Principally indulging in life of this world without neglecting religious duties is definitely permissible. Although, one must be aware that the more he indulges in this life, the more liable he is – his responsibilities are increasing. This does not make us turn away from succeeding in life and achieving goals, but rather make us more attentive towards the tricks of Satan. In this regard, Ibrahim Al-Nakha`yi, a great scholar who died 96 Hijri, was asked: “Is he preferable to you, or the one who spends all his time in worship?” He said: “The honest trader is preferable to me, because he is in jihad. Satan comes to him through the weighing and measuring and through his dealing, but he is striving against him.”
Additionally, competing in achieving wealth should never be for the sake of itself. If it is for the sake of making Muslims strong and contributing to the achievements of the Muslim Ummah, then it is permissible. Allah Almighty says in the context of describing the reward of believers in Paradise: “They are given to drink of a pure wine, sealed, Whose seal is musk – for this let (all) those strive who strive for bliss” (Al- Mutaffifin 83 : 26) This is the most important competition that we should never forget.
Moreover, it is important to shed the light on four fundamental beliefs that surely will help us
1- Life of this world is transitory.
Imam Al-Ghazali says: “Know that the life of this world is transitory. Its duration is fleeting, it promises eternity but fails in its tryst, you look at it and it seems settled while it is in great motion, it is departing with speed, but the one who looks at it may not feel its movement so he relaxes in it, he will only feel it when it reaches the end. It is like the shadow moving unperceived, actually moving while its appears stationary. You cannot see its movement with the sight of the eyes but you perceive it b
y inner discernment.” See: Revitalization of the Sciences of Religion.
This is a key belief that each Muslim must adhere to. The more one’s belief in this principle weakens, the more likely his indulgence in the wealth and luxury of this world will hinder him in the hereafter.
2- Wealth is a tool that can be praiseworthy and blameworthy.
“Whoever knows the benefit in something and uses it to achieve his aims, then he has done well and benefited himself. Wealth is a tool and means to attain a corrupt purpose, and it is that purpose which hinders from attaining the happiness of the Hereafter and impedes the way to knowledge and achievement. Thus it is both praiseworthy and blameworthy.” See: Revitalization of the Sciences of Religion.
Wealth, careers, assets, etc. are not aims in themselves, but rather tools and means that a Muslim uses for the benefit of this world and the next one as well. If we remember this, wealth will always be in our hands not our hearts. We will not be desperate for wealth, but rather desperate to please Allah Almighty with the tools he has give us.
3- While seeking wealth, one must never forget his religious duties.
Allah Almighty says in the Glorious Qur’an: “O you who believe! Let not your wealth nor your children divert you from the remembrance of God, and whoever does that, they are the losers.” (Surah 63: 9)
Allah Almighty in this verse did not forbid us from seeking wealth or children, but rather forbid us from making them divert us from remembering Him and being steadfast on the duties that He has asked us to fulfill. While seeking a great career, a Muslim should not forget his duties towards Allah Almighty, his religion – the Ummah, and of course his family. He should never compromise his religion for the sake of this life. Also, one must not work at any impermissible job or fall into any impermissible dealing for the sake of supplying himself and his family with their desires. The permissible is always opulent and blissful.
4- Wealth is a trust that requires thanking and sharing!
Allah Almighty says: “Your wealth and your children are only a temptation, and with God is an immense reward.” (Surah 64: 15)
The word “temptation” in this verse means a “test.” We are given blessings and bounties, do we thank Allah for it? Do we remember Allah when we are rich? Or do we only remember Him when we fall into hardships? Do we give out Zakat that we are required to give? Do we help the needy? We are tested through bounties such as wealth, whether we will misuse them or use them in the right place with the right way, whether we will thank Allah almighty for them or not, and whether we will give the needy their share or not. In this regard, Imam Al-Hasan Al-Basri says: “God Almighty has mercy upon people to whom the world was a trust, so they paid it back to the One who entrusted them with it, and they departed unburdened.”
If these four cornerstones are well rooted in one’s heart and he continuously evaluates himself accordingly, then indulging in the life of this world will not hinder him in the hereafter insha’ Allah.