Contentment with Divine Decree

Q 3: What is ruling on Muslims who possess abundant wealth and others who are in dire need of money?

A: Allah (Exalted be He) says: Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of your Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in this world, and We raised some of them above others in ranks, so that some may employ others in their work. But the Mercy (Paradise) of your Lord (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) is better than the (wealth of this world) which they amass. The rich are grateful for the blessings which Allah (Exalted be He) bestows upon them and become worthy of His mercy and bounty, if they earn their wealth through lawful means and pay the due share of Zakah that is imposed on it. On the contrary, they are ungrateful for the blessings of Allah (Exalted be He) and deserving of His punishment if they acquire their wealth through unlawful means or if they refuse to pay the amount of Zakah due on it. Allah (Exalted be He) says: And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: "If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allâh), I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily My punishment is indeed severe." (Part No. 3; Page No. 528) Those who are less fortunate due to the fact that they are incapable of earning or the fact that Allah (Exalted be He), as a kind of test based on His wisdom and justice, did not provide them with well-off means, should endure patiently expecting His reward. They should also seek all lawful means of earning, each according to his ability. Moreover, Allah (Glorified be He) has assigned them a share in the wealth of the rich which is paid in the form of Zakah or Sadaqah (voluntary charity). Muslim rulers are also asked to support them and to be merciful when fulfilling their needs for the sake of strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and showing thankfulness for the blessings of Allah (Exalted be He), Who shows greater mercy to His servants than they do to their own selves. A person will be insulting himself and will be deviating from the Shari`ah - which encourages striving for lawful earning, showing self-esteem and warns against idleness and shameful begging - if they humble themselves by standing at the doors of the rich begging for some of their wealth or their leftover food. Allah (Exalted be He) is never unjust to any of His servants. He is Wise, Just and Generous to His servants and He disposes of all affairs through His will and wisdom. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "O Allâh! Possessor of the kingdom, You give the kingdom to whom You will, and You take the kingdom from whom You will, and You endue with honour whom You will, and You humiliate whom You will. In Your Hand is the good. Verily, You are Able to do all things. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and companions.