بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْم
You Will Be Rich: This Is How
The Owner of the universe controls everything, and your destiny is not set in stone. You can be rich, you can be famous, but there’s a journey you must take. In this journey, you will realize that true wealth lies not just in possessions but in what you have earned spiritually. The Owner of the universe holds the keys to everything and can give you anything you desire—but first, let us understand how.
The Mother Book and Changing Destiny
Allah has written everything in "اللوح المحفوظ"—the Mother Book. This book contains the decree of all things. But that does not mean that our lives are fixed and cannot change. Through sincere prayer, good deeds, and repentance, Allah can change our destiny. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Nothing turns back the decree except supplication, and nothing increases the life span except righteousness." (Tirmidhi)
This means that we have the power to influence our own futures. If you want wealth, if you want prosperity, then make dua for it, strive for it, and align your actions with the teachings of Allah and His Messenger.
Examples from the Life of the Prophet (PBUH)
Many people came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) asking for wealth or long life. In some cases, they were granted what they asked for, and in others, they were taught a different lesson. Let’s look at a few examples:
1. The Man Who Wanted Wealth
A man once came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and asked for wealth. The Prophet advised him to be content, saying that true richness is the richness of the soul. However, when the man insisted, he was given wealth. Unfortunately, this wealth led him away from the mosque and from his community. The Prophet (peace be upon him) reminded us that sometimes what we desire may not be what is best for us.
2. The Woman Who Asked for Her Illness to Be Cured
A woman who suffered from seizures came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and asked him to pray for her cure. The Prophet (peace be upon him) gave her a choice: he could pray for her, and she would be cured, or she could be patient, and Paradise would be her reward. She chose patience, demonstrating that sometimes enduring hardship brings a greater reward than immediate relief.
Quranic Verses on Wealth
The Quran speaks about wealth as both a blessing and a test. Allah is the one who provides sustenance, and He gives to whom He wills and withholds from whom He wills:
"اللَّهُ يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ وَيَقْدِرُ ۚ وَفَرِحُوا بِالْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا فِي الْآخِرَةِ إِلَّا مَتَاعٌ"
"Allah extends provision for whom He wills and restricts it. And they rejoice in the worldly life, while the worldly life is not, compared to the Hereafter, except [brief] enjoyment." (Quran 13:26)
Wealth is a test of gratitude and responsibility. It is a means to benefit oneself and others, but it should not be the ultimate goal. True richness is to have a heart that is content with what Allah has provided.
Treating Parents Well: The Key to Blessings
One of the most significant ways to attain blessings, including wealth, is by treating our parents well. The Quran emphasizes the importance of kindness to parents right after the obligation to worship Allah alone:
"وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا"
"And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word." (Quran 17:23)
The way we treat our parents has a direct impact on our blessings. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that those who honor their parents will see blessings in their lives, including increased sustenance and ease.
Gratitude for Allah's Plan
Allah knows best what is good for us. He has analyzed all timelines, and what He provides is based on His perfect knowledge of our character, our actions, and our needs. Sometimes, we may want something that is not good for us, but Allah, in His infinite wisdom, gives us what will benefit us most in this world and the next.
"وَعَسَىٰ أَن تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰ أَن تُحِبُّوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَّكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ"
"But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not." (Quran 2:216)
WecConclued whith A Path Illuminated by the Stars
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "My companions are like the stars; whichever of them you follow, you will be rightly guided." The Prophet compared his companions to the stars of the heavens, knowing that the stars hold secrets and act as a guide. The companions, like the stars, carry hidden blessings and guidance for those who seek them.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came before Jesus (peace be upon him), and Jesus displayed many miracles openly. In contrast, the Prophet hid his miracles and blessings among blessed people, among those who carried his light. If you desire wealth and blessings in this life, but struggle to fulfill your obligations or even be good to your parents, then at the very least, find the blessed people among us. Seek their prayers, be good to them, or quietly fulfill their needs. As Allah mentions in the Quran, among the poor are those who never ask—fulfill their needs without them asking, and you will find doors of wealth opening for you.
The best way and the shortest path to true wealth is to trust Allah. Allah has a plan, but you also have your own desires and plans, and that itself is your test. The greatest test lies in the choices you make. You want something, but the Owner of the universe may want something else for you. This life is a transaction, and Allah calls upon the believers to engage in it. Allah speaks to us in transactional terms, saying:
"إِنَّ اللَّهَ اشْتَرَىٰ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَأَمْوَالَهُم بِأَنَّ لَهُمُ الْجَنَّةَ"
"Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise." (Quran 9:111)
This is the highest reward—to give up what you have for the sake of Allah. The Owner of the universe, in His beauty and gentleness, knows our love for business, for trade, and He invites us to make a transaction with Him.
Let us also remember that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was not poor. He was a millionaire in the morning, but by the evening, all of it was gone. Wealth flowed in and out of his hands, as he continuously gave to those in need. He is the greatest example for those blessed with wealth—especially billionaires—of how to use it for the benefit of others, to attain true wealth that will last beyond this world.
May Allah grant us the wisdom to seek the best in this world and the Hereafter, to trust in His plan, and to engage in the transaction that leads to eternal wealth. May we be guided by the stars, follow the example of the Prophet, and use whatever wealth we have to bring light and benefit to others.
"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, and may you find true wealth in this life and the next.