A person’s life can be subtly taken over by pride and the need to uphold a specific social image. It shows up as demanding more luxury than is necessary concealing hardships to look successful or turning down assistance merely to maintain appearances. This behavior is frequently disguised as lifestyle in todays society. On a deeper level however it can develop into a spiritual illness that undermines sincerity mental tranquility and even a persons divine relationship. Islam is not against material comfort or success.
As long as it stays within the bounds of Islamic morality a Muslim is permitted to enjoy prosperity and advancement. However lifestyle becomes a source of vanity when it is used to impress people instead of meeting genuine needs. A lot of people are stuck in debt or under emotional strain simply to keep up their appearance. This eventually results in a life that is never-ending and based on comparison and performance. Allah ﷻ stated in Al-Qur’an:
“Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another, and competition in increase of wealth and children…”
(Qur’an, Al-Hadid: 20)
This verse serves as a reminder that illusions abound in the world. The pattern of competing to flaunt wealth and status has been around for generations but it still deceives people. Wealth is not forbidden in Islam but conceit is. If unchecked pride-driven living results in excessive spending vanity and ultimately spiritual emptiness.
Also read: The Relationship Between Akhlaq and Faith in Islam
Function Above Illusion
Form should not take precedence over function in a Muslims lifestyle. Even though the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) had access to wealth, yet he lived a modest life. He chose simplicity as a deliberate spiritual principle rather than out of need. Islam views simplicity as a sign of clarity rather than restriction. Living within ones means and concentrating on what really counts—benefit utility and contribution—are the key.
Today the need to keep up is a common disguise for pride. People purchase items to conform to social norms established by others not because they need them. Both financially and mentally this way of thinking is exhausting. No matter how much one owns they will always feel behind which leads to a vicious cycle of stress and discontent. On the other hand life becomes lighter and more honest when one lives with a purpose and function in mind. Benefit not image is the basis for purchases. Every item of clothing cars and homes fulfills a practical need rather than merely being a story. The emphasis moves from how something appears to what it adds to your life.
Also read: The Urgency of Frugal Living in Islam
Avoiding the Status Trap
It takes spiritual awareness in addition to willpower to break free from a status-obsessed mindset. The value of qanaah or contentment is among the most crucial in this process. This entails being content with what God has provided without continuously evaluating oneself against other people. Knowing that your value is independent of material excess is what is meant by qana’ah not that you should reject ambition.
An additional effective shield is gratitude. Realizing that everything we own is a test and that the world is fleeting aids in realigning our objectives. Money beauty or titles can all disappear whats left is our use of them. Were we helping building worshiping or were we merely impressing?Our social circle also has a significant impact. We can be more firmly rooted in true values if we are surrounded by people who value honesty and humility over appearances. Because they feel compelled to emulate those around them many people adopt pride-based lifestyles. Modesty may seem like a failure in a society where flaunting oneself is expected but its actually a sign of wisdom.
Also read: Patience and Gratitude: Two Intertwined Principles
Pride Isn’t a Sign of Knowledge
For many years Islamic scholars have cautioned that pride impedes progress. When someone is arrogant they avoid asking questions for fear of coming across as uninformed. They deny criticism in order to preserve their pride. This attitude is harmful. Learning is stopped relationships are strained and sincerity is distanced. In Islam true dignity stems from who we are rather than what we own or wear. What truly elevates one in Gods eyes is consistency in good deeds, humility, honesty and reliability. The greater our dependence on pride to cover up our fears the further we drift away from true self-worth. Our lives should be focused on living purposefully before God not on appearing successful by human standards.
Also read: A Muslim’s Attitude in the Disruptive Era
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References
Hops ID Muslima. (2021, September 17). Penyakit gengsi dan cara mengatasinya agar tidak merugikan diri sendiri. https://muslima.hops.id/gaya/pr-3042154463/penyakit-gengsi-dan-cara-mengatasinya-agar-tidak-merugikan-diri-sendiri
Tanwir.id. (n.d.). QS Al-Hadid 20: Hedonisme antara gengsi atau fungsi. https://tanwir.id/qs-al-hadid-20-hedonisme-antara-gengsi-atau-fungsi/
Konsultasi Syariah. (2013). Gengsi tapi terpuji. https://konsultasisyariah.com/21803-gengsi-tapi-terpuji.html
Bincang Syariah. (2019). Kritik ulama terhadap rasa gengsi. https://bincangsyariah.com/kolom/kritik-ulama-terhadap-rasa-gengsi/
Suara Islam. (2021). Hidup rumit karena gengsi. https://suaraislam.id/hidup-rumit-karena-gengsi/
