Q: When wealth and children are mentioned together in by the Noble Qur'an, wealth is always mentioned first, although a father's children are more beloved to him than his wealth. What is the wisdom behind this?
A: The Fitnah (temptation) which is caused by wealth is greater, for it allows people to fulfill their Haram (prohibited) lusts. Though a person's children may tempt them to disobey Allah (Exalted be He), the Fitnah of wealth is severer and stronger. This is the reason why Allah (Glorified be He) mentions wealth before children in His statement: And it is not your wealth, nor your children that bring you nearer to Us (i.e. please Allâh) Allah (Glorified be He) also says: Your wealth and your children are only a trial Besides, He (Glorified and Exalted be He) states: O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allâh. And whosoever does that, then they are the losers.