Wealth and Materialism in the End Times

 

The world today is experiencing unprecedented material prosperity, and the lure of wealth is stronger than ever. It has become a central focus of human ambition and a driving force behind many of society’s actions. The pursuit of wealth and material possessions is often seen as a key to happiness, success, and fulfillment. However, in the context of Islamic teachings, materialism is viewed with caution, especially when it becomes excessive and distracting. As the world progresses toward the end of time, both the Qur’an and Hadith describe the growing dominance of wealth and materialism, which will play a crucial role in the moral decay and the challenges that believers will face in the lead-up to Qiyamah (the Day of Judgment).

The Qur’anic Perspective on Wealth and Materialism

 

The Qur’an does not view wealth and material possessions as inherently bad, but rather as a test for humans. It emphasizes that wealth is a blessing from Allah (SWT) but must be used responsibly and within the bounds of righteousness. However, when wealth becomes the focal point of life and the pursuit of it leads to moral degradation, it is seen as a significant danger, particularly as the world moves toward its final stages.

Wealth as a Test

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (SWT) says:

لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.” (Quran 2:286)

This verse reminds believers that life’s tests, including those related to wealth, are within their capacity to manage. The struggle to maintain a balance between spiritual duties and worldly pursuits is a common challenge for many, especially when materialism begins to dominate one’s life.

Wealth is also mentioned in Surah Al-Mulk (67:15) as a way for humans to be tested:

هُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ ذَلُولًا فَسْلُكُوا فِيهَا مَعَاشَكُمْ
“It is He who has made the earth subservient to you, so traverse in its tracks, and partake of the provision He has provided.” (Quran 67:15)

This verse underscores that wealth and the means of livelihood on earth are gifts from Allah, but they are also tests. The question is whether individuals will use these gifts for good or let them lead to arrogance and sin.

The Negative Impact of Excessive Wealth

As the world progresses towards the end times, materialism becomes more widespread, and the pursuit of wealth can lead to spiritual neglect. In Surah At-Takathur (102:1-2), Allah (SWT) warns about the excessive pursuit of wealth:

أَلْهَاكُمُ التَّكَاثُرُ حَتَّى زُرْتُمُ الْمَقَابِرِ
“The rivalry in worldly increase diverts you.” (Quran 102:1-2)

This verse points to the destructive nature of excessive desire for wealth, which diverts people from their primary purpose in life: worship and obedience to Allah. As wealth and material gain become the central focus of individuals, they often lose sight of their spiritual goals.

In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (SWT) draws attention to the transitory nature of worldly wealth:

اعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ وَزِينَةٌ وَتَفَاخُرٌ بَيْنَكُمْ وَتَكَا ثُرٌ فِي الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَوْلَادِ
“Know that the life of this world is but play and diversion, decoration and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in the increase of wealth and children.” (Quran 57:20)

The Qur’an constantly reminds believers that material wealth, fame, and power are temporary and that they should not be the ultimate goal of life. True wealth, according to Islam, is spiritual and lies in the hereafter.

The Dangers of Love for Wealth

The Qur’an also warns about the dangers of loving wealth to the point where it becomes an obsession. In Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:9), Allah (SWT) says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُلْهِكُمْ أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَلا أَولَادُكُمْ عَنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ
“O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah.” (Quran 63:9)

This verse urges believers to prioritize their relationship with Allah over the pursuit of material wealth and the distractions that come with it. Excessive attachment to wealth can lead people away from their true purpose.

Wealth and Materialism in the End Times

The Role of Wealth and Materialism in the End Times

 

The Qur’an and Hadith provide numerous warnings about the rise of materialism in the end times. As the Day of Judgment approaches, the world will see an increase in greed, corruption, and an insatiable desire for material wealth. These tendencies will contribute to the moral decay of society, which will be a significant precursor to Qiyamah.

The Materialistic Age Before Qiyamah

In several Hadiths, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) describes the signs of the end times, many of which involve the overwhelming pursuit of wealth. The Prophet (PBUH) warned that in the last days, people would be consumed by their desire for material gain.

In a narration recorded in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

اللَّا تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى يَكْثُرَ الْمَالُ وَيَفِيضَ، وَيَتَبَاهَى النَّاسُ فِي الْمَالِ

“The Hour will not come until wealth becomes abundant and overflowing, and people will compete in the acquisition of wealth.” (Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith foretells a time when materialism will reach its peak, and the love of wealth will cause people to prioritize personal gain over faith and ethical values. The competition for wealth will become so intense that it will lead to the breakdown of familial ties, social harmony, and even a disregard for the rights of others.

