"Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you. Until you visit the graveyards." [Qur'an 102:1-2]
Wealth, while one of the greatest blessings that mankind has been given, is at the same time one of the greatest trials and temptations. It is mentioned in the Holy Quran, "Your wealth and your children are only a trial. And Allah - With Him is a great reward (Paradise)." [Qur'an 64:15] Furthermore it is mentioned, "And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial (fitnah) and that surely with Allah is a mighty reward." [Qur'an 8:28] Hence, every material possession is only a test and a trial. To make this test even more difficult, the value of wealth is raised high above most other worldly goods. Almost every person has a strong craving for wealth.
A person cannot remain upon two divergent paths, or retain a tight grip on two items moving in opposite directions. Given that the path to fulfillment of illicit worldly desires and the path to the pleasure of Allah travel in different directions, excessive love of wealth risks compromising obedience to Allah, and the blessings to be gained from seeking His pleasure.
20 сен 2014
