Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … It is indeed a matter of great astonishment that, on one hand, the intent of the Shariah is that the effects of Allah Ta’ala’s blessings should be visible upon a person’s being, yet on the other hand, luxury and indulgence are being condemned. In reality, luxury in and of itself is not something blameworthy, but when one considers its effects and consequences, various forms of corruption become apparent, the greatest example of which is the lack of concern for the Hereafter.

In this regard, we wish to quote some excerpts:

Worldly comforts are among the blessings of Allah Ta’ala, whether they come in the form of wealth and riches or in the form of rank and position. In any case, the world has, in most cases, made people subservient to its effects and has not allowed them to retain Islamic dispositions. They become so enslaved to comforts and conveniences that it becomes difficult for them to recognize the hardships of those afflicted with poverty and deprivation. Affectation and airs enter into their behavior; their smiles and good conduct become reserved for select individuals. In any case, no wealthy person will agree with these realities, for according to the judgment of his own mind, he is the perfect human being. It is indeed strange that the owners of factories and industries, high-level traders, and the administrators of mosques and madrasas—whose monthly household expenses amount to hundreds of thousands of rupees—think that their subordinates should be able to manage on just three or four thousand per month, and, on top of that, after giving such a meager salary, they begin to assert their authority as if a master is dealing with his slave.

As for the issue of whether paucity of wealth or abundance of wealth is better, it is an undeniable reality that, for the protection of religion, the fulfillment of the pillars of Islam, and to avoid many evils, paucity of wealth is the best means. Believe me, if one is granted sustenance just sufficient for subsistence, true peace of this world is attained. It is this very poverty that motivates children to pursue religious education, to memorize the Noble Qur’an, and to seek knowledge of Qur’an and Hadith, and it is these very people who, in the majority, have been used to transmit the religion to future generations. Simplicity in disposition and meeting everyone with a cheerful face is the habit of these very people. What greater reward could there be than that the poor will enter Paradise five hundred years before the rich? In any case, these are realities that are unacceptable to the children of the wealthy and seekers of wealth and riches.

Honored readers! Keep in mind that when paucity of wealth is praised and abundance of wealth is condemned, no specific rich or poor individual is being targeted; rather, the commentary is made by observing the general environment.

Wealth and riches are a blessing from Allah Ta’ala, but the ancient sky and the old earth bear witness that most people have been unable to fulfill the demands of this blessing, and, falling into a life of desire and luxury, have become entangled in many evils. The misfortune is that these poor souls have not even realized these realities, which have been clarified by you, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.

In any case, to express the blessing of Allah Ta’ala, wearing good clothes and arranging for good food and drink is commendable, but to make this a constant habit and to be extravagant in it is by no means free from danger. For this reason, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, at times, deliberately ordered the wearing of simple clothing, refraining from combing the hair, and walking barefoot.

If, in the light of the Shariah, one understands and fulfills the demands of wealth and riches, then it will be considered the greatest blessing of Allah. After all, our master Uthman radi Allahu anhu was also wealthy; it was for this reason that he was given the title “the wealthy,” and it was on the strength of this wealth that he established such examples of supporting the religion that will remain as ideals for the wealthy until the end of time.

If luxury and indulgence were something beloved to Allah Ta’ala, then surely it would have been preferred for the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and his Companions as well. But the situation of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was such that his pillow was made of leather and its stuffing was the bark of the date palm tree.