Health Better than Riches
The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “There is nothing wrong with being rich for those who fear Allah, but for those who fear Allah, good health is better than riches. And peace of mind is also a blessing.” [Musnad Ahmad] This hadith tells us: (1) If we fear Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) then wealth won’t hurt us because we will use it appropriately. (2) If we do not have adequate fear of Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) but do have wealth, it is very unfortunate for us. This is because we will spend the wealth in ways displeasing to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) and earn His Wrath on the Day of Judgement for misusing the trust He placed with us. All the needy people of the world, to whom the wealth should have been channeled through us, will take our good deeds on the Day of Judgement. (3) Health is a greater blessing for the God-fearing than wealth is. Health allows us to perform deeds pleasing to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). The more wealth we have, the longer our Reckoning