Looking at Those Who are of Lower Status (financially)
By Mohammad Rafique Etesame
Abu Hurairah (RAA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Look at those who are lowers than you (financially) but do not look at those who are higher than you, lest you belittle the favors of Allah conferred upon you” (Bukhari, Muslim).
We know that there are many kinds of people in the society, comprising the rich, the poor and the middle standard ones etc. But, according to Islamic teachings, a faithful believer should not look at those who possess the higher status financially but should look at those who are of the lower status then him.
Because when he will see to the rich ones, then a feeling of ingratitude arises in his heart and he will belittle the favors of Allah. While on the other hand, when he will see to those who are lower than him, then he will be thankful to God.
It is narrated that there lived a bare-footed man in a city and was ingratitude due to it to Allah Almighty. One day he went to offer prayer in the mosque, where he saw a man with cut-off his feet. So he became much grateful to Allah due to his right healthy feet.
In fact, everyone has such type of favors that others have not. For example, a sound health is equal to one thousand favors, so to be thankful to Allah over His favors is necessary, the holy Qur’an makes mention,” And [remember the time] when your Sustainer made [this promise] known: 'If you are grateful [to Me], I shall most certainly give you more and more; but if you are ungrateful, verily, My chastisement will be severe indeed!'' (Ibrahim (Abraham) 14:7).
And whoever gives thanks to Allah, he receives more favors from Allah Almighty. May Allah Almighty give us ‘taufeeq’ to act upon this hadith, Amin.