Verse 3 – continued
يَحْسَبُ أَنَّ مَالَهُۥٓ أَخْلَدَهُۥ
“He supposes his wealth will make him immortal!”
So… Is Money Bad?
After learning that some people think their money will make them live forever, you might be wondering: “Does that mean having money is wrong? Is God angry at rich people?”
The answer is no! The Quran doesn’t say money is bad. In fact, it has a lot to say about wealth and it’s more balanced and wise than you might think.
Where Does Money Come From?
The Quran reminds us right from the start that all provision comes from Allah. Whether someone has a lot or a little, it is Allah who gives and Allah who takes away:
“He tightens and expands the means of life.” (2:245)
This means that being rich doesn’t mean God loves you more, and being poor doesn’t mean God loves you less. Wealth is simply part of Allah’s wise plan and it comes with a big responsibility!
Money Won’t Save You
Here is one of the most important lessons the Quran teaches about wealth:
“His wealth shall be of no help to him when he perishes.” (92:11)
No matter how much money someone has, it cannot follow them after death. It won’t buy them a place in Jannah (Paradise). The only things that truly matter in the end are faith and good deeds not a big bank account!
What Should We Do With Money?
The Quran gives us a beautiful answer in this verse, which was directed at a very rich man named Qarun:
“By the means of what Allah has given you, seek the abode of the Hereafter.” (28:77)
This is so important! Allah isn’t telling Qarun to throw his money away. He is telling him to use it wisely to let his wealth become a stepping stone to something much greater: a good life in this world AND in the next.
So money is like a tool. A hammer isn’t good or bad it depends on what you build with it!
The Quran also tells us:
“Be good to others, just as Allah has been good to you.” (28:77)
“As for the orphan, do not oppress him; and as for the beggar, do not chide him.” (93:10-11)
These verses teach us that one of the best things we can do with our blessings is to share them especially with those who are struggling.
The Story of the Two Gardens 🌿
One of the most famous stories in the Quran about wealth is found in Surah Al-Kahf (Surah 18). It’s the story of two friends, both of whom had beautiful gardens full of vines, palm trees, and flowing streams.
But the two friends had very different hearts.
The Proud Friend
The first friend had so much that he became arrogant. He walked through his garden and said:
“I do not think this will ever perish… and even if I am returned to my Lord, I will surely find something better!” (18:36)
He was so dazzled by his own garden that he:
• Thought it would last forever
• Believed his wealth made him better than his friend
• Forgot that Allah was the one who gave it all to him
Does this sound familiar? This is just like the person in Surah Humaza someone who thinks their wealth will make them immortal!
The Wise Friend
The second friend gently reminded him:
“Why did you not say, when you entered your garden: ‘This is as Allah has wished! There is no power except by Allah!’” (18:39)
He wasn’t saying the garden was bad. He was saying: remember Who gave it to you!
What Happened Next?
The proud man’s garden was completely destroyed. He was left with nothing, saying:
“I wish I had not forgotten my Lord.” (18:42)
The Quran tells us his mistake was a kind of shirk not saying Allah was a partner with another god, but acting as if his money was more powerful than Allah. He trusted his wealth to protect him, to make him great, to last forever. That is the same dangerous illusion warned about in Surah Humaza!
The Quran’s Balanced View of Wealth
So let’s put it all together. Here is what the Quran truly teaches:
• ✅ Having money is okay Islam actually encourages well-being and comfort for believers
• ✅ Wealth can be a blessing when used to help others and please Allah
• ❌ Trusting money more than Allah this is where it goes wrong
• ❌ Using wealth to feel superior this leads to arrogance and hurting others
• ❌ Thinking money will last forever it won’t, and neither will we
Discussion: Exploring Big Ideas Together
Here are some great questions to think and talk about:
• The Tool Question: If money is like a tool, what are some amazing things you could “build” with it if you had a lot?
• The Garden Test: If you had the most beautiful garden in the world, what’s the first thing you would say? Would you remember to thank Allah?
• Sharing is Caring: The Quran tells us to be kind to orphans and those in need. Can you think of one small way to help someone who has less than you?
• What Lasts?: If you couldn’t take anything with you after you die except your good deeds, what would you want your biggest good deed to be?
This post is part of our ongoing series on Surah Al-Humazah (Surah 104) for kids. Read our previous posts on Verse 1, Verse 2, and Verse 3 to follow along from the beginning!