By Ikkz Ikbal
In a world where the sparkle of gold blinds the eye and the rustle of dollar bills drowns out the whispers of kindness, we find ourselves trapped in a society that values wealth over warmth. It’s a tale as old as time—people see your money, not your heart. And oh, how tragic that truth is.
Walk into any room, and the first thing that catches the eye isn’t the kindness in a person’s smile, the sincerity in their gaze, or the warmth in their handshake. No, it’s the watch on their wrist, the brand on their suit, or the price tag on their shoes. In this modern age, where we’ve seemingly traded compassion for currency, people are more interested in the digits in your bank account than the depth of your soul.
Imagine this: a man walks down the street, dressed in simplicity. His clothes aren’t designer; his shoes aren’t polished. But in his heart lies a treasure trove of love, empathy, and generosity. He’s the one who feeds the hungry, shelters the homeless, and offers a listening ear to anyone in need. Yet, how many eyes would actually see him for who he truly is? Not many, I’d wager.
Now, let another man stroll by—his shoes gleaming, his suit tailored to perfection, his watch ticking at a thousand dollars per second. People turn their heads, admiration glinting in their eyes. They nod approvingly, eager to align themselves with someone of such apparent success. Never mind that his heart may be as cold as the diamonds in his cufflinks. Never mind that he wouldn’t spare a dime for someone in need. To the world, he’s a beacon of achievement, a symbol of what everyone should aspire to be.
This obsession with wealth is nothing short of a societal sickness. It distorts our perceptions, making us value the outer shell more than the inner substance. We forget that money can’t buy the most important things—integrity, kindness, love, and compassion. It’s the beating heart that truly defines us, yet we continue to idolize those who flash their cash as if that’s all that matters.
Consider the stories we tell our children, the heroes we celebrate. How often do we uplift those who have given their lives to help others, compared to those who have amassed fortunes? We live in a world where billionaires are revered while those who dedicate their lives to service are often overlooked, their contributions buried beneath the glittering pile of gold that we seem to worship.
And let’s not forget the heartache this brings to those who aren’t weighed down by wallets bursting at the seams. They walk through life, their hearts full of goodness, yet they are invisible. Their worth is questioned because they don’t have the material means to flaunt. It’s a cruel reality, one that leaves so many disillusioned and hurt.
But here’s the thing—money may buy you a seat at the table, but it’s the goodness of your heart that will keep you there. When the lights dim and the crowds disperse, it’s your character, not your cash, that will determine who stands by your side. In the end, it’s not the dollars you’ve stacked that will be remembered, but the lives you’ve touched, the hearts you’ve healed.
Money can’t buy you a satisfied heart, money can’t buy you peace and happiness, and money can’t buy you a reason to get up in the morning. Money isn’t meant to be your source of comfort when you are hurting or of hope when you are feeling discouraged. Money can’t and was never intended to give you life. To ask money to do any of those things will always lead to money troubles.
So, let’s take a moment to peel back the layers, to see beyond the surface. Let’s recognize the richness in people’s hearts, not just their pockets. Because at the end of the day, a heart of gold is worth more than all the money in the world. It’s time to realign our values, to see people for who they truly are—not just what they have.
Real generosity is not dependant so much on income as it is on the capacity of the heart. There are many who have the means to give, but not the heart to give. And there are many, who, the more they have the less they give.
Life should not really be about how much money we accrue, but rather how many people we serve; because the greater your giving, the greater your living. Giving does not devalue your worth and the Prophet said that “charity does not decrease wealth”. Remember, we are here to enrich the world, and if we ever forget that we impoverish ourselves.
At the end of the day, when the noise of the world fades and the glitter of wealth loses its shine, it’s the kindness you’ve shown, the lives you’ve uplifted, and the love you’ve shared that will echo through time. True wealth isn’t measured in dollars, but in the warmth of a grateful smile, the comfort of a helping hand, and the joy of a heart that knows it has done good. So, live richly in spirit, and let your legacy be one of compassion, not currency.
The author has a PG in Biotechnology and is Administrator Maryam Memorial Institute Pandithpora. He tweets @IkkzIkbal
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