Allaah has deliberately given some people more wealth,
intelligence, beauty, strength, children, etc., than others,
{ وَاللهُ فَضَّلَ بَعْضَكُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ فِي الرِّزْقِ }
“Allaah has favored some of you over others with
sustenance.”
Soorah an-Nahl (16):71
But He has forbidden us from desiring what others have,
{ وَلاَ تَتَمَنَّوا مَا فَضَّلَ اللهُ بِهِ بَعْضَكُم عَلَى بَعْضٍ }
“Do not wish for what we have favored some of you over
others.”
Soorah an-Nisaa’ (4):32
Because these favors of Allaah are tests of faith. The more
favors, the more tests. The material things of this life do not
make one superior to another in Allaah’s judgement. True
superiority lies in faith in God. Allaah said,
{ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِنْدَ اللهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ }
“Surely the most noble of you to Allaah is the most God
fearing.”
Soorah al-Hujuraat (49):13
