Islam and Poverty: Is Islam Really Teaching "Life Is Better for Poor?"

With the existence of social media, many enemies of Islam spread unfavorable news to foster hatred for Muslims. One of the ideas spread is: Muslims are closely related to poverty.

What's even worse, several well-known scientists such as Max Weber stated that eastern countries that hold tightly to religious beliefs (whatever it is) will not be able to progress, because of their 'unworldly' character, aka not too concerned with worldly life and more focused on life. next (hereafter).

The poverty level of a country is certainly influenced by many factors, not only because of religious doctrine. Moreover, Islam is a perfect religion and does not forbid its followers to become rich people. On the other hand, Islam commands its people to continue to work hard, and earn a living, so that they and their families can live comfortably and continue to worship Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala solemnly.

Evidence on the Islamic View of Poverty

Many arguments support the above statement, one of which is the verse of the Qur'an in the letter Ath-Thalaq verse 7, which means:

"Let people who can (work) provide a living according to their abilities. And the person whose sustenance is narrowed should provide for him from the wealth that Allah has given him. Allah does not carry a burden on a person, but only what Allah has given him." (Surat Ath-Thalaq: 7).

There is also a hadith from the Prophet which means:

"Fear Allah and improve your ways of seeking sustenance. Don't let the delay in sustenance push you to seek it by disobeying Allah." (Narrated by Ibn Abi Syaibah and Ath-Thabrani)

The two arguments above show that Islam commands us to always try to find sustenance,and provide for our families with a lawful and good living.

Are Islam and Poverty Related to Each Other?

If asked whether Islam teaches hard and poor life? Then the answer is no. On the contrary, Islam encourages its people to seek wealth in a good way and always helps the poor who need it.

Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala says:

"And seek in what Allah has bestowed upon you for the happiness of the hereafter, and do not forget your share for the life of this world" (Surah Al-Qasas: 77)

In this verse, it is explained that our main priority is the afterlife, but that doesn't mean we don't work and forget about the life of the world as some people out there claim.

If we look at our predecessors, the Prophet, and his companions were rich people, it's just that they chose a simple life. For example, the Prophet provided his wife with a lot of wealth. Look at Uthman bin Affan, the rich merchant who was very generous. Look at Abdurrahman bin Auf, the great merchant who is very famous for his wealth. And if we are more careful in reading the history of the Companions, many of them have abundant wealth, it's just that they spend more in the way of Allah, for the public interest of Muslims.

The scholars also basically have access to extraordinary wealth. However, with the knowledge they have, they prefer to live moderately and use their wealth more to help Muslims in need. How many scholars and shaykhs have helped their students escape debt bondage? How many scholars have donated their vast land to be used by the Muslims.?Islam does not recommend living in poverty. Live sufficiently, earn a living in a good way, and if there is excess, use the wealth for the benefit of the ummah so that it will be our provision in our hereafter.

Don't be easily swayed by slanted ideologies about religion, let alone use religion as an excuse for laziness. "We do not seek the world, but prioritize the hereafter." This kind of mindset is not completely wrong, but it cannot be used as a reason why many Muslims live in poverty because of their laziness.

Because with us having wealth, of course, there will be more and more doors that are open to get great rewards: both with alms, waqf, zakat, and so on.