Is worldly success a sign of God's pleasure?

One of the profound and perennial questions that has always occupied the human mind is the connection between material and worldly successes and the pleasure and satisfaction of Almighty God. Many people mistakenly believe that if someone achieves great wealth, high status, or fame in this world, it is a definitive sign of their belovedness to God and divine approval. But do the teachings of the Holy Quran confirm this view? By consulting the luminous verses of the Quran, we realize that the answer to this question is more complex and deeper than a simple yes or no. In fact, the Quran addresses this issue with particular subtlety and wisdom, offering a balanced and comprehensive perspective. The Holy Quran describes the world as a temporary abode and a place of trial and test for humanity, not the ultimate goal or purpose of creation. In numerous verses, God points to the truth that worldly life, with all its manifestations and beauties, is transient and perishable, and what is lasting and valuable are righteous deeds and divine piety. Worldly successes, such as wealth and children, are presented in the Quran as 'adornments' and 'fitnah' (means of trial). This means that God may bestow abundant worldly blessings upon some individuals, whether believers or disbelievers, to test them. Do they use these blessings in the right way? Are they grateful or ungrateful? Do they become arrogant and forgetful of God because of them, or do they use them as a means to draw closer to God and help His servants? For instance, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 46, it states: "Wealth and children are the adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring righteous deeds are better with your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope." This verse clearly indicates that wealth and children are merely adornments of this worldly life, and enduring righteous deeds are better in reward and hope with your Lord. This shows that true value in God's sight lies in spiritual and otherworldly achievements, not merely in the accumulation of wealth or superficial successes. Furthermore, the Quran narrates stories that teach us that worldly wealth and power are not necessarily signs of divine pleasure; rather, sometimes they can lead to a person's destruction and downfall. The story of Qarun in Surah Al-Qasas is a prime example of this truth. Qarun became arrogant due to his immense wealth and treasures, believing that this wealth was a result of his own knowledge and merit, not God's grace. He refused to pay the rights of the poor and ultimately, he and his treasures were swallowed by the earth. This story clearly demonstrates that God may grant abundant blessings even to oppressors and tyrants, but this is by no means a sign of His pleasure; rather, it is sometimes a form of 'Istidraj' (gradual drawing towards punishment) until the proof is established against them and they face the consequences of their deeds. On the other hand, in the Quran, we see that many prophets and righteous servants of God faced poverty, hardship, persecution, and suffering in their worldly lives. Does this mean that God was displeased with them? Absolutely not. Prophet Ayub (Job), despite all his difficulties and illnesses, did not lose his patience and reliance on God, and ultimately received divine favor and mercy. This indicates that calamities and hardships can also be a means of testing, spiritual growth, purification from sins, and elevating one's rank, and are not signs of God's displeasure. Therefore, the primary criteria for God's pleasure are piety (taqwa), true faith, righteous deeds, gratitude in prosperity, and patience in adversity. God looks at the state of people's hearts and their intentions, not at their bank accounts or social status. A person may appear outwardly very successful and wealthy, but inwardly possess a heart polluted with arrogance, greed, stinginess, or ingratitude. Conversely, another person may be materially struggling but have a heart full of faith, contentment, gratitude, and submission to divine decree. In the Quran's view, the latter is far more beloved and successful. In conclusion, it must be stated that worldly success, if accompanied by gratitude, proper use in God's path, helping the needy, and observing divine limits, can be a blessing from God, and in this case, it might indeed be a sign of divine pleasure. However, this success alone, without considering its spiritual and moral dimensions, can never be considered a definitive criterion for God's pleasure. The essential point is that a person's goal in life should be to attain divine pleasure and ultimate success in the Hereafter, not merely to achieve transient worldly successes. God is Just and Wise, and He tests and rewards each person according to their capacity and intention. Thus, we should always strive to earn His pleasure, whether in ease or hardship, knowing that God's gaze is upon our inner selves and our faith, not merely the outward appearances of our lives.