ADNAN OKTAR: For example, in that regard wealth is a sedition, it is something really difficult. A rich person has many enemies. People always expect things from the wealthy. Everyone regards the wealthy as a bottomless pit of money and the one who wants money from that person imagines - I cleanse all of them, of course I am only saying this for some of them - that it is only him, who wants money from those people. Wherever a rich person goes he generally encounters people who want his money. For example, he goes somewhere and either someone wants something for his house or needs money. I mean, people cannot restrain themselves when they see someone wealthy. But see that I consider all of them free of this, but some people are like that. I mean, there is an endless demand. When their demands are not met, they always become angry and hateful and turn into enemies. This is a great danger. Had they regarded him as an ordinary person or a poor one, nobody would get into such expectations. A rich person has advantages, too. When one is rich, many people would love and respect him. In that regard it is a good thing; seemingly good. This is because the important thing is to love for Allah’s approval. But they have many enemies, as well. That is because everyone always expects something from them, most people do.

PRESENTER: And they turn hostile when they don’t get it.

ADNAN OKTAR:They are filled with hate when they don’t get it. “Why doesn’t he give it to me, he has more than enough, but he doesn't give” they say. Whereas 10 minutes ago someone else also asked for it, 20 minutes ago someone else asked as well. All rich people know this. There is no end to it.

They sometimes say that the secret to wealth is never to give anyone anything. Some use that kind of expressions. Money has to be spent, but within the bounds set out in the Qur’an and on Allah’s path, in a manner of which He will approve. I mean, one should consider only the benefits of Islam. I mean it cannot be according to the personal interests, it cannot be according to the interests of people. It is unacceptable to say, “I am going to go on a holiday, I want to have fun, I will buy some dresses, I want to dress up, so give me some money.” If he is really cold, freezing, he is about to get crippled, then you can buy him clothes. I mean this will be according to the approval of Allah. But if this is only for dressing up, you go and buy books and hand them out for Allah’s approval, why would you give him money to dress up? One says, “I want to live under better conditions and I want to be in a flashier house. I want to hire a better house, so give me some money.” That is unacceptable. This is because, there are Muslims living under really very difficult circumstances. There are Muslims in a wretched state. What is more urgent? It is their religious awareness; that is the most vital thing. That logic is thus one of the corruptions that constrain people secretly. I mean it is one of the unknown, secret seditions.

For example, the wealthy people… Deceased Vehbi Koc came to the mosque, the Molla Mosque. We performed our prayers. After the prayers everyone, almost everyone there, got into a line and kissed his hand, one by one. I mean, if I ask them why, in my opinion, it is largely something to do with his being rich. I doubt it is because of his takwa(fear from Allah), or his knowledge, I mean in religious matters, or his deep knowledge of any other faith related subjects. The whole mosque got in line to kiss his hand. I mean, I found that very interesting at the time. There were people rubbing their hands and feet, standing bowing and scraping. Of course one can love him as someone useful for Turkey and the nation, someone who builds facilities. But that was not how it seemed to me. That is because, scholars come there, for instance, great scholars, but nobody stands in line for them. Worthy people used to go there, people with takwa, but no such thing happened for them. Not if they were poor. Had Vehbi Koç lost all his material possessions as well, had he gone bankrupt, would those same people get in that same line? I rather doubt it. Do you think they would?

PRESENTER: Only Allah can know.

ADNAN OKTAR: I really rather suspect not.

PRESENTER:  I guess it depends on those people’s intentions. Since that crowd had something to do with their intentions, I imagine, as you have said, it was the reason why they were there.

ADNAN OKTAR:Yes. I cannot be sure, of course. But I have suspected that. It came across my mind as an example. That is because no matter how scholarly or wise a poor man may be, he may not enjoy such a kind of courtesy. What is common is, to assume position according to the situation. But then again, let us all think the best, insha’Allah. Let us say they treated him like that because of his usefulness for the country, because of his services. But I trust that people see this very frequently, I have just cited this as an extreme example. But that is a known concept, I think that it be useful for some people to think more deeply and reach a more honest decision.