The Richest Men Prioritise Family

Juz 16 reminded me: I’ve been trying to provide before I ever learned to guide.

Author

Hamza Awaale
March 25, 2025

I used to think being a man meant being rich.

So I chased money.

16-hour shifts as a sous chef. Ignored calls. Skipped family events. Too tired on days off to socialise.

"They’ll understand one day."

Until I looked around and realised—I was rich in money, but bankrupt in love.

“And command your family to prayer and be steadfast in it. We do not ask you for provision; We provide for you.”

20:132

I'm the oldest of seven to a single mother. That made me the father-figure, especially to the youngers.

But for years, I failed them

Yes, I worked hard and long hours to provide.

But money doesn't guide.

Money doesn't teach a child Tawheed. How to pray. The stories of the Prophets.

I had my priorities wrong.

Men. Providing is just the bare minimum. You must guide your family to goodness.

The Necessity of Teamwork

"And appoint for me a helper from my family, Aaron, my brother. Increase through him my strength and let him share my task."

(20:29-32)

As the oldest, I tried to shoulder all the responsibility alone.

I tried and failed.

I burnt out. It took my being away from my family for months (story here) to realise no man can lead a team alone.

He needs support. He needs his brothers. (I wrote a letter on brotherhood here).

The Wakeup Call

You think you’re providing?

If your little brother doesn’t know how to pray?

If your sister hasn’t memorised a single surah?

If your mother hasn’t felt peace since your father left?

Then who are you providing for?

You’ve been chasing rizq. But Allah already wrote it.

'O Mary, from where is this [coming] to you?'

She said, 'It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without account.'"

19:6-7

What He didn’t write…is whether you’ll be the reason your family enters Jannah—

or the reason they never learn how to get there.

From Today:

  • Lead salah at home, even if it’s just Maghrib with your little brother.

  • Teach one du’a to a younger sibling this week.

  • Talk to your mother about Deen— not just to serve her, but to ask what she needs spiritually.

  • Make your home a place of Qur’an, not just a place to eat and sleep.

Juz 16 covers Surah Maryam and the beginning of Surah Taha. It weaves the stories of Zakariyya, Maryam, Isa, Ibrahim, Musa, and Harun (alayhimus salaam)—each facing trials through family.

But through them, Allah shows us: legacy isn’t built with wealth, but with guidance, worship, and patience.

This letter’s theme is one that I am currently struggling with. I would appreciate any tips for leading and providing for my current and future family.

I appreciate your support. Truly.

Talk soon,

Hamza.