Everything Belongs to God
When a person attains true knowledge of God (ma‘rifah), this awareness transforms his heart.
His condition becomes like those described in the Qur’an as al-mukhbitin—the humble and submissive.
“For every people We have appointed rites of sacrifice, so that they may pronounce the name of God over the cattle which He has provided for them. Your God is One God; surrender yourselves to Him; and give good news to the humble—those whose hearts are filled with awe at the mention of God; who endure adversity with fortitude, say their prayers regularly, and spend out of what We have given them.”
(Surah al-Hajj 22:34–35)
Two Ways of Thinking
Every product we use in this world—whether agricultural, animal-based, or industrial—shapes our perspective. But these blessings lead people toward two very different mindsets.
The first mindset sees material possessions as the result of personal effort. A person thinks, “I worked hard, I am talented, and therefore I deserve all this.” In some cultures, people even attribute their prosperity to pagan gods or unseen forces. This attitude, in essence, is polytheistic, because it disconnects blessings from their true source: Allah.
The second mindset is radically different. It views everything as a gift from God. A believer acknowledges that no matter how skilled or hardworking he is, the ultimate provider is Allah. This understanding is not just theoretical; it is expressed in practical ways. Charity and sacrifice become outward signs of this inner realization. By giving away a portion of his earnings for God’s sake, a believer testifies: “Whatever I have is from Allah, not from myself.”
The Deeper Reality: Ma‘rifah of God
When a person attains true knowledge of God (ma‘rifah), this awareness transforms his heart. His condition becomes like those described in the Qur’an as al-mukhbitin—the humble and submissive.
Such a person turns to God with body and soul, overwhelmed with feelings of modesty and gratitude. He trembles at the thought of Allah’s greatness. For him, ownership becomes meaningless, because he knows:Everything I have belongs to God, not to me.
A Call for Introspection
Our modern world often glorifies self-made success. But the truth is, no one is truly self-made. Life, health, opportunities—every element comes from God. The real question is: Do we live with this consciousness?
If we do, our attitude toward wealth, resources, and even other people will change completely. Acts like charity will no longer feel like generosity—they will feel like returning what was never ours in the first place.
Based on Quran Commentary, Tazkirul Quran by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, Available at Goodword Books
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