The Apostle of Allah said: "Verily there is a temptation for every people and the seduction for my people is wealth." [88. Narrated by Ka'b Bin 'Iyad (At- Tirmidhi)]
Money is the most powerful motivating force for many people in life, which is why Allah tests our faith by our attitude and behavior towards it. Money is often associated with status, power and prestige and these are the seductive qualities that drive us almost to distraction in order to acquire and accumulate more. People say money can buy happiness, but they also say that money is the root of all evil. In Islam, both sayings apply equally. Money is potentially good and bad, depending on how it is acquired and utilized.
Money can be viewed in many different ways. It can be used solely as a means of sustenance or as a tool for worldly benefit and gain. How money is used is often dependent upon our needs and whether they are real or totally unnecessary. Money can often become an object of worship and instead of devoting our time and energy towards the worship of Allah; we may become more obsessed in the worship of material comforts and pleasures.
(Have you (O Muhammad) seen him who has taken as his god his own desire? Would you then be a Wakil (a disposer of his affairs or a protecting guide) over him?' [89. Surah AI-Furqan 25:43]
A common plight for many families is trying to 'make ends meet,' especially living in an age of economic uncertainty with the heavy pressures of modern day living. Some financial pressures are unavoidable, such as food, rent, clothing, bills and so on. However, other pressures are often created unnecessarily through wanton greed and could very easily be avoided if we learned to lower our expectations or lived a more realistic lifestyle according to our means.
People often spend too much time chasing the dunya (this worldly life) to their own detriment. They may spend their whole lives living off credit or struggling to repay mortgages and high interest loans, just to possess a big house, an expensive car, the latest technology, or exclusive holidays. Some people place very little value or importance on things unless they have a designer label or high price tag attached to them. However, the more they desire to modernize or improve what they have, the more miserable and stressed they become.
The desire to wear expensive clothes, perfume or jewelry, or live a luxurious lifestyle may be for reasons other than greed, personal pride or self-indulgence. A materialist may use his wealth to mask a deep sense of insecurity or dissatisfaction, or use it as a way to boost self-esteem. A materialist may be compensating for spiritual or emotional unhappiness. Spending money or amassing wealth may alleviate boredom or create temporary, superficial excitement, or it may simply be a way to compete with friends and irritate neighbors. Whatever the reason, materialism has the potential to ruin lives. A once healthy desire for financial comfort and security can later develop into a pathological obsession. Some people will go to any lengths in their shameless pursuit of wealth. Family, friends and religious obligations may also take second priority as more time is spent at work or engaged in immoral activities to boost their income.
Materialism is a powerful and potentially self-destructive force. It can corrupt the mind and weaken Iman. Greed and fear of poverty can distract us in our Deen and tempt us to lie, cheat, steal or gamble. Our obedience to Allah can easily turn to defiance as we misdirect our worship towards money, rather than our own Creator. This is a major form of shirk and a severely punishable offence.
'Verily Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom he pleases, and whosoever sets up partners in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin. ' [90. Surah An-Nisa 4:48]
'The mutual rivalry for piling up of worldly things diverts you, until you visit the graves (i.e. until you die). Nay! You shall come to know! Again nay! You shall come to know! Nay! If you knew, with a sure knowledge, the end result of piling up, you would not occupy yourselves in worldly things. Verily, you shall see the Blazing Fire Hell ! And again, you shall see it with certainty of sight! Then on that Day, you shall be asked about the delight you indulged in, in this world.' [91. Surah At-Takathur 102:1-8]
Materialism can lead to extravagance, corruption, exploitation, selfishness and greed. It is a well-known fact that many capitalists are corrupt in business. They use cheap raw materials and labor to mass-produce goods at extortionate retail prices. Muslims are warned not to adopt such ways or compromise their religious principles for material worldly gain. Such compromise could take the form of selling alcohol, giving and accepting interest (usury), lying, cheating, stealing and so on. If we desire worldly pleasures at the expense of moral decency, we shall receive our rewards in this life but at the cost of those in the Hereafter. [92.SurahHud 11:15-16]
'...and verily man is heartless and cruel in the love of wealth. [93. Surah Al-Aadiyat 100:8]
Throughout life, money comes and goes. We may be rich one day and in financial ruin the next. Although we make the effort to produce an income through work, business and trade, Allah is the Ultimate Provider, who alone has the Power to give and take away wealth. Allah increases and decreases our wealth to test our desire for the vain, superficial fancies of this world and to see if we are grateful for His Kind Generosity and Favors.
