The Prohibition of Extravagant Life in Islam

Islam is a religion that advocates balance and moderation in every aspect of life, including financial conduct. Extravagance, or wasteful spending, is a behavior strictly prohibited in Islam because it not only leads to personal detriment but also causes harm to society. This article explores the Islamic stance on extravagance, the dangers it poses, and how Muslims can avoid such practices by adhering to the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith.

The Concept of Extravagance in Islam

Extravagance, or israf in Arabic, refers to spending more than what is necessary or appropriate, whether it involves one’s personal lifestyle or the way one spends on others. In Islam, all blessings, including wealth, are viewed as a trust from Allah Ta’ala. As such, they must be used wisely and justly. Wastefulness is seen as a sign of ingratitude for Allah’s blessings.

Surah Al-Isra, verses 26-27 serves as a foundational text prohibiting extravagance:

وَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُۥ وَٱلْمِسْكِينَ وَٱبْنَ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِيرًا ۝ إِنَّ ٱلْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوٓا۟ إِخْوَٰنَ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينِ ۖ وَكَانَ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ لِرَبِّهِۦ كَفُورًا

“And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully. Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful.” (Al-Isra: 26-27)

This verse not only discourages wastefulness but equates those who engage in it with the companions of Satan. It emphasizes that extravagance reflects spiritual and moral corruption, where individuals ignore their responsibility to distribute wealth fairly, neglecting the needs of others, such as the poor and those in difficulty.

Also read:Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a Role Model of Character Education

The Harmful Effects of Extravagance

Extravagance is harmful both to the individual and to society. On a personal level, it can lead to financial problems, instability, and spiritual decay. Those who are extravagant may find themselves in debt, addicted to luxury, and distant from the true purpose of life, which is to serve Allah Ta’ala with humility.

The Prophet Muhammad shallallahu alaihi wa sallam emphasized moderation and balance in all aspects of life, particularly in spending. In a hadith narrated by Ahmad (no. 23649), the Prophet said:

كُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَتَصَدَّقُوا وَالْبَسُوا مَا لَمْ يُخَالِطْهُ إِسْرَافٌ أَوْ مَخِيلَةٌ

“Eat, drink, give in charity, and wear good clothing, as long as it does not involve extravagance or pride.”

This hadith encourages Muslims to live a balanced life. It teaches that while enjoying the blessings of Allah Ta’ala is permissible, it must be done within limits. Overindulgence leads to pride and waste, two traits that are severely condemned in Islam.

On a societal level, extravagance often results in a wide gap between the rich and the poor. It can create an environment of envy, greed, and selfishness, where resources are wasted by the wealthy while many struggle to meet their basic needs.

Extravagance and Its Association with Satan

Islam warns against extravagance, not only because of its detrimental effects but also because it draws people toward sinful behavior. Extravagant people are often compared to the companions of Satan because they waste the resources that Allah Ta’ala has given them.

In Surah Al-A’raf, verse 31, Allah Ta’ala says:

يَـٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ خُذُوا۟ زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍۢ وَكُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ

“O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.” (Al-A’raf: 31)

This verse highlights that while it is permissible to enjoy life’s blessings, extravagance leads to spiritual consequences. Those who are wasteful displease Allah Ta’ala and drift away from the humility and gratitude that Islam promotes. By indulging in wastefulness, they become heedless of the needs of others and risk falling into arrogance.

Another hadith narrated by Bukhari (no. 2200) further illustrates the dislike for wastefulness:

إِنَّ اللهَ كَرِهَ لَكُمْ قِيلَ وَقَالَ، وَكَثْرَةَ السُّؤَالِ، وَإِضَاعَةَ الْمَالِ

“Verily, Allah dislikes for you three things: gossiping, asking too many questions, and wasting wealth.”

This hadith stresses that wasting wealth is one of the actions detested by Allah Ta’ala. It points out that wastefulness reflects a lack of appreciation for the resources one is given, contributing to an unsustainable lifestyle that harms both the individual and the community.

Also read:The Islamic Perspective on Wealth and Possession

Steps to Avoid Extravagance

Islam promotes the adoption of a modest and balanced lifestyle. To avoid extravagance, Muslims should be mindful of their spending habits and lifestyle choices. The following principles, derived from Islamic teachings, can help individuals steer clear of wastefulness:

  1. Spending in Moderation
    Both the Qur’an and Hadith advocate for moderation. Muslims should spend according to their needs and avoid lavish expenditures. Excessive spending on luxuries, beyond what is necessary, often leads to wastage and pride.
  2. Charity and Generosity
    Rather than wasting wealth on indulgences, Islam encourages giving in charity. By helping those in need, one not only fulfills a religious obligation but also ensures that wealth is utilized for beneficial purposes, reducing the inclination toward extravagance.
  3. Mindfulness and Gratitude
    Recognizing that wealth is a test from Allah Ta’ala can instill a sense of responsibility. A grateful heart will not engage in extravagance but will instead use wealth to benefit others, understanding that every blessing is a trust from Allah Ta’ala.
  4. Avoiding Pride and Vanity
    Extravagance often stems from a desire to flaunt wealth or elevate one’s status. Islam teaches humility, reminding believers that excessive spending, especially for vanity, distances them from the values of modesty and gratitude.
  5. Fulfilling Obligations
    Islam emphasizes fulfilling obligations such as zakat and sadaqah (charity). By prioritizing these obligations over wasteful expenditures, Muslims can stay grounded in their financial habits and contribute positively to their community.

Conclusion

Extravagance is a behavior strongly condemned in Islam. It results in both personal and societal harm, distancing individuals from the principles of moderation, gratitude, and charity that Islam upholds. Through the guidance of the Qur’an and Hadith, Muslims are encouraged to avoid wasteful spending, maintain moderation in all aspects of life, and use their wealth in ways that benefit others. By doing so, they can live a life that is pleasing to Allah Ta’ala and aligned with the values of humility, generosity, and balance.

Also read:The Legacy of Khadeejah: Sacrificing Wealth for the Prophet ﷺ

The Prohibition of Extravagant Life in Islam

References

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