Punishment for Building Extra Houses and Worldly Materials Beyond Need
In ‘Tibrani’ a tradition originally reported’ by Saiyidina Abdullah Ibn Mas‘ud (God’s pleasure be on him) has been recorded that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) observed: “Whosoever builds more houses than he needs, on the Day of Doom it will be ordained that all his extra houses should be loaded on his back.”’
Saiyidina Ammar b. Yasir (may God-be pleased with him) reported that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘‘Whenever a man raised his building above the height of eleven feet without need or reason or imperative necessity he is called “the chief of the wrong-doers”’ and he is asked: “How high do you wish to go.” (Ibn Abi Dunya).
The tradition from "Tibrani", attributed to Saiyidina Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud, states that on the Day of Judgment, anyone who builds more houses than they need will have those extra houses loaded onto their back. This serves as a warning about the dangers of excess and the consequences of prioritizing material possessions over spiritual needs.
Islam strongly discourages the pursuit of excessive wealth and worldly possessions, emphasizing that prioritizing material needs over spiritual ones leads to negative consequences. Islamic teachings highlight the dangers of extravagance, reminding believers that true happiness and success lie in faith, good deeds, and contentment rather than material accumulation.
Elaboration:
Warnings against extravagance and wastefulness:
The Quran and the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) teachings repeatedly warn against extravagance and wastefulness. Muslims are encouraged to be mindful of their consumption and avoid excessive spending on luxuries beyond their needs.
Prioritizing spiritual needs:
Islam emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and development. Material possessions are seen as a test and a means to an end, not as the ultimate goal. The focus should be on fulfilling one's duties to God and striving for akhirah (the afterlife).
Consequences of materialism:
Prioritizing material possessions over spiritual needs can lead to various negative consequences, including:
Rebellion and arrogance: Excessive wealth can lead individuals to become rebellious and arrogant, forgetting their dependence on God and neglecting the needs of others.
Spiritual decline: A focus on material gain can hinder spiritual growth and development, leading to a disconnect from one's faith and values.
Social inequality and injustice: The pursuit of excessive wealth can exacerbate social inequalities and create hardship for the less fortunate.
The Islamic perspective on wealth:
While Islam does not prohibit wealth, it emphasizes its responsible use and distribution. Wealth should be acquired through lawful means and used for the benefit of oneself, one's family, and the wider community. Charity, Zakat (obligatory charity), and other forms of giving are encouraged to alleviate poverty and promote social justice.
Finding contentment:
Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of contentment (qana'ah) as a key to happiness and well-being. Contentment involves being grateful for what one has and not constantly striving for more, which can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
The Quran warns against the dangers of excessive wealth and material possessions, emphasizing that true success lies not in worldly accumulation but in faith and righteous actions. It highlights that wealth can be a test and that those who prioritize worldly gains over spiritual development may face negative consequences, both in this life and the hereafter.
Here's a breakdown of the key themes and related verses:
1. Wealth as a Test and a Source of Arrogance:
The Quran states that Allah bestows wealth as a test, and some individuals may become arrogant and ungrateful, forgetting their dependence on God;
وَقَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ مِن قَوْمِهِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَكَذَّبُوا۟ بِلِقَآءِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَأَتْرَفْنَـٰهُمْ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا مَا هَـٰذَآ إِلَّا بَشَرٌۭ مِّثْلُكُمْ يَأْكُلُ مِمَّا تَأْكُلُونَ مِنْهُ وَيَشْرَبُ مِمَّا تَشْرَبُونَ ٣٣
— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran
[Surah Al Muminin/23: Ayat 33]:
[Surah Al Isra/17: Ayat 16]
warns against excessive indulgence and extravagance, suggesting that those who succumb to it may face divine punishment.
وَيْلٌۭ لِّكُلِّ هُمَزَةٍۢ لُّمَزَةٍ ١ٱلَّذِى جَمَعَ مَالًۭا وَعَدَّدَهُۥ ٢يَحْسَبُ أَنَّ مَالَهُۥٓ أَخْلَدَهُۥ ٣كَلَّا ۖ لَيُنۢبَذَنَّ فِى ٱلْحُطَمَةِ ٤
Woe to every backbiter, slanderer,who amasses wealth ˹greedily˺ and counts it ˹repeatedly˺,thinking that their wealth will make them immortal!Not at all! Such a person will certainly be tossed into the Crusher.
— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran
[Surah Al Humazah/104: Ayat 1-4]
condemns those who accumulate wealth and boast about it, implying that such behavior is a sign of spiritual deficiency according to the International Islamic University Malaysia.
2. Moderation and Balance:
The Quran emphasizes the importance of moderation in all aspects of life, including the acquisition and use of wealth.
[Quran 7:31]: advises believers to eat and drink, but not to be excessive, as Allah does not love those who exceed limits.
The concept of israf (extravagance or wastefulness) is condemned, and believers are encouraged to be mindful of their spending and avoid unnecessary indulgence.
3. The Importance of Giving and Charity:
The Quran highlights the importance of giving to the poor and needy as a means of purifying wealth and seeking Allah's blessings.
[Quran 2:277]: and other verses emphasize that giving in charity is a way to attain true success and happiness.
The concept of zakat (obligatory charity) is a key element of Islamic financial teachings, emphasizing the redistribution of wealth to those in need.
4. Focus on the Hereafter:
The Quran consistently reminds believers to prioritize the afterlife over worldly possessions.
[Quran 10:58]: suggests that the rewards of the hereafter are far superior to the temporary pleasures of this world.
Believers are encouraged to seek knowledge, perform good deeds, and strive for Allah's pleasure, rather than becoming enslaved to material possessions.
5. The Story of Qarun (Korah):
The Quran tells the story of Qarun, who was granted immense wealth but became arrogant and ungrateful, eventually facing divine punishment.
This story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive attachment to wealth and the importance of humility and gratitude according to the Quran. love.
In essence, the Quran encourages believers to view wealth as a means to an end, not as an end in itself. It emphasizes the importance of moderation, generosity, and focusing on spiritual growth rather than being consumed by material desires.
No comments:
Post a Comment