Many people have today become slaves to their own wealth instead of the wealth becoming their slaves; due possibly to their failure to understand Allah’s purpose of creation. Such people also fail to grasp obvious reality, which is the inescapable end of life at a time most people never expected. No matter the heap of our wealth, not more than five yards of white cloth with one yard still costing less than the pump price of one liter of petrol shall be the ‘official’ garment of the individual when he would be laid in the grave. Even in cultures where the dead is buried along with money, the fact that riches fall short of bringing the wealthy back to life is enough counsel for the wise. The provisions for this inevitable journey would be man’s acts of worship.
Qur’an 28:76-82 tell us about Qarun and his heaps of wealth. In human history of riches, Qarun was indeed wealthy so much that the keys to his treasures would have been a burden to a body of about forty men. Others say the mass of the keys is equivalent to the load of 300 mules. With all the Dangotes, Abdulsamads, and Otedolas of Nigeria in addition to the Mo Ibrahims of Africa plus all the Elon Musks and Bill Gates in America put together, their collective wealth is nowhere near the treasures of Qarun. Ibn Abbas (RA) opined that Qarun was a paternal cousin to Prophet Musa (AS).
Qarun went forth before his people in great luxuries (of servants, clothes, and riding animals). Qarun was advised by the pious from his own clan not to be arrogant about his wealth. They told him that the gift he enjoys is a gift from Allah. But Qarun replied that he earned the wealth due to the knowledge he possessed; and that Allah bestowed the wealth on him because he deserved it. He also said that if Allah did not love him, he would not have granted him that prosperity. The same thinking is typical of many affluent men and women of today.
Allah rejected Qarun’s claims and destroyed him and his much-admired wealth. And in the midst of his pride, Qarun was swallowed up in the earth and the earth knew him no more. When Allah caused the earth to swallow Qarun and his wealth, he had no group or party to help him against Allah’s decree. Ibn Abbas (RA) and as-Sadiy relate that Qarun and his treasures sank until they reached the seventh earth. His stupendous wealth could not resist Allah’s decree when it was time. Neither could such vast empire of wealth save Qarun nor his wealth from the consequences of the exaggerated opinions he had about his wealth.
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The same reality that caught up with Qarun awaits all those whose ultimate goal in life is nothing other than illegitimate acquisition of wealth. This category of avaricious persons may include public officers who are richer than the annual budgets of their state or local government council. Where, today, is Mobuto Sese Seko who was an African head of state that was richer than his country? Persons in positions of leadership and authority who use their respective offices or symbols of authority to criminally amass wealth should beware of the day of reckoning when account must be rendered as to how they earned and expended their wealth.
It is typical of man to greedily ask for more even when it is obvious that he has enough. Allah (SWT) confirms this covetous inclination of man in Qur’an 3:14 “Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons; heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world’s life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (to return to).” It is not unlawful (haram) to ask Allah for more favours. Yet, religious principles demand that faith and piety both of which bring about contentment should regulate our desire for wealth.
The hankering desire of modern man for wealth appears too craving. People look for and go after money at every rate and by all means. People should guard against being pre-occupied with the greedy search for wealth; lest death overtakes them when they unexpectedly expect it. Allah warns in Qur’an 102:1-4 saying, “The mutual rivalry for piling up (the good things of this world) diverts you (from the more serious things); until ye visit the graves; But nay, ye soon shall know (the reality); Again, ye soon shall know.”
When the desire to amass wealth becomes inordinate, it leaves no time for higher spiritual matters in life; most often turning people with such desires into slaves of their own wealth. Unchecked avarice also affects a person’s health. Ulcer and high blood pressure are some of the illnesses common to those with excessive greed for pilling up wealth. Apart from amassing wealth from illegitimate sources, its misuse is equally condemned in Islam. May Allah (SWT) enrich our hearts with contentment and save us from the type of ruin that consumed Qarun, amin.
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