Not yearning for unbelievers’ wealth

Do not direct your eyes longingly to what We have given certain of them to enjoy. Do not feel sad concerning them. And take the believers under your wing. (Surat al-Hijr; 88)

Allah makes clear in the Qur’an that He may grant wealth to both non-believers and believers. However, the reasons are not the same.

Wealth given to believers is a manifestation of Allah’s promise to them of a good life in this world due to their moral excellence. Allah has revealed that he will make Muslims His heirs to the wealth of the world.

But for those to whom Allah grants abundant wealth although they are enemies to Him and His religion, it serves a different purpose:

Do not let their wealth and their children impress you. Allah merely wants to punish them by them in this world, and for them to expire while they are unbelievers. (Surat at-Tawba; 85)

Money, property, ornaments, opulent furnishings, clothes or other material means are only corruption for those who deny the existence of Allah and insist on disbelief. These favors serve to reveal the extent of their ingratitude and denial of Allah.

In His wisdom, Allah may punish people in various ways. An unbeliever may be afflicted with forms of punishment of which he is unaware, such as an affliction that seizes his heart. A situation deemed advantageous may well turn out to be a disappointment for him in the Hereafter.

For this reason, yearning for anything that has been granted to an unbeliever is not in compliance with the morals of the Qur’an. Muslim morality and piety must be strongly admired. For this reason, Allah has commanded that the wealth of those who do not practice religious morality should not arouse any admiration within a believer. Nor should their way of life, their possessions or anything else.