Is great wealth an obstacle to spiritual growth?

In the perspective of the Holy Quran, great wealth itself is not inherently an obstacle to spiritual growth. Rather, it is the individual's attitude towards wealth, how it is acquired, and how it is spent that determines whether it paves the way for spiritual progress or erects a barrier against it. The Quran explicitly states that wealth and children are but a trial for humanity. In numerous verses, God indicates that what has been bestowed upon us, be it wealth, offspring, or social standing, are all means by which we are tested. This examination reveals whether we will be grateful for these blessings and use them in the path of truth, or if we will fall into the deception of worldly life and deviate from the divine path. In essence, it is a divine test to assess one's faith, piety, and the extent of their attachment to the fleeting provisions of this world. On one hand, wealth can be a powerful tool for performing good deeds, assisting the needy, building a healthy and progressive society, and promoting justice. The Holy Quran encourages Muslims to spend in charity (infaq) and offers immense rewards for those who donate from their wealth in the way of Allah and to help others. Verses that speak of the importance of charity and benevolent loans demonstrate that wealth can be a stepping stone to higher spiritual ranks and divine pleasure. A wealthy individual can, with open hands, save many lives, spread knowledge and wisdom, and provide the necessary infrastructure for worship and a righteous life. From this perspective, wealth is not merely an obstacle; it can indeed be a means to accelerate spiritual growth and attain the pleasure of the Lord. However, on the other hand, the Quran strongly warns against the dangers of excessive attachment to wealth and its misuse. When wealth, instead of being a means to serve God and His creation, becomes the primary goal of life, or when a person becomes arrogant, heedless of God, or unjust due to their riches, then wealth transforms into a significant impediment to spiritual growth. In the Holy Quran, the story of Qarun (Korah) is cited as a prime example of the dire consequences of attachment to wealth and the arrogance stemming from it. Qarun became proud and conceited due to his vast fortune and refused to obey divine commands, ultimately leading to his destruction. This narrative serves as a grave warning, illustrating that wealth, if not accompanied by faith and humility, can lead to worldly and spiritual ruin. Furthermore, the Quran criticizes those who accumulate wealth, boast about it, and imagine that their riches will grant them immortality, cautioning them against divine punishment. True spiritual growth hinges on purity of heart, piety, humility, gratitude for divine blessings, and constantly keeping in mind the ultimate purpose of life: the pleasure of God. Wealth should not lead to heedlessness of God's remembrance, neglecting prayers, disregarding the rights of others, or succumbing to sin and corruption. A true believer is one whose heart is not attached to this world, even at the peak of wealth and prosperity, and who always prefers the Hereafter over worldly life. They understand that all they possess is from God and must be utilized in His path and for the service of His creation. Wealth can be a test to see if a person can remain grateful and humble even in prosperity. Many prophets and divine figures were wealthy, yet their wealth never hindered their spiritual journey; instead, they employed it in the way of God and for the exaltation of His word. Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him) is a prime example of a wealthy king who reached the pinnacle of spirituality and servitude, always expressing gratitude for divine blessings. Therefore, wealth is a double-edged sword; it can be a powerful instrument for good deeds and spiritual elevation, or if not managed properly and if the human heart becomes excessively attached to it, it can become a source of rebellion, heedlessness, and destruction. The criterion for spiritual growth is not the amount of wealth, but rather the degree of piety, gratitude, generosity, and good character that a person exhibits. One must always strive for balance, enjoying worldly provisions, but never forgetting the ultimate goal, understanding that worldly life is fleeting and the ultimate purpose is the Hereafter and the pleasure of Allah the Almighty.