Questioner: It always mentions money before children in the Noble Quran even though children are more precious to a father than his money. What is the wisdom that can be taken from that?
Answer:
Shaykh AbdulAzīz bin Bāz رحمه الله تعالى said:
"The trial of money is greater, because it aids a person upon carrying out impermissible desires which is the opposite of children. Even though it is possible a man may be trialed with them (children) and disobey Allah due to them. Nevertheless, the trial of money is greater and more severe, and it is for this reason He Subhānahu started with money before children. Just like in His statement
{وَمَآ أَمْوَٰلُكُمْ وَلَآ أَوْلَٰدُكُم بِٱلَّتِى تُقَرِّبُكُمْ عِندَنَا زُلْفَىٰٓ} [سورة سبأ]
{And it is not your wealth, nor your children that bring you nearer to Us (i.e. pleases Allah)}
{إِنَّمَآ أَمْوَٰلُكُمْ وَأَوْلَٰدُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ} [سورة التغابن]
{Your wealth and your children are only a trial}
{يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تُلْهِكُمْ أَمْوَٰلُكُمْ وَلَآ أَوْلَٰدُكُمْ عَن ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْخَٰسِرُونَ} [سورة المنافقون]
{O you who believe, Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does that, then they are the losers.}"
-Majmoah Fatawaa Wa Maqalat Mutanawiah [5/413]