Why The Poor in Islam Enter Paradise 500 Years Before The Rich

As humans, we often make mistakes in judgment. In our eyes, the person with abundant wealth and social influence is the one we place on a pedestal of honor, often ignoring the elevated station of the poor in Islam. However, Allah’s system of judgment is completely different from our worldly calculations. In the scales of the Hereafter, bank balances or power hold no value; the only currency accepted there is Taqwa (God-consciousness/piety). A true believer, therefore, can never be blinded by the allure of this world.

Allah the Almighty has warned us against this deception in the Holy Quran:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَقٌّ ۖ فَلَا تَغُرَّنَّكُمُ الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَلَا يَغُرَّنَّكُم بِاللَّهِ الْغَرُورُ

“O mankind, indeed the promise of Allah is truth, so let not the worldly life delude you and be not deceived about Allah by the Deceiver (Satan).”

(Surah Fatir: 35/5)

Think of that historic sermon during the Farewell Hajj. Standing before a sea of people, the Prophet (PBUH) declared that no Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor a white person over a black person. The only standard of superiority is Taqwa. (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith: 23489)

Once, a distinguished nobleman walked past the Prophet (PBUH). He asked his companions, “What is your opinion of him?” The companions replied, “He is a man of high stature! If he proposes marriage, it would be accepted; if he intercedes for someone, it would be granted.” The Prophet remained silent. A while later, a poor Muslim man walked by. The Prophet asked again, “And what do you say about him?” The companions replied, “O Messenger of Allah! He is just a common poor man. If he proposes, no one would accept; if he speaks, no one would listen with attention.”

Then the Prophet (PBUH) said:

“This (poor) person is better in the sight of Allah than an earth full of the former (rich and noble) ones.”

Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 6447)

This teaches us that a person who has no influence in society and wears tattered clothes might be a VIP in the sight of Allah if he possesses Taqwa.

The Urge to Love the Poor and Helpless

The harsh reality of our society is that we look down upon the needy with contempt. Yet, the Friend of Humanity, Muhammad (PBUH), taught us the exact opposite regarding the poor in Islam. He instructed us to love this class of people.

The companion Abu Dharr (RA) said, “My close friend, the Prophet (PBUH), gave me seven special commands. Among them was:

‘He commanded me to love the poor and be close to them. And he commanded me to look at those who are below me (in wealth), and not to look at those who are above me.'”

(Silsilah Sahihah, Hadith: 794)

We can understand how deep the Prophet’s compassion was from one of his supplications. He used to pray:

“O Allah! Keep me alive as a Miskin (poor/humble), cause me to die as a Miskin, and resurrect me in the company of the Miskin on the Day of Resurrection.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 4126)

The Life of Sacrifice of the Prophet (PBUH) and His Companions

Consider the life of the Prophet (PBUH), who could have turned the mountains of Makkah into gold if he wished. Yet, for days on end, no fire was lit in his house for cooking. Months would pass with only dates and water as sustenance.

One day, Umar (RA) entered the Prophet’s room and saw him lying on a simple palm-leaf mat. There was no bedding, and the pattern of the mat had left marks on his body. Umar (RA) burst into tears. He said, “O Messenger of Allah! The emperors of Rome and Persia live in such luxury, yet you are the Messenger of Allah living in this hardship! Pray to Allah to grant prosperity.”

The Prophet (PBUH) replied:

“O son of Khattab! Are you still in this mindset? They are a people whose good things have been hastened for them in the worldly life. Are you not pleased that for them is the Dunya (world), and for us is the Akhirah (Hereafter)?”

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1479)

Mother Aisha (RA) said:

“The family of Muhammad (PBUH) never ate their fill of barley bread for two consecutive days until he passed away.”

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 6454)

Think of Abu Huraira (RA), who used to tie a stone to his stomach to suppress hunger pangs. Sometimes he would faint from severe hunger, and people would think he had gone mad. Yet, he was not mad; extreme hunger was the only reason for his condition. This was the picture of sacrifice during the golden age of Islam.

The Royal Status of the Weak and Poor in Islam

Those who are weak in this world will be the strong ones in the Hereafter. It is because of them that Allah grants provision (Rizq) to others on earth.

• The VIPs of Jannah: The Prophet (PBUH) said:“I stood at the gate of Paradise and saw that the majority of those who entered it were the poor and the Miskin. The rich were being held back (for accountability).” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 5196)
• Source of Provision: The Prophet (PBUH) said:“Seek me among your weak ones, for you are given provision and help only because of the weak amongst you.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith: 2594)
• Entering Paradise Early: The greatest news for the poor in Islam is that they will enter Paradise long before the rich. The Prophet (PBUH) stated:“The poor emigrants (Muhajirun) will enter Paradise five hundred years before their rich counterparts.” (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2352)

Our Duty as Believers

From this discussion, there are clear lessons for us:

• Do Not Belittle Anyone: Never despise someone based on their clothing or financial status. It is possible that their status with Allah is a thousand times higher than yours. Allah has commanded in the Quran:“not to drive away or scorn those who call upon their Lord morning and evening.” (Surah Al-An’am: 6/52)
• Look at Those Below You: Instead of regretting what you do not have, look at those whose condition is worse than yours. The Prophet (PBUH) said:“Look at those who are lower than you (in wealth) but do not look at those who are above you. This is more suitable so that you do not belittle Allah’s favors upon you.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2963)
• Be Content with Little: The true rich person is the one rich at heart. The Prophet (PBUH) said:“Successful is the one who has entered the fold of Islam, is provided with sufficient sustenance, and is content with what Allah has given him.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1054)

Conclusion

Finally, sadly but truly, the chase for money has reduced us to an animalistic level today. Yet, when we go to the grave, the shroud (kafan) will have no pockets. Being wealthy is not a sin, but the obsession with wealth must not blind us.

Let us learn from the lives of the Companions. Let us consider this world as a transit lounge for travelers and focus on gathering provisions for the Hereafter. May Allah protect us all from the delusion of this world and include us among His beloved servants on the Day of Judgment. Ameen.