KUALA LUMPUR - Wealth in Islam is not seen as mere ownership but as a trust from Allah SWT, meant to be managed with responsibility and generosity.
This was the central theme shared by Islamic Chaplain at Curtin University and Imam at Al-Ameen College, Australia, Shaykh Yahya Ibrahim during ‘Where Faith Meets Wealth,’ an exclusive Islamic educational talk and Ramadan event hosted by CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad at The St Regis Kuala Lumpur last week.
Yahya emphasised that all wealth ultimately belongs to Allah and humans are only entrusted with its stewardship.
"No matter how much wealth one amasses, the Giver remains Allah.
Islam teaches that wealth should be used in accordance with divine guidance and acts such as ‘Zakat’ (obligatory charity) are not just acts of generosity but divine mandates.
"The wealth we distribute is not truly ours—it belongs to Allah, who has commanded us to allocate it to those in need,” he added.
Yahya also explored the idea of leaving a meaningful legacy, emphasising the value of sustainable charitable contributions.
He described that true foresight lies in understanding the ‘barakah’ (divine blessing) that comes with intentional legacy planning.
A powerful example of this was seen in Medina, where a hotel operates under the endowment of Uthman bin Affan RA, with its profits supporting orphanages, feeding the needy, and funding Islamic initiatives.
Yahya also addressed the importance of ethical wealth acquisition. The Prophet Muhammad SAW emphasised that seeking lawful sustenance is not only encouraged but considered an act of faith.
He would regularly supplicate, "O Allah, protect me from poverty.” Yahya explained that this illustrates the balanced Islamic stance on financial responsibility—poverty is not glorified, nor is reckless wealth accumulation encouraged.
Instead, Islam advocates for financial stability achieved through lawful and ethical means.
The Prophet Muhammad SAW’s teachings also stress that true wealth is not measured by material possessions but by contentment.
"A person with vast riches may still feel unfulfilled, while another with modest means may experience deep satisfaction.
"Islam encourages believers to seek lawful earnings, give generously and maintain gratitude, ensuring that wealth is not just accumulated but utilized for the greater good,” Yahya added.
As modern financial success is often measured by assets and income, Yahya reminded attendees that Islam’s definition of success is holistic—encompassing both material and spiritual well-being.
"The Islamic psychology of wealth encourages us to balance our ambitions with generosity and ethical conduct.
"By doing so, we not only secure material success but also earn eternal rewards in the hereafter,” he added.
CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad hosted ‘Where Faith Meets Wealth’, their first Islamic educational talk and Ramadan event exclusively for CIMB Preferred clients.
Held during Ramadan, the event reflected CIMB’s commitment to providing more than just banking services by integrating faith-based financial education with spiritual reflection.
It aimed to empower clients with knowledge that supports both financial prosperity and spiritual fulfilment.
The gathering also provided an opportunity for CIMB’s affluent customers to enhance their Islamic knowledge, break their fast together and perform Taraweeh prayers in a meaningful communal experience.