Then is the person to whom Allah Almighty does not provide wealth nor knowledge. He says, “If I had wealth, I would imitate the deeds of so-and-so (corrupt wealthy person) with it.” Due to his intention, their sin is the same (i.e. the sin of the corrupt wealthy person and the ignorant poor person is the same).^[1]

This astonishing Hadith teaches us so many things. It shows no matter what state we are in, rich or poor, wealthy or destitute, we must, must, must learn Islamic knowledge.

Money is a fire. It is only useful to those who know how to use it. Otherwise, if you don’t know how to deal with this fire, it will burn you. The way to control and use this fire for your own benefit, is to learn Islamic knowledge regardless of whether you are rich or poor.

After quoting this hadith, Muftī Aḥmad Yār Khān Naʿīmī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه makes a beautiful dua. He writes, “May Allah Almighty give us Ottoman wealth and save us from Abū Jahl wealth!”^[2]

Ottoman wealth: This refers to wealth which comes with Islamic knowledge. It also means money earnt from halal means, spent in halal places, and that which is given its due right out of fear of Allah Almighty and seeking to please Him.

Abū Jahl wealth: If someone owns Abu Jahl wealth, it means he has wealth but no knowledge. He earns his money from haram, spends it in haram, does not fear Allah Almighty regarding it, and ignores its rights.  

We too make this prayer; may Allah Almighty grant us Ottoman wealth and protect us from Abu Jahl wealth.

اٰمِیْن بِجَاہِ خَاتَمِ النَّبِیّٖنَ صلَّی اللہُ عَلَیْہ ِوَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