The ManicaPost
Extravagance in recent times has become a common phenomenon that has affected all strata of the society.
To increase expenses, increase consumption and squander wealth as soon as one gains a little wealth or rises to affluence is a characteristic that is inherent in human nature. For people with such an attitude wealth means only one thing, namely more consumption, more comfort and enjoyment of luxuries to the full. The Qur’aan makes it clear that allowing free rein to extravagance and exceeding the limits of moderation is an inherent characteristic in man. Allah says, “If Allah were to enlarge the provision for his servants, they would indeed transgress beyond all bounds.” [Holy Qur’aan Ch 42: v 27]
To cultivate man and refine his mind and soul, Allah has commanded moderation in all matters – even in matters of worship, in order to maintain enthusiasm and never feel weary of worship. Abu Huraira (one of the Companions of Prophet Muhammed peace be upon him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Observe al-qasd (that is always follow a middle course) whereby you will attain your objective (that is paradise).” (Bukhari). Moderation is the opposite of extravagance.
Every individual is meant to earn in a dignified manner and then spend in a very wise and careful manner. One should never try to impress upon others by living beyond one’s means. Extravagance is forbidden in Islam, Allah says, “.do not be extravagant; surely He does not love those who are extravagant!” [Holy Qur’aan Ch 7: v 31]
The Qur’aan regards wasteful buying of food, extravagant eating that sometimes leads to throwing away of leftovers as absolutely forbidden. Allah says, “Eat of the fruits in their season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered. And waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the wasters.” [Holy Qur’aan Ch 6 v 141]
Demonstrating wastefulness in dress, means of transport, furniture and any other things is also forbidden. Allah says, “O children of Adam! Wear your apparel of adornment at every time and place of worship, and eat and drink but do not be extravagant; surely He does not love those who are extravagant!” [Holy Qur’aan Ch 7: v 31]
Why extravagance is forbidden
Islam strongly forbids extravagance in order to preserve property and the resources about which the servants will be asked on the Day of Judgment. On that day, every individual will be asked about his wealth, were he obtained it and how he spent it.
Islam has not forbidden a person to acquire wealth, make it grow and make use of it. In fact Islam encourages one to do so. Rather, it is having recourse to forbidden ways to acquiring and spending wealth that Islam has clearly declared forbidden.
One of the forbidden ways of spending wealth is squandering it for the sake of trivial pursuits. This could be a forbidden prodigal trip or a costly wedding party, to mention but two examples. Thousands of people starve to death each year. Therefore, is there a chance to prevent the squandering of such wealth? Does showing gratefulness to Allah for his bounties mean wasting what He has granted us on things He is not pleased with?
Extravagance in modern times
Extravagance in recent times has moved from a state of being an individual practice of the rich and wealthy people of society in general to, regrettably enough, a common phenomenon that has affected all strata of the society. Consequently, those who have the means are reckless, and those who do not have them borrow money to squander it in order to meet their families’ wants of luxuries and unnecessary items. As a matter of fact, this attitude came as a result of world capitalism that has managed, to a large degree, to convince people to follow this course through propaganda and advertising in the various communication media.
Capitalism considers demand to be the driving force behind production. Therefore, countless commercials whet the consumer’s desire to consume whatever is advertised, and make him believe that if he does not consume the advertised products he will be unhappy, ineffective and clumsy or out of tune with the fashion and trend of the times. This practice has reached a stage where many a bread winner resorts to taking loans (from individuals and finance houses) with interest, in order to meet his families wishes to travel aboard or to give a big wedding party, for his son or daughter in such an extravagant manner as to win peoples’ admiration, etc. This also applies, among other things, to accommodation, furniture, means of transport, dress and food.
