Hazratjee Moulana Muhammad Yusuf Kaandhlawi (rahimahullah) once mentioned the following:
The first effort which needs to be made (for the Ummah to progress) is to correct people’s mindset and make it conform to Islam. This will only be achieved when people have complete conviction and belief that the creation does not have any power to do anything – rather all power lies in the hands of Allah Ta‘ala alone.
Conditions improving or worsening, and progressing or declining, and success and failure – all of this is not based upon one having worldly means or not. Rather, it is based solely upon the decision and decree of Allah Ta‘ala alone. Each person should believe that Allah Ta‘ala will pass the decision of success and progress when I come onto the blessed way of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
To tread on this path of Deen, one does not require external means (e.g. wealth) to progress, rather it is the internal treasures which are required, such as conviction in the promises of Allah Ta‘ala, being mindful and conscious of Allah Ta‘ala, fearing Allah Ta‘ala at all times, and possessing the firm belief that it is only through treading on the blessed way of Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that one will draw from the treasures of Allah Ta‘ala and the door to receiving Allah Ta‘ala’s bounties will open to him.
(Sawaanih Hazratjee Ml. Muhammad Yusuf, pg. 701)
Source: Ihyaauddeen.co.za