Let’s sit down for a moment, calm our minds, then ask ourselves: “What am I actually chasing money for?”
Most of us would answer, “To be calm. To be stable. So as not to bother anyone later.” That’s not wrong. That’s a good intention.
But… what if it turns out that wealth is not just for hoarding or enjoying alone? What if Allah ﷻ entrusts sustenance to us, so that it can flow to more people?
Allah ﷻ once reminded us in the Qur’an:
” وَأَنفِقُوا۟ مِمَّا جَعَلَكُم مُّسْتَخْلَفِينَ فِيه ِ”
“Spend from the wealth that Allah has made you trustworthy over.”
(QS. Al-Hadid : 7)
We are not absolute owners. We are only given a mandate, to be tested: does the wealth make us stingy or does it make us generous?
Therefore, when we make financial goals , don’t just think about “how much can I collect”, but also, “how much can I distribute.”
And one of the best ways to do that? Invest. But not just any investment. We are talking about halal investment, which can help others, not just one that just goes into one’s own pocket.
Because it could be that when we help others grow, that is where the blessings of wealth are truly felt.
Assets are entrusted, not just for safekeeping
If you think about it, why do we work so hard to accumulate wealth? Sometimes we are willing to work overtime, work two shifts, endure fatigue in order to save a mountain.
In fact, in Islam, wealth is not just to be piled up or to be proud of. Wealth should be able to be converted into rewards , not just numbers in an account.
We are not prohibited from having a lot of wealth. What is prohibited is if the wealth is just sitting there , not flowing, not being of any benefit to others.
Allah ﷻ even gave a fairly strong warning:
” وَٱلَّذِينَ يَكْنِزُونَ ٱلذَّهَبَ وَٱلْفِضَّةَ وَلَا يُنفِقُونَهَا فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَبَشِّرْهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيم ٍ”
“Those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, then tell them a painful punishment.”
(QS. At-Taubah : 34)
No kidding, right?
So if we want to have a financial target, it is absolutely okay, even recommended. But don’t let us get trapped in a hoarding mentality . Because if wealth is only stored, not circulated, not utilized, it will become a burden in the afterlife.
Better, we start thinking about how to make the wealth move and be useful . It can be through regular charity, helping family, and of course, through halal and productive investments . Which not only makes us profitable, but also makes others grow.
And from there, God willing… we will not only have wealth. But we will also have rewards that continue to flow.
Also read: Investing for Beginners: Don’t Rush, Understand First
Financial Goals Are Not Just Saving and Spending, But Also Giving and Investing
Talking about financial goals, usually the list is the same: emergency savings, house, pension fund, umrah, hajj, buying a family car, and so on.
Nothing wrong, seriously. But try it, have we ever entered “monthly alms funds” into our financial spreadsheet? Or made a plan to “invest to help your brother’s business” ?
Most people only focus on two things: saving and spending . Saving to be safe, spending for needs and lifestyle. But in Islam, there are two important things that must be included in our financial goals: giving and investing.
Giving alms, waqf, helping with preaching, even helping with the education of orphans is not an expense, but a field of investment for the afterlife.
Then there is halal investment : not just seeking profit, but also strengthening the people’s economy. Like syirkah, cooperation of capital and labor in halal business. The money circulates, the actors grow, and the benefits are felt more widely.
As the Prophet ﷺ said:
” خيرُ الناسِ أنفعُهم للناس ِ”
“The best people are those who are most beneficial to others.”
(HR. al-Mu’jam al-Awsath)
If we can make wealth a tool for good, why not? Wealth must be programmed, not just buried.
Also read: 4 Steps for Financial Management when Finances Not Stable
Investments That Deliver Benefits, Not Just Multiply Numbers
Ever heard people say, “Money should work for us”? That’s true. But, in Islam, money should also “work for good”.
When we invest, the question is not only: “What is the percentage return?” But also:
– Is the business halal or not?
– Is there any benefit for the surrounding community?
– Who will grow from this business besides me?
Because blessed halal investment not only brings in money, but also provides benefits to many parties.
For example, we participate in local food business investment. From there, farmers are helped, distributors are on the road, consumers are happy, and we get results plus rewards.
That is the sharia investment model that builds a healthy ecosystem : not just a business, but a mutually reinforcing circulation of wealth.
If wealth only circulates in a small circle, the small ones don’t get a share. But if our investment opens up opportunities for many people, that is what is called living wealth.
And his life is not only in this world… But also in the afterlife.
Also read: How to Save Money When Your Salary Is Tight
Khotimah: When Wealth Flows, Rewards Flow
Finally, we have reached the end of this conversation. But hopefully not the end of our awareness in managing wealth.
Because it turns out, financial goals don’t always have to be about numbers and personal targets. They can level up to become life goals that bring benefits , not just comfort.
Islam teaches that wealth is a trust. We are given it not only to be guarded, but to be utilized. And one of the best forms of utilization is: empowered and shared .
Through halal investment , wealth can be a driver of the people’s economy. Through the intention of giving , it can be a bridge to blessings.
Life is not about who is the richest. But who is the most useful to others.
” خيرُ الناسِ أنفعُهم للناس ِ”
“The best people are those who are most beneficial to others.” (HR. al-Mu’jam al-Awsath)
So, let’s start rearranging our financial goals . It’s not just about “what I get”, but “who can grow because of this wealth.”
Because wealth that flows with the right intention and a lawful path, God willing, will bring us eternal good fortune: in this world and the hereafter.
Also read: Smart Financial Management When You Still Have Debt
Let’s Visit, Zeed and join for halal investment with Zeed.
Reference:
Al-Qur’an al-Karim. Tafsir and translation. Retrieved from: https://tafsirweb.com
Al-Mubarakfuri, Shafiyyurrahman. Tuhfatul Ahwadzi bi Syarhi Jami’ at-Tirmidhi . Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, n.d.
