How Islam Will Make You Insanely Rich

“Richness does not lie in the abundance of (worldly) goods, but richness is the richness of the soul (heart, self).”

So said the Prophet Muhammad in a hadith recorded by Bukhari. This profound wisdom challenges the common notion that material possessions and riches are the key to an abundant life. After all, if genuine wealth lies within our souls, it makes little sense to constantly chase after money and physical things as if they alone can deliver happiness.

The Quran and hadiths reveal an Islamic path to true richness that comes from contentment, moderation, and detachment from the material world. Several verses advise us not to covet the wealth of others nor “extend your eyes” towards what some may have been given, for the fleeting pleasures of luxury can distract us from eternal spiritual rewards. We are urged to seek balance in spending between miserliness and excess, to cultivate gratitude for God’s provisions rather than feel entitled to “keep up with the Joneses.”

This ancient wisdom calls us to reorient ourselves away from materialism towards enriching our souls through good deeds, strong relationships, and drawing nearer to the Divine presence. When we live with open and humble hearts, we become insanely rich in the currency that matters most. We attain inward tranquility and equanimity to cope with life’s inevitable ups and downs. External wealth may come and go, but the spiritual fruits of contentment are enduring treasures no thief can steal.

It’s All About Focus

“Focusing on the soul’s enrichment over material goods brings eternal spiritual rewards”

That quote encapsulates the essence of what the Islamic wisdom calls us towards. When we free ourselves from the shackles of endless material desires and instead cultivate our souls, we tap into never-ending bounties. Consider these supporting teachings:

• “And in the heaven is your provision and whatever you are promised” (Quran 51:22)
  • This reminds us God ultimately provides all our needs
  • Attachment to money signifies distrust that our provisions will come
• “Richness does not lie in the abundance of (worldly) goods, but richness is the richness of the soul (heart, self)” (Hadith in Bukhari)
  • Direct statement soul enrichment is best “riches”
  • Material goods provide only fleeting pleasures
  • But spiritual richness endures in this life and the next
• “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes…” (Quran 2:261)
  • Good deeds yield exponential spiritual rewards
  • Material wealth gets spent and depleted
  • But righteous investments in others have unlimited returns

This consistent emphasis across Quranic verses and Hadiths makes clear that true wealth resides within our souls and spirits. Therefore seeking spiritual enrichment takes logical priority over chasing material gains. Just as we nourish our bodies with healthy food, so too must we nourish our spirits with wisdom, ethical actions, remembrance of God and service to others.

How Islam Defeats Our Mortal Enemies of Arrogance & Entitlement

“Being content with less worldly wealth encourages gratitude and humility”. When we train ourselves to be satisfied with basic provisions, we conquer the evil twins of arrogance and entitlement that often accompany riches. Consider this timeless wisdom:

• “Do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful” (Quran 31:18)
  • Warns against arrogance and superiority complexes
  • Allah despises arrogance from wealth and status
  • Living simply defeats ego from material success
• “Look at those who stand at a lower level than you but don’t look at those who stand at a higher level than you, for this would make the favors (of Allah) insignificant in your eyes.” (Hadith in Muslim)
  • Comparing upwards breeds resentment and erodes gratitude
  • Looking to less fortunate encourages thankfulness
  • Deflates self-importance and entitlement
• “If anyone desires the riches of this world, let him remember that tomorrow he may be one of those who have nothing.” (Hadith in Ibn Majah)
  • Worldly wealth is impermanent and may be gone tomorrow
  • Recall this uncertainty to conquer attachment/pride
  • Tomorrow we could have nothing but our faith and good deeds

The antidote to diseases of arrogance and entitlement thus lies in embracing voluntary simplicity. By living contentedly below our means, giving thanks for provisions, and empathizing with those less fortunate, we attain the true wealth of humility.

The “Goldilocks Approach” to Spending (Not Too Much, Not Too Little, Just Right!)

“Moderation in spending attains balance between asceticism and excess”. Islam encourages enjoyment of lawful provisions without either monastic deprivation or materialistic overindulgence:

• “And [they are] those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate” (Quran 25:67)
  • Quran explicitly praises moderate spending
  • Too little leads to self-denial and misery
  • Too much leads to materialism and spiritual poverty
• “Be mindful of Allah and Allah will protect you…And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship.” (Hadith in Ibn al-Jawzi)
  • Attaining balance amid life’s dualities
  • Patience in hardship will bring future ease
  • Moderation marks the middle way
• “The best richness is the richness of the soul” (Hadith in Bukhari)
  • If soul enrichment is true priority
  • Lavish materialism makes little sense
  • Ethical spending facilitates spiritual growth

This “Goldilocks approach” eschews both Scrooge-like miserliness and Trump-like extravagance. By aligning spending with our spiritual purpose, we attain enlightened moderation. We do not deny ourselves lawful enjoyments, but redirect excessive wealth to enrich our souls through charity, relationships and moral action.