'Who is he that will lend to Allah a goodly loan so that He may multiply it to him many times? And it is Allah that decreases or increases your provisions and unto Him is your final return.' [94. Surah Al-Baqarah 2:245]
'Allah increases the provision for which He wills, and straitens it for which He wills, and they rejoice in the life of this world, whereas the life of this world compared with the Hereafter is but a brief passing enjoyment. ‘ [95. Surah Ar-Ra'd 13:26]
On the Day of Judgment, we shall all be accountable for our wealth; for the way in which we acquired it and how we spent it. Reckless spending is condemned in Islam. We are advised to spend moderately according to our means and our real needs, rather than extravagant wanton desires. There are rewards for investing money in property, business or material possessions, providing our intentions are good and it is beneficial to oneself, one's family, the community or society in general. However, some people use their money to pursue corrupt schemes or to buy worldly power and influence. These are actually punishable offences.
Some people miss-spend their wealth on non-essential commodities through sheer extravagance. Houses may contain more rooms than are actually needed. Some families may own more cars, television sets or DVD's than are regularly utilized. Items may be bought in bulk or multiples when one item would have happily sufficed. Advertising and hard sell marketing ploys tempt people to purchase more than they really need or want, with attractive offers, bargains, or discounts - two for the price of one, free gifts etc. However, Allah warns if we become too absorbed in the material world, we shall never be satisfied. No matter how much wealth or property we have, we will always desire more.
If the son of Adam had two valleys of gold, he would wish for a third, for nothing can fill the belly of Adam's son except dust (death), and Allah forgives him who repents [96. Narrated by Anas b. Malik and Ibn Abbas 4Jo (Bukhari and Muslim)]
The Prophet said: "Do not hanker after property lest you should be absorbed in the world." [97. Narrated by Abdullah Bin Masud 4Jo (At- Tirmidhi)]
There should be bedding for a man, bedding for his wife and the third for the guest, and the fourth one is for the Satan. [98. This does not mean that one should not have the fourth bed. What this implies is that a Muslim should not run after the worldly riches and material possessions and should not in any way waste his wealth in making and keeping with him the things which he does not actually need, but are meant to demonstrate his wealth and glory. Commentary taken from Footnote. 3. Muslim. Vol. III B, Pg.395, 99. Narrated by Jabir b. Abdullah (Muslim)]
Many people squander their money on pursuits that are either haram or not recommended in Islam. These may include entertainment and recreational activities such as pop concerts, theatre and the cinema (particularly films portraying immorality); music videos, tapes, CD's and mindless computer games; cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and gambling; unnecessary cosmetic and beauty treatments, numerous clothes and jewelry and so on. These examples illustrate how some people waste their money on pointless, potentially harmful or selfish) the Hereafter. These activities -are often an unnecessary expense for many low-income families, who find it difficult just to meet their basic needs. However, they are still prepared to sacrifice their only income on these selfish lusts and pleasures. Similarly, the disposable income of the affluent could be better spent on more deserving causes. This should not be miss-interpreted to imply that Islam prohibits recreation, as it does not. It is permissible providing it is beneficial; does not contradict or defy the laws of Islam; and does not distract a person from their Islamic duties and obligations.
