If being rich is what most people consider as success, then Islam has the formula how to be the “richest” of the people. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Be on guard against the unlawful and you shall be the most worshipping among the people, be satisfied with what Allah has alloted for you and you shall be the richest of the people, be kind to your neighbour and you shall be a believer, love for the people what you love for yourself and you shall be a Muslim. And do not laugh too much, for indeed increased laughter kills the heart.” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi (2305). Classified as ‘Hasan’ (Good) by Sheikh al-Albani in Silsilah al-Ahadeeth as-Saheehah (930)]
“Whoever makes the Hereafter his goal, Allah makes his heart rich, and organises his affairs, and the world comes to him whether it wants to or not. And whoever makes the world his goal, Allah puts his poverty right before his eyes, and disorganises his affairs, and the world does not come to him, except what has been decreed for him.” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi (2465). Classified as ‘Sahih’ (Authentic) by Sheikh al-Albani]
What is meant in both of the hadiths above is those who are satisfied with Allah’s Decree and provision, and those whose goal is the Hereafter, Allah will make them spiritually rich (i.e., richness of the heart) by guiding their hearts and bestowing His blessings upon them.
Therefore, true success in Islam is not measured by the amount of wealth we accumulate, the status we achieve, or even the recognition we receive from people. Rather, it is measured by the state of our hearts, the sincerity of our intentions, and the righteousness of our deeds. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Verily, Allah does not look at your appearance or your wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and your actions (deeds).” [Sahih Muslim (2564)]
Know that our wealth and offspring will not benefit us on the Day of Ressurection, except for those who come with a clean and sound heart. Allah says in the Qur’an, recounting the supplication of Prophet Ibraheem عليه السلام (may the Peace be upon him):
“And disgrace me not on the Day when (all the creatures) will be resurrected. The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail. Except him who brings to Allah a sound heart.” [The Noble Qur’an, Surah Ash-Shu‘ara (Chapter of the Poets), 26:87-89]
According to Tafseer Ibn Katheer, a sound heart is a heart that is free from any impurity, Shirk (polytheism), and Nifaq (hypocrisy). It is a heart that is clean and free from religious innovations and is content with the Sunnah. It is the heart of the believer, for the heart of the disbeliever and the hypocrite is diseased. It is a heart that recognises that Allah is the Only One True God and that the Hour will undoubtedly come, and that everyone will be resurrected from their graves.
A person may possess little in this world, yet be great in the sight of Allah due to the state of his heart, which reflects his faith, patience, and obedience. Conversely, a person may possess everything that people admire, yet be deprived of true success because he turns away from his Creator and neglects his purpose.
May this be beneficial…