In the Name of Allāh.
A well-known saying goes: “The love of money is the root of all evils.” In the past, what assisted the people’s faith was: “Love of the Ākhirah (i.e., having bliss in the later life)” and “Readiness to die (i.e., to meet Allāh).” Today, however, the decline of faith can often be attributed to “Love of Dunyā (i.e., excessive materialism – money and other worldly possessions)” and “Hatred for death.” True consciousness is lacking, and Shayṭān is actively at work.
Pathetically, many have become blinded by the love of Dunyā, leading them astray in their relentless pursuit of wealth through deceitful methods such as swindling, gambling, occult practices, kidnapping, and robbery, all while disregarding the significance of the Ākhirah (Hereafter). Individuals often forget that they will not leave the plain of Judgment until Allāh questions them about how they acquired their wealth and how they utilized it.
Ibn Mas’ūd reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The son of Ādam will not be dismissed from his Lord on the Day of Resurrection until he is questioned about five matters: his life and how he lived it, his youth and how he expended it, his wealth and how he earned it and spent it, and how he acted upon his knowledge.” [Sunan At-Tirmidhī 2416]
Indeed, wealth is a blessing from Allāh, but it also poses a Fitnah (trial). Excessive materialism is undeniably a significant trial. Ka’b Ibn ‘Iyād reported that the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said, “Verily, every nation has a trial, and the trial of my nation is wealth.” [Sunan At-Tirmidhī 2336]
A prudent piece of advice is to practice “contentment.” It is essential to be grateful and satisfied with whatever Allāh provides us without always desiring more than one needs. Remember, wealth holds no true value in the Sight of Allāh. Sahl Ibn Sa’d reported that the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said, “If the world were as worthy to Allah as the wing of a mosquito, an unbeliever would not even be given a sip of water.” [Sunan At-Tirmidhī 2320]
I beseech Allāh to grant us lawful and beneficial sustenance and to instill contentment within us for what we possess. Aameen.
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