A Believer’s Wealth

merely seek to be independent of others. Unbelievers live on a mundane plane—they want to receive their earnings in this world. Believers live on an other-worldly plane and wish to see their efforts rewarded in eternity. They are just filling in time in this world. Their ambitions will be fulfilled in the next. Making a living is a matter of crucial importance to every individual. No one is exempt from the struggle for subsistence. Islam simply makes sure that it remains a matter of necessity and does not become the sole objective of anyone’s life. The Islamic view is that one’s livelihood should not become the be-all and end-all of a person’s life; that one’s heart should be with God, even when engaged in one’s worldly tasks; that one should have total trust in God. Unbelievers use wealth to improve their standard of living. Believers, on the other hand, spend it on themselves only in so far as is necessary; the remainder they give away in God’s path. Unbelievers consider money as a means of future security, but believers use it to ensure their prosperity in lifeeverlasting. Making a living is important for everyone, but believers should ensure that this task is accomplished in an honest manner, and then be happy with their lot. Unbelievers tend to be arbitrary in their methods and never cease to want more. Education Knowledge is of two kinds: that which has been set forth in the Qur’an and the Hadith, and that which we acquire by our own research and endeavours. The first form of knowledge acquaints us with our Lord. It explains the issues we will have to face in the everlasting world that is waiting for us after death. It shows us how preparation can be made in this life to meet those issues. The second form of knowledge provides solutions to the everyday, social and economic problems we encounter in this world. Muslims should seek both forms of knowledge. They should be familiar with both secular and religious sciences, although they vary in the degree of their importance. Knowledge of the Qur’an and Hadith should be the basic aim in life, and knowledge of other sciences a worldly necessity. Without knowledge of the Qur’an and the Hadith, one cannot understand what must