Lessons from the Prophet Muhammad on Managing Wealth: An Explanation

JAKARTA — The Messenger of Allah had various sources of income, which he distributed to his family, the community and the state. Although he was generous, the Prophet also taught people how to control their spending when using their wealth.

In his book The Prophet’s Wealth, Abdul Fattah As-Samman explains several ways the Prophet controlled expenditure. For example, Muhammad exercised restraint when his wives asked for increased allowances, as described in the verses concerning the instruction to choose. He also controlled spending when his daughter once asked him to buy her a servant.

The Prophet’s advice on frugality in household matters was another way in which he taught the management of wealth. Allah explains why he did not grant his wives’ requests for increased allowances in verses 28–29 of Surah Al-Ahzab.

The verses say: “O Prophet! Say to your wives, ‘If you desire the life of this world and its adornment, then come, and I will provide for you and release you in a gracious manner. But if you desire Allah and His Messenger and the abode of the Hereafter, then indeed Allah has prepared a great reward for those of you who do good.’”

However, there are three points that need to be understood when interpreting the evidence above.