Dear Brothers and Sisters!

The world is not only a place of comfort and prosperity. It is a place of trial, where ease comes together with hardship. For the believer, it is a test of patience, submission and servitude to Allah. Allah (swt) tests us at times with abundance and at other times with hardship. Indeed, in the Qur’an, it is stated: “We will certainly test you with a measure of fear and hunger, and with loss of wealth, lives, and fruits. But give glad tidings to those who are patient.”^[1] The believer knows that wealth, health and opportunities are not given as absolute rights, but as blessings and favours from Allah, not as something eternal, but as a trust granted for a limited time. With this understanding, the believer is able to show patience more easily in the face of difficulties, without falling into rebellion or fear.

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Throughout history, many societies have been tested with economic hardship and famine. Today, too, wars, energy crises, food shortages and economic uncertainties are being experienced in different forms across the world. However, the conscious believer knows that it is Allah alone who provides sustenance and looks to the future with trust in Allah (swt). Indeed, the verse in the Qur’an, “There is no living creature on earth whose provision is not upon Allah.”^[2] clearly informs us of this truth. In a hadith, our Prophet (saw) also stated that a person will certainly receive the sustenance decreed for them before they die and that they must never resort to unlawful means. He said: “O people! Fear Allah and seek your provision through good and lawful means. No one will die before receiving the provision that Allah has decreed for them, even if it comes late. So fear Allah and seek your provision through good and lawful means. Take what is lawful and avoid what is unlawful!”^[3]

 

Alongside this, while the believer places their trust in Allah (swt), they should also not neglect taking precautions for difficult times and should avoid wastefulness. They should stay away from the disease of consumerism, which has become widespread in our time. In this way, a person uses the opportunities granted to them in a measured and responsible manner, preserving the balance between need and extravagance. For appreciating the value of blessings is both a requirement of gratitude and one of the most important ways of remaining steadfast during difficult times. In the story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) in the Qur’an, there are beautiful examples of avoiding waste, saving, acting responsibly and taking precautions.

 

Dear Jama’ah!

The Qur’an warns us against thoughts that frighten us with poverty as follows: “Shaytan threatens you with poverty and commands you to immorality and indecency. But Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and abundant bounty. Surely Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.”^[4] The fear of poverty mentioned in this verse refers to the concern that one’s wealth will decrease because of the charity and assistance one gives. However, Allah (swt) has given us the glad tidings of forgiveness and divine favour in return for spending in the path of goodness.

 

Let us not forget that our Prophet (saw) and his Companions also faced severe economic pressures. However, during those difficult days, they supported one another and increased their spirit of sharing. Today, too, in times of crisis, the believer’s attitude is not to surrender to fear, but to look after the poor, the needy and the oppressed with the belief expressed in the hadith:

“Charity does not decrease wealth.”^[5] For this reason, we as Muslims save during times of economic difficulty, but we do not become miserly. We avoid wastefulness, but we do not abandon generosity. We are careful with our spending, but we do not forget those in need. We think of ourselves, but we do not forget the Ummah and humanity.

 

May Allah (swt) make us among His servants who attain His divine favour and place their trust in Him as they should. May Allah (swt) protect us from the whispers of Satan. Ameen.

[1] Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:155

[2] Surah Hud, 11:6

[3] İbn Mâce, Ticâret, 2

[4] Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:268

[5] Müslim, Birr, 69

 

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