Treasures According to Islam

In the life of the world, we are surrounded by things or things we claim to be ours. Family, home, work, senses, treasure, science, craftsmanship, etc. we all call ours. But is it really all ours? Since when has it become ours?

Indeed various mundane devices such as official letters can be proof that family, work, land, etc. are ours, but our ownership status is the owner of relative. The absolute owner of all things is Allah Almighty. Even our weak self is his.

This is often forgotten by us. We often forget that we are not absolute owners, to the extent that we behave as if we are the full owners of all things that we consider ours. Thus, we treat it according to our earthly tastes and desires, not in accordance with the wishes of the absolute owner, Allah Almighty.

It also happens to the treasure. We often forget that he is just a deposit from Allah SWT. Behind it is actually a responsibility, there is a mandate, even some of it belongs to someone else we have to channel back.

When first spreading Islam in Makkah, one of the missions of the Prophet Muhammad SAW was to eradicate the attitude of dependence on material that plagued Arab society at that time. They are so absorbed in the vortex of materialism that their attitudes and worldviews are always colored in a materialistic way of view.

That became one of the reasons why the Prophet's preaching did not get the attention properly. They do not care about the Prophet's Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) not because of what he convey does not make sense or because Rasulullah SAW is a person who can not be trusted, but because Rasulullah SAW is not from the rich-where at that time the Hashim clan, the family of the Prophet, is declining prestige. The infidels of Makkah just want to hear the words of those who are treasure. So, so powerful is the charm of possessions that he is able to close the divine light (hidayah).

Therefore, there are some things that must be considered by Muslims in addressing property, namely:

First, treasure is a gift from God to be grateful for. Not everyone gets the trust of Allah SWT to assume the responsibility of trustworthiness of property. Therefore, he should be grateful for if able to bear it, a very big reward awaits.

Second, wealth is the trust of God to be accounted for. Every condition-whether good or bad-that we experience has become the provision of Allah SWT, and we must face it well in accordance with the desire that gives the mandate. The property that is entrusted to us is the same. Behind the abundant wealth, there is a responsibility and mandate that must be fulfilled. The unloved treasures in the way of Allah will become filthy, for it has been mixed with the halal part which is the right of the owner with the haram part which is the right of the needy, the poor, and the other deficient. Word of Allah SWT in sura at-Taubah (9) verse 103, "Take zakat from some of their property, with that charity you clean and purify them, and pray for them. Verily, your prayer is a serenity for them. Allah is the Hearer, the Knower."

Third, treasure is a test. The test is not just poverty, but wealth is also a test. The issue is not rich or poor, but the problem is how to deal with it. Both conditions exist in humans, whose purpose is behind only one, that is God wants to know who is the best of his deeds. For the wealthy, of course, there are obligations that must be done to the treasure.

Fourth, treasure is a living decoration to watch out for. Allah Almighty creates for man many ornaments of life. Family, children, and possessions are living ornaments. With it, life becomes beautiful. However, it should be realized that the charm of the beauty of life is often dazzling to blind the eyes and make people forget to Him, and forget the original purpose of the creation of the ornament. All of that is actually a deposit and exam. Allah Almighty says in sura at-Taghabun (64) verse 15, "Verily your treasures and your children are only trials (for you). In the sight of Allah is a great reward ".

Fifth, treasure is the provision of worship. The purpose of human creation is to worship Allah Almighty. Therefore, all the earthly devices, both the meteril and the non-material, are created as a means that can be used by humans to worship. Wealth is one of the means of worship. He is not only a worship when spent in the way of Allah, he was even worth the worship when humankind sincerely earn a living for his family and the rest for the benefit of the ummah. If the treasure is used as well as possible, the great reward awaits. But if not, God's punishment is very painful.

Above shows that Islam is so stressed property as a property that is not concentrated on one or a group of people. However, it is inconceivable that Islam ignores the individual's right to enjoy the treasures he has labored with. Allah SWT. says in the Qur'an, surah Al-Isra (17) verse 29, "And do not let your hand be tied to your neck and do not give it too much for you to be blameworthy and repentant".

Thus, may we belong to those who are good at dealing with property in accordance with His provisions. Amiin. Barakallahu li wa lakum, walhamdu lillahi rabbil 'alamin.