In this day and age, there are very few places that we can frequent without encountering posters, billboards and flyers advertising “CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT!” “BLACKLISTED? WE CAN HELP!”
Even more surprising than the amount of debt aid agencies that have sprung up is the amount of people that flock to these agencies for what they believe to be assistance. If we examine the nature of these debts, we will realize that the vast majority of people who land themselves in unmanageable debt have done so by failing to live within their means. This has sprung from their discontentment, insatiable greed and the perception that they are unsuccessful if they do not have the latest phone, latest model of vehicle and the latest of everything else.
If each of us have to examine our lives, we will realize that our expenses can be divided into five primary avenues; food, clothing, home, vehicle and marriage.
In our greed to enjoy the most exotic food, at the most renowned and famed outlets, we are even prepared to sacrifice our values of halaal and haraam. The fashionable clothing that we don has removed all traces of modesty that may have existed. Our fancy ornament homes are in no way visitor friendly. The desire for the latest car has landed us in debts. Our lavish weddings have tragically made fornication the cheaper option for many people of weak imaan.
Islam, being the perfect and complete way of life, teaches us to maintain simplicity and exercise moderation in all departments of our life. By following this pristine prescription and exercising simplicity in these five basic avenues, we will not only enjoy barakah (blessings) and cultivate contentment, but will also remain debt-free, thus avoiding the mountain of problems and stress that burden a person carrying debt.
All we need to simply do, is simplify our costly lives and enjoy a simple life that is pleasing to Allah Ta‘ala.