Theme: The Virtue of Merchant & Business

Allah’s messenger (ﷺ) said:

“Riches does not mean having a great amount of property; rather riches is self-contentment”.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah  رضي الله عنهما

(Source: Sahih Bukhari, hadith No. 6446)

In this hadith, the prophet reminds us that wealth should not distract us such that we ignore our obligations. Believers should also be content and grateful to the many blessings they have, one of which is their faith.

Various other hadiths and quranic texts remind us of this nature such as when a person is given a valley of gold, he would want another one. The story of Qarun is also a reminder for us not to be consumed by wealth such that we become arrogant. In the end, he (Qarun) and his wealth were swallowed by the earth.

Nevertheless, Islam does not prohibit seeking the lawful portion of this earth, rather it prohibits neglecting the goals of the hereafter. Various examples of wealthy Muslims abound, the prophet ﷺ was also a wealthy businessman and was able to retire before reaching 40 years old.