Once upon a wealth
No matter the stack of our wealth, not more than five yards of white cloth that still costs one hundred naira only per yard shall be the sole escort of the individual in to the grave. No more, no less. Even in cultures where the dead is buried along with money, the fact that riches […]
No matter the stack of our wealth, not more than five yards of white cloth that still costs one hundred naira only per yard shall be the sole escort of the individual in to the grave. No more, no less. Even in cultures where the dead is buried along with money, the fact that riches fall short of bringing the wealthy back to life is enough counsel for the wise. The provisions for this necessary journey would be man’s acts of worship.
Qur’an 28:76-82 tell us about Qarun and his heaps of wealth. In human history of riches, Qarun was indeed wealthy and is therefore implied by the title of this piece. Qarun was so rich that the keys to his treasures would have been a burden to a body of about forty men. Others say the weight of the keys is equivalent to the load of 300 mules. With all the Dangotes and Otedolas of Nigeria added to the Mo Ibrahims of Africa plus all the Bill Gates in Europe and America put together, their collective wealth is nowhere near the treasures of Qarun. Ibn Abbas (RA) opined that Qarun was a paternal cousin to Prophet Musa (AS).
Qarun went forth before his people in great luxuries (servants, clothes, and riding animals). Qarun was advised by the pious from his own clan not to be arrogant about his wealth. They told him that the gift he enjoys is a gift from God. But Qarun replied that he earned the wealth due to the knowledge he possessed; and that Allah bestowed the wealth on him because he deserved it. He also added that if Allah did not love him, he would not have granted him that prosperity. The same thinking is typical of many affluent men and women of today. Allah rejected Qarun’s claims and destroyed him and his much-admired wealth. And in the midst of his pride, Qarun was swallowed up in the earth and the earth knew him no more. When Allah caused the earth to swallow Qarun and his wealth, he had no group or party to help him against Allah’s decree. Ibn Abbas (RA) and as-Sadiy relate that Qarun and his treasures sank until they reached the seventh earth. His stupendous wealth could not resist Allah’s decree when it was time. Neither could such vast empire of wealth save Qarun nor his wealth from the consequences of his megalomaniac tendencies. It is a form of madness in which a person has exaggerated ideas about his wealth.
The same fact of reality that caught up with Qarun awaits all those whose ultimate in life is nothing except unlawful accumulation of wealth; including public officers who are richer than their state government or local government council. Where is Mobuto Sese Seko who was an African head of state that was richer than his country? Those in positions of leadership and authority who use their respective offices or symbols of authority to criminally amass wealth should beware that due account must be rendered as to how they earned and expended the wealth. Allah (SWT) asserts in Qur’an 9:34 “O ye who believe! There are indeed many among the priests and anchorites, who in falsehood devour the substance of men and hinder (them) from the way of Allah. And there are those who bury gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah: announce unto them a most grievous penalty”.
Man asks for more even when it is obvious that he has enough. Allah (SWT) confirms this covetous inclination of man in Qur’an 3:14 “Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons; heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world’s life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (to return to)”. It is not unlawful (haram) to ask Allah (SWT) for more favours. Yet, religious principles demand that faith and piety both of which bring about contentment should regulate our desire to accumulate wealth.
The hankering desire of contemporary man for wealth appears too craving. People look for and go after money at every rate and by all means. People should guard against being pre-occupied with the greedy search for wealth; lest death overtakes them abruptly. Allah (SWT) says in Qur’an 102:1-4 “The mutual rivalry for piling up (the good things of this world) diverts you (from the more serious things); until ye visit the graves; But nay, ye soon shall know (the reality); Again, ye soon shall know”.
When the desire to amass wealth becomes inordinate, it leaves no time for higher spiritual matters in life. Unchecked avarice also affects one’s health. Ulcer and high blood pressure are some of the illnesses common to those with excessive passion for pilling up wealth. Apart from amassing wealth from illegitimate sources, its misuse is equally condemned in Islam. May Allah (SWT) enrich our hearts with contentment and save us from the type of ruin that consumed Qarun, amin
This article was earlier published May 11, 2013.