Assalamu alaikum - Why some believers are poor while others disbelievers seem wealthy

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ Assalamu alaikum, Some of us struggle to accept how in this world people’s wealth and ease don’t always match their level of faith. We often see non‑believers living in comfort while many practicing Muslims face hardship. Those who only look at this life might feel it’s unfair or get confused. The Qur’an and the Sunnah address this issue, and I’ve collected a few verses and hadiths below that may help bring clarity. I pray Allah ﷻ makes it useful. Qur’an: 1. Surah Al-‘Imran 178 - Don’t think that because Allah gives some disbelievers longer enjoyment, it is better for them; it’s only so they increase in sin and they have humiliating punishment awaiting them. 2. Surah Ta-Ha 131 - Don’t let your eyes long for what We have allowed some disbelievers to enjoy, the fleeting beauty of this worldly life; your Lord’s provision in the Hereafter is far better and everlasting. 3. Surah Az-Zukhruf 33–35 - If We had wanted to make all of them one community of disbelievers, We could have made their homes with silver roofs and stairways, gates and thrones of silver and gold ornaments; but all that is merely worldly enjoyment, while the Hereafter is for those mindful of Allah. 4. Surah Al-Ahqaf 20 - On the Day when disbelievers will be exposed to the Fire, they will be told that they exhausted their share of pleasures in this life, and today they will be given the disgrace of punishment for their arrogance and rebellion. 5. Surah Al-Hadid 20 - Know that this worldly life is only play, amusement, and competition in wealth and children; it is like rain that grows plants which later wither and become chaff. In the Hereafter there is either severe punishment or Allah’s forgiveness and pleasure - the life of this world is a deceptive enjoyment. Hadiths: 1. The Prophet ﷺ said that if the world were worth even the wing of a mosquito to Allah, an unbeliever would not be given a sip of water - showing how insignificant the world is compared to the Hereafter. 2. Once the Prophet ﷺ passed by a useless carcass and asked people if they would take it for a coin; they refused. He then said that the worldly life is less important to Allah than that carcass is to them. 3. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the unbeliever.” 4. On the Day of Resurrection, the most privileged among the people of Hell will be shown and asked if they saw any good in this life - they will say no. Likewise, the most miserable among the people of Paradise will be shown and asked if they saw hardship - they will say no. This reminds us that worldly status does not equal eternal outcome. 5. The Prophet ﷺ warned that when Allah gives a sinful person what he loves in this life, it can be a snare leading to destruction - people rejoice in what they’re given, then sudden despair may seize them. Summary and gentle reminder: It helps to remember that this life is a test and not the final measure of a person’s worth with Allah. Wealth or ease for some may be a trial or a temporary lure away from guidance, while hardship for others can be a means of purification and elevation in the sight of Allah. Keep faith, do righteous deeds, be patient, and seek the Hereafter. May Allah grant us understanding, ease, and the best outcome. Wasalaam.