This refers to exceeding the limits of spending on food, drink, clothing, housing or on whatever appeals to mans instincts or satisfies his lusts for worldly pleasure. There are different motivations for extravagance among which are the following: Family A family may lay the bad precedence for its members. This is why Islaam stresses the importance of righteousness as the basis of forming the family. Allaah says: "And marry those among you who are single and (also marry) the Salihun (pious) of your (male) slaves and maid-servants (female slaves)." (Q24[Nur]:32) The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) also said: "A woman is married for four reasons: her property, her lineage, her beauty and her religion:You better marry the religious one otherwise you will lose." (Bukhari)
Becoming Wealthy: After Strait Times Many people may suffer deprivation, grinding poverty, and other miserable conditions. A sudden burst of wealth and- opulence thereafter often disorient some people and in a bid to make up for the years ot grinding want and deprivation, they exceed the limit in spending and revelry. This is why Islaam warns us against indulgence inworldly pleasures and recommends that we be moderate in our attitude to life and its pleasures. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "This wealth is green and sweet (i.e. as tempting as fruits), and whoever takes it without greed then he is blessed in it, and whoever takes it with greediness, he is not blessed in it and he is like one who eats and never gets satisfied."(Bukhari)
Extravagant Company Character is indeed a thief: A man is affected by the people he associates with especially those whose friendship he has maintained for a length of time. Thus, we realize the reason behind Islaam's emphasis on choosing ones companions carefully.
The Lure of Pleasing One's Dependants: There is nothing wrong is spending on ones family. In fact ones ability as a husband is a function of how well one treats his family.
However, the urge to please and give the family treats may lure one into extravagance. Self Indulgence Self-indulgence may also lead to transgression, for it is inherent in the nature of man and is controlled when dealt with 1irmly. If one indulges himself and gives in to his desires, he will be inevitably driven,into the pit fall of extravagance: This accounts for Islaam's emphasis on the necessity of struggling against ones instincts and lustful desires: Allaah says "And those who strive in Our cause. We will certainly guide them to Our Paths. for verily Alaah is with those who do right."(Q29[Ankabut]:69)
Effect of Extravgance Physical Weakness: The human body is subjected to divine rules which, when violated in any way whether through negligence or over-indulgence, may lead tobodily weakness and decay. This in turn leads to mans inability to fulfill the tasks and responsibilities entrusted to him.
Hard-heartedness: Overfeeding and laxity that result from extravagance hardens the feelings and paralyses emotions. Even if such a person forces himself to perform acts of worship, he will not find inthem any spiritual pleasure.
Torpor of the mind: Various factors affect the activity or inactivity of the mind. Among these factors is overeating, as when ones stomach is full, his mind is active, vice versa. When a persons mind is overclouded, with torpor; he is denied wisdom. Thus, he forfeits the most characteristic feature distinguishing himself from other living creatures.
Motivating Evil Instincts: Extravagance breeds in the self, an enormous energy that finds an outlet in the outburst of potential human instincts that may lead to committing acts of disobedience and vice.
Collapse at the time of tribulation: Those who Iive a life of extravagance are used to ease and luxury and have no idea of being in difficult situations or moments of tribulation. Thus when faced with a moment of crisis, they cannot find support or sustenance in Allaah, hence their immediate collapse. This is because Allaah does not support or sustain except those who strive against their evil instincts, a striving characterized by sincerity and honesty.
Earning from Haram: if an extravagant person finds himself in need, with all his resources stretched or exhausted, his desire to maintain his luxurious lifestyle may drive him to seek prohibited means of earning his living. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Every flesh that grows on prohibited means deserves (to enter) the Fire." (Tirmidhi)
Brothers of Shaytan: Allaah says:"Verily. Spend thrifts are brothers of the Shayatin (devils). and the Shaytan is ever ungrateful to his Lord." (Q17 [lsraai]:27) To become a brother of the Shayatin means to become an active member of their party which implies going far astray from the path of righteousness. "They are the party of Shaytan. Verily. it is the party of Shaytan that will be the losers." (Q58[Mujadalah]:19)
Deprivation of the Love of Allaah: "Allaah loves not the wasters. (Q5[Anam]:141) What will become of those who are denied the love of A1laah? They will live a life of anxiety, restlessness, and deep anguish regardless of the extent of the blessings surrounding them.
Remedy
A) Reflect on the consequences of extravagance.
B) Adopt a firm attitude towards yourself, making it abstain from indulging in its appetites and lusts and becoming accustomed to hardship. This can be done through rising during the night to perform prayer, reciting the praises of A1laah, voluntary fasting, giving in charity etc.
C) Reflecting on the Sunnah of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). They are filled with warnings against extravagance. He said: "A believer eats in one intestine and an unbeliever eats in seven intestines." (Bukhari) Also he said: "A human being has never filled a vessel worse than a stomach." (Tirmidhi)
(D) Abandon the companionship of extravagant people and keep the company of strong-willed and pious people.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited