"What is the value of money in your opinion ?"

 

Why Is Money the Power in Islam?


Introduction

Money is often seen as a tool for worldly success, but in Islam, it holds a deeper significance. It is not just a means of survival but a powerful force that shapes the Ummah, strengthens faith, and spreads goodness. Islam does not reject wealth but rather teaches how to earn, manage, and use it in a way that benefits both this world (Dunya) and the hereafter (Akhirah).


The power of money in Islam lies in its potential for positive impact—from personal self-sufficiency to global leadership, from charity to economic strength, and from community development to Dawah. A wealthy Muslim with the right intentions can be a source of strength for the Ummah and a key player in the revival of Islamic civilization.


1. The Islamic Perspective on Wealth

Wealth is a test, a blessing, and a responsibility. Allah reminds us:

“Do not forget your portion of this world and do good as Allah has done good to you.” (Surah Al-Qasas 28:77)

This verse clarifies that Islam does not promote poverty or asceticism as the ideal way of life. Instead, it encourages Muslims to earn wealth through halal means and use it for the benefit of themselves and others.


A. Wealth as a Blessing from Allah

Allah grants wealth to whomever He wills as a test and responsibility:

“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life.” (Surah Al-Kahf 18:46)

This verse highlights that wealth can be a source of beauty and comfort but must not lead to arrogance, greed, or negligence of the hereafter.


B. Wealth as a Test

The Prophet ï·º warned about the dangers of wealth when misused:

“Every nation has a trial, and the trial of my nation is wealth.” (Tirmidhi)

This means that while wealth is a blessing, it can become a source of destruction if not handled wisely.


2. How Money is Power in Islam

Money is not just material; it is a tool for influence, leadership, and impact. Here’s why it is one of the most powerful forces in Islam:

A. Financial Independence Frees a Muslim

A financially stable Muslim is independent and not dependent on others. Islam teaches that relying on others unnecessarily can lead to humiliation. The Prophet ï·º said:

“The upper hand (giving) is better than the lower hand (receiving).” (Bukhari & Muslim)

 

When Muslims are financially independent, they can:
✅ Avoid begging or relying on others
✅ Support themselves and their families with dignity
✅ Help others rather than waiting for help


B. Wealth Empowers Dawah and Islamic Education

Islam spread not just through knowledge but also financial strength. The companions of the Prophet ï·º used their wealth to support Islam. For example:


  • Khadijah (RA): A wealthy businesswoman who supported the Prophet ï·º in the early days of Islam.
  • Abu Bakr (RA): Spent his wealth to free slaves and support Islamic expansion.
  • Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA): A rich businessman who gave large amounts in charity and supported the Ummah.


Without money, Islamic institutions, scholars, and Dawah efforts struggle to survive. Wealth allows Muslims to build:
✅ Mosques and Islamic centres
✅ Islamic schools and universities
✅ Media platforms for spreading authentic Islamic knowledge


C. Charity (Sadaqah & Zakat) Strengthens the Ummah

Money in Islam is not just for personal gain but for societal welfare. The system of Zakat (obligatory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) ensures that wealth circulates and helps the needy.

  • Zakat purifies wealth and removes greed (Surah At-Tawbah 9:103).
  • Sadaqah increases blessings and multiplies rewards (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261).
  • Wealth used for good continues benefiting the giver even after death (Sadaqah Jariyah).


D. Economic Strength Protects the Muslim Ummah

Throughout history, wealthy nations held power. When the Muslim Ummah was financially strong, it led the world in science, trade, and governance. However, economic decline led to political weakness and colonization.


A strong Muslim economy means:
✅ Muslim businesses creating halal job opportunities
✅ Avoiding dependence on non-Muslims for financial aid
✅ Funding global humanitarian aid and supporting oppressed Muslims


E. Wealth Enables a Strong Defence

Islam recognizes that a weak nation is vulnerable. A financially powerful Muslim community can protect itself from oppression. The Quran commands:

“Prepare against them whatever you can of power and warhorses, so that you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy.” (Surah Al-Anfal 8:60)

 

This means that wealth is essential for:

  • Building strong Muslim nations
  • Defending Islamic lands and sovereignty
  • Supporting Muslim innovation in technology, Défense, and security


3. How Shaytan Uses Money to Weaken Muslims

Shaytan understands the power of money and tries to keep Muslims weak by misguiding them in the following ways:


A. Making Muslims Chase Wealth Blindly

Many Muslims fall into the trap of materialism, prioritizing luxury and competition over Deen. They forget:

  • Wealth is temporary
  • Dunya is a test, not the goal
  • Hoarding wealth without spending for Allah leads to regret


B. Encouraging Haram Earnings

Shaytan tempts people with:
❌ Riba (interest) – A major sin that destroys barakah.
❌ Unethical business practices – Cheating, fraud, and dishonesty.
❌ Haram industries – Alcohol, gambling, and exploitation.


C. Promoting Wastefulness

Shaytan tricks Muslims into overspending on luxuries while ignoring the needs of the poor. Allah warns:

“Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of Shaytan.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:27)


D. Preventing Charity and Hoarding Wealth

Many Muslims hesitate to give in charity due to fear of losing wealth. But the Prophet ï·º said:

“Charity does not decrease wealth.” (Muslim)


4. How to Use Money for the Best Muslim Life

To maximize the power of wealth in Islam, a Muslim should:


✅ 1. Earn Halal Wealth

  • Choose halal professions and businesses.
  • Avoid riba, deception, and unethical practices.
  • Be honest and fair in financial dealings.


✅ 2. Spend Wisely with a Purpose

  • Provide for family needs without extravagance.
  • Support Islamic institutions and Dawah efforts.
  • Give regularly in Sadaqah and Zakat.


✅ 3. Invest in the Muslim Ummah

  • Establish Islamic businesses to provide halal jobs.
  • Fund educational and technological advancements.
  • Help Muslim entrepreneurs and innovators.


✅ 4. Plan for Akhirah

  • Build Sadaqah Jariyah projects (wells, schools, orphanages).
  • Leave an Islamic legacy through wealth management.
  • Prepare for a meaningful and impactful life.


Conclusion

Money is a powerful tool in Islam. It can uplift the Ummah, spread knowledge, defend Islam, and provide security—if used correctly. However, it is also a test, and misuse leads to destruction.


A Muslim who master's both knowledge and wealth can become a leader, a giver, and a force for good in both Dunya and Akhirah. The goal is to control wealth rather than let wealth control you.

“The best wealth is in the hands of a righteous person.” (Ahmad)

 

May Allah bless us with halal wealth and guide us to use it wisely. Ameen!


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