The Prophet’s ﷺ Definition of “Rich” Will Change How You See Your Life.
We’re all chasing it.
Whether it’s a better job, a bigger house, a nicer car, or just more numbers in a bank account, our modern world has programmed us to believe that wealth = possessions. We scroll through social media, see what others have, and a familiar feeling creeps in: “I’m falling behind. I need more.”
This feeling—this constant, gnawing hunger for more—is the official religion of the Dunya. And it’s making us spiritually sick.
What if I told you that this entire definition of wealth is a lie? What if the richest person you know is actually the poorest, and the person with very little could be wealthier than a king?
This isn’t just a motivational quote. This is a reality taught to us by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in a hadith that is so profound, it can rewire your entire brain.
He (ﷺ) said:
“Wealth is not in having many possessions, but rather, true wealth (ghina) is the richness of the soul.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6446)
Let’s break down what this actually means, because it’s a life-changing concept.
The Disease: The Poverty of a Hungry Soul
Imagine a man who owns a mansion and three luxury cars. But every night, he can’t sleep. He’s consumed with envy because his business rival just bought a private jet. He’s constantly anxious, always feeling like he’s not enough, always chasing the next thing.
According to the Prophet (ﷺ), this man is faqir (poor).
His soul is impoverished. It’s in a constant state of begging, of feeling deprived. This is the spiritual poverty that afflicts so many of us. We have food in the fridge, but our hearts are starving for what we don’t have. This is a punishment in and of itself—a self-inflicted Hell on Earth.
The Cure: The Richness of a Content Soul
Now, imagine a simple believer. He has a modest job, a small apartment, and a reliable car. But his heart is at peace. He looks at what Allah has given him, and from the bottom of his soul, he says, “Alhamdulillah. This is enough for me.”
He has no desire for what others have. He is not in competition with anyone. His happiness is not tied to his possessions, but to his connection with his Lord.
According to the Prophet (ﷺ), this man is ghani (truly wealthy).
This is ghina al-nafs—the richness of the soul. It is a state of contentment (qana’ah) and satisfaction with Allah’s decree. This is a paradise in this world, a level of peace and tranquility that no amount of money can ever buy.
The Prophet (ﷺ) described this person perfectly:
“He has succeeded who accepts Islam, is provided with sufficient sustenance, and is made content by Allah with what He has given him.” (Sahih Muslim)
Success. Provision. Contentment. That is the complete formula for true wealth.
The Great Deception: Don’t Confuse Allah’s Gifts with His Pleasure.
“But what about all the rich, successful people who are clearly sinning?”
Imam al-Bukhari brilliantly answers this by placing a verse from the Qur’an right before this hadith:
“Do they think that what We extend to them of wealth and children is because We hasten to give them good things? No! They are not aware.” (Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:55-56)
Sometimes, when Allah sees a person persisting in sin, He gives them more of the Dunya. He opens the doors of wealth and success for them. This is not a blessing. It is a curse called Istidraj.
He gives them more rope to hang themselves with. Their wealth makes them more arrogant, more heedless, and they sink deeper into sin. Then, when they are happiest and least expect it, Allah seizes them with a mighty punishment.
Never, ever envy the worldly success of the disobedient. Their apparent riches are often a sign of Allah’s wrath, not His pleasure.
TL;DR / How to Get Rich:
True wealth is not a number. It’s a state of being. You cultivate it by:
- Practicing Shukr (Gratitude): Consciously thank Allah for what you do have. Gratitude kills envy.
- Looking at Those Below You: The Prophet (ﷺ) advised us to look at those with less in the Dunya to appreciate our own blessings.
- Remembering Death: This is the ultimate cure for the love of the Dunya. You can’t take any of it with you. The only thing that will matter is the state of your soul.
May Allah grant us the richness of the soul and save us from the poverty of a greedy heart. Ameen.
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