Saudi Arabia's economic success is no secret. During a recession that crippled countries worldwide, Alhamdulillah Saudi economy stayed strong. Rating agency Moody’s Monday upgraded Saudi Arabia to its second-highest level as oil earnings and a recovering economy push the government’s budget back into the black this year.

The AFP reported:

“The upgrade was prompted by the continued strong state of government finances, which have largely withstood oil price volatility and the global economic crisis,” Moody’s said in a statement. “A return in the budget to a moderate surplus - from an estimated small deficit in 2009 - will restore the Kingdom’s debt trajectory back on its former improving trend, even with continued large-scale infrastructure spending.”

The obvious explanation people may give is that Saudi Arabia is the world's largest exporter of oil. I'd like to think differently. I believe this is because of the country's regard for the poor. Basic necessities needed for a family to survive are quite cheap. Common man's food has always remained very affordable. A family can live quite comfortably here in a salary that a bachelor may not survive in in other Gulf states (think: Dubai). 

So what do the poor have to do with this? Materialistic people, with their limited and faulty understanding, deny that sustenance and blessings come from God. Human action is necessary, but God is in complete charge and He may or may not allow that action to be successful.

Greed and pride can never bring success. Charity, humility and generosity always do. 

Among the things that God has commanded rich Muslims is paying the Zakah to the poor. This is the right of the poor on the rich. 

Agreed that not every person living in Saudi Arabia is not facing poverty. There are many. The gap between rich and poor is increasing. The rights of the poor may not be completely guaranteed. There is discrimination too. This is what Saudi Arabia needs to focus on. If it wants to please God and continue receiving His blessings, it must focus on the poor and the destitute -- the rich can help themselves.