by Asma bint Shameem (Continued from last week) LESSON TWO: The Trial of Wealth The next story in Surah al-Kahf is about a wealthy man who Allaah had blessed with abundance. He had two flourishing gardens, continuously yielding plenty of quality fruit and produce, gushing rivers that naturally flowed through his property providing irrigation, along with servants, attendants and children. In other words, a life of prosperity, ease and luxury. But instead of attributing his success to Allaah, he became arrogant and even belittled his companion who advised him to be grateful to his Rabb. He thought this wealth and blessing is a sign that Allaah is pleased with him and it will last forever. And “IF” he is ever resurrected he will receive even MORE blessings. After all, hasn’t Allaah blessed him in this world? Then surely He will bless him EVEN MORE later. So what happened to his garden and wealth? Allaah destroyed it overnight. Down to nothing. Gone completely. All his arrogance, his wealth, his entourage. Why? Because of the man’s arrogance. His lack of gratefulness. His foolish belief that wealth is a sign of Allaah’s pleasure. And his disbelief in the Hereafter. Wealth is not a sign of Allaah’s Pleasure or Displeasure. Rather it’s a TEST to see HOW we will behave and react to this wealth. Will we be grateful to our Rabb? Will we earn it in a halal way? Will we spend it in His obedience? Will we become arrogant and look down upon others who don’t have as much? Will we spend it in Allaah’s way? For our needy relatives, for the poor and destitute, for our oppressed brothers and sisters all over the world? Or will we hoard it for ourselves? So REMIND yourself EVERY WEEK when you read al-Kahf: 1. KNOW that ALL WEALTH belongs to Allaah Alone. It is His. And He can GIVE it to whoever He wants and TAKE IT AWAY from WHOEVER He wants, WHENEVER He wants. 2. This wealth is a TEST for you. Allaah is giving it to you to see how you will handle it. And how you will react to it. 3. So always be GRATEFUL to your Rabb. And thank Him for granting you blessings you know and blessings you don’t know. And blessings you can’t even count. 4. Don’t let the wealth get to your head. Always be HUMBLE and know that the True Giver is only Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala. And you deserve NO CREDIT for what you own or have. 5. SPEND in the path of Allaah for His sake, on your needy relatives, community members and the poor Muslim brothers and sisters 6. Be MODERATE in spending on yourself and don’t be EXTRAVAGANT 7. KNOW that it’s not wealth or property that Allaah looks at. It’s your GOOD DEEDS and SINCERITY to please Him that will bring Allaah’s Mercy. 8. ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND that this dunya is TEMPORARY and the REAL LIFE is the life of the Hereafter. Don’t ever let this thought slip your mind. So prepare for it NOW before the time comes when we return to our Creator. الْمَالُ وَالْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ الْحَيَوةِ الدُّنْيَا وَالْبَـقِيَاتُ الصَّـلِحَاتُ خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلاً “Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds that last, are better with your Lord for reward and better for hope”. (Surah al-Kahf: 46) To be continued...
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