Moderation
is defined as "the middle ground between extravagance and wastefulness,
and between stinginess and miserliness." It is also defined as "the
middle ground between the permissible limit in spending and stinginess."
Extravagance is defined as "exceeding the limit in every action a person
performs," although this is most commonly associated with spending
(Al-Raghib Al-Isfahani). Al-Sharif al-Jurjani said, “Extravagance is spending
excessively on base purposes. It has also been said that it is exceeding the limit
in spending, and that it is when a person eats what is unlawful for him or eats
more than what is lawful for him, beyond moderation and the amount needed.” It
has also been said that extravagance is exceeding the quantity, which is
ignorance of the proper measures of rights.
Extravagance
means that a person exaggerates in what God has permitted, beyond what is
needed, such as when someone fills his plate with various types of food without
needing all of it. We see this in open buffets, which are common at weddings,
banquets, parties, and public gatherings. This is extravagance in something
permissible, namely food, because he may only eat half of the plate and throw
away the rest. As for wastefulness, it is spending money on what God has
forbidden, such as buying prohibited things like alcohol. Islam forbids
wastefulness and describes those who engage in it as brothers of the devils.
Extravagance is excess and excessive spending. And boasting. Extravagance is
wastefulness coupled with pride and arrogance. Moderation in spending is one of
the most prominent economic values that characterize the Islamic economic
system. Therefore, God describes His servants who are close to Him, the Most
Merciful, as "those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a
medium (way) between those (extremes)."
(Surat Al-Furqan 25:67). That is, they are just and moderate between
extravagance and stinginess. The Quran guides Muslims to refrain from
withholding what is rightfully due, lest their hands become as if they are
chained, meaning they are unable to give. At the same time, the Quran forbids
wastefulness, meaning giving away all that you have, even if it is rightfully
due, because those who have a right to your support will blame you, and you
will be... Regretting what he has neglected, as stated in the words of God
Almighty: “And
do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and
[thereby] become blamed and insolvent.”
(Surat Al-Isra: 29). As for extravagance and wastefulness, God Almighty has
forbidden them in His words: “Verily, spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayatin (devils), and the
Shaitan (Devil—Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord.” (Surat Al-Isra: 27). Islam also forbids extreme
disparity in wealth and income, as God Almighty says, “And what Allah restored to His
Messenger from the people of the towns—it is for Allah and for the Messenger
and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler—so that it
will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And
whatever the Messenger has given you—take; and what he has forbidden
you—refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty. (Surah Al-Hashr: 7). Islam considers work to be the
foundation of wealth and riches, as in the words of God Almighty: “And Allah has favored some
of you over others in provision. But those who were favored would not hand over
their provision to those whom their right hands possess so they would be equal
to them therein. Then is it the favor of Allah they reject?” (Surah An-Nahl: 71); and in His words: “And for all there are
degrees [of reward and punishment] for what they have done, and [it is] so that
He may fully compensate them for their deeds, and they will not be wronged.” (Surah Al-Ahqaf: 19). The difference between people
in sustenance and livelihood is based on the extent of their effort and
righteous deeds. God Almighty is truthful when He says, “And that man can have nothing
but what he does (good or bad). 39 And that his deeds will be seen. 40 Then he will be recompensed with a full and the best recompense. 41” (Surat An-Najm: 39-41).
The
Prophetic Sunnah urges moderation and prudence in spending and forbids
extravagance and wastefulness, as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings
be upon him) said, “Eat, drink, give charity, and dress, as long as it is not
mixed with extravagance or pride.” (Narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr; Source: Sahih
Ibn Majah). This hadith guides Muslims to ensure that spending money on food,
drink, clothing, and charity is a balanced approach between stinginess and
extravagance, thus ensuring that matters are set right. The Prophet (peace and
blessings be upon him) also forbade... Wasting money is mentioned in his
statement: “God is pleased with three things for you and dislikes three things
for you. He is pleased with you that you worship Him and do not associate
anything with Him, and that you hold fast to the rope of God all together and
do not become divided. He dislikes your gossip, excessive questioning, and wasting
money.” And in another narration: the same, except that he said, “And He will
be angry with you three times,” and he did not mention, “And do not be
divided.” (Narrator: Abu Hurairah; Source: Sahih Muslim). This hadith urges
moderation in spending and prohibits extravagance.
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