Condemnation of extravagance

 

Islam is a natural religion, i.e. following its rules comes naturally to one and all.  Islam stresses on moderation in all walks of life.

 

Almighty Allah says in condemnation of extravagance and being spendthrift:

 

And give to the kindred their rightful due, and also (give) to the needy and the wayfarer, and do not exhaust (your wealth) by expending wastefully.  Surely, the spendthrifts are the brothers of Satan, and Satan is most ungrateful to his Lord.  Surah Bani Israil (17: 26, 27)

 

As per Islam three things are termed extravagance:

 

1.    Spending one’s wealth in unlawful avenues

 

2.    Going overboard in spending in lawful avenues, regardless of whether a person spends more than his means or whether one spends one’s surplus money for in pursuance of luxury and unreasonable desires and whims

 

3.    That one spends freely in virtuous tasks but the intention is not to please Allah but ostentation and showing off so that people praise his generosity

 

All these cases of extravagance are blameworthy and condemnable.

 

Almighty Allah says in Surah An’aam:

 

…..and do not spend wastefully. Surely, He does not like those who spend extravagantly.  Surah An’aam (6:141)

 

There is a Hadith in Shu’abul Imaan of Imam Baihaqui:

 

Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat ‘Ali (May Allah be well pleased with him), he says:  Whatever you spend on your own self and on your family members without being extravagant and whatever you spend in the path of Allah Most High, the reward of these is there for you.  And whatever you spend for showing off and fame is the share of the devil.  (Shu’abul Imaan, Hadith No. 6279)

 

The Companions asked the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam):  O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)!  What is the ruling about that which we spend on our family members?  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Whatever you spend on your family members without stinginess and without extravagance, you spend it in the path of Almighty Allah.  (Shu’abul Imaan, Hadith No. 6283)