Wealth and Arrogance

One of the hallmarks of excessive materialism is arrogance. People who accumulate wealth may start to believe that they are superior to others, leading to an increase in pride and a lack of humility. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned against this attitude in a Hadith found in Sahih Bukhari:

أَلَا وَإِنَّ فِي الْجَسَدِ مُضْغَةً، إِذَا صَلَحَتْ صَلَحَ الْجَسَدُ كُلُّهُ، وَإِذَا فَسَدَتْ فَسَدَ الْجَسَدُ كُلُّهُ، أَلَا وَهِيَ الْقَلْبُ.

“Beware! There is a piece of flesh in the body, and if it becomes good, the whole body becomes good; and if it becomes corrupt, the whole body becomes corrupt. That piece of flesh is the heart.” (Sahih Bukhari)

This Hadith reminds us that the heart, which controls one’s actions and desires, must be kept pure. If wealth leads to arrogance and a lack of compassion for others, it corrupts the soul and distances the individual from Allah.

Materialism and the Weakening of Faith

Materialism in the end times will lead to the weakening of faith. In a Hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described how the end times would affect the hearts of believers:

سَيَأْتِي عَلَى النَّاسِ زَمَانٌ يُحِبُّونَ فِيهِ خَمْسَةً: الْمَالَ، وَالنِّسَاءَ، وَالْأَوْلَادَ، وَالدُّنْيَا، وَيُهْمِلُونَ خَمْسَةً تُؤَدِّي إِلَى الْآخِرَةِ.

“The time will come upon the people when they will love five things: wealth, women, children, and the world; and they will neglect the five things that will lead them to the Hereafter.” (Sahih Muslim)

This narration points to the seductive nature of wealth and materialism, which will cause people to forget their spiritual obligations and responsibilities. People will become so engrossed in their worldly possessions that they will neglect the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness.

The Consequences of Materialism

In the end times, the overwhelming focus on materialism will have devastating effects on society. It will lead to widespread inequality, oppression, and injustice, as those with wealth will become more powerful and dominant. The rich will hoard wealth, while the poor will suffer, creating a society plagued by social and economic disparities.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned about the consequences of such materialism in a famous Hadith:

لَيْسَ الغِنَى عَنْ كَثْرَةِ العَرَضِ، وَلَكِنَّ الغِنَى غِنَى النَّفْسِ.

“The rich man is not he who has an abundance of wealth, but he who is content with what Allah has given him.” (Sahih Bukhari)

This Hadith emphasizes that true wealth lies in contentment and gratitude toward Allah, not in the accumulation of material possessions.

Materialism and Its Impact on the Believer

 

For the believer, the rise of materialism before the end of time is a reminder of the transient nature of the world and the importance of staying focused on the Hereafter. Islam encourages believers to seek a balance between fulfilling their worldly needs and prioritizing their spiritual duties. The Qur’an and Hadith both warn that excessive attachment to wealth will lead to the destruction of one’s soul and distance from Allah.

Striving for a Balanced Life

In the face of materialism, believers are urged to maintain a balanced approach to life. While wealth is not forbidden, it should never take precedence over one’s relationship with Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed his followers to seek the best of both worlds – this world and the Hereafter.

In a Hadith recorded in Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet (PBUH) said:

“مَنْ طَلَبَ الْمَالَ بِطَرِيقٍ حَلَالٍ نَالَ عَيْشًا هَنِيئًا، وَمَنْ سَعَى إِلَى الْمَالِ عَلَى حِسَابِ دِينِهِ هَلَكَ.”

“Whoever seeks to gain wealth through righteous means will have a prosperous life, while those who pursue wealth at the cost of their faith will face destruction.” (Sahih Bukhari)

This Hadith serves as a reminder that wealth is permissible, but it should always be acquired through lawful means and used for the benefit of others, rather than being a source of pride and arrogance.

Conclusion

 

As the world moves closer to the end times, the rise of wealth and materialism will play a central role in the moral decay and societal decline described in the Qur’an and Hadith. While wealth in itself is not condemned, the obsession with material gain, especially when it leads to neglect of spiritual duties and ethical values, becomes a major concern in Islamic teachings.

Believers are warned to remain vigilant against the seductive allure of wealth and to prioritize their relationship with Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) repeatedly cautioned that the love of wealth is one of the greatest dangers that can lead a person away from righteousness and into the pits of destruction. In the face of this growing materialism, Muslims are urged to seek balance, cultivate contentment, and remember that the true wealth lies in the Hereafter. As we approach the final days, the message is clear: wealth and material possessions are transient, and only good deeds and faith will benefit us in the long run.

 

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