'...But spend not wastefully your wealth in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily spendthrifts are brothers of the Shaytan (devils). And the Shaytan is ever ungrateful to his Lord.' [100. Surah Bani-1sra'il 17:26-27]
'And let not your hand be tied like a miser to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach like a spendthrift, so that you become blameworthy and in severe poverty.' [101. Surah Bani-Isra'il 17:29]
Some people use money and material possessions as trophies or symbols of success to reflect their own self-importance. Wealth should never be used to show off or to compete with other people. Ostentation is condemned in Islam as it can provoke unnecessary jealousy, rivalry and division between brothers and sisters-in-Islam. Extravagant dinners, wedding celebrations, funerals or aqiqa (celebrating the birth of a baby) can easily ruin relationships. Having to oblige friends or relatives with expensive gifts may also cause resentment, especially for those with low incomes. Alternatively they may meet with unnecessary disappointment and ingratitude if expectations of the recipients are too high. In Islam, we are advised to live a simple, moderate life, rather than one based upon materialism and greed. In addition, Islam stipulates we should always show sincere appreciation for any gifts that we receive, no matter how small.
Allah may test us with material wealth to see if we can resist the temptation towards selfishness. The more we cherish wealth, the more difficult it is to bear the pains of deprivation and hardship, and the more difficult it is to relinquish when paying zakat and sadaqa (charity). There are huge rewards for sharing the best of our good fortune, especially with those whose need is greater than ours.
'That you believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) and that you strive hard and fight in the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives that will be better for you, if you but know!' [102. Surah As-Saff 61:11]
'By no means shall you attain AI-Birr (piety, righteousness, etc. it means here Allah's reward, (i.e. Paradise), unless you spend in Allah's cause of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well.' [103. Surah AI-Imran 3:92]
Zakat (obligatory charity) and sadaqa (voluntary charity) should be offered in brotherhood, as a token of love to help the poor meet their needs. Furthermore, the intention for giving charity should always be for the reward of Allah, rather than for power, control and manipulation. If charity is offered with these intentions, and the recipient knows it, he should reject it. [104. Footnote 3. Muslim Vo1.II A, Pg.90]. The following hadith highlight the importance of our 'intentions' prior to offering charity and warn not to boast or broadcast our generosity to other people. Reward will only be granted to those who give charity for the sake of Allah rather than for worldly credibility and gain:
The first of men whose case will be decided on the Day of Judgment will be ...a man whom Allah had made abundantly rich and had granted every kind of wealth. He will be brought before Allah and made to recount His blessings and he will recount them and admit having enjoyed them in his lifetime. He will then say: "I spent money in every cause in which thou wished that it should be spent." Allah will say: "You are lying. You did it so that it might be said about you: 'He is a generous fellow' and so it was said." Then will Allah pass orders and he will be dragged with his face downward and thrown into Hell. [105. Narrated by Sulaiman b. Yasar (Muslim)]
If anyone wants to have his deeds widely publicized, Allah will publicize his humiliation. And if anyone makes a hypocritical display of his deeds, Allah will make a display of him. [106. Narrated by lbn Abbas (Muslim)]
Money is only useful in this life, if it is spent in the way of Allah to earn His blessings and rewards. We are allowed to live a luxurious life, providing it is not to excess and we remember to pay zakat every year, payable at 2.5% of the value on excess money, merchandise or property, if a full year has passed over it. [107. Narrated by Nafi (Muwatta Imam Malik)] People who fail to pay zakat will receive a befitting punishment on the Day of Judgment. A poisonous serpent with two black spots on its head will be a yoke around their neck. It will seize them by the jaws and declare; 'I am your wealth. I am your treasure!' [108. Narrated by Abu Huraira (Bukhari)] A bald serpent whose mouth will be open and will gnaw at their hand like a male camel, will pursue owners of property, treasure and money. [109. Narrated by abir b. Abdullah (Muslim)] Owners of cattle, goats and sheep will be gored by their horns, bitten and trampled under their hooves. [110. Narrated by abir b. Abdullah AI-Ansari (Muslim) ] Owners of gold and silver will be cauterized with plates of fire on their sides, forehead and back. These three body parts are meaningfully referred to, as it is with wrinkles on the forehead that a person looks down on the poor. He also turns aside to avoid them or turns his backs on them without paying them their due. [111. Narrated by Abu Huraira (Muslim) Footnote to hadith]
