Wealth Spending and Management in Al-Qur'an: Approaches and Priority

Islam views wealth as something positive and good (al-khayr). Human being is not only granted authority over wealth (mustakhlafin) but is invited to enjoy and utilize wealth for his benefits and wellbeing (maslahah). Wealth is a reflection of God’s bounties (fadl Allah) to His creation. Therefore, in similar vein, the search for wealth to satisfy individual need’s and family’s needs is not only recognized but highly praised as good deeds (‘amal salih) which deserved for rewards. Nevertheless, the Qur’an also reminds that wealth is essentially belongs to Allah. Human acquisition and utilization of wealth is on the basis of trust (amānah) that demands for responsibility and accountability. Wealth at the same time is also a test (ibtila’) from Allah whether individuals will use it for good or bad actions. This chapter attempts to explore the basic concepts of wealth as taught in the Qur’an. This is done by discussing the nature of wealth in the Qur’an, for individual and society and elaborating some teachings and guidelines on wealth management and spending from the Shari’ah perspective.