بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْم
You will be rich, and you will be famous. You just have to trust the system—the divine system. Whether in this world or the next, there is a promise of true wealth for those who believe, remain patient, and stay true to their values.
We live in a world that seems obsessed with wealth and fame. Social media bombards us with images of luxury and affluence, showcasing lifestyles that many dream of but few achieve. It's easy to feel left out, to compare ourselves to others, and to think that our lives are lacking in value or significance. But before you allow anxiety to consume you, remember this: what you see is not always what it seems.
The Test of Wealth and the Reality Behind Fame
If Allah loves you, He will visit you with trials and hardships. What you see on the outside—wealth, luxury, and success—does not always reflect the inner reality. The rich and famous may look like they have it all, but many are plagued with anxiety, depression, and fear. They experience an emotional roller coaster that, if given the chance, you might well choose to return to your current life and be grateful for what you have.
The social media world, unfortunately, has removed the boundaries of etiquette. Many of those who are wealthy flaunt their success without regard for those who are struggling. In contrast, the Islamic tradition teaches us that wealth is not meant to be flaunted but rather shared. Muslim celebrities and those with wealth often understand this, as they are aware of the responsibility that comes with blessings. The poor have a right over the rich in Islam, and wealth is seen not as a privilege but as a test.
Congratulations If You Are Poor: You've Hit the Jackpot
If you are poor and a believer, let me tell you, you've hit the jackpot. You might wonder, how could that be? The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the only human who waged a war on poverty and won—and I can prove it through the actions of his companions.
After the Prophet (peace be upon him) passed away, his companions continued his legacy. When wealth would come into the community from various sources, such as tax collection and other ongoing efforts, they would gather it and distribute it according to the instructions given in the Quran.
"يَسْأَلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنفِقُونَ ۖ قُلْ مَا أَنفَقْتُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِلْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْأَقْرَبِينَ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ ۗ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ"
"They ask you, [O Muhammad], what they should spend. Say, 'Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good—indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.'" (Quran 2:215)
The companions would distribute wealth to the poor, and some of the poorest people would walk out as millionaires overnight. Yet, these same individuals would return the very next day with nothing left, because they had given away what they received. When questioned, they would respond that they wished to remain among the poor, to be resurrected with the Prophet (peace be upon him) and to maintain the Prophet’s prayers for them.
The Prophet's Prayer and Voluntary Poverty
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was given a choice by an angel to live like a king, with mountains turned to gold for him, or to live as a poor man—not destitute, but someone who continuously gives away wealth. He chose voluntary poverty, not because he lacked wealth, but because he understood the true value of riches. He came from a noble and wealthy family, yet he chose to live simply, always giving away what he had.
One of the companions was asked, after receiving enough wealth to make him a millionaire, why he had given it all away. He responded that the Prophet had prayed to be resurrected with the poor, and he wanted to remain in that category. The wealth he was given had taken him out of this category, so he chose to give it away. It was the only time in history that a community tried to rid itself of wealth—everyone took only what they needed, and the rest was passed on.
"وَمَا أَنفَقْتُم مِّن شَيْءٍ فَهُوَ يُخْلِفُهُ ۖ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ"
"And whatever you spend of anything [in Allah's cause], He will replace it; and He is the best of providers." (Quran 34:39)
The Temporary Nature of Wealth and the Promise of Eternal Riches
You have my promise: if you are poor and do not seek fame for the sake of this world, and if you are content with what Allah has given you, you will be wealthy and famous in the Hereafter. You may have opportunities in this life—perhaps you will become wealthy, perhaps you will get a chance to give it away or manage it as a trustee—but the key is not to let it control you. Wealth is a test, and it is up to you whether you pass or fail.
Worldly wealth is like holding onto melting ice—painful, temporary, and ultimately of little value compared to what Allah has prepared for the believers in the Hereafter.