The punishment for hoarding money is severe:
Give glad tidings to those who hoard their riches that their backs would be branded so deeply that the hot iron would come out of their sides. And when the backs of their necks would be branded, it would come out of their foreheads. [112. Narrated by Ahnaf b. Qai (Muslim)]
Money may have value in this life but it will be worthless in the Hereafter. Paradise cannot be bought at any price. Wealth, power and worldly influence will not impress or improve our position in the Hereafter. We should therefore, invest our money wisely in this life, for the life still yet to come, as we will not be able to take it with us when we die. If we want to be successful in the Hereafter, the most important balance to watch is not the one in the bank, but the one weighing up our good deeds. Instead of stocking up on non-essential treasures and hoarding our money, we should concentrate more on increasing our acts of charity and worship as they will help to expiate our sins and earn success in the Hereafter: [113. Narrated by Abu Wa’il (Bukhari)]
'...as for him whose balance of good deeds weighs heavy, he will have a pleasant life in Paradise. But as for him whose balance of good deeds weighs light, he will have his home in the blazing fire (Hell).' [114. Surah AI-Qari'ah 101:6-11]
Do not hold back otherwise Allah will withhold from you. [115. Narrated by Asma' bint Abu Bakr (Agreed Upon)]
'But he who is a greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient, and gives the lie to the Best. We will indeed make smooth for him the path to Misery. Nor will his wealth profit him when he falls headlong into destruction (into the pit).' [116. Surah Al-Lail 92: 8-11]
Overcoming Trials and Tribulations
By: Ruqaiyah Abdullah
Money is the most powerful motivating force for many people in life, which is why Allah tests our faith by our attitude and behavior towards it. Money is often associated with status, power and prestige and these are the seductive qualities that drive us almost to distraction in order to acquire and accumulate more. People say money can buy happiness, but they also say that money is the root of all evil. In Islam, both sayings apply equally. Money is potentially good and bad, depending on how it is acquired and utilized.
Money can be viewed in many different ways. It can be used solely as a means of sustenance or as a tool for worldly benefit and gain. How money is used is often dependent upon our needs and whether they are real or totally unnecessary. Money can often become an object of worship and instead of devoting our time and energy towards the worship of Allah; we may become more obsessed in the worship of material comforts and pleasures.
(Have you (O Muhammad) seen him who has taken as his god his own desire? Would you then be a Wakil (a disposer of his affairs or a protecting guide) over him?' [89. Surah AI-Furqan 25:43]
A common plight for many families is trying to 'make ends meet,' especially living in an age of economic uncertainty with the heavy pressures of modern day living. Some financial pressures are unavoidable, such as food, rent, clothing, bills and so on. However, other pressures are often created unnecessarily through wanton greed and could very easily be avoided if we learned to lower our expectations or lived a more realistic lifestyle according to our means.
People often spend too much time chasing the dunya (this worldly life) to their own detriment. They may spend their whole lives living off credit or struggling to repay mortgages and high interest loans, just to possess a big house, an expensive car, the latest technology, or exclusive holidays. Some people place very little value or importance on things unless they have a designer label or high price tag attached to them. However, the more they desire to modernize or improve what they have, the more miserable and stressed they become.
