Poverty itself is nothing to be feared; what must truly be feared is that the life of this world be opened wide before you, for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “I fear that the world will be spread out for you—as it was for those before you—and that it will destroy you just as it destroyed them.”

This is precisely what we see today. Look at our own situation here in the Kingdom: when people were nearer to poverty, they were more devout, more humble, and more awestruck before Allah. But once wealth increased, people turned away from the path of Allah, tyranny appeared, and a person now yearns for the bloom and adornment of this world—a car, a house, luxurious furnishings, fine clothes—showing them off to others while neglecting what will benefit him in the Hereafter.

Newspapers, magazines, and similar outlets speak of nothing but comfort and worldly luxury; they have turned away from the Afterlife, and the people have become corrupt, save those whom Allah protects.

The result is that when the world is opened up—may Allah protect us and you from its evil—it brings harm and makes a person overstep all bounds: “No! Indeed, man transgresses when he sees himself self-sufficient” (Q 96:6–7).

Pharaoh declared to his people, “My people, does the dominion of Egypt not belong to me, and these rivers flowing beneath me?” (Q 43:51). He boasted of worldly power—yet the world is extremely perilous.

In these same narrations the Prophet ﷺ also said, “This world is sweet and lush”—sweet to the taste, verdant to the eye, alluring and tempting. When something is both sweet and pleasing in appearance, it beguiles a person; and that is exactly how the world is: sweet in flavor, green in view.

However, “Allah is appointing you in it as succeeding stewards and will observe how you act,” meaning He has made you