We all desire financial success, and Muslims are no different. Although it is not a need for Muslims to be wealthy, doing so while upholding Islamic teachings and via legal and moral means is encouraged. Islam does not intrinsically prohibit the acquisition of riches; rather, it offers instructions on how to acquire, manage, and make use of wealth in a way that is ethically righteous and appropriate.
Here are some key points to consider regarding wealth and richness in Islam:
- Lawful Earnings
- Responsibility and Accountability
- Charity and Generosity
- Avoidance of Haram (Forbidden) Earnings
- Contentment and Gratitude
- Balancing Worldly and Spiritual Goals
Islam does not forbid Muslims from pursuing riches, but it places a strong emphasis on how wealth should be earned and used in accordance with Islamic ethics and values. Muslims are urged to handle their wealth responsibly and charitably, to abstain from immoral ways of wealth acquisition, and to keep in mind that their actions and wealth management are accountable to God. In the end, it comes down to finding a happy medium between material prosperity and spiritual fulfillment.
According to Quran:
There are various passages in the Quran that discuss wealth and being wealthy. Here are a few verses from the Quran that discuss this subject:
Contentment and Gratitude:
In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261-262), the Quran states:
The example of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah is like that of a grain which sprouts seven ears, and in every ear there are a hundred grains. Likewise, Allah multiplies the action of whomsoever He wills. Allah is Munificent, All-Knowing. Those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah and do not follow their spending with reminders of their generosity or injure their own spirits by resisting what is right will find their reward with their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor shall they grieve.
This verse highlights the concept of spending one's wealth in the path of Allah and the rewards associated with it.
Warning Against Greed and Hoarding:
In Surah Al-Tawbah (9:34-35), the Quran says:
O you who have believed, indeed many of the scholars and the monks devour the wealth of people unjustly and avert [them] from the way of Allah. And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah - give them tidings of a painful punishment. The Day when it will be heated in the fire of Hell and seared therewith will be their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, [it will be said], 'This is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard.'
These verses serve as a warning against hoarding wealth and not spending it for charitable and righteous purposes.
The Obligation of Charity (Zakat):
The Quran explicitly mentions the obligation of giving charity (Zakat) from one's wealth in multiple verses, such as in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267-273).
O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy. Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.
These verses stress the importance of giving from one's wealth to those in need.
The proper handling of wealth, the value of helping those in need, and the repercussions of hoarding or utilizing one's wealth carelessly are all stressed in these Quranic references. Islam promotes a compassionate and well-balanced view of wealth and prosperity.
According to Hadith:
There are several Hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) that mention wealth, riches, and the attitude towards them. Here are a few relevant Hadiths on being rich:
The Importance of Contentment:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of contentment, regardless of one's financial status. He said, "Riches do not mean, having a great amount of property, but riches are self-contentment." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Wealth as a Test:
The Prophet also highlighted that wealth is a test from Allah. He said, "The world is a prison for the believer and Paradise for the disbeliever." (Sahih Muslim) This Hadith reminds believers that they should use their wealth responsibly and in accordance with Islamic principles.
The Generosity of Wealth:
The Prophet Muhammad encouraged generosity and giving to those in need. He said, "The upper hand is better than the lower hand. The upper hand is the one that gives, and the lower hand is the one that receives." (Sahih al-Bukhari) This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of helping others with one's wealth.
Avoiding Arrogance:
The Prophet warned against arrogance or pride due to wealth. He said, "Whoever is proud and arrogant, Allah will not look at him on the Day of Resurrection." (Sahih al-Bukhari) This Hadith reminds wealthy individuals to remain humble and not to look down on others.
Spending on Family:
The Prophet Muhammad also emphasized the importance of providing for one's family. He said, "The best of you is the one who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family." (Sunan Ibn Majah) This indicates that being rich should be used to take care of one's loved ones.
These Hadiths stress the importance of wealth in the context of Islamic teachings, which include using it responsibly, being content, and helping those in need. Islam encourages wealth as a means to do good and to fulfill one's obligations but discourages arrogance, extravagance, and greed.
For instance, a Muslim might aspire to have a large fortune so they might one day construct a Mosque.
There is a nice Hadith on Satan meeting Muhammad (pbuh) and what they discussed during that interview:
Muhammad (peace be upon him):
Why do you get such a strong blow when my followers pay Sadaqah (voluntary act of charity that is wide-reaching)?
Why do you get cut into two pieces?
Satan:
Whenever a person gives his money in charily, that person receives three benefits from Allah.
The first benefit such a person receives is that Allah becomes his borrower.
The second benefit is that Allah makes heaven his inheritance (such that he will be called an owner of heaven).
And the third benefit is that Allah increases his wealth 700 times, which in turn this person uses (the increased wealth) for charity.
The lesson that the hadith is trying to impart to us is that, despite the fact that we would all like to build a large mosque and thus believe that we should all be wealthy, if we only had enough money to purchase one brick, according to Islam, we may be considered to be on par with those who would construct the entire mosque.
Here are some further instances of how giving to charity can result in Allah multiplying our wealth 700 times (or many many times in Arabic .... if Allah will):
- A wealthy person might construct a big Mosque, but a poor person could get by with just one brick.
- A wealthy donor gives $1,000,000 to the community, while a struggling individual gives $10 to feed a poor.
- A poor Raqi attempting to educate kids how to read the Quran might be sufficient, whereas someone who is generous enough to build a University.
- While a businessman might have enough money to build a Hospital, a poor nurse making an effort to care for a sick person would be sufficient.
- When it comes to recovering from a natural disaster, a company might build a ten-story structure, yet one person helping their neighbor renovate their house might suffice.
- In order to help disadvantaged children, a company might build an orphanage, where a couple caring for a foster child might be sufficient.
No comments:
Post a Comment