The summary of what is stated in volume 3, part 16, page 609 of Bahar-e-Shari’at, is as follows: It is Fard upon a person to earn that much which is enough for himself, his family, those whose expenditure is necessary upon him, and to pay off debts. Moreover, earning enough to suffice poor parents is also Fard. After fulfilling this Fard, it is up to him if he suffices with that or earns more to save for the future. The Mustahab (desirable) case of earning is that he earns to help the poor or his close relatives; this is Mustahab (desirable) and more superior than voluntary worship. If he earns with the intention that his honour and respect will increase by having more wealth, without any arrogance or pride, then earning this much is Mubah (permissible). If the purpose of earning more is solely to amass an abundance of wealth, or involves arrogance and pride, then it is prohibited. (Fatawa Hindiyyah, vol. 5, p. 348, summarised)

Ways of avoiding greed

Dear Islamic brothers! No doubt, avoiding greed completely is impossible as it is a part of human nature, but it is possible to transform bad greed into good greed. In order to abstain from bad greed:

*   Supplicate in the court of Allah Almighty to be able to abstain from greed

*   Focus on the harms of having greed for wealth

*   Adopt patience and contentment

*   Control your wishes

*   Trust your Merciful Lord and adopt a moderate approach in your expenditure

*   Don’t have long hopes

*   Remember death