The global economic crisis caused by the coronavirus has caused millions of people to lose their jobs and livelihoods have been disrupted everywhere. During such a crisis, it is recommended to be cautious in living from financial difficulties and to save for the future. It is said, 'O you who believe, fear Allah; let each one think about what He has sent forward for tomorrow. And fear Allah. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.' (Surah Hashr, verse: 18)
The instruction given in the above verse to build up savings for the future is mainly about the Hereafter. However, even in this worldly life, the believer should not be indifferent to his future, which is proven by other verses and hadiths.
The believer is not indifferent to the future.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) visited Saad (may Allah be pleased with him) when he was ill. When he wanted to spend all his wealth in the way of Allah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'One-third. And one-third is a lot. Whatever you give in charity from your wealth is charity, and whatever you spend on your family is also charity. And whatever your wife eats from your wealth is also charity. If you leave your family wealthy or comfortable, as you say, then it is better than leaving them in poverty before their people.' And he gestured with his hand while saying this. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 4107)
Why is caution necessary regarding financial distress?
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) warned about future poverty and said, 'Poverty brings people closer to disbelief.' Imam Ghazali (RA) explained this hadith by saying, 'People are prone to disbelief due to poverty. Because poverty makes them jealous of the rich. And jealousy destroys virtue. When a person falls into a state of deen, his mind and heart are destroyed. As a result, he loses interest in practicing his religion. Apart from this, poverty can create dissatisfaction in people's minds with the livelihood and fortune that Allah has distributed.' (Fayzul Qadir: 4/686)
Quranic instructions to avoid crisis
In Surah Yusuf of the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty has shown people the way to protect themselves from the crisis of the coming days. It is said, 'Yusuf said, "You will cultivate for seven years in succession, then you will eat a little of what you harvest, except for what you store up (as seeds). Then there will come seven years of hardship. People will eat what they have stored up before, except for a little that you store up (as seeds). Then there will come a year in which there will be abundant rain for people, and in which people will squeeze abundant juice." (Surah Yusuf, verses: 47-49)
When a national crisis is feared, people should save as much as possible, as instructed by the verse. And for ordinary times, Muslim scholars advise that people should save one-third of their income for the future.
Things to note during storage
Although Islam allows for the conservation of necessary wealth, it does not allow for actions that disrupt the financial balance of society. For example:
1. Not to be stingy: Being stingy in the name of saving wealth is unacceptable. Allah says, 'Those who are stingy, enjoin stinginess on others and conceal what Allah has given them of His bounty, and We have prepared for the disbelievers in the Hereafter a humiliating punishment.' (Surah An-Nisa, verse 37)
2. Not depriving the needy: There is a strict prohibition against not fulfilling the Zakat of wealth, that is, the right given to the needy by Allah. It is stated, 'And give tidings of a painful punishment to those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah.' (Surah At-Tawbah, verse: 34)
3. Not to disturb the balance: People cannot accumulate such a large amount of wealth that it disturbs the financial balance of society and creates class discrimination. Allah commands, 'Let not wealth circulate among the rich among you.' (Surah Hashr, verse: 7)
4. Avoiding unlawful earnings: Allah becomes angry with people due to unlawful earnings. As a result, people's future is ruined. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, 'There are some people who
"Those who spend unjustly on the wealth that Allah has given them, for them on the Day of Resurrection will be the Fire of Hell." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 3118)
What to do to avoid financial crisis
Some of the practices mentioned in the Quran and Hadith for achieving a comfortable life in times of crisis are:
1. Balance in spending is essential: Islam has enjoined balance in spending wealth. It has been said, 'Do not tie your hand to your neck, nor do you stretch it out completely, lest you become a disgrace and a destitute.' (Surah Bani Israel, verse: 29)
2. Waste and extravagance are prohibited: Allah the Almighty says, ‘Eat and drink and do not be wasteful, for Allah does not love the wasteful.’ (Surah A’raf, verse 31)
3. The rich have a humanitarian responsibility: Not all people can escape from disasters by their own efforts. Therefore, the rich have a responsibility for social protection. Allah says, 'Give to relatives their dues and to the needy and the traveler, and do not be extravagant in anything.' (Surah Bani Israel, verse: 26)
4. Seeking livelihood: Hardworking people usually survive the crisis of life and livelihood. In their praise, it has been said, 'Others travel in the land, seeking the bounty of Allah.' (Surah Muzzammil, verse: 20)
5. Ensuring the protection of wealth: Allah has commanded us to refrain from all those things that destroy wealth, saying, 'Do not entrust your wealth, which Allah has provided for you, to foolish owners.' (Surah An-Nisa, verse: 5)
6. Praying to Allah: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to pray after every prayer, ‘O Allah, I seek refuge in You from disbelief, poverty and the punishment of the grave.’ (Sunan An-Nasa’i, Hadith: 1347). May Allah protect everyone from crisis. Amen.
