Voice of British Muslim Women

Ayesha Naseem, Blackburn

The announcement of the latest iPhone arriving in market undeniably attracts attention from people across the world. Some rush to stores to buy them in person and some pre-order them to have them delivered as soon as they are released. To think of it, we do not need a new phone every two years. Even if we do not all actually buy the latest smartphone, the majority of us are at least intrigued or tempted to buy it. Consumerism refers to spending money on products and goods that we want to have alongside our basic needs, i.e. food, clothes and shelter. To put it simply, it is more about the things and accessories we want to buy instead of what we need to buy.

Throughout the year, marketers of all sorts of businesses entice consumers through online and in-store discounts. It is thrilling for some of us when we are given the opportunity to buy products at a reduced price. It is also the time when most people turn to shops because it is easier to buy more in seasons where you have to spend less. An example of this can be seen on Boxing Day, when people queue up outside the stores from early hours of the morning just to get ahead in buying the best products available at cheap prices.

Although, there is no harm in spending outside one’s basic needs occasionally, it is important to not get so absorbed in doing so that all we worry about is keeping up with the latest trends. Studies on well-being and mental health have suggested that materialism is linked to lack of happiness and satisfaction in life, it is a cause of increasing depression and social disconnection and can also shift people away from spirituality.[1] Therefore, consumerism has damaged us as a society. It has made us materialistic; it has enabled a sense of insecurity within us about what we do and do not have, and it has forced us to succumb to the societal desires of spending blindly on unnecessary luxuries.

One factor which is central to ensuring self-control while spending and is also encouraged by Islam in all matters is, moderation. The Holy Quran proclaims in Chapter 25, verse 68:

“And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly but moderate between the two;”[2]

Islam encourages simplicity and asserts the importance of spending in the way of the poor and the needy. For example, in verses 27 and 28 of Chapter 17, Allah the Almighty instructs:

“And give thou to the kinsman his due, and to the poor and the wayfarer, and squander not thy wealth extravagantly. Verily, the extravagant are brothers of satans, and Satan is ungrateful to his Lord.”[3]

Further in the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty refers to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) as the “excellent model” for mankind.[4] Certainly, if we study the life of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him), we will find countless examples where he exemplified the utmost humbleness and simplicity. Once someone sent a silk dress to him as a present. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) put it on and offered his Prayers. Afterwards he took it off and remarked:

“For simple people these dresses are unsuitable.”[5] (Bukhari)

The fifth Caliph and the current worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad states:

“Material wealth, worldly status, owning a large house or an expensive car does not make anyone honourable in the sight of Allah… Thus no one should ever feel pride at his worldly and material gains and should never think that he is deserving of more respect and honour than those who have less material wealth.”[6]

As long as moderation and self-control are practiced, spending on oneself is not harmful. But it is also important to acknowledge that the opportunity to spend beyond one’s basic needs is a privilege not everyone has. Insecurities borne out of societal pressures or the arrogance in having this privilege can only be defeated if we stay steadfast on our faith in Allah and live a humble and simple life.

[1] https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/the-good-and-bad-sides-of-consumerism

[2] The Holy Qur’an, Translated by Maulwi Sher Ali Sahib (ra), Chapter 25 Verse 68

[3] The Holy Qur’an, Translated by Maulwi Sher Ali Sahib (ra), Chapter 17 Verses 27-28

[4] The Holy Qur’an, Translated by Maulwi Sher Ali Sahib (ra), Chapter 33 Verse 22

[5] https://www.alislam.org/articles/prophet-or-king/

[6] https://www.alislam.org/press-release/world-leader-addresses-final-session-of-ahmadiyya-muslim-jamaats-64th-annual-convention-in-usa/