The quest for wealth

“But seek with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of lawful enjoyment in this world; and do good as Allah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily Allah likes not the Mufsidun (criminal, sinful, oppressors, corrupters etc.)” (Al Qasas: 77)

Muhammad (SAW) sent his trusted Sahabi, Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah (RA) to Bahrain. When the people of Madinah heard that Abu Ubaydah (RA) was returning with enormous wealth, they flocked to the Masjid for the Fajr Salaah. Rasulullah (SAW) went to the Masjid, prayed then left. People then gathered around him. He smiled when he saw them and said: “No doubt you have heard that Abu Ubayadh is returning with something from Bahrain!”

“Yes Messenger of Allah,” they said. “Be of good cheer. Set your hopes on what will bring you happiness. It is not poverty that I fear for you, but I fear that you will become engrossed with the world as those before you were and you will pursue it as they pursued it and it will destroy you as it destroyed them.”

While we are not prevented but rather encouraged to earn a living, Allah Most Wise has already determined our share when we were in the wombs of our mothers. For some, the portion has been lessened whilst for others it has been enlarged. What is required from us who have an increase is a balance by which to spend our days. In doing so, some serious questions arise which we must reflect upon:

1. Do we exert all our efforts in the accumulation of wealth due to our fear of poverty; or do we strike a balance seeking from Allah the good in this world and good in the Hereafter?

2. Are we concerned about the plight of millions of Muslims facing starvation and famine on our very doorstep and worldwide? Honourable Muslims who have to resort to begging in order to feed their families?

3. Does the current onslaught by the Kuffaar (disbelievers) on Muslims and its horrific consequences concern us or do we choose to be indifferent and overly humble to the oppressors for fear of this oppression and poverty being experienced by us?

4. Have we been so heavily sedated by capitalism that events around the world have not stirred us from our sleep except to occasionally mention it around our supper tables, or to watch these events on TV in the comfort of our homes?

5. Have we forgotten the advice of Rasulullah (SAW) that time spent on earth is like resting for a short period under a shady tree, whilst on a long journey?

The kuffaar have simply shifted their efforts from colonising land to enslaving the mind – the handiwork of Iblees. The question we should be asking ourselves is not whether we’ve been enslaved but rather to what extent we have allowed ourselves to become enslaved!

Upon reflection of how time is spent, we will be shocked at the levels of enslavement to amassing wealth! Merely slaves of money, we partake in major sins to satisfy our desires, to the extent that we justify Riba (usury) in purchasing a house or a car.

Some Muslims frequent “work functions” wherein there is alcohol consumption; some leave off the Hijab to get a particular job or to be accepted in particular circles; while there are those who leave Salaah for a later time or even entirely! These actions indicate an utter disregard for the Deen (religion) and a grave disrespect for Allah Most Great, Lord of all things.

“Wretched is the worshipper of the Dirham, wretched is the worshipper of the Dinaar…” (Bukhari)

O servant of Allah! Your life and wealth is required for servitude to Allah as opposed to servitude to other than Allah (wealth, status, man or any other desire). The craving for wealth destroys your Deen and Hereafter and reduces any Taqwaa (fear of Allah) that you may have had to a minimal level, if anything at all. Ask yourself if you really want Jannah and whether you are truly working for it?

O Muslims!
Follow and obey Allah and His Messenger (SAW) only!
Do not divert from that path for the way to Jannah is as clear as the day is from the night – so too is the way to Jahannum!

The choice is yours…

Strive with all that you have (wealth, time and sweat) to please Allah above anything or anyone else! Strive to be a true and sincere believer and servant of Allah! Be certain that Allah will recompense you for all that you did, be it good or bad!