Poverty and kufr (disbelief ) hold significant importance in Islamic teachings, often drawing reference from the Quran and the Sunnah—the sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). A hadith on poverty and kufr saying
“Poverty can almost turn into disbelief.” کَادَ الْفَقْرُ أَنْ یَکُوْنَ کُفْرًا
To delve deeper into the implications of this hadith, let’s explore the following article.
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Hadith on poverty and kufr
A hadith on poverty and kufr was mentioned by Ali ibn Ibrahim reported from his father from An-Nawfali from As-Sakuni from Abu ‘Abdullah (peace be upon him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Poverty almost leads to disbelief, and envy almost overcomes destiny
عَلِيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنِ اَلنَّوْفَلِيِّ عَنِ اَلسَّكُونِيِّ عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ اَللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اَللَّهِ صَلَّى اَللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ آلِهِ : كَادَ اَلْفَقْرُ أَنْ يَكُونَ كُفْراً وَ كَادَ اَلْحَسَدُ أَنْ يَغْلِبَ اَلْقَدَرَ
The hadith on poverty and kufr is weak, as classified by Al-Albani,
The hadith on poverty and kufr implies that poverty could almost lead to disbelief. This statement encompasses several interpretations:
- Firstly, it suggests that hadith on poverty and kufr means that poverty when it leads individuals to neglect their reliance on the Creator and instead focus solely on worldly means for sustenance and fulfillment, borders on disbelief and polytheism. This occurs when individuals fail to recognize God’s sovereignty over-provision and instead place undue trust in material sources, attributing them with the power to fulfill their needs independently of divine decree.
- Secondly, hadith on poverty and kufr underscores the distinction between blameworthy and praiseworthy poverty. Blameworthy poverty is characterized by despair and a lack of patience, leading individuals to question the fairness of divine distribution and harbor resentment towards those seemingly favored by fortune. Conversely, praiseworthy poverty is accompanied by patience and trust in God’s wisdom, wherein individuals accept their circumstances with gratitude, recognizing that God’s plan is ultimately for their benefit.
- Lastly, the hadith on poverty and kufr also warns against the detrimental effects of envy, suggesting that envy could almost overpower divine decree. Envy, when it leads individuals to wish for the deprivation of others or resent the blessings bestowed upon them, challenges the wisdom of divine allocation and risks pushing individuals towards actions contrary to faith and moral integrity.
the hadith on poverty and kufr highlights the precariousness of poverty and envy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining faith and trust in God’s wisdom and provision, even in the face of adversity and inequality.”
Poverty quotes in Islam
Islamic religion is a comprehensive faith that has not neglected any issue concerning Muslims. In the Quran, there are numerous verses where Allah mentions poverty and the poor, and Prophet Muhammad also mentioned in hadith on poverty and kufr (disbelief), warning us about poverty. However, he also emphasized caring for the poor, as mentioned in the Quran. Among those topics where poverty is mentioned include the following:
And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Indeed, their killing is ever a great sin.(18:79)
وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا أَوْلَادَكُمْ خَشْيَةَ إِمْلَاقٍ ۖ نَحْنُ نَرْزُقُهُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ قَتْلَهُمْ كَانَ خِطْئًا كَبِيرًا
“Say, ‘Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities – what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason.'” (Qur’an 6:151)
قُلْ تَعَالَوْا أَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ ۖ أَلَّا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا ۖ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۖ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا أَوْلَادَكُمْ مِنْ إِمْلَاقٍ ۖ نَحْنُ نَرْزُقُكُمْ وَإِيَّاهُمْ ۖ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا الْفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ ۖ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُمْ بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ)
And know that anything you obtain of war booty – then indeed, for Allah is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and the orphans, the needy, and the [stranded] traveler, if you have believed in Allah and in that which We sent down to Our Servant on the day of criterion – the day when the two armies met. And Allah, over all things, is competent (9:60) .
وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا غَنِمْتُمْ مِنْ شَيْءٍ فَأَنَّ لِلَّهِ خُمُسَهُ وَلِلرَّسُولِ وَلِذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ آمَنْتُمْ بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَىٰ عَبْدِنَا يَوْمَ الْفُرْقَانِ يَوْمَ الْتَقَى الْجَمْعَانِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for the cause of Allah, and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.(24:32)
وَلَا يَأْتَلِ أُولُو الْفَضْلِ مِنْكُمْ وَالسَّعَةِ أَنْ يُؤْتُوا أُولِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينَ وَالْمُهَاجِرِينَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ۖ وَلْيَعْفُوا وَلْيَصْفَحُوا ۗ أَلَا تُحِبُّونَ أَنْ يَغْفِرَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ
So give the relative his right, as well as the needy and the traveler. That is best for those who desire the countenance of Allah, and it is they who will be the successful.(58:4)
فَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ لِلَّذِينَ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَ اللَّهِ ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ
“Whoever relieves his brother of a trial or a difficulty in this life, God will relieve him of a trial in the next life.” (Prophet Muhammad)
مَنْ نَفَّسَ عَنْ مُؤْمِنٍ كُرْبَةً مِنْ كُرَبِ الدُّنْيَا نَفَّسَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ كُرْبَةً مِنْ كُرَبِ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ
“Pay Zakat out of your property, for truly it is a purifier which purifies you, and be kind to your relatives, and acknowledge the rights of the poor, neighbors and beggars.” (Prophet Muhammad)
“وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ مِنْ أَمْوَالِكُمْ فَإِنَّهَا تُطَهِّرُكُمْ وَتُزَكِّيكُمْ بِهَا وَارْزُقُوا الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرُوا تَبْذِيرًا”
“He who sleeps on a full stomach whilst his neighbour goes hungry is not one of us.” (Prophet Muhammad)
“مَنْ بَاتَ شَبِعًا وَجَارُهُ جَائِعٌ فَلَيْسَ مِنَّا”
Dua to remove poverty
Islam is a religion of ease, not hardship. Allah has commanded us to obey, thank, and follow His orders. In the Qur’an and the Prophetic traditions, many supplications protect a Muslim from poverty.
As mentioned in the hadith on poverty and kufr (disbelief), poverty can corrupt hearts and lead one to disbelief and misguidance. Some important supplications to be recited are as follows.
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“O Allah, I seek refuge with You from disbelief, poverty, distress, and dependency.”
“اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْكُفْرِ وَالْفَقْرِ، وَالْعِشْرَةِ، وَالْمَعَاذَرَةِ
“O Allah, I ask for Your favor and mercy, and seek refuge with You from Your punishment .”
“اللهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ وَرَحْمَتِكَ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِكَ”
“O Allah, make the vastness of Your provision upon me when I am old and at the end of my life.”
أَللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ أَوْسَعَ رِزْقِكَ عَلَيَّ عِنْدَ كِبَرِ سِنِّيْ وَانْقِضَاءِ عُمْرِيْ
“O Allah, I ask You for good provision, beneficial knowledge, and accepted deeds.”
أَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَسْئَلُكَ رِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَعَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّلاً
“O Allah, I have answered Your call, prayed Your obligatory prayer, and spread out as You commanded me. So provide for me from Your bounty, for You are the best of providers.
أَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَجَبْتُ دَعْوَتَكَ وَصَلَّيْتُ فَرِيْضَتَكَ وَانْتَشَرْتُ لِمَا أَمَرْتَنِيْ فَارْزُقْنِيْ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِيْنَ
“O Allah, suffice me with Your lawful sustenance over Your forbidden sustenance, and enrich me with Your grace over anyone else.”
اللّهُمَّ اكْفِنِي بِحَلالِكَ عَنْ حَرَامِكَ وَأَغْنِنِي بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِوَاك
“O Allah, in Your hand is all control and the keys to everything, so grant us what delights our eyes and suffices us from asking anyone else. O Allah, You are vast in generosity, abundant in bounty, excellent in character. We stand at Your door, awaiting Your known, vast generosity, O Generous, O Merciful.”
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ بِيَدِكَ الأَمْرُ كُلُّهُ وَمَقَالِيدُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ فَهَبْ لَنَا مَا تَقَرُّ بِهِ أَعْيُنُنَا وَتُغْنِينَا عَنْ سُؤَالِ غَيْرِكَ. اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ وَاسِعُ الْكَرَمِ، كَثِيرُ الْجُودِ، حَسَنُ الشِّيمِ، فَبَابُكَ وَاقِفُونَ وَلِجُودِكَ الْوَاسِعِ الْمَعْرُوفِ مُنْتَظِرُونَ يَا كَرِيمُ يَا رَحِيمُ.
