In Islam, knowledge and awareness are given precedence over wealth. The first revelation of the Holy Qur’an is a clear declaration of this: اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ „ Read in the name of your Lord who created” (Surah Al-‘Alaq, verse 1).
This blessed revelation is evidence that the path to human progress and success begins with knowledge not with wealth.
Wealth may seemingly provide worldly honor and power, but if a person lacks knowledge, wisdom, and piety, then that wealth becomes a trial for them. As Allah, the Lord of Glory, says: وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَأَوْلَادُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ ۙ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ عِندَهُ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ „ And know that your wealth and your children are but a trial, and that with Allah is a great reward.” (Surah Al-Anfal, verse 28).
When an ignorant person acquires wealth, he begins to feel proud of his lack of knowledge, considers himself wise, and starts misleading others. However, Allah the Exalted says: إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ „Indeed, the most honorable of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13).
Such individuals, who present their ignorance in the guise of wisdom, become a source of discord, misunderstanding, and misguidance in society. The Holy Prophet ﷺ said: „Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim man and woman.”
Therefore, we must understand that true success does not lie in wealth, but in knowledge, piety, humility, and awareness. These are the qualities that bring a person closer to Allah the Almighty and illuminate society.
May Allah Almighty grant us all the ability to understand the religion and act upon it. Ameen
Altaf Choudhry
03.06.2025
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