Wealth as a Test
In Islam, wealth and possessions are not inherently bad; what is harmful is when love of wealth overshadows love for Allah, occupying the heart. Allah grants His servants worldly blessings in the form of property and riches; the servant becomes preoccupied with this wealth and neglects his worship. This state of heedlessness causes a person to forget their original purpose of creation and to worship transient objects. The Lord Most High places a veil between Himself and such a servant, distancing them from Him in both this world and the hereafter. He even reclaims their wealth and possessions, leaving the servant in poverty and distress in this world. This person, who loses both their worldly life and the afterlife, pays a heavy price for false affections.
Holding onto Worldly Possessions Without Letting Them Enter the Heart
True asceticism is not about having no wealth, but about that wealth not ruling over oneself. The servant to whom worldly blessings have been granted, if they do not neglect their worship and continue to be occupied with obedience to their Lord, then Allah Most High will perpetuate His blessings upon them without diminishing even a speck. This aware servant spends their wealth not in the rebellion of their nafs (ego), but in the pleasure of Allah (through spending, zakat, charity). This servant is a slave of Allah Most High; and property becomes a servant to this servant. As stated in the Noble Verse: “Worship only Him and offer praise to Him. For you will surely return to Him.” (Bakara, 176).
Knowing the Value of Blessings with Gratitude
Not forgetting the true owner of a blessing is the strongest bond that prevents it from slipping away. The gratitude for the blessing of wealth is to acknowledge the One who grants and increases it – which is Allah Most High. Remembering this blessing in every situation, condition, and circumstance is seeing the grace and generosity of Allah Most High. Not claiming ownership of blessings, not transgressing His boundaries, not abandoning His command in this regard, fulfilling the rights of wealth such as zakat, expiation, vows, and charity, rushing to help those in need, striving to alleviate the suffering of those in need – these are all forms of gratitude. It is transforming hours spent in hardship and adversity into hours spent in blessing and abundance. The servant who fulfills the gratitude for a blessing has their tree watered, their branches grow, and their blessings become perpetual.