(31) “O children of Adam, put on your adornment at every place of worship, and eat and drink, but do not be excessive. Indeed, He does not love those who are excessive.”

After having sent down to the children of Adam clothing that conceals their nakedness, as well as finery, Allah Most High says: “O children of Adam, put on your adornment at every place of worship.” That is, cover your nakedness during every prayer, whether obligatory or voluntary, for covering it adorns the body, just as exposing it leaves the body unsightly and disfigured.

It is also possible that “adornment” here means more than this and includes clean, fine clothing. Thus, this command entails covering one’s nakedness during prayer, beautifying oneself for it, and keeping one’s covering garment clean of dirt and ritual impurities.

He then says: “And eat and drink”—that is, from the wholesome things Allah has provided for you—“but do not be excessive” in doing so. Excess may consist in consuming more than is sufficient and indulging greedily in food in a way that harms the body; in excessive luxury and fastidiousness regarding food, drink, and clothing; or in going beyond what is lawful to what is unlawful.

“Indeed, He does not love those who are excessive,” for Allah detests excess, and it harms a person’s body and livelihood. It may even leave him unable to meet the expenses incumbent upon him. This noble verse therefore commands eating and drinking, prohibits abstaining from them, and prohibits excess in them.