The desire to wear expensive clothes, perfume or jewelry, or live a luxurious lifestyle may be for reasons other than greed, personal pride or self-indulgence. A materialist may use his wealth to mask a deep sense of insecurity or dissatisfaction, or use it as a way to boost self-esteem. A materialist may be compensating for spiritual or emotional unhappiness. Spending money or amassing wealth may alleviate boredom or create temporary, superficial excitement, or it may simply be a way to compete with friends and irritate neighbors. Whatever the reason, materialism has the potential to ruin lives. A once healthy desire for financial comfort and security can later develop into a pathological obsession. Some people will go to any lengths in their shameless pursuit of wealth. Family, friends and religious obligations may also take second priority as more time is spent at work or engaged in immoral activities to boost their income.
Materialism is a powerful and potentially self-destructive force. It can corrupt the mind and weaken Iman. Greed and fear of poverty can distract us in our Deen and tempt us to lie, cheat, steal or gamble. Our obedience to Allah can easily turn to defiance as we misdirect our worship towards money, rather than our own Creator. This is a major form of shirk and a severely punishable offence.
'Verily Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom he pleases, and whosoever sets up partners in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin. ' [90. Surah An-Nisa 4:48]
'The mutual rivalry for piling up of worldly things diverts you, until you visit the graves (i.e. until you die). Nay! You shall come to know! Again nay! You shall come to know! Nay! If you knew, with a sure knowledge, the end result of piling up, you would not occupy yourselves in worldly things. Verily, you shall see the Blazing Fire Hell ! And again, you shall see it with certainty of sight! Then on that Day, you shall be asked about the delight you indulged in, in this world.' [91. Surah At-Takathur 102:1-8]
Materialism can lead to extravagance, corruption, exploitation, selfishness and greed. It is a well-known fact that many capitalists are corrupt in business. They use cheap raw materials and labor to mass-produce goods at extortionate retail prices. Muslims are warned not to adopt such ways or compromise their religious principles for material worldly gain. Such compromise could take the form of selling alcohol, giving and accepting interest (usury), lying, cheating, stealing and so on. If we desire worldly pleasures at the expense of moral decency, we shall receive our rewards in this life but at the cost of those in the Hereafter. [92.SurahHud 11:15-16]
'...and verily man is heartless and cruel in the love of wealth. [93. Surah Al-Aadiyat 100:8]
Throughout life, money comes and goes. We may be rich one day and in financial ruin the next. Although we make the effort to produce an income through work, business and trade, Allah is the Ultimate Provider, who alone has the Power to give and take away wealth. Allah increases and decreases our wealth to test our desire for the vain, superficial fancies of this world and to see if we are grateful for His Kind Generosity and Favors.
'Who is he that will lend to Allah a goodly loan so that He may multiply it to him many times? And it is Allah that decreases or increases your provisions and unto Him is your final return.' [94. Surah Al-Baqarah 2:245]
'Allah increases the provision for which He wills, and straitens it for which He wills, and they rejoice in the life of this world, whereas the life of this world compared with the Hereafter is but a brief passing enjoyment. ‘ [95. Surah Ar-Ra'd 13:26]
On the Day of Judgment, we shall all be accountable for our wealth; for the way in which we acquired it and how we spent it. Reckless spending is condemned in Islam. We are advised to spend moderately according to our means and our real needs, rather than extravagant wanton desires. There are rewards for investing money in property, business or material possessions, providing our intentions are good and it is beneficial to oneself, one's family, the community or society in general. However, some people use their money to pursue corrupt schemes or to buy worldly power and influence. These are actually punishable offences.
Some people miss-spend their wealth on non-essential commodities through sheer extravagance. Houses may contain more rooms than are actually needed. Some families may own more cars, television sets or DVD's than are regularly utilized. Items may be bought in bulk or multiples when one item would have happily sufficed. Advertising and hard sell marketing ploys tempt people to purchase more than they really need or want, with attractive offers, bargains, or discounts - two for the price of one, free gifts etc. However, Allah warns if we become too absorbed in the material world, we shall never be satisfied. No matter how much wealth or property we have, we will always desire more.
