, we have understood that the story of the thirteenth goat is not just inspiration — it is a complete life system.
Now the most important question arises:
How can an ordinary person apply this philosophy in real life?
Islam is not a religion of theory.
It is a religion of practice.
The wisdom of the shepherd only becomes meaningful when it is lived, not just admired.
Step 1: Define Your “Thirteenth Goat”
Your thirteenth goat does not have to be large.
It must be:
-
Consistent
-
Sincere
-
Uncounted
-
Dedicated to Allah
Examples:
-
5–10% of monthly income set aside for charity
-
One fixed person or family you help regularly
-
A weekly or monthly sadaqah system
-
A hidden act of giving no one knows about
The amount matters less than the commitment.
Step 2: Remove It from Your Calculations
This is the most important step.
The farmer said:
“I do not count the thirteenth goat.”
This means:
-
Do not expect return
-
Do not track benefit
-
Do not feel proud
-
Do not delay
Once you give, mentally let go.
That is where barakah begins.
Step 3: Give Before You Feel Secure
Most people wait for comfort.
Islam teaches:
Give before comfort.
Allah says:
“And whoever relies upon Allah — He is sufficient for him.”
(Surah At-Talaq 65:3)
Security is not a condition for giving.
Giving is a path to security.
Step 4: Keep It Secret When Possible
The Qur’an praises hidden charity:
“If you give charity openly, it is good.
But if you conceal it and give it to the poor,
it is better for you.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:271)
Hidden charity:
-
Protects sincerity
-
Removes ego
-
Strengthens connection with Allah
Your thirteenth goat works best when no one knows it exists.
Step 5: Combine Charity with Honesty
Charity does not replace ethics.
Barakah comes when:
-
Income is halal
-
Dealings are honest
-
No cheating exists
-
No injustice is done
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah is pure and accepts only what is pure.”
(Sahih Muslim)
The shepherd’s income was clean —
so his charity multiplied.
Common Mistakes People Make in Charity
1. Giving Only When Convenient
Charity must be planned, not emotional.
2. Expecting Immediate Results
Barakah often works silently.
3. Showing Off
This kills reward.
Allah warns:
“Do not invalidate your charity with reminders or harm.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:264)
4. Delaying Zakat
Zakat is not optional.
It is Allah’s right.
Charity and Business: A Sustainable Model
Many successful Muslim entrepreneurs quietly follow this rule:
-
Fixed charity budget
-
Regular sadaqah
-
Zakat paid on time
-
Helping employees
-
Supporting community
They may not advertise it —
but their businesses show stability, not chaos.
That stability is barakah.
When Giving Seems Difficult
There will be moments when giving feels hard.
That is the test.
Allah describes true believers:
“Those who give in ease and in hardship.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:134)
That is when charity has the greatest impact.
The Ultimate Partnership: Allah as Your Business Partner
The shepherd unknowingly followed a profound principle:
“If Allah is your partner, loss is impossible.”
Not because profit is guaranteed —
but because purpose is protected.
A business may face ups and downs,
but a life connected to Allah never collapses.
Final Reflection: Why This Story Matters Today
In a world of:
-
Anxiety
-
Inflation
-
Fear of future
-
Endless competition
This story brings peace.
It reminds us that:
-
Rizq is written
-
Barakah is invited
-
Giving is strength
-
Trust is intelligence
The shepherd did not chase wealth.
He aligned with divine law.
Final Qur’anic Reminder
Allah says:
“Who is it that will lend Allah a goodly loan,
so He may multiply it for him many times over?”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:245)
When you give for Allah,
you are not losing —
you are investing with the Creator.
Final Conclusion: Keep a Thirteenth Goat in Your Life
This story leaves us with one timeless lesson:
👉 Always keep a thirteenth goat.
Something you give:
-
Without fear
-
Without counting
-
Without pride
-
Without delay
That single act may become:
-
Your protection
-
Your peace
-
Your success
-
Your salvation
Disclaimer:
This content has been translated and generated using OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Any unintentional errors or inaccuracies may occur due to automated translation. The purpose of this post is educational and informational only. Readers are advised to consult authentic sources or qualified scholars for religious or scholarly matters.میں نے بکریاں پالنے والے ایک چھوٹے سے فارمر سے پوچھا کہ آپ کے پاس کتنی بکریاں ہیں اور سالانہ کتنا کما لیتے ہو
اس نے کہا میرے پاس اچھی نسل کی بارہ بکریاں ہیں جو مجھے سالانہ چھ لاکھ روپے دیتی ہیں جو ماہانہ پچاس ہزار بنتا ہے
مگر میں نے جب بکریوں کے ریوڑ پر نظر دوڑائی تو اس میں بارہ نہیں تیرہ بکریاں تھیں
جب میں نے اس سے تیرھویں بکری کے بارے میں پوچھا تو اسکا جو جواب تھا وہ کمال کا تھا اور اسکا وہی ایک جملہ دراصل کامیاب ہونے کا بہت بڑا راز تھا
اس نے کہا کہ بارہ بکریوں سے میں چھ لاکھ منافع حاصل کرتا ہوں اور اس تیرھویں بکری کے دو بچے ہوتے ہیں ایک کی قربانی کرتا ہوں اور دوسرا کسی مستحق غریب کو دے دیتا ہوں
اس لئے یہ بکری میں نے گنتی می ں شامل نہیں کی
یہ تیرہویں بکری باقی کی بارہ بکریوں کی محافظ ہے اور میرے لئے باعث خیر وبرکت ہے
یقین کریں کہ یہ کوئی معمولی بات نہیں ہے۔
دنیا کے بڑے بڑے فلاسفروں کے فلسفے ایک طرف اور اس بکریاں پالنے والے نوجوان کا یہ جملہ ایک طرف
مجھے وہ بات ان پڑھ سادہ لوح گلہ بان کامیابی کا وہ فلسفہ سمجھا گیا جو کامرس کی موٹی موٹی کتابیں مجھے نہ سمجھا سکیں (منقول)
حضرت علی رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ کا قول ہے
لوگ رزق کو محنت میں تلاش کرتے ہیں حالانکہ یہ سخاوت میں پوشیدہ ہے۔۔
بہت سارے علماء کرام فرماتے ہیں ہیں کہ وہ کاروبار کبھی بھی خسارے میں نہیں جاتا جس میں ہم اللہ رب العزت کو شریک کر لیں جس میں ہم اللہ رب العزت کا حصہ رکھ لیں ہمیں چاہیے اہیے محنت کے ساتھ ساتھ اللہ تعالی کا حصہ بھی ابھی دینا چاہیے آئے باقی خدا تعالی سے دعا ہے ہے کہ وہ ہمیں ہمیں توفیق عطا فرمائے
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