Hadith Text & Reference

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed there is a fitnah for every Ummah, and the Fitnah for my Ummah is wealth."

Source: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2336 | Book: Chapters On Zuhd | Author: Jami' at-Tirmidhi

Meaning of Fitnah

The Arabic term "Fitnah" carries multiple meanings including trial, test, temptation, seduction, and discord. In this context, it refers to a severe trial that tests one's faith and spiritual state.

The Nature of Wealth as Trial

Wealth becomes a fitnah when it distracts from Allah's remembrance, leads to arrogance and pride, causes neglect of religious obligations, creates envy and hatred among people, and makes one prefer the temporal world over the eternal hereafter.

The Prophet identified wealth specifically because its danger is subtle - it appears desirable while potentially destroying one's spiritual state through love of this world.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Tirmidhi and other scholars explain that previous nations faced different trials - some through poverty, others through physical ailments - but this Ummah's particular trial is abundance of wealth.

The righteous use wealth as a means to obey Allah through charity, supporting family, and fulfilling obligations. The heedless become enslaved by wealth, making it their ultimate goal rather than a tool for righteousness.

Spiritual Protection

Scholars advise constant gratitude to Allah for provisions, remembering the temporary nature of worldly wealth, frequent charity, and maintaining the perspective that wealth is a trust from Allah to be used in permissible ways.

The believer must constantly check their heart - does wealth increase their humility and generosity, or does it breed arrogance and stinginess? This self-assessment protects from the fitnah of wealth.