In the name of God the compassionate, ever merciful
At the time of the Egyptian revolution that toppled its ruler, Hosni Mubarak, the subject became a matter of conversation between yours truly and an American person that I knew. This individual was a decent person and a Christian with strong belief who had an open mind and heart towards Moslems and others.
It was said that at the time of his toppling Hosni Mubarak was very old and had amassed close to 5 to 6 billion dollars of personal wealth! So when speaking with this person as we discussed the Egyptian Revolution, we came to subject of Mr. Mubarak’s wealth. When I asked him what he thought of it, he was amazed. Then when it was asked of him that what someone like Mr. Mubarak was going to do with all that personal wealth when he dies since he won’t be able to take it with him to wherever he is going in his next life, he laughed, agreed and shook his head. Later on, every time we had a conversation about other greedy people, he would tell me that he loathed them and sometimes repeated himself “Are they going to take all their wealth with them when they die?”
There is a favorite tale regarding Jesus Christ (AS) who was once passing through a town. A very rich man approaches him and asks “Master, can I join you as one of your companions and go with you to wherever you go?” Jesus (AS) looked at the wealthy person and replied “Yes, but on the condition that you give up everything that you own and then you can join me” and when the man asked “Everything, master?” Jesus (AS) replied “Everything!” The man then said to Jesus (AS) “But … I cannot give up everything that I own!” After that Jesus (AS) turned and walk away from the man.
Clearly the wealthy man had too much worldly attachment and could not part with them to join the messenger of God and follow the path of truth by separating himself from the adornments of the life of this world. This man had made a mistake that would not benefit him in the Hereafter.
Since it is difficult to part with worldly possessions and instead move in the path of truth and virtue, God almighty emphasized this very much in his last and most complete divine book, the holy Quran.
Sureh Al-Kahf, Verse 46:
“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one’s] hope [of success in the life to come].”
Sureh At-Taghabun, Verse 15:
“Your wealth and your children are but a trial [in the life of this world], and Allah has with Him a great reward [in the life to come for those who see and hold on to the truth instead]”
There is much more to be presented later regarding this very important subject matter.
Thank you for reading this.
