Fear is a natural human emotion, but when it becomes excessive and all-consuming, it can morph into a spiritual illness. This article explores the concept of fearing poverty from an Islamic perspective, highlighting its detrimental effects and offering antidotes for a healthier and more trusting relationship with God. Scholars have identified the fear of poverty as one of the "diseases of the heart." This stems from the belief that nurturing such fear implies a lack of faith in God's providence. The Quran (2:268) explicitly states that Satan uses the threat of poverty to lead people astray, urging immorality and a desperate clinging to wealth. This hoarding mentality deprives not only the needy but also the individual of the blessings of charitable giving. One who succumbs to this irrational fear becomes vulnerable to transgression. They might resort to unethical means to acquire wealth, jeopardising their moral compass. The Quran (65:2-3) offers solace. It reminds us that God is the ultimate Provider, and those who trust and give for His sake will be abundantly rewarded. However, this provision comes with a condition: true taqwa (God-consciousness) and a dignified existence. Fear of poverty can be a deceptive tool, leading to anxieties and problems that may never materialise, mirroring the famous quote by Mark Twain: "Most of my problems, I never actually encountered." A wealthy person, constantly worried about losing their fortune, might find their life devoid of peace and riddled with conflicts. A Hadith even suggests that anxiety ages us, while righteousness fosters longevity. Imam Mawlud connects the fear of poverty to another spiritual illness: mudahana. A mudahin is someone who manipulates religion for worldly gain, becoming a "sycophantic hypocrite" who ultimately loses both religion and worldly benefits. The Quran (68:9) exemplifies this with the disbelievers who sought compromises with Prophet Muhammad, hoping to exploit religion for their own benefit. The great historian Ibn Khaldun observed how some societies "mend their livelihood with the cloth of their religion," ultimately losing both. True prosperity comes not by compromising faith, but by trusting in God's plan. Shaykh Muhammad al-Yadali defines mudahana as sacrificing one's faith for security or wealth, even condoning the wrongdoings of others. In our modern context, this may translate to a silent acceptance of societal transgressions. Remedy The remedy for the fear of poverty lies in cultivating a positive view of God. The Quran (51:57) affirms that God is not dependent on us. His provision for creation is limitless. Developing wholesome thoughts about God leads to contentment with what we have, as expressed in the Prophet's saying, "Contentment is a treasure that is never exhausted." This journey requires actively combating negative thoughts about God and trusting in His ultimate plan. It means recognising that God provides for all His creation, and avoiding envy towards those with more. The focus shifts from a fear of lack to an appreciation for what we have and the opportunity to share it with others. By overcoming the fear of poverty and embracing trust in God, we can cultivate a life of spiritual well-being, generosity, and a reliance on the Divine Provider.
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November 2024
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