There is a famous quotation from the bible : Marc 10:25 “It is easier for a camel to go through the eyes of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God”. But there were also rich prophets such as King Salomon the son of David. King Salomon is reported in the Torah., the bible and the qu’ran as well as in Islamic Hadiths to have been very rich and wise . And as a prophet of God no one can doubt that he was righteous even though sometimes a sinner. Abraham was also very rich and was a man of God. It means that you can be obviously a good believer and rich,
But it s worth mentioning that you cannot become religious to become rich. You only become religious to become righteous for a religious person worships the creator and follow his commandments as much as he can. Thus, God doesn’t command to be poor. He only commands to put him first and avoid all kinds of sins. Jesus explains to a rich man that if he wants to be perfect he has to sell all what he has to follow him. But being a perfect believer is not compulsory even though recommended for those who want to be the closest to God.
Wealth can even help someone advance in religiosity. The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is reported to have said that it is better to help the poor than to do some extra prayers. And religions teaches man to be less greedy and look after the poor no matter how wealthy he is. Furthermore, wealth can make you acquire the knowledge that you need to advance spiritually.” Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah ] from that which you love. And whatever you spend – indeed, Allah knows it.” {Surat ‘Āli `Imrān, 3:92}. The wealth of the believer should therefore be spent in the way of God: Giving alms and assisting the needles.
In the Scriptures wealth can a test. On way of seeing this is that wealth can help someone understand that there is no true happiness in material things. On the other hand wealth can be deprived to test our faith. How we will persevere and avoid sins. This is the same with some afflictions. One of the toughest tests reported in the bible and the qu’ran is that of prophet Job(Ayyub for muslims).Job had properties,livestock,aloof children and servants. Job was gratefully worshiping God but was brought to lost all he had and become very sick.It is because of his patience and perseverance that he was granted more than he had before.
Allah said: “And Ayyub, when he called to his Lord, saying ‘Harm has inflicted me and You are the Most Merciful.’ So We answered him and removed his affliction and We gave him his family and the like of them with them, as a mercy from Us and a reminder to Worshipers.'”. (Qur’an 21:83-84)
And in Surah Sâd:
“And mention Our slave Ayyub when he called his Lord, ‘The Shaytân has afflicted me with distress and torment.’ [Allah said], ‘Strike with your foot, this is [a spring of] water to wash in, cool and a [refreshing] drink.’ And We gave him his family and the like of thereof, as a mercy from Us and a reminder to those who understand.’ And take in your hand a bundle of thin grass and strike therewith and do not break your oath.’ Truly, We found him patient. How excellent a slave. Verily, he was ever oft-returning in repentance.” (Qur’an 38:41-44)