Who is poor according to hadith on poverty and kufr?
According to the hadith on poverty and kufr in Islamic teachings, poverty is understood and addressed comprehensively through the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
According to the Hadith on poverty and kufr encompasses not just material deprivation but also spiritual and social dimensions.
The Prophet’s teachings highlight the moral obligation of society to care for the impoverished, ensuring their dignity and well-being are protected.
Poverty, as articulated in hadith on poverty and kufr, extends beyond mere economic scarcity.
It includes lacking basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing, but also pertains to the absence of social support and opportunities for livelihood.
Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of addressing poverty through acts of charity (sadaqah) and zakat (obligatory almsgiving), which are seen as purification for wealth and a means to uplift those in need.
Moreover, the hadith on poverty and kufr literature underscores that poverty should not be a barrier to accessing justice, education, or healthcare.
The Prophet himself advocated for the fair treatment and inclusion of the poor in all aspects of society, ensuring they have equal rights and opportunities to improve their circumstances.
Furthermore, poverty in hadith on poverty and kufr is viewed as a test of faith and an opportunity for others to demonstrate compassion and generosity.
The Prophet Muhammad exemplified this through his own actions, showing kindness and support to the less fortunate, and urging his followers to emulate these principles in their daily lives.
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FAQS about Hadith on poverty and kufr
What dua is against poverty?
There are several supplications (duas) in Islam that seek protection against poverty. One example is:
“O Allah, I seek refuge with You from disbelief, poverty, distress, and dependency.”
“اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْكُفْرِ وَالْفَقْرِ، وَالْعِشْرَةِ، وَالْمَعَاذَرَةِ”
What is the poverty prayer in Islam?
The poverty prayer refers to supplications and prayers seeking relief from poverty and its effects. It involves asking Allah for sustenance, provision, and protection from the hardships of poverty.
How does Islam view poverty?
Islam views poverty as a test of faith and a means of purification. It emphasizes compassion, charity (sadaqah), and obligatory almsgiving (zakat) as ways to alleviate poverty and support those in need.
Who is real poor according to hadith on poverty and kufr?
According to hadith on poverty and kufr, the truly poor (al-fuqara) are those who possess little or no material wealth but remain patient and steadfast in their faith. They rely on Allah for their needs and are content with whatever they have.
What does Kufr mean in Islam?
Kufr in Islam refers to disbelief or rejection of the truth, particularly the rejection of the fundamental beliefs and teachings of Islam after being presented with them. and according to hadith on poverty and kufr, it may be related to poverty sometimes.
What is the hadith on fear of wealth?
The hadith warns about the dangers of wealth and the potential for it to corrupt individuals if not managed with piety and gratitude. An example is:
“Beware of stinginess, for it destroyed those who came before you. It led them to shed their blood and disregard their relations.”
“وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَالشُّحَّ، فَإِنَّهُ أَهْلَكَ مَنْ كَانَ قَبْلَكُمْ، حَمَلَهُمْ عَلَى أَنْ سَفَكُوا دِمَاءَهُمْ وَاحْرَقُوا أَوْطَانَهُمْ”
Which surah is for removing poverty?
Surah Al-Waqi’ah (Surah 56) is often recited for seeking provision and removing poverty. It highlights Allah’s power and His ability to provide sustenance to all.
Is poverty considered a form of punishment in Islam?
Poverty is not considered a punishment in Islam, nor is it considered a defect that its owner should be ashamed of, because Allah SWT is the one who distributes sustenance among His servants, and the poor person must be content with what Allah has allotted to him, as Allah SWT said:
وَلَا تَمُدَّنَّ عَيْنَيْكَ إِلَىٰ مَا مَتَّعْنَا بِهِ أَزْوَاجًا مِّنْهُمْ زَهْرَةَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا لِنَفْتِنَهُمْ فِيهِ ۖ وَرِزْقُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ.
(Wa lā tamuddanna ʿaynayka ilā mā mattaʿnā bihi azwājan minhum zahrat al-ḥayāti al-dunyā linaftinahum fīhi wa rizqu rabbika khayrun wa abqā)
(And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [certain] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more lasting.)
