 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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 Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ Life and Legacy
By the time he conquered Mecca, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was around 60 years old, considered elderly for his time. Islam's core beliefs were established through his teachings and the ongoing revelations of the Quran. These encompassed religious practices, societal regulations, and the principles of Islamic governance. A new social order emerged, replacing tribalism and nationalism with a unified Muslim community governed by divine laws. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ codified this concept in his final sermon, declaring everyone's origin from Adam and emphasizing piety as the sole basis for distinction. A Uniquely Unified Empire Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ message transcended the religious, incorporating a political element that forged the first united Muslim empire across the Arabian Peninsula. This unification of Arab tribes was unprecedented. He even made inroads with tribes bordering the Byzantine and Persian empires, an act that wouldn't go unnoticed by these powerful neighbours who would soon take the rapid spread of Islam seriously. Preparing for the Future of Islam After conquering Mecca, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ returned to Medina, his adopted home. He had promised to lead the Muslim community (Ummah) from this city, fulfilling his agreement with the Aws and Khazraj tribes eight years earlier. His focus shifted towards ensuring the community's future beyond his lifetime. He emphasized the obligations of a true believer, the importance of preserving the Quran, and following his example. The Farewell Pilgrimage and a Message of Equality In early 632 CE, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ embarked on his final pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca. Addressing thousands of followers dressed uniformly in white robes, regardless of wealth, he reminded them of their shared humanity. He urged them to avoid oppression, respect and cherish women, and leave behind the tribal rivalries that had plagued Arab civilization for centuries. This "Farewell Sermon" encapsulated his prophethood, a complete revolution in every aspect. His followers understood it as the dawn of a new world order based on God's law and his prophethood. Laying the Foundations for Expansion Upon returning from the pilgrimage, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ returned to Medina and initiated efforts for Islam's continued growth. Scholars were dispatched to newly converted communities in distant regions to teach the fundamentals of Islam. Medina, the centre closest to the Prophet, served as the hub of Islamic knowledge, educating the Muslim world even after his passing. A military expedition was also prepared against the Byzantine Empire, with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reiterating the Islamic ethics that would guide Muslim armies for centuries to come. The Completion of a Mission According to Islamic belief, Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ role was to deliver God's message (the Quran) and serve as a role model for Muslims. After 23 years of prophethood, his mission was complete. The Quran was finalized, written on various materials and, more importantly, memorized by many of his companions. The pre-Islamic tradition of memorizing long poems equipped the Arabs to ensure the preservation of Islam's holy book. Narrations of Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ actions and sayings were also held in high regard and disseminated throughout Arabia. As per Islamic tradition, one of the final Quranic verses revealed to him stated, "Today I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion" (Quran 5:3). A Time of Loss and Transition In the early summer of 632 CE, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fell ill. He suffered from severe headaches and fever, eventually requiring assistance from his cousin Ali and uncle Abbas to walk. Unable to lead daily prayers, he appointed his trusted companion Abu Bakr as his replacement. He spent his final days in the house of his wife Aisha. From there, he witnessed the Muslim community following his guidance to worship God despite his absence. A Legacy of Faith and Unity This was undoubtedly an emotionally taxing period for his followers. They had journeyed with him through hardship in Mecca, fierce battles against Quraysh, and the triumphant conquest of Mecca. He had been their source of guidance and leadership in all aspects of life. His frequent mentions of death and his inability to lead prayers weighed heavily on them. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ passed away on June 8th, 632 CE, with his head resting on Aisha's lap and his followers gathered in the mosque, hoping for his recovery. This marked the end of the first era of Islamic history, spanning 23 years of prophethood. However, the legacy of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ lived on, shaping a unified Muslim community with a foundation of divine law. Islam continued to flourish, guided by the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which continue to inspire and guide Muslims around the world today. |
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