their experience of poverty and
need:
As for man, when his Lord
tests him by honouring him
and favouring him, he says,
"My Lord has honoured me!"
But then when He tests him by
restricting his provision, he
says, "My Lord has humiliated
me!" (Surat al-Fajr: 15-16)
Allah has created the count-
less blessings on this earth, but people who do not realise this for-
get that it is according to Allah's will and by His permission that
they can buy their food and clothing. They do not thank Allah but
act constantly under the control of selfish desires. All they think
about while shopping is what clothing will most impress their
friends. What occupies their minds constantly is where they can
buy the latest and most attractive fashions in the colours and qual-
ities they want. They are always concerned about what other peo-
ple have and are jealous of them. They cannot endure being
without possession and material things. They feel a great desire to
own property and possessions. They compare what has been
given to them with what has been given to others, and become im-
patient, thinking they have been treated unjustly and do not give
thanks. In the Qur'an, Allah reveals the ungratefulness of those
who are not content with what they have and always want more:
Allah shows favour to mankind but most of
them are not thankful. (Surat an-
Naml: 73)
A believer who lives according
to the teaching of the Qur'an knows
that the blessings around him are a
Harun Yahya
r
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