If the son of Adam had two valleys of gold, he would wish for a third, for nothing can fill the belly of Adam's son except dust (death), and Allah forgives him who repents [96. Narrated by Anas b. Malik and Ibn Abbas 4Jo (Bukhari and Muslim)]
The Prophet said: "Do not hanker after property lest you should be absorbed in the world." [97. Narrated by Abdullah Bin Masud 4Jo (At- Tirmidhi)]
There should be bedding for a man, bedding for his wife and the third for the guest, and the fourth one is for the Satan. [98. This does not mean that one should not have the fourth bed. What this implies is that a Muslim should not run after the worldly riches and material possessions and should not in any way waste his wealth in making and keeping with him the things which he does not actually need, but are meant to demonstrate his wealth and glory. Commentary taken from Footnote. 3. Muslim. Vol. III B, Pg.395, 99. Narrated by Jabir b. Abdullah (Muslim)]
Many people squander their money on pursuits that are either haram or not recommended in Islam. These may include entertainment and recreational activities such as pop concerts, theatre and the cinema (particularly films portraying immorality); music videos, tapes, CD's and mindless computer games; cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and gambling; unnecessary cosmetic and beauty treatments, numerous clothes and jewelry and so on. These examples illustrate how some people waste their money on pointless, potentially harmful or selfish) the Hereafter. These activities -are often an unnecessary expense for many low-income families, who find it difficult just to meet their basic needs. However, they are still prepared to sacrifice their only income on these selfish lusts and pleasures. Similarly, the disposable income of the affluent could be better spent on more deserving causes. This should not be miss-interpreted to imply that Islam prohibits recreation, as it does not. It is permissible providing it is beneficial; does not contradict or defy the laws of Islam; and does not distract a person from their Islamic duties and obligations.
'...But spend not wastefully your wealth in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily spendthrifts are brothers of the Shaytan (devils). And the Shaytan is ever ungrateful to his Lord.' [100. Surah Bani-1sra'il 17:26-27]
'And let not your hand be tied like a miser to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach like a spendthrift, so that you become blameworthy and in severe poverty.' [101. Surah Bani-Isra'il 17:29]
Some people use money and material possessions as trophies or symbols of success to reflect their own self-importance. Wealth should never be used to show off or to compete with other people. Ostentation is condemned in Islam as it can provoke unnecessary jealousy, rivalry and division between brothers and sisters-in-Islam. Extravagant dinners, wedding celebrations, funerals or aqiqa (celebrating the birth of a baby) can easily ruin relationships. Having to oblige friends or relatives with expensive gifts may also cause resentment, especially for those with low incomes. Alternatively they may meet with unnecessary disappointment and ingratitude if expectations of the recipients are too high. In Islam, we are advised to live a simple, moderate life, rather than one based upon materialism and greed. In addition, Islam stipulates we should always show sincere appreciation for any gifts that we receive, no matter how small.
Allah may test us with material wealth to see if we can resist the temptation towards selfishness. The more we cherish wealth, the more difficult it is to bear the pains of deprivation and hardship, and the more difficult it is to relinquish when paying zakat and sadaqa (charity). There are huge rewards for sharing the best of our good fortune, especially with those whose need is greater than ours.
