It’s that strange time of year again. You know, the period between Christmas and New Year, when every day merges into one, the concept of time disappears, and you have no idea what day of the week it is anymore. Yep, that time again.
But one thing we all definitely know is that the sales are on!
For many, this means a mad rush to the shops at 6am, queuing to get into your favourite store and find that bargain deal for the shoes you really wanted. Sometimes… there’s even a fight over a TV in Argos.
But amongst the madness, sometimes we’ll find there’s a little niggle at the back of our minds. Do we really need this item? Do we really need to fill our car boots with bags of clothes we don’t really want, but it seemed like a good deal at the time?
Allah the Exalted says, ‘And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who, when they spend, do not do so extravagantly (excessively), nor are they miserly but they are between the two, moderate.” (Al-Furqān: 67)
We are taught not to hoard our wealth, to be miserly with our money, but equally not to spend so much that we put ourselves in difficulties or on extravagance that we don’t need. Excess and wasteful consumption are frowned upon, and we should do our best to avoid these.
However, if it doesn’t put you in a spot of bother, and you REALLY do think your youngest will look absolutely adorable in that new jacket, or your kettle could do with being upgraded, then despite what some may tell you, it’s equally okay to do this.
Islam is about balance, and this extends to your spending and money.
We should however, be aware of the environments we place ourselves in. Shops during sales periods are hectic, busy places. Awareness of your surroundings, and that you will be bumping into the opposite gender is most likely a given and something to take into consideration.
Abu Huraira (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The most beloved of places to Allah are the mosques, and the most hated places to Allah are the markets.” (Sahih Muslim)
Be mindful of your intentions. Make dua to Allah to put barakah in your money. Be mindful of free-mixing and avoid the peak time rush so you are not being pushed into the opposite gender. God-consciousness should be at the forefront of all our actions.
It is narrated by Saaiduna Umar Bin Khattab Radiallahu Anhu that he said: “I heard the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam say: “Actions are only according to intentions, and to each only what he intended.” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
May Allah keep our intentions sincere at all times, Ameen. Happy shopping, and good luck!
