Question:
Is a misfortune involving wealth a result of the wrath of Allah?
Answer:
Yes, a person may be afflicted in their wealth due to the wrath of Allah. For example, if they withhold Zakah, it is very likely that their wealth will be destroyed—whether struck by lightning, consumed by fire, ruined, stolen, or taken unjustly by an oppressor. Withholding Zakah is a cause for the destruction of wealth—Allah forbid.
Likewise, among the causes for the destruction of wealth is withholding the rights that are obligatory upon a person, such as failing to provide for oneself, one’s children, one’s wife, or one’s parents—those whose maintenance is obligatory. Indeed, this is a cause for punishment through the loss of one’s wealth.
On the other hand, the loss of wealth may also be for the purpose of testing and trial, to see whether one will be patient or not.
”And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: ‘Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.’“ [Al-Baqarah: 155–156]