The word ‘barakah’ literally means “blessing” and “increase in something”. In the Arab Muslim world, the word ‘barakah’ has a very important place in people’s everyday life because of its strong religious associations. It refers to a divine blessing or endowment, or it can also be a sign of divine care of one’s life. For example, Arabs often refer to someone who is well-connected to God and leading a peaceful, content life as ‘Rajul Mubarak’ رجل مبارك or a “blessed man”. It’s believed that because of his good character traits, he deserves the blessings that God bestows upon him, particularly when it comes to possessions and income. In fact, barakah is often used in reference to money. People say that there is “barakah in his money”, في الرزق بركه which means that that money is being protected by God from being stolen or spent recklessly, and it might even increase! Barakah can also have an impact on one’s time and life in general by making it productive and fulfilling. Absence of barakah is usually considered a negative thing that can make one vulnerable to loss.