Earning and Increasing Wealth as a Muslim

As Muslims, we have a special and specific relationship with wealth. Money is a blessing–a gift that we earn, that is given to us by Allah. Wealth can also be a curse–so many lose their souls to greed and lose sight of how Allah has commanded us to use our money. Lets dive into some lessons about earning and increasing wealth, and what our relationship with money should look like, according to passages from the Holy Qura’an.

Enjoy your wealth, but don't let it get between you and Allah:

If you are blessed with wealth, you are permitted to enjoy it, to spend from it, and to use it to increase your wealth even further. However, be careful not to let your riches come between you and Allah. Wealth can be of great benefit, but it can also be a great distraction. Too many wealthy people lose sight of Allah, and forget that it is He who gave them their wealth in the first place. When you are blessed with riches, keep praying, keep worshipping, and stay faithful to Allah, because earthly riches are nothing compared to the riches awaiting you in Janna.

“Indeed, Allah is the Bestower of bounties upon the people,
but most of the people are not thankful.”
Surah Ghafir,61.

Practice charity:

All that we have belongs to Allah. We are commanded to give back some of our wealth as Zakat back to Allah. Zakat is an important part of the Muslim faith, as we bestow onto others a fraction of the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us–and he doesn’t ask for much. We are required to give 2.5% of wealth that we have held for one lunar year. Pick a beloved charity or cause and give zakat through it. Or, start your own cause. Zakat can be given to an organisation like a charity, NGO, or Mosque to help many, or you can help individuals through your own giving.

“Whoever gives a goodly loan to Allah, he will multiply it for them abundantly,
Allah is the one who withholds and gives, and to him is your final return.”
Surah Al Baqarah 145

Don’t live in fear of poverty:

Often, the wealthy live in fear that their riches will vanish, so they stockpile their wealth and guard it as if they are a mighty dragon sleeping on a pile of gold. Allah provides–don’t forget that. Allah provides food for birds in the trees, so don’t you think that he will provide for his most precious and beloved creation? Whatever you need, Allah will provide. Whatever you are supposed to have, Allah will provide.

“[D]o not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them,”
[Quran 6:151].

Don’t earn money by doing wrong deeds:

 Money that is earned from doing wrong deeds such as  theft, exploitation, coercion or deception, is dirty money. We should never gain wealth through the exploitation of others. Every cent that we have should be earned through fair opportunity, good relationships, and thankfulness to Allah.

“O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth
unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent.”
[Quran 4:29]

Giving away your wealth yields more wealth:

Allah is generous and merciful. The more you give, the more you will receive in return. By bestowing blessings on others, we can bless ourselves. Allah sees your generosity–giving readily and with a pure heart is a true gift unto ourselves and unto others.

“Whoever gives a goodly loan to Allah, he will multiply it for them abundantly,
Allah is the one who withholds and gives, and to him is your final return.”
Surah Al Baqarah 145