Real wealth

"Wealth does not emanate / ensue from a lot of fortunes, but (real) wealth is independance (which is found) in the heart." (Saheeh Bukhari)

Explanation:

A person may have nothing in his pocket but he is not stingy also. His heart is attached to Allah Ta’ala. Whatever he needs, he asks Allah Ta’ala. He is a person who is truly independent and rich in the heart although he has nothing. He does not run behind Dunya. He does not fight with a person for wealth. He is not jealous of his friend when he sees him in well-being. Such a person feels light and free because his heart is not attached to anything.

On the other hand, a person, whose heart is attached to wealth, will always be worried and upset like the most poor person although he possesses a lot. The more he has, the more he feels in need as if he has got an itch. The more he scratches, the more he wants to scratch. He is a prisoner who is going around like a free person. It is very true that when you love a person more than Allah Ta’ala, you will lead a miserable life. Your home, your wealth, your entourage, nothing can give you the true comfort that you need if your heart is attached to something besides Allah Ta’ala, because Allah Ta’ala is the source of joy. Without Him, you will become a prey to all kinds of upheaval.

[English version of "La richesse réelle" – Al Jamiat – Vol.3 No.2]