Anything, even knowledge, can be a means to gather and compete.
Wealth, knowledge and power are the three intersecting circles that require balance—without which we’re lifeless diverted from the real focus of pleasing Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala and serving His creation.
this can be ascribed to many of the temporary things we seek to acquire.
Indeed people are not competing in wealth only—but also the end-goal to what wealth brings about: recognition, access to lifestyle and prominence as these are the manifestations of wealth...