There is also a hadith about poor narrated by Imran bin Husain (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
اطلعت في الجنة فرأيت أكثر أهلها الفقراء، واطلعت في النار فرأيت أكثر أهلها النساء
“I looked into Paradise and saw that most of its people were the poor, and I looked into Hell and saw that most of its people were women.”
There is also a hadith on poverty and kufr in Al-Tabarani’s dictionary:
(كاد الحسد أن يسبق القدر، وكادت الحاجة أن تكون كفرًا)
(Envy almost precedes destiny, and need almost leads to disbelief.)
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What is the significance of patience in the context of poverty?
Poverty is not considered a defect that its owner should be ashamed of, and a Muslim must be patient with his poverty, as Allah SWT will reward him with the best of rewards. If the servant is patient with his trial with a lack of money, his reward will be Paradise and its blessings, based on the following hadith:
It was narrated from Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-Aas that he said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say:
إن فُقراء المهاجرين يسبقون الأغنياء يوم القيامة إلى الجنة بأربعين خريفًا، قالوا: فإنا نصبر لا نسأل شيئًا.
“The poor among the Muhajireen will precede the rich on the Day of Resurrection into Paradise by forty autumns.” They said: “So we will be patient and will not ask for anything.”
A poverty in islam hadith was narrated by Ahmed and authenticated by Al-Albani on the authority of Mahmoud bin Labid that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
ناثنتان يكرههما ابن آدم: يكره الموت، والموت خيرٌ للمؤمن من الفتنة، ويكره قلة المال، وقلة المال أقل للحساب.
“Two things that the son of Adam hates: death, and death is better for a believer than temptation, and he hates a lack of wealth, and a lack of wealth is less for reckoning.”
There is also a hadith about poverty and disbelief, which is a Dua to be away from them which is is the saying of the Prophet (PBUH):
اللهم إني أعوذ بك من الكفر والفقر
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from disbelief and poverty.”
Are there hadiths that encourage helping the poor?
Our true Islamic religion urges us to help the poor and needy, and there are many hadiths that confirm this, the most prominent of which is narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
«قَالَ الله: أَنْفِقْ يَا ابْنَ آدَمَ أُنْفِقْ عَلَيْكَ»
(Qala Allah: Anfiq ya abna Adam unfiq ‘alayka)
(Allah said: Spend, O son of Adam, I will spend on you)
In another hadith narrated by Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
أنَّ رجلًا جاء إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم، فقال: يا رسول الله، أي الناس أحب إلى الله؟ وأي الأعمال أحب إلى الله عزَّ وجلَّ؟ فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم: «أَحَبُّ النَّاسِ إِلَى اللهِ أَنْفَعَهُمْ لِلنَّاسِ، وَأَحَبُّ الْأَعْمَالِ إِلَى اللهِ سُرُورٍ تُدْخِلُهُ عَلَى مُسْلِمٍ، أَوْ تَكْشِفُ عَنْهُ كُرْبَةً، أَوْ تَقْضِي عَنْهُ دِينًا، أَوْ تُطْرَدُ عَنْهُ جُوعًا».
A man came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and said: “O Messenger of Allah, which of the people is most beloved to Allah? And what deeds are most beloved to Allah SWT?” The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people, and the most beloved of deeds to Allah are joy you bring to a Muslim, or relieve him of distress, or pay off his debt, or repel hunger from him.”
How should a believer respond to poverty?
A believer must deal with poverty with patience and the firm belief that Allah SWT is the Provider who extends sustenance to whomever He wills, and if Allah had willed, He would have changed the condition of the believer in the blink of an eye. The believer must be patient with this trial and make every effort to look for work to get rid of his poverty, and Allah will provide for him from where he does not expect, and he must also seek refuge in Allah from poverty.
It was narrated from Abu Saeed Al-Khudri that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to say:
اللهم إني أعوذ بك من الكفر والفقر، فقال رجل: ويعدلان؟ قال: نعم
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from disbelief and poverty.” A man said: “Are they equal?” He said: “Yes.”
What is the role of sadaqah in alleviating poverty?
Sadaqah (charity) has a great role in alleviating poverty and bringing joy and pleasure to the heart of the poor. It contributes significantly to reducing the number of poor people and achieving balance between the classes in society. It is a lifeline for many poor and needy people, and this creates a state of compassion and harmony among members of society
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