Hadith on Wealth and Fame
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Indeed, this world runs away from those who pursue it, but runs toward those who turn away from it." (Tirmidhi)
This is the nature of wealth and fame—they are fleeting and unreliable. They will chase those who do not seek them, and they will elude those who pursue them with greed. The Quran speaks about our love for wealth:
"وَإِنَّهُ لِحُبِّ الْخَيْرِ لَشَدِيدٌ"
"And indeed, he is, in love of wealth, intense." (Quran 100:8)
"أَلْهَاكُمُ التَّكَاثُرُ . حَتَّىٰ زُرْتُمُ الْمَقَابِرَ"
"Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you. Until you visit the graveyards." (Quran 102:1-2)
These verses remind us that our love for wealth and our desire for more can distract us from what truly matters—our relationship with Allah and our preparation for the Hereafter.
The Battle of Wealth, Fame, and Worship
There is a great battle between wealth, fame, and the desire to be worshipped versus living a life dedicated to the worship of Allah. This battle is one that every human being must fight. Many walk away from fame, many walk away from wealth, and many are tested with the choice between the two.
The Quran reminds us of the fleeting nature of wealth and fame and encourages us to seek what is lasting and eternal:
"مَّن كَانَ يُرِيدُ حَرْثَ الْآخِرَةِ نَزِدْ لَهُ فِي حَرْثِهِ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ حَرْثَ الدُّنْيَا نُؤْتِهِ مِنْهَا وَمَا لَهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِن نَّصِيبٍ"
"Whoever desires the harvest of the Hereafter - We increase for him in his harvest. And whoever desires the harvest of this world - We give him thereof, but there is not for him in the Hereafter any share." (Quran 42:20)
Concluding with Reflection: The True Promise of Wealth
True wealth lies in spiritual fulfillment, contentment, and closeness to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) chose voluntary poverty, not because he could not be wealthy, but because he knew the value of true riches. There is a powerful dua of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that many may not be familiar with—a dua for those who truly desire to be with the Prophet in the Hereafter, even if it means losing everything in this world.
Warning: This dua is a serious commitment. It may bring poverty, hardship, and the loss of material wealth in this life. But it will also bring you closer to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and grant you wealth and fame in the Hereafter. Recite this dua only if you are ready to face these tests with patience and reliance on Allah.
Dua of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
"O Allah, keep me alive as a poor person, let me die as a poor person, and raise me amongst the group of poor people."
Upon hearing this, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked, "Why, O Messenger of Allah?" He replied, "Because they enter Paradise forty years before the rich and because they are content with what Allah has given them." (Tirmidhi)
An Extra Conclusion for Those Who Are Unsure
If you know that you cannot handle poverty, if you do not want to lose your job, or if you do not wish to be tested excessively, then ask the Owner of the Universe to grant you what is best for you in this world and what is best for you in the next. You may not know what you need, but Allah knows. Perhaps being rich and famous both here and in the Hereafter is what you need, or perhaps contentment with a simple life is better for you.
The key is to recognize that Allah knows best. Some people are ready for the trials of poverty, and they understand that their true goal is to be with the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the Hereafter, no matter the cost. For those individuals, this dua is a pathway to that closeness. But for others, it may be better to ask for what will bring balance, ease, and the best outcome in both worlds.
A Final Reflection on Contentment and True Wealth
We leave you with a final reminder: true wealth is not measured by material possessions or fame in this world. True wealth lies in being content, in striving for the pleasure of Allah, and in seeking closeness to the Prophet (peace be upon him). Whether you are tested with wealth or poverty, the goal remains the same—to be grateful, to be patient, and to place your trust in the One who knows what is best for you.
May Allah grant you the strength to trust in Him, to be content with what you have, and to strive for the true wealth that lies in the Hereafter. May He provide for you from sources you could never imagine, and may He make you among those who are grateful and content with His blessings.
"رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ"
"Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire." (Quran 2:201)
May this dua be your guide, whether you seek the trials of the poor or the balanced blessings of wealth and ease. Remember, the ultimate goal is the pleasure of Allah and the everlasting success of the Hereafter.