Avarice Quote by Ibn Rajab The Evil of Craving for Wealth and Status
““There is nothing more to chasing after wealth than the wastage of a person’s noble life for that which has no value. Instead he could have earned a high rank (in Paradise) and everlasting bliss, but he lost this due to his craving after provision – which had already been assured to him and allotted to him, and it was not possible for anything to come to him except what was decreed for him – then on top of this he does not benefit from that, but rather abandons it and leaves it for someone else. He departs from that and leaves it behind so that he will be the one held accountable for it, yet someone else benefits from it. So in reality he is only gathering it, yet someone else benefits from it. So in reality he is only gathering it for someone who will not praise him for that, whilst he himself goes on to One who will not excuse him for that – this itself would indeed be enough to show the blameworthiness of this craving.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Evil of Craving for Wealth and Status, unknown date
Wealth pursuit can waste a noble life, diverting divine blessings to others and incurring spiritual blame
In simple terms: Chasing riches wastes life and steals divine reward
Key Takeaway
Prioritize spiritual values over material cravings
Themes
Islamic ethics
materialism
spiritual accountability
moral psychology
life purpose
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Personal financial decisions
- religious counseling
- ethical education
- self‑reflection
- community teachings
Key Concepts
Greed
divine decree
accountability
spiritual loss
Questions to Reflect On
- How does society define true success?
- What inner values outweigh external wealth?
A Different Perspective
Material wealth cannot guarantee spiritual fulfillment
