In a faith whose founder was a successful merchant and whose golden age sparked advancements in trade, finance, and industry, it’s ironic that many Muslims in the Indian Subcontinent today still wrestle with a deeply embedded poverty mindset. This isn’t merely about income — it’s about mentality: the way we view wealth, ambition, success, and our place in the economic world.

Below are five root causes that continue to shape this mindset — and what needs to change.

1. Misunderstanding Zuhd (Asceticism)

One of the most common misinterpretations in modern Muslim discourse is the concept of zuhd. Too often, it’s confused with poverty or a rejection of material well-being. In reality, zuhd is not about owning nothing — it’s about not letting anything own you.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived simply, yes — but he also conducted trade, accepted gifts, and managed wealth. His companions, like Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf and Uthman ibn Affan, were among the wealthiest men of their time — but their wealth was in their hands, not in their hearts.

Piety and prosperity are not mutually exclusive in Islam.

2. Colonial Legacy and Economic Disempowerment

Many Muslim-majority countries were subject to brutal colonization — and the economic consequences are still being felt.

Colonial powers extracted resources, imposed foreign economic systems, and suppressed indigenous entrepreneurship. As a result, many post-colonial Muslim nations inherited broken infrastructures, poor educational systems, and weak industrial capacity. This historical trauma shaped generations of Muslims to think small, depend on aid, and expect little.

The poverty mindset in these regions isn’t just psychological — it’s systemic.

3. Lack of Financial Education

In too many South Asian Muslim communities, discussions about money are considered materialistic, inappropriate, or even sinful. The result? A severe lack of education around essential financial principles — saving, investing, building businesses, or understanding halal wealth-generation.

Islam is not opposed to wealth — it advocates for responsible, ethical wealth. But without knowledge, ambition fades. Many youth are taught to pursue only jobs — rarely to create companies, generate passive income, or build generational wealth.

The silence around money is costing us opportunity.

4. Cultural Guilt Around Success

There’s often a subtle cultural guilt surrounding wealth in Muslims of South Asia. People feel uncomfortable dressing well, driving a nice car, or openly aspiring for financial success — fearing community judgment, or being accused of showing off.

Yet the Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged excellence, beauty, and gratitude for blessings. Wealth is a test — not a sin. When communities equate success with arrogance, ambition gets suppressed. That guilt becomes a barrier.

5. Neglecting the Sunnah of Trade

Trade is a lost Sunnah.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was a merchant before he was a prophet. His companions — Abu Bakr, Uthman, and others — were deeply involved in trade and business. They used their earnings to serve the community, support the poor, and finance Islamic causes.

Today, this legacy is often forgotten. Many South Asian Muslims rely on employment, donations, or government aid — not entrepreneurship. The business mindset that once fueled Islamic growth has been sidelined.

Reviving it is not just beneficial — it’s prophetic.

Conclusion: Time for a Mindset Shift

Muslims today must stop equating poverty with piety and success with sin. Islam promotes balance — detachment from love of wealth, not avoidance of wealth itself. The Ummah needs financially empowered individuals who see money as a tool, not a temptation.

Wealth is not the enemy. Misunderstanding it is.

To rebuild strong Muslim economies, we must:

  • Educate financially,
  • Revive the entrepreneurial Sunnah,
  • Honor wealth used for good,
  • And shake off the guilt of success.

It’s not just about making money — it’s about reclaiming your legacy.

This opinion piece has been contributed by Ashfaaq Ali, Digital creator of World Updates.

Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in The Brew Opinion – our opinion section – are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TheBrewNews.com, the company, or any of its members.