The
World, or Allah?
'And
whatever you have been given is (only) the enjoyment of worldly life and its
adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting.' (Al-Qasas, 28: 61)
In a
Hadith narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira (ra), the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) had
said: “Richness does not lie in the abundance of (worldly) goods but
richness is the richness of the soul (heart, self).” (Muslim)
Only a contented heart or a peaceful and satisfied heart, soul or inner self of a person can attain to true abundance. And this abundance cannot be accounted for in this world. Where there is true love for Allah, the heart is grateful for whatever good Allah gives it. The love of Allah is imprinted so deep that no riches can ever deviate the true lover from his Creator. The lover of God and His Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is bound to be tried in every form, as a measure, as a test of his love, as a gauge to gauge his mettle, faith, and the love he proclaims to have for Allah and His Prophet (pbuh).
In
Islam, the distinction between material wealth (riches) and the love of Allah
is profound and clear. In Islam, the love of Allah is considered the ultimate
purpose of life. Believers are encouraged to seek Allah's pleasure above all
else. This love manifests through worship, obedience, and adherence to the
teachings of the Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), as well as showing
obedience, respect and love for the Islamic prophet of the time.
Islam
advocates for a balanced life where spiritual and material pursuits coexist but
alas, many people are blind to the true need of their souls, and hanker only
after what shall assuage their carnal passions and desires. But for the true
believers, for those who see beyond the emptiness and temporality of this world
seek the love of Allah for they know that only the love of Allah can provide
them the moral compass that shall guide their actions, ensuring that whenever wealth
is acquired by them, they use it in such a way which aligns with the prescribed
Islamic principles. One example is the distribution of Zakat to purify their
wealth.
The Holy
Quran repeatedly emphasizes that true success lies in righteousness and good
deeds. And it reminds not just the believers, but also whole humanity that the
present world is only for a limited time only, and that they should strive for
what shall be everlasting for them. Thus, the love of Allah inspires believers
to engage in acts of charity, kindness, and justice so that they may attain to
Allah safe and sound.
Unfortunately,
with increased worldly progress, the spirituality of man has regressed. In
today’s world, most people compete in acquiring more and more money. Many
people around the globe prioritize accumulating more and more riches. Even
those who already have an abundance of wealth seek to amass more, often
neglecting faith and spirituality. While striving for a better material life
isn’t inherently wrong, it should never overshadow one’s spiritual obligations.
The Holy
Quran warns us: 'And you love wealth with
inordinate love!' (Al-Fajr 89: 21)
This
statement rings true and reveals a sad reality. People often overlook the
acquisition of spiritual and moral qualities, which are essential for
developing a noble character – true wealth in its purest form.
Abdullah
ibn ‘Amr is quoted to have stated the following saying of the Holy Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh): ‘The best among you are those who have the best manners and
character.’ (Bukhari)
Furthermore,
it was narrated from Samurah bin Jundab (ra) that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh)
said: 'Being honourable is wealth and noble character is piety.' (Ibn
Majah)
Many people
may lack material wealth but possess virtues that make them richer than the
wealthiest monarchs. The Holy Quran states: “Indeed,
the most honourable among you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of
you.” (Al-Hujurat, 49: 14)
Unlike
gold, silver, platinum, paper money or even virtual money, a virtuous
character is a treasure that stays with us even after death. Material
possessions and bank balances are transient. The Quran further emphasizes: 'It is not your wealth or children that bring you closer
to Us. But those who believe and do good – it is they who will have a
multiplied reward for what they did.' (Saba 34: 38)
Bear in
mind that the distinction between the material and the spiritual has been made
clear to the people prior to Islam.
“It is
easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to
enter the kingdom of God.”
(Matthew 19:24)
This
simply means that no rich man who hoards money and other wealth, being
avaricious and not spending in the way of God Almighty (Allah), will enter into
the paradise of the mercy and pleasure of Allah.
That is
why, I advise you all believers, rich or poor: Strive with whatever Allah has
given you out of His grace in His path! No expenditure of yours in the way of
Allah remains unseen. While your good deeds may be hidden from the people, but
Allah knows the righteousness and rectitude of your hearts. And Allah encourages
all His sincere servants to compete in the accomplishment of good deeds, for
this shall bring you closer to Allah. Allah says: “Strive, then, to excel
each other in good deeds.” (Al-Maida 5: 49)
This
pursuit leads to true riches in this world and the next. The joy of spiritual
wealth surpasses all material ornaments: “Wealth
and children are the adornment of this worldly life, but the everlasting good
deeds are far better with your Lord in reward and in hope.” (Al-Kahf, 18: 47)
Don’t
think that money itself is evil, but the obsession with it is. Today, all
forms of money and wealth have become modern idols, an extreme form of
idolatry.
So, who
is truly rich? Not the one with material wealth and comforts, but the one who
lives for Allah, (the one who) does good deeds, and treats others with
compassion. The possessor of a serene spirit and a heavenly heart is truly
wealthy.
Always
remember that money has never made anyone really happy. The more one has, the
more one wants. True richness lies in having a mind full of golden thoughts and
spreading spiritual light wherever you go. May Allah help each of you to enrich
your lives with more spiritual wealth every day, and to shun all evils and to
stay connected to Him despite the temptations on the way. Insha-Allah,
Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of 03 January 2025~ 02 Rajab 1446 AH delivered by Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.