Page 83 - The importance of conscience in the Qur'an

The Abode of Conscientious People in the World and Paradise 81

Material and spiritual prosperity
In the world, Allah gives both material and spiritual
prosperity to believers. There is a prevalent misconception that
believers always live in poverty in the world. However, many
verses of the Qur'an refer to the prosperity and power Allah
has given to believers throughout history. For instance, He gave
great kingdoms in this world to Prophet Sulayman, Prophet
Dawud, Prophet Yusuf, Prophet Dhu'l-Qarnayn and Prophet
Ibrahim, may peace be upon them all.
As for Allah's final messenger to mankind, the Prophet
Muhammad (SAW), Allah says:
Did He not find you impoverished and enrich
you? (Surat ad-Duha: 8)
However, enrichment is not necessarily material. The
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the best of human beings in his
devotion to Allah and zeal for Islam, and as such his prosperity
was greater than any material wealth, for it was a spiritual
wealth that made him grateful for Allah's blessings, hopeful for
paradise and fearful of the punishment, to the exclusion of all
other thoughts and considerations. In other words, his heart
was so pure that he never felt the loss of worldly benefits or
pined for them.
Prosperity, glory and beauty are characteristics of paradise.
In order to remind them of paradise and to increase their desire
for it, Allah gives people a certain amount of prosperity and
splendour in the world. It is equally true that Allah may test
others by withholding prosperity. True believers know that
Allah gives as much favour as He wills to whom He wills, and
they are pleased with what they have. Because they think of the
hereafter, nothing makes them worried in the short life of this
world. Under all circumstances, they thank Allah and are