Article appeared Friday, August 25th, 2017 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (490) yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

Are status, wealth, power and/or children a sign of acceptance by God? In society and in the
world at large, it appears that we have two types of people, the haves and the have nots.
Also, like mix with like and keep the company of likes. So, the question is, is having more than
others a sign of acceptance by God, i.e., because they feel that they are better human beings?
Or are these apparent blessings simply to test their attitude towards Him?

If we accept that status, wealth, power and/or children are given by God, let us see what the Al-
Quran says about these things.
You should know that your wealth and your children are, in fact, a test for you, and that
Allah is He with Whom is your mighty reward. O believers! If you fear Allah He will grant
you a criterion (to judge between right and wrong), do away with your sins and forgive
you. Allah is the Lord of Mighty Grace. [8.28 8.29]

What could be right or wrong behavior? Firstly, is there a right or wrong attitude towards God?
An attitude could be a personal feeling of greatness and that the status, wealth, power and/or
children are deserved rewards from God. As such, God would be approached only for higher
status, more wealth, greater power and smarter or more children. Secondly, what could one do
with the blessings given by God? For example, status and power could be used to oppress or
deprive others of their right to wealth or other benefits. Would such an attitude be right or
wrong? On the other hand, God could be praised and thanked for His Blessings while using
them in a way that may please God, e.g., using wealth to help others. If blessings are a test for
demonstrating belief in God, which of the two attitudes would prove belief? Do those who are
better off feel advantaged over those who have less?
When Our Clear Signs are rehearsed to them the Unbelievers say to those who believe
"Which of the two sides is best in point of position? Which makes the best show in
council?" [19.73]

If the test is of belief, are those better off in a position of advantage? The translators of the Al-
Quran {1} give the following explanation of Verses 19.73 and 19.74.
Those who do not care what is right or what is wrong, those who prefer the
considerations of this world to those of the life hereafter and those who chose to please
other people rather than God, are always successful from the worldly point of view. They
are surrounded by glamour and glitter. As opposed to this, those who in all their dealings
are worried about right or wrong, who ignore the considerations of this world and prefer
those of the life hereafter, those who care for God rather than the attitude of the public,
are often bereft of external pomp and glory. This difference often gives rise to
misunderstandings. It is thought that those who are better off from the worldly point of
view are Gods favored ones and those who do not enjoy this position in this world are
low in Gods esteem. But this is a completely wrong assessment, as past history
contradicts and disproves it. How many haughty heads of the past have rolled and are
buried in the ground? And how many grand palaces are still extant today that have not
fallen into ruin? {p.933, 1}

Can those who prefer to be elevated in the eyes of others, other than God, prove that they
believe in Him? Their apparent image in the eyes of others is more important than thinking of
God and the purpose of His blessings. What might God do to cities and nations where such a
haughty attitude of promoting self-importance and oppression of others exists? In response to
this question, God asks in the Al-Quran:
19.74 But how many (countless) generations before them have We destroyed
who were even better in equipment and in glitter to the eye?
Indeed, how many generations do archeologists find buried with no survivors to carry on their
heritage? A case in point is the destruction of the city of Pompeii {2}, completely engulfed with
lava from Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The Bible Study {3} points out that one cannot serve both
wealth and God together one can have only one master [Luke, 16:13]. The Bible also points
out how people with wealth go astray. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10, for example, the apostle Paul warns,
But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and
harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a
root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and
pierced themselves with many griefs. {4}

God points out in the Al-Quran that He extends the rope to those who prefer the worldly glitter
over Him, so that they have the opportunity to irrevocably prove/disprove their disbelief.

19.75 Say: "If any men go astray (God) Most Gracious extends (the rope) to
them. Until when they see the warning of Allah (being fulfilled) either in
punishment or in (the approach of) the Hour they will at length realize who is
worst in position and (who) weakest in forces!
Upon reflection, some may realize the reality of the test and return to God. If they turn to God
and seek His Guidance, it is always forthcoming.

19.76 And Allah advances in guidance those who seek guidance; and the things
that endure. Good Deeds are best in the sight of your Lord as rewards and best in
respect of (their) eventual returns.
However, those who feel elevated because of Gods worldly blessings may presume, that they
would continue to be rewarded because of their greatness. Such people, in fact, elevate
themselves in preference to God.

19.77 Have you then seen the (sort of) man who rejects Our Signs yet says: "I
shall certainly be given wealth and children"?
God asks, how can such a person be so sure? In his/her haughtiness, does he/she think he/she
can dictate God?

19.78 Has he penetrated to the Unseen or has he taken a contract with (God)
Most Gracious?

19.79 Nay! We shall record what he says and We Shall add and add to his
punishment.
On the Day of Judgment, each of us will be shown our deeds and be held accountable.

19.80 To Us shall return all that he talks of and he shall appear before Us bare
and alone.
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{Notes}:
{1} Khan, W. and Khanam, F. (Translators). (2016). The Quran, English Translation,
Commentary and Parallel Arabic Text. Goodword Books, India.
{2} http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/pompeii.htm
{3} http://www.acts17-11.com/money.html
{4} https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-19-woes-wealth-without-god-james-51-6