Accumulation of Wealth: Islamic Prospective

The accumulation of wealth is a universal socio-economic phenomenon, yet its ethical boundaries and functional purposes vary across civilizations. In Islam, wealth is not merely a means of personal comfort or social status; rather, it is viewed as a trust (amanah) from Allah, accompanied by responsibilities, restrictions, and moral guidelines. To fulfill the basic needs of human beings, the accumulation and distribution of wealth are essential. For this purpose, many systems, including Feudalism, Democracy, and Communism, have been established. Islam also permits the accumulation of wealth, even though there have some specific moral and practical guidelines for this. Accumulation of wealth is a praiseworthy practice, but hoarding wealth beyond what is needed is highly discouraging, a form of waste not supported by Islam. A saving attitude or intention is a prerequisite for the accumulation of wealth. Saving is encouraging for future security and needs, but excessive stinginess is strictly prohibited in Islam. This paper examines the Islamic perspective on wealth accumulation, focusing on its theological foundations (Rooted in the Qur'an and Sunnah), economic principles, societal implications, and ways to become wealthy based on the Qur'an and Sunnah. In the Islamic perspective, there are different types of wealth, such as material, spiritual, Moral and ethical, social, intellectual, and natural wealth. In the present article, we are considering only the material or physical wealth. We also tried to explore the solution suggested by Islam regarding the accumulation of wealth and maintaining parity among the people. The current investigation also explored ways to increase a person's wealth based on the Quran and Hadith.