Extravagance (Isrāf)
Definition and Etymology
Extravagance in the Islamic context, known as Isrāf (Arabic: اسراف), refers to excessive and wasteful spending or behavior. This concept also includes excessive indulgence in permissible matters. The Arabic root of the word, s-r-f, implies going beyond the bounds or limits of what is acceptable or reasonable.
In Turkish, extravagance is also referred to as “israf.”
Qur’anic References
The Qur’an addresses the issue of extravagance in various verses, emphasizing it as a behavior disliked by Allah:
Surah Al-Isra (17:27): وَلَا تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِيرًا إِنَّ ٱلْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوٓاْ إِخْوَٰنَ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينِ ۖ وَكَانَ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ لِرَبِّهِۦ كَفُورًا “Do not be wasteful, for the wasteful are the brothers of devils; and the devil is ever ungrateful to his Lord.”
Surah Al-A’raf (7:31): *يَٰبَنِيٓ ءَادَمَ خُذُواْ زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍۢ وَكُلُواْ وَٱشْرَبُواْ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓاْ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ * “O children of Adam, take your adornment at every mosque, and eat and drink, but be not extravagant. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.”
Moral and Ethical Implications
In Islam, the concept of Isrāf is deeply intertwined with the ethics of moderation (i’tidal) and balance. Extravagance is not only about material excess but also pertains to neglecting spiritual and communal responsibilities. The behavior of a wasteful person, or musrif (مُسْرِف), is seen as antithetical to the values of thankfulness and humility.
Legal and Cultural Practices
Extravagance is discouraged in both personal and community life. Muslims are encouraged to live modestly, avoid waste, and make responsible use of resources. This practice extends to various facets of life, including:
- Consumption: Encouraging moderation in eating, drinking, and general consumption to avoid wastefulness.
- Charity: Emphasizing the importance of giving excess wealth to those in need rather than indulging in luxurious lifestyles.
- Environment: Promoting sustainable practices that respect natural resources.
Recommended Books For Further Studies
- “The Purification of Wealth” by Abdal-Hakim Murad – A comprehensive exploration of Islamic economic ethics, including the concept of Isrāf.
- “Islamic Ethics: Divine Command Theory in Arabo-Islamic Thought” by Murtaza Mutahhari – An analytical examination of ethical concepts in Islam, with discussions on waste and extravagance.
- “Wealth and Poverty in Early Islam: The Economic Roots of a Faith” by Mohammad Mazher Idriss – An insightful analysis of how early Islamic teachings addressed issues of wealth distribution and responsibility.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Extravagance, or Isrāf, is a condemned behavior in Islamic teachings, reflecting the broader spiritual and ethical foundations of moderation and responsibility. By avoiding wastefulness, Muslims aim to demonstrate gratitude, maintain societal balance, and uphold environmental stewardship.
Understanding the implications of Isrāf enriches our comprehension of Islamic values and encourages a more mindful, balanced approach to living. It underscores the importance of resource management, community welfare, and spiritual awareness in everyday life.
