Reflections on Hardship and Success in This World and the Hereafter

There is a perspective that is often heard: “The poor and less educated do not see many things, even in this world.” This view invites us to ponder deeply about the relationship between knowledge, effort, wealth, and a person’s fate, both in this world and the hereafter.

Understanding the Causes of Poverty

To understand why someone is poor, we need to listen to the stories of those who have successfully emerged from poverty. They can highlight the differences in efforts and strategies they employed. Similarly, to understand hard work and perseverance, we should ask those who have achieved success. They can share the nuances of the efforts required.

Knowledge and the Role of Teachers

When seeking knowledge, it is not enough to ask current students, who may still be grappling with understanding. Instead, we should ask those students who have successfully become teachers. They possess a broader and deeper perspective on the process of acquiring and applying knowledge.

Wealth and Entering Heaven

There is an argument that suggests the poor find it easier to enter heaven. However, this argument can be questioned. Between the knowledgeable and the wealthy, it is said that the wealthy may enter heaven first. Without wealth or money, how can one become learned? If this argument holds, then it would be better to live in debt, free from wrongdoing towards others, consume only what is halal, and focus solely on religious devotions. But is this truly the way? Why did Allah create the world with various challenges if that were the case?

Contributions of the Wealthy

Let us consider who funds education, builds roads and bridges, constructs and manages mosques, and supports the impoverished to become hafiz, imams, or muftis. Who provides subsidies for pilgrimages, creates jobs for millions, pays the salaries of government employees, and ensures national security? Most of these come from the contributions of successful individuals. A person’s success may owe 80% or more to the contributions of others. So, do these contributors not receive any spiritual rewards?

Thinking and Contributing

Reflecting on societal issues, especially those affecting the less fortunate, is better than performing a thousand voluntary prayers. What more if we can contribute? The best people are those who live to benefit others. In the context of political thought in Malaysia, we often hear that all development is due to government or Prime Minister’s funds. In reality, these are contributions from successful citizens. These are the ones who should be praised, but are often overlooked.

Conclusion

This perspective calls us to appreciate the efforts, knowledge, and contributions from all parties, especially those who succeed and work hard. It also reminds us that success is not just for oneself but to benefit others. By doing so, we can build a more just and balanced society, in this world and the hereafter.