In Islam, the concept of wealth is rooted in spiritual, ethical, and practical guidelines. Below are 24 secrets of wealth that emphasize these teachings:
1. WEALTH BELONGS TO ALLAH
– Everything belongs to Allah, and humans are merely trustees.
– “To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth…” (Qur’an 3:189)
2. EARNING LAWFULLY (HALAL INCOME)
– Muslims are commanded to earn through lawful means and avoid prohibited (haram) transactions.
– “O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly…” (Qur’an 4:29)
3. AVOIDING INTEREST (RIBA)
– Interest is prohibited in Islam, and wealth should be accumulated through permissible means.
– “Allah has permitted trade and forbidden interest.” (Qur’an 2:275)
4. GIVING ZAKAT (OBLIGATORY CHARITY)
– Zakat is a mandatory form of charity that purifies wealth.
– “And establish prayer and give zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves, you will find it with Allah…” (Qur’an 2:110)
5. SADAQAH (VOLUNTARY CHARITY)
– Beyond zakat, giving in charity (sadaqah) increases blessings and purifies wealth.
– “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears…” (Qur’an 2:261)
6. GRATITUDE
– Being grateful increases wealth and blessings.
– “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…” (Qur’an 14:7)
7. AVOIDING GREED
– Greed and hoarding wealth are condemned in Islam.
– “And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah, give them tidings of a painful punishment.” (Qur’an 9:34)
8. SPENDING MODERATELY
– Islam encourages balance in spending, avoiding extravagance and miserliness.
– “And those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate.” (Qur’an 25:67)
9. TRUST IN ALLAH (TAWAKKUL)
– Wealth should be pursued, but ultimate trust for sustenance should be placed in Allah.
– “And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect…” (Qur’an 65:2-3)
10. WEALTH AS A TEST
– Wealth is a trial, and how one handles it will be judged.
– “Know that your wealth and your children are but a trial…” (Qur’an 8:28)
11. AVOIDING FRAUD AND CHEATING
– Honesty in trade and business dealings is crucial.
– “And do not deprive people of their due and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.” (Qur’an 26:183)
12. INHERITING AND DISTRIBUTING WEALTH FAIRLY
– Islam prescribes a fair system of inheritance to ensure just distribution of wealth.
– “Allah commands you concerning your children: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females…” (Qur’an 4:11)
13. CONTENTMENT
– Contentment brings inner peace and prevents excessive materialism.
– “…That it is He who enriches and suffices.” (Qur’an 53:48)
14. INVESTMENT IN BENEFICIAL VENTURES
– Engaging in lawful business and investments is encouraged.
– “O you who have believed, do not consume your wealth among yourselves unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent.” (Qur’an 4:29)
15. AVOIDING WASTEFULNESS
– Wasteful spending is discouraged in Islam.
– “Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils…” (Qur’an 17:27)
16. HELPING RELATIVES AND THE NEEDY
– Wealth should be shared with family and those in need.
– “And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler…”(Qur’an 17:26)
17. AVOIDING EXCESSIVE DEBT
– Debt should be taken cautiously, and prompt repayment is emphasized.
– “If the debtor is in difficulty, then [there should be] postponement until [a time of] ease…” (Qur’an 2:280)
18. PATIENCE IN FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY
– Financial hardship is temporary, and patience is key.
– “…And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth…” (Qur’an 2:155)
19. CONSULTATION IN FINANCIAL DECISIONS (SHURA)
– Important financial decisions should be made through mutual consultation.
– “And consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah…” (Qur’an 3:159)
20. MAINTAINING TRUST (AMANAH)
– Being trustworthy in financial transactions and dealings is vital.
– “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due…” (Qur’an 4:58)
21. AVOIDING ENVY (HASAD)
– Envying others’ wealth is discouraged; contentment is a virtue.
– “And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others…” (Qur’an 4:32)
22. PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
– Planning and saving for the future is encouraged but without hoarding.
– “And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow…” (Qur’an 59:18)
23. AVOIDING BRIBERY
– Bribery is condemned and undermines the economy.
– “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers…” (Qur’an 2:188)
24. ENCOURAGING HARD WORK
– Islam encourages hard work, as lawful earnings are a source of blessings.
– “And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives.” (Qur’an 53:39)
These principles guide Muslims to accumulate wealth ethically, ensure fair distribution, and maintain spiritual integrity in financial matters.
Written by:
Suleiman, Abdulmalik King
Project Director, AMDC