Have you ever wondered why it’s not just those who lack money who feel anxious, but also those who already have everything? Abundant wealth, a grand home, a luxury vehicle, and more than enough money. But somehow, their hearts still feel restless.
It’s like sitting on a soft sofa that looks comfortable, but its legs are actually fragile. It looks elegant on the outside, but its foundation is shaky. Well, life is like that too. If the foundation isn’t strong, all that comfort can crumble at any moment. It may seem stable, but its heart is empty. And without proper wealth management, it can all be an illusion.
Many people try to find instant relief: lavish vacations, impulsive shopping, and partying. Some even resort to entertainment that only adds to their problems. Instead of finding peace, they find new burdens.
If you think about it, it’s possible that anxiety arises not from a lack of wealth, but from not knowing what to use it for. Here, we’ll discuss why wealth, which should bring peace of mind, can actually become a source of anxiety when its meaning begins to blur, and our wealth management isn’t aligned with our life’s true direction.
Rich but Not at Peace, Is That Possible?
Many people believe that once they’re rich, life will be more peaceful. They won’t have to worry about bills, they’ll be free to buy whatever they want, and they’ll live comfortably. That’s why many people desperately pursue wealth. The assumption is, “If you have everything, you’ll have peace.”
But the reality isn’t always that way. Some people, after becoming wealthy, find themselves even more unable to sleep. They have everything: a house, a car, a successful business. But there’s still an emptiness in their heart. Their minds are busy, but their life’s direction is unclear.
Anxiety often comes not from lack, but from fear of loss. Fear of competition, fear of failure, fear that all of this is meaningless.
Ultimately, what was once a pursuit of security turns into stress. Because if our only source of peace is the numbers in our bank account, it’s natural for our lives to become unstable when the world doesn’t live up to our expectations.
So, before we discuss wealth management, it’s a good idea to ask ourselves: what are we really pursuing? What is our measure of success? It might not be the amount of wealth that’s causing us anxiety, but the lack of a clear direction in life.
Also read: Financial Discipline from an Islamic Perspective
When Life’s Direction Starts to Become Blurred
Property is like a vehicle. The bigger and more sophisticated it is, the more clear direction it needs. If you don’t know the goal, you’re just playing around aimlessly.
Many people are busy looking for assets, starting businesses, and increasing their income. But when asked, “What’s the point of all this?” the answers are unclear. Sometimes it’s just to be safe, sometimes it’s to follow the crowd, or sometimes it’s to appear successful.
However, if your goals aren’t solid, wealth will only tire you out. Instead of being a lifeline, it becomes a burden. Many people forget why they started, too busy adding to their wealth to the point of forgetting the meaning of what they’re trying to convey.
Allah ﷻ has reminded us:
{ أَلْهَاكُمُ التَّكَاثُرُ ﴿١﴾ حَتَّىٰ زُرْتُمُ الْمَقَابِر َ ﴿٢
“Boasting has neglected you, until you have entered the grave.” (QS. At-Takatsur : 1–2)
This verse isn’t a prohibition on owning wealth, but rather a warning. Don’t let your life be about simply increasing your wealth, without losing sight of your purpose. Without sound intentions, wealth can lead to misguidance.
Wealth should be a tool for worship, not a place to lean on. If it’s directed clearly, it can be a blessing. But if it’s lost, it can become a trap. Like seawater, the more you drink, the thirstier you become.
Also read: Financial Planning in Times of Crisis
The Nature of Life and the Nature of Wealth
Life isn’t about how much you accumulate, but how much you benefit from it. Islam teaches us to live as obedient servants, not just collectors of worldly possessions.
Allah ﷻ says:
” And I did not create the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me.” (QS. Adz-Dzariyat : 56 )
Worship is broad. It encompasses more than just prayer and fasting, but also proper management of one’s wealth. In Islam, wealth is a trust. It’s not our absolute property, but a trust that must be safeguarded.
Allah ﷻ also reminds us :
وَتُحِبُّونَ الْمَالَ حُبًّا جَمًّا
“And you love wealth with excessive love.” (QS. Al-Fajr : 20)
Excessive love of wealth can make us lose our sense of direction. However, wealth is not the goal. It’s merely a tool to seek Allah’s approval . It can be a path to elevation, but it can also be a derailment if we’re not careful.
Also read: Urgency of Holding Cash and Avoiding Buying Too Much Not Liquid Assets
Worship with Wealth
Not everyone realizes that managing wealth can also be a form of worship, as long as the intention is pure, the method is correct, and the goal is clear.
Through wealth, we can pay zakat, help the family, support da’wah, and even build the people’s economy through halal businesses. As long as it’s not for prestige or showing off, God willing, it will all be rewarding.
But remember, the greater the wealth, the greater the responsibility. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
” لا تزول قدما عبد يوم القيامة حتى يسأل عن عمره فيما أفناه، وعن “
“A servant’s feet will not move on the Day of Resurrection, until he is asked about: what he spent his life on, what he used his knowledge for, where he obtained his wealth from and what he spent it on… ”
(HR. Tirmidhi , 2341)
So, wealth isn’t just a number, but a trust. And wealth management is important not only in terms of financial records, but also in terms of accountability before Allah ﷻ .
Also read: Wealth as a Tool, Not a Goal in Islam
Ending
Wealth is not the enemy, nor is it everything. It can be a blessing or a test. It all depends on how we treat it.
If our life’s direction is clear and our wealth is directed toward worship, God willing, anxiety will subside. Not because we don’t have problems, but because we know where to turn.
If today your heart still feels empty, despite abundant wealth, perhaps it’s not the quantity that’s at fault. It’s your intentions and direction that need to be straightened out. This includes how you manage and organize your wealth.
Start with intention. Clarify your goals. Ensure that every dollar you spend is not only lawful but also meaningful. Use your wealth as a tool to draw closer to Allah , not a burden that causes anxiety.
Because one day, we won’t just be asked about how much wealth we have, but where it came from and where we’re leading it. And that’s where the peace lies: when all of this becomes a provision for returning home, not a barrier to returning to Him.
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Reference
Al-Qur’an al-Karim.
At-Tirmidhi, Abu ‘Isa Muhammad ibn ‘Isa. Sunan at-Tirmidhi , Hadith no. 2341. Accessed from: https://www.hadits.id/hadits/tirmidzi/2341