'That you believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) and that you strive hard and fight in the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives that will be better for you, if you but know!' [102. Surah As-Saff 61:11]
'By no means shall you attain AI-Birr (piety, righteousness, etc. it means here Allah's reward, (i.e. Paradise), unless you spend in Allah's cause of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well.' [103. Surah AI-Imran 3:92]
Zakat (obligatory charity) and sadaqa (voluntary charity) should be offered in brotherhood, as a token of love to help the poor meet their needs. Furthermore, the intention for giving charity should always be for the reward of Allah, rather than for power, control and manipulation. If charity is offered with these intentions, and the recipient knows it, he should reject it. [104. Footnote 3. Muslim Vo1.II A, Pg.90]. The following hadith highlight the importance of our 'intentions' prior to offering charity and warn not to boast or broadcast our generosity to other people. Reward will only be granted to those who give charity for the sake of Allah rather than for worldly credibility and gain:
The first of men whose case will be decided on the Day of Judgment will be ...a man whom Allah had made abundantly rich and had granted every kind of wealth. He will be brought before Allah and made to recount His blessings and he will recount them and admit having enjoyed them in his lifetime. He will then say: "I spent money in every cause in which thou wished that it should be spent." Allah will say: "You are lying. You did it so that it might be said about you: 'He is a generous fellow' and so it was said." Then will Allah pass orders and he will be dragged with his face downward and thrown into Hell. [105. Narrated by Sulaiman b. Yasar (Muslim)]
If anyone wants to have his deeds widely publicized, Allah will publicize his humiliation. And if anyone makes a hypocritical display of his deeds, Allah will make a display of him. [106. Narrated by lbn Abbas (Muslim)]
Money is only useful in this life, if it is spent in the way of Allah to earn His blessings and rewards. We are allowed to live a luxurious life, providing it is not to excess and we remember to pay zakat every year, payable at 2.5% of the value on excess money, merchandise or property, if a full year has passed over it. [107. Narrated by Nafi (Muwatta Imam Malik)] People who fail to pay zakat will receive a befitting punishment on the Day of Judgment. A poisonous serpent with two black spots on its head will be a yoke around their neck. It will seize them by the jaws and declare; 'I am your wealth. I am your treasure!' [108. Narrated by Abu Huraira (Bukhari)] A bald serpent whose mouth will be open and will gnaw at their hand like a male camel, will pursue owners of property, treasure and money. [109. Narrated by abir b. Abdullah (Muslim)] Owners of cattle, goats and sheep will be gored by their horns, bitten and trampled under their hooves. [110. Narrated by abir b. Abdullah AI-Ansari (Muslim) ] Owners of gold and silver will be cauterized with plates of fire on their sides, forehead and back. These three body parts are meaningfully referred to, as it is with wrinkles on the forehead that a person looks down on the poor. He also turns aside to avoid them or turns his backs on them without paying them their due. [111. Narrated by Abu Huraira (Muslim) Footnote to hadith]
The punishment for hoarding money is severe:
Give glad tidings to those who hoard their riches that their backs would be branded so deeply that the hot iron would come out of their sides. And when the backs of their necks would be branded, it would come out of their foreheads. [112. Narrated by Ahnaf b. Qai (Muslim)]
Money may have value in this life but it will be worthless in the Hereafter. Paradise cannot be bought at any price. Wealth, power and worldly influence will not impress or improve our position in the Hereafter. We should therefore, invest our money wisely in this life, for the life still yet to come, as we will not be able to take it with us when we die. If we want to be successful in the Hereafter, the most important balance to watch is not the one in the bank, but the one weighing up our good deeds. Instead of stocking up on non-essential treasures and hoarding our money, we should concentrate more on increasing our acts of charity and worship as they will help to expiate our sins and earn success in the Hereafter: [113. Narrated by Abu Wa’il (Bukhari)]
'...as for him whose balance of good deeds weighs heavy, he will have a pleasant life in Paradise. But as for him whose balance of good deeds weighs light, he will have his home in the blazing fire (Hell).' [114. Surah AI-Qari'ah 101:6-11]
Do not hold back otherwise Allah will withhold from you. [115. Narrated by Asma' bint Abu Bakr (Agreed Upon)]
'But he who is a greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient, and gives the lie to the Best. We will indeed make smooth for him the path to Misery. Nor will his wealth profit him when he falls headlong into destruction (into the pit).' [116. Surah Al-Lail 92: 8-11]
Overcoming Trials and Tribulations
By: Ruqaiyah Abdullah
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