Extravagance and Islam

Among the causes of waste and extravagance is ignorance on the part of the culprit about Islamic injunctions which forbid excesses and spending on things forbidden. It is also forbidden for someone to exceed the limits in consuming what is allowed, to the point of increasing bodily desires. This leads to the spread of obesity among members of society, which then results in laziness and slackness in the life of the individual, they say. The researchers said among the reasons which lead one to waste and extravagance are showiness and vainglory.

It has been observed that at functions people show off and boast in front of others, while the Prophet (Pbuh) discouraged this sort of behaviour. Another cause that drives some people to waste and extravagance is the family upbringing. This, they say, has a profound effect on its individual members. Another cause comes from associating with people who are themselves extravagant and the tendency to imitate them. Among the manifestations of extravagance is the placing on the dinner table much more food than can be eaten by those for whom the food is meant.

Also included in extravagance is when one spends his wealth on things that would do him no good either in this world or in the Hereafter, such as excessive home furnishings and the like. Extravagance is dangerous to one�s faith and his self-respect, say the researchers because the spendthrift would want to preserve his life-style of extravagance and the comfort he has become accustomed to. He will therefore be prepared to earn his money by various means, including those that are prohibited.

The researchers pointed out that extravagance leads one to sins, evil and arrogance, and leads to environmental pollution and the exhaustion of resources. Those who practice extravagance, say the researchers, face problems in balancing their budgets. Some of them spend their month�s emoluments in a day, and then land in problems for the rest of the month. But if one were to balance his expenditure, he can live well and with equanimity.

It is a well known fact, say the researchers, that at functions that are held in hotels and weddings halls food that is brought is enough to satisfy twice the number of the invited guests and usually consists of varieties, while the fact is that only very little of it would be eaten. Such sumptuous feasts cost a lot of money, they say on the other hand, many people spend a lot of money on cars, with many of them purchasing them on instalment or by otherwise borrowing the money to pay cash. Again, people spend a lot of money on perfumes and jewellery, things which would do them no good either in this world or in the Hereafter. Yet there are millions of Muslims in the world whose need for food and medical treatment are acute and deserve to be helped.

It is reported that Prophet Yusuf (Pbuh) was once asked why he had never been seen with a full belly, while he had all the treasures of the world in his hands. His reply was, �I fear that if my belly becomes full I might forget the hungry ones.� (IINA)

Source : Islamic voice {Monthly Magazine}