Once, while I was in the company of the Prophet, he saw the mountain of Uhud and said, "I would not like to have this mountain turned into gold for me unless nothing of it, not even a single Dinar remains of it with me for more than three days (i.e. I will spend all of it in Allah's Cause), except that Dinar which I will keep for repaying debts." Then he said, "Those who are rich in this world would have little reward in the Hereafter except those who spend their money here and there (in Allah's Cause), and they are few in number." Then he ordered me to stay at my place and went not far away. I heard a voice and intended to go to him but I remembered his order, "Stay at your place till I return." On his return I said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! (What was) that noise which I heard?" He said, "Did you hear anything?" I said, "Yes." He said, "Gabriel came and said to me, 'Whoever amongst your followers dies, worshipping none along with Allah, will enter Paradise.' " I said, "Even if he did such-and-such things (i.e. even if he stole or committed illegal sexual intercourse)" He said, "Yes."
Exposition of Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 2388
This narration from Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) contains profound wisdom regarding wealth management, debt repayment, and the ultimate success in the Hereafter. The Prophet's statement about Mount Uhud reveals the proper Islamic attitude toward worldly possessions.
The Virtue of Spending in Allah's Cause
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) expressed his willingness to have Mount Uhud transformed into gold only to spend it entirely within three days, except what was necessary for debt repayment. This demonstrates the superiority of spending wealth for charitable purposes over hoarding it.
The exception for debt repayment emphasizes its paramount importance in Islam. A Muslim must prioritize settling debts over voluntary charity, as the rights of creation take precedence in such matters.
The Condition of the Wealthy
The Prophet's subsequent comment about the wealthy having little reward except those who spend generously shows that mere possession of wealth without proper expenditure in righteous causes yields no spiritual benefit.
The phrase "they are few in number" indicates the rarity of those who utilize their wealth correctly according to Islamic principles, highlighting the spiritual challenge wealth presents.
The Ultimate Salvation
The concluding portion, where Angel Gabriel informs the Prophet that anyone dying upon pure monotheism will enter Paradise regardless of other sins, demonstrates Allah's vast mercy.
This final revelation connects the earlier discussion about wealth with the fundamental principle that maintaining correct belief (Tawhid) is the foundation of salvation, while sins—though grave—do not necessarily preclude entry into Paradise if one dies as a Muslim.