Wealth

Having wealth or not having it is one of the greatest trials that man has to face in this world. Allâh created this world with innumerous blessings so that man may find them and put them to use. Wealth is one of the most important of these blessings. Islam gives great significance to wealth and favors the economic progress of the individual. This is evident from this saying of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him): “Whoever dies protecting his wealth, he is a martyr.” (At-Tirmidhi #1421, Abu Dawud 4772, An-Nasa’i #4100 and Ibn Majah #2580) The Apostle of Allâh also said that wealth properly employed is a blessing, that a man may lawfully endeavor to increase it by honest means, and that Allâh prohibits the wasting of it. The Qurân teaches that wealth is a very important means for man’s sustenance and that it should not be entrusted to men who are not able to handle it properly. The Holy Scripture also says that all wealth belongs to Allâh [24:33], that man is only a trustee who has been entitled to handle it [57:7], and that others have a specific share in it [70: 24&25]. A Muslim has to take on many responsibilities in life and one of these is the management of wealth. Clear instructions have been provided as to how it is to be done. Every Muslim is expected to work hard and earn as much as possible to be able to provide for himself and for his family in the most honorable manner. He is also obliged to spend a share of his wealth on the needy. In Islam, wealth is not an end in itself, but a means to higher values. Like most things in life, wealth can be both beneficial as well as harmful. A person’s wealth can ensure him a place in Paradise if he spends it in the right manner; it can invite endless torment and suffering if he is heedless.

The Qurân says: Allâh will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity: For He loveth not creatures ungrateful and wicked. [Verses 276, Chapter 2 - Surah Al-Baqarah]