Ustadh Michael Wolfender focuses on one of the lessons Allah teaches us in Surah Al-Kahf, the 18th chapter in the Holy Qur’an - that poverty and wealth come from Allah.
Do you face the tests Ustadh Michael describes: comparing yourself with others, equating success with materialism, a false confidence of stability without attribution to Allah or even a misguided sense of your ultimate destination because of your current circumstances?
This is why we are encouraged to read Surah Al-Kahf, or part of it, every Friday. Of the lessons it contains, Brother Michael shares one of a conversation between two people, one wealthy and one poor. Allah takes two ayah to describe the person’s wealth, taking credit for all of what the wealthy person has.
However, the wealthy person compares himself with his neighbor. He is hurtful to his neighbor by complimenting his own wealth over his neighbor’s. Essentially, he is confusing success with materialism and comparing himself with others.
Second, he takes for granted the security Allah has provided, forgetting the forthcoming Day of Judgment.
Finally, he mistakes Allah’s blessings, thinking Allah is happy with him, based on his comfort and security. And assumes this will also ensure a place in paradise for him in the Hereafter.
Wealth and poverty are both are a test from Allah. Forgetting that everything comes from Allah is equivalent to placing the importance of wealth before Allah as our primary purpose for being here on earth: to worship Him.
