Sheikh Muhammad Baazmool, may Allaah preserve him, said,
‘So what is the position of the material progress among the priorities of a Muslim? The issue of material progress in the view and priorities of a Muslim is that it is a tool and means but not the goal or objective. Meaning by this that he doesn’t work and strive for the sake of achieving it simply for its own sake. Rather he works towards developing the world for the goal of establishing the Sharee’ah of Allaah, and being successfully prepared for the Last Day. Since this worldly life is considered only similar to a tree in which you take shade under briefly while traveling and then you leave it behind!
Allaah, the Most Glorified and the Most Exalted, said: ﴾But seek, with that wealth which Allaah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of legal enjoyment in this world, and do good as Allaah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allaah likes not the mufsidoon (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupts). ﴿-(Surah Al-Qasas: 77). The meaning of this verse, through what Allaah has given you in the world, seek success in the next world. Always keeping in mind that when you are properly engaged in seeking the Hereafter, there is no fear of forgetting the acceptable blessings of the world. As Allaah says, ﴾…do not forget and forget not your portion of legal enjoyment in this world﴿
But as for when an individual lacks any other focus or has no priority other than for material development and advancement for its own sake, even if this is done according to the limits of the religion and the Sharee’ah, then this clearly opposes what a Muslim should correctly stand upon. We ask Allaah to grant us and you success in everything that He loves and is pleased with.’
(From From the Facebook page of Sheikh Muhammad Baazmool, Ramadhaan 21, 1437) 1
| From ’30 Days of Guidance: Learning Fundamental Principles of Islaam’ |