THE HARMS OF ASSOCIATION WITH THE WEALTHY

Loopholes are extracted generally (by the Ulama) for the wealthy. It is precisely for this reason that the Hadith severely criticizes and reprimands an Aalim who crawls into the company of the wealthy. The effect of such association is inhibition to proclaim the (Haq) of the Masaail (the laws of the Shariah).

Since there is the fear of the cessation of monetary and material provisions (which the wealthy present), the Aalim refrains from stating the truth. He does not speak with clarity. Instead, if the wealthy ask about unlawful acts, this Aalim makes these acts permissible by way of interpretation. Indeed, the condition of those Ulama who freely associate with the wealthy (and the rulers), is extremely deplorable.
Since greed is generally dominant in people, it constitutes an impediment for the proclamation of the Haqq. In addition to harming the Deen, these Ulama themselves suffer adversely in the world. The very wealthy people with whom they associate begin to despise them. They understand that these Ulama present ‘fatwas’ for their appeasement.

Never should the Ulama flatter the wealthy.

ADOPT EXTREME CAUTION WHEN DEALING WITH THE WEALTHY
The Ulama should exercise extreme caution when accepting wealth from people. Nowadays this is not heeded at all. Many errors are committed in this regard. The harmful effects of laxitude in this matter brings disgrace to the Deen. If the Ulama themselves make a personal appeal for funds to the rich, then regardless of the sincerity of the contributors, they at times gain the impression that they (the Ulama) have a personal motive for soliciting contributions.

In order to maintain the honour of the Deen, I do not of my own accord cultivate a relationship with the wealthy. However, if they themselves are desirous of fostering a bond, then I am not averse to it. Hadhrat Haaji Saheb (Hadhrat Imdaadullh — rahmatullah alayh) would often say:
“When a wealthy man comes to you o n account of the Deen, then he is not merely an ameer (a wealthy man of the world). He is then ‘Ni’mal Ameer’ (A noble Ameer). Such a man should not be rebuffed o n the assumption that he is a man of the dunya. However, the Ulama should not of their own accord visit the rich o n account of their wealth (and worldly positions).

Malfoozaat on Ilm, Ulama, Madaaris – Hazrat Maulana Thanvi رحمه