Being in Need of the Lord of Everything
O heedless one, boasting with your three-day worldly wealth, trusting in your position and power as you walk across the earth with arrogance! What do you think is true wealth? Do you believe that chests full of gold and hundreds of people working for you will save you from death? Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi (q.s.) reminds us of the Quran’s startling call in his work, *Futuhat al-Makkiyya*: “O humankind! You are in need of Allah. And Allah is Exalted, the Praiseworthy.” (Fatir, 15). Know that every created being is inherently “non-existence” (adem) and is dependent on the Creator every second for existence. True “poverty” (fakr) is not having an empty pocket but rather a person’s realization of their own impotence and deeply feeling absolute need for Allah in every moment of their existence.
The Great Confession of Sultan Saladin
To understand how empty worldly power truly is, look at the fates of great rulers. Ibn Arabi (q.s.) narrates this immense lesson: In 581 AH, astrologers told Sultan Saladin Yusuf ibn Ayyub (r.a.) that a severe storm would occur and devastate everything. When the astrologers advised the Sultan to find a safe place for himself, he asked them: “But what about the people?” They replied, “They will die.” To which the Sultan gave this magnificent response: “If the people die, then who will I be ruling or sultan over? What good remains after rulership is gone? Let me die as a ruler.” Indeed, O heedless one! This is how worldly dominion is; when those you rule and the possessions you have vanish, you too fall into the disgrace of “poverty.” However, Allah’s kingdom (malakut) and dominion (mulk) are firm. He is in no need of anything (Müstagnidir).
The Inexhaustible Wealth Brought by Poverty
It is this understanding that the perfect person does not boast about possessing transient things. Rather, he abandons complaint by saying, “I am in need of Allah in every situation.” Whether his worldly possessions are abundant or meager, it makes no difference in his heart. For he has found the true Owner of the dominion. Ibn Arabi (q.s.) says: “Those who are veiled from their poverty are disbelievers. They complain. But those who know Allah’s poverty (His need for nothing) do not complain.” If you have a need (covetousness) directed towards anyone other than Allah in your heart, then even if you are the richest person in the world, you are actually a beggar.
Surrendering to the Absolutely Wealthy
The Most High revealed to Moses (a.s.): “O Moses! Do not direct your needs to anyone other than Me. Even the salt you add to your dough, ask it from Me.” If you expect your livelihood from your employer, your healing only from doctors, and your happiness from possessions, then you are on the threshold of idolatry. Know that Allah is the true originator and owner of everything. Connect your own nothingness and poverty to Allah’s infinite wealth. Say, “O Allah, I am in need of Your protection and grace,” and make Him your representative (wakil). When you break free from your own will and reach the station of “I boast in my poverty,” the doors of all the treasures of the universe will open to your heart. For true wealth is not being in need of anyone but Allah!