Question posed to Imaam Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy upon him):

Question:
The mentioning of the wealth always come before the mentioning of the children in the Qur’aan although the children are more precious with the parent than his wealth. What is the wisdom behind that?

Answer:
The fitnah of the wealth is more (than the fitnah of the children). That’s because the wealth aids him upon fulfilling the prohibited desires and other than that. This is different from the children. Indeed it’s possible that the parent is tested by them and he disobeys Allaah due to them. However the fitnah of wealth is greater and more severe. Based upon this, Allaah began with (mentioning) the wealth before the children. Like in His statement: “It is not your wealth or your children which gets you closer to Us.” (Saba: 37) And His statement: “Indeed your wealth and your children are only a test.” (At-Taghaabun: 15) And His statement: “Oh you who believe, do not let your wealth nor your children divert you from the remembrance of Allaah. Whoever does so then those are the ones whom are the losers.” (Al-Munaafiqoon: 9)

Taken from: (Majmoo’ Tafseer Aayaat Min al-Qur-aan al-Kareem Pg. 336)

Translated by Abu Yusuf Khaleefah, NYC, USA
On the 19th of Rabee’ al-Awwal, 1435 H
(01-21-2014)