one find a person of authority or wealth without finding that he is sluggish in obeying and loving Allah, discourages others from doing so, follows his own desires in using what Allah has given him, and shrinks from warfare, fighting in Allah’s cause, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. Through these traits, he earns humiliation and blame in this world and the Hereafter.

Allah Most High said to His Prophet and his Companions:

“Do not lose heart or grieve, for you will have the upper hand.”

He thus declares that they have the upper hand, yet they desire neither superiority on earth nor corruption. Allah Most High also says:

“So do not lose heart and call for peace while you have the upper hand, and Allah is with you.”

“Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their wealth in exchange for Paradise.”

And He says:

“Do not entrust the foolish with your wealth, which Allah has made a means of support for you.”

Honour and wealth are therefore neither praised nor condemned unconditionally. Rather, whatever helps one obey Allah is praiseworthy. This may even be obligatory, when it is indispensable for fulfilling obligatory duties, or it may be recommended. It is praiseworthy only when accompanied by this intention. Whatever is used to disobey Allah or to hinder the fulfilment of obligations is blameworthy and forbidden. Its merit is diminished when it distracts from recommended deeds or leads to disliked acts.

And Allah knows best. As stated in the hadith:

“Whoever seeks this wealth to be independent of others, to refrain from begging, and to provide assistance to his vulnerable neighbour, the widow and the needy will meet Allah Most High with his face shining like the moon on the night when it is full. But whoever seeks it to show off and boast