Every Kuwaiti is Rich! How often have you heard this comment? This is what the outside world thinks of the Kuwaiti people.

Well, I am a mother of two, and I am currently going through a divorce. I live in an “apartment size” area in my house. The downstairs is unlivable at the moment, because the rest of the house is under construction. My “soon to be ex” is in debt and doesn’t have the finances to continue construction on the rest of the house. Plus, he re-married last year, and they just had their first baby.

My two children go to international schools, because it is difficult for me to teach them in Arabic. I am struggling to keep up with the payments and school supplies, and other needs that occur, from time to time, plus, trying to keep food in the house.

I don’t have a maid to wash and iron our clothes, or cook, clean, sweep and wash the yard, pick up the kids from school, or baby sit them, while I take a rest.

And we do not have a driver to run our errands, take us to our doctor appointments, pick up our laundry, wash our car, shop for groceries, or take the kids to and from school.

Am I a rich Kuwaiti? Well, rich can be defined in many ways. I may not be rich in wealth, but I am grateful to Allah for choosing me to be a Muslim, giving me two wonderful sons. and for giving us good health.

These are the best riches allocated by Allah. So, I can honestly say, “We are rich Kuwaiti’s.

So, a “word to the wise”- you don’t have to have mounds of money and jewels to be considered rich.

Live a clean life; Keep up with your prayers; Take care of your wife (wives) and children and show them that you love them; Teach your children to be good Muslims; Take care of your parents, be kind to them and respect them; Be charitable to the weak and poor; Refrain from greed and selfishness; Help your neighbor; Be kind and courteous to everyone you meet; Be responsible citizens – Pay Your Debts. And always thank Allah for everything.

These are the true riches in life. So, if anyone should say to you, “All Kuwaiti’s are Rich”. Just think of the list above, regardless of your financial status, and if you perform these duties daily, then you can honestly say, “I am a rich Kuwaiti”.

J.A.