Zubayr bin Al-Awwam was a well-known Sahabi who had hardly any property when he made the Hijrah to Madinah. When Zubayr died many years later, however, his net worth was in excess of fifty million (dirhams or dinars), including eleven houses in Madinah, four houses in other cities, and two large stretches of land. This account of his assets, reported in Bukhari, clears up a common misconception about Islam – that it is undesirable to own much property or possess the blessings of this world. Rather, what is important is your attitude towards wealth and how you acquire and spend it. Wealth, according to the Quran and Hadeeths, is both a blessing and a trial from Allah (swt).
Wealth as a Blessing
Wealth allows you to live in comfort: afford a desirable home, eat wholesome food, wear fine clothes, and fulfill many of your wants. The Prophet (sa) said: “This wealth is green and sweet [i.e., delicious like fruits]; and whoever takes it without greed is blessed in it.” (Bukhari) Upon seeing a well-off man dressed shabbily, the Prophet (sa) remarked: “If Allah has given you wealth, let the effect of Allah’s (swt) blessing and generosity be seen on you.” (Nasai) The Prophet (sa) prayed to Allah (swt) to increase Anas in wealth and to bless Urwah in his business dealings (Tirmidhi), describing as excellent the wealth of a Muslim, which is earned and spent righteously. (Bukhari) Another Hadeeth declares: “Whoever loves that he be granted more wealth and that his lease of life be prolonged, he should keep good relations with his kith and kin.” (Bukhari)
Wealth as a Trial
The Prophet (sa) said, “Indeed, there is a Fitnah for every nation, and the Fitnah for my nation is wealth.” (Tirmidhi) The Prophet (sa) also sought refuge with Allah (swt) against the “evil of the Fitnah of wealth.” (Bukhari) While the term Fitnah has several meanings, here it implies temptation and allurement. Wealth can divert a person from the straight path in general and from the remembrance of Allah (swt) in particular. Allah (swt) states in the Quran: “Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah (swt) has with Him a great reward.” (At-Taghabun 64:15) Wealth is a trial, because it puts to test your resolve to adhere to Allah’s (swt) commands and to the right course. It may tempt you to spend on sinful pursuits, take Allah’s (swt) blessings for granted, and look down upon others.
Warning Against Unlawful Earnings
The person who acquires wealth unlawfully is like “the one who eats but is never satisfied” (Bukhari), and such a person shall end up in the fire of Hell. (Nasai) Allah (swt) warns us in the Quran: “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery]…” (Al-Baqarah 2:188) Allah (swt) also condemns the scholars and priests, who devour the wealth of people in the name of religion (At-Tawbah 9:34), while misappropriating the wealth of an orphan is among the “seven great destructive sins” in Islam. (Bukhari) It is important to understand that real wealth lies in being content with what you can legitimately earn and possess, not in earning more: “Richness is not in having many possessions, but richness is being content with oneself.” (Tirmidhi)
A Muslim’s Perspective on Wealth
All wealth ultimately belongs to Allah (swt) – you are merely holding onto His wealth as a trustee and shall pass it on at the time of your death. Hence, you must not spend this wealth in a way that is disapproved by Allah (swt). The Quran condemns the attitude of the people of Madyan, who declared to Prophet Shuayb (as) that they could do with their wealth as they pleased. (Hud 11:87) Similarly, Qarun was chastised for believing that his wealth was entirely due to his own knowledge and acumen. (Al-Qasas 28:78) Remember that Allah (swt) is the only granter of abundance, while your efforts are a means for achieving what is meant for you.
Although you should strive to attain Allah’s (swt) blessings in this world, acquiring wealth and status must never become your passion or the focal point of your daily endeavours. The Quran condemns those who “love wealth with immense love” (Al-Fajr 89:20) and who are “intense” in their love of wealth (Al-Adiyaat 100:8). One category of people “thinks that his wealth will make him immortal” (Al-Humaza 104:1-3), thus forgetting the accountability in the hereafter. Never become so emotionally dependent on material possessions that parting with them causes grief.
Spending on Yourself and Your Family
Allah (swt) has made it the responsibility of the man to provide for his family. Therefore, the first right on your earnings is your own and that of your family, as the Prophet (sa) said: “When Allah (swt) grants wealth to anyone of you, he should first spend it on himself and his family.” (Muslim) You are rewarded for whatever you spend on your family. (Bukhari) When Kab bin Malik wanted to give all his wealth in the way of Allah (swt), the Prophet (sa) advised him: “Keep some of your wealth, as it is good for you.” (Bukhari) The Prophet (sa) admonished against leaving your family financially deprived or dependent on others at the time of your death, saying: “It is better for you to leave your inheritors wealthy than to leave them poor, begging others…” (Bukhari)
Spending in the Way of Allah (swt)
Among the best uses of your wealth are helping your fellow humans in need, propagating Allah’s (swt) Deen, upholding the truth, and striving for justice. Allah (swt) describes the righteous believer as the one who “gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveller, those who ask, and for freeing slaves.” (Al-Baqarah 2:177) Allah (swt) further gives a beautiful example to describe how He multiplies the reward for spending in His cause: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Al-Baqarah 2:261) Hence, your charitable acts do not reduce your wealth but truly enhance it.
Tips for Spending Wisely
- Give Zakat and Sadaqah regularly to purify your wealth. Give gifts to your friends and relatives and invite them for meals, without being extravagant.
- Make a weekly or monthly budget of your income and expenses, and spend accordingly. Track your expenditure, as you incur it. You can use a smartphone application to record and analyze your expenses efficiently these days.
- If you use cash for most of your payments, maintain separate envelopes for each category of expenses, such as utility bills, groceries, transport, dining out, and so on.
- Avoid impulse buying, and consider the long-term impact of each item, before deciding to purchase it. Research and consult others before buying expensive items.
- Overcome expensive habits. Do you buy a new phone too often or spend lavishly on your attire? Remember that wasting wealth is hateful in the sight of Allah (swt). (Bukhari)
Finally, remind yourself to neither spend extravagantly nor lead a miserly existence. Remember, it is not the amount of your wealth that matters to Allah (swt), but how you acquire and spend it, and how it impacts your attitude and actions. As the Prophet (sa) said: “Verily, Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth, but He looks to your hearts and your deeds.” (Muslim)
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