Muslims: I wonder, if wealth is fitna, does it mean that no muslim should ever want it, really?

Question

There are so many instances when wealth is portrayed as very negative for us, but then there is the example of Prophet Sulaiman.

So if a muslim wants to be wealthy, does that make him a hypocrite?

I know what's said about how you get wealth, and how you spend it etc., but is it safer for a Muslim to just say no, I don't want it anyway, because it may be so bad for me? Does taking the chance make a muslim a hypocrite?

Answer 1

it is OK if u get wealth in one condition:wealth MUST NOT get you.

Answer 2

Good question!!

When it comes to wealth a Muslim can acquire large amounts of it and live a luxurious life but he must still keep the laws of Allah and the his/her duties as a Muslim.

Lets say I have a 3 million dollar house and 2 mercedes. If I am working all day and night to keep up with the payments and neglect my prayer, my family, my community, then that house and cars becomes haram (forbidden). As a Muslim Allah has rights over you meaning you have to do the 5 pillars of Islam and the creations of Allah have a right over you. All for the betterment of the individual and community as a whole if practiced properly. If massive amounts of wealth take away those rights then the wealth and material gains becomes a distraction to the duties as Muslim. I suggest you read the story of Qarun in the Quran. His wealth was so much that it took a group of strong men just to hold the KEYS to his treasures.

One thing the Prophet (sws) said about wealth and luxury was "Rejoice and hope for what will please you! By Allah, I am not afraid of your poverty but I am afraid that you will lead a life of luxury as past nations did, whereupon you will compete with each other for it, as they competed for it, and it will destroy you as it destroyed them." by which he warned people of the disasters that had come upon others because of their indulgence.

Many other hadiths and ayats that say do not let children or your wealth distract you from the remembrance of Allah. The ending of the Quran Juz 30 speak a lot about wealth. Allah knows our hearts.

Answer 3

Muslims should not be afraid of wealth. Many of the Sahaba Ikram (companions of the Holy Prophet - May God be pleased with them all) were very wealthy... however they were very charitable and open handed with their wealth.

Imagine being wealthy and all the good you could do with it: Build more masjids, help fund Islamic School, help those in need like disaster victims or the hungry).

Personally, I would build Masjids in places that really need them. InshaAllah, May Allaah accept.

p.s. If you are wealthy and want to help a very good cause, Insha Allah, we are trying to build a new Masjid in Albuquerque, NM and one in Santa Fe, NM. Please contact me if you would like to help.

Wasallam

Answer 4

It's only considered "bad" because people lose touch with reality when they have more money than most. THey become boastful, arrogant, and out of touch. SOme get to a point where they even believe God can't touch them because of so much money they have. Having money and striving for riches is ok, but religion and your belief in Allah is most important. If you are doing it to make a better life for your family and giving some to charity, it's ok. If you'redoing it out of greed just to have it when it couldbe used for better things like Cancer research or building homes for the homeless, then it's wrong.

Answer 5

Well I am a Muslim and I think that if a Muslims wants to be wealthy they should work for it and once they achieve that stage in live they should share it with the less fortunate.