Moderation in Consumption
Moderation in consumption: One should make use of the God-given blessings in a moderate manner. By moderation one means to consume in such a way so as to refrain from both strictness and wastefulness. Of course such a limit differs based on the person’s social prestige and status.
Based on a narration from Imam Baqir (Peace be upon him) moderation at a time of neediness or when being free of want is a factor that can save the person.
Imam Ali (Peace be upon him) has stated that when God grants righteousness to his servant, he is inspired with moderation. Generally speaking, the term, economy in the Arabic language is a general concept that can affect different aspects of life and is desirable and anticipated in all stages of life even in prayers and offering donations.
Moderation in consumption and frugality contribute to the continuity of blessings and creates conducive grounds for growth of spiritual perfection in human beings. Therefore, refraining from wastefulness is one of the limitations of consumption. On the other side of the spectrum, there are individuals who act very strictly concerning the costs of living which is not acceptable from the Qur’anic point of view. This is due to the fact that extravagance and stinginess are both unacceptable from the religious point of view.
There are verses from the holy Qur’an that emphasize moderation that generally touch upon moderation in consumption as well. In order to further clarify this point, we will address the subjects of extravagance and stinginess and also delineate the viewpoints of the holy Qur’an and the infallible Imams in this regard.
Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi
Other links:
The theoretical foundations of consumption model: Recognizing forbidden and permissible commodities
Desire to use divine blessings in Islamic perspective
Remembering the Creator of all blessings
Forgetting God will cause hardships in livelihood
