Wealth, in the domains that Allah has permitted, has been made by Him a means through which people’s religious and worldly interests are upheld. The Almighty said, “Do not entrust the feeble-minded with your wealth, which Allah has made a means of support for you” (Qur’an 4:5). For that reason He has forbidden any aggression against property. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) declared, “Your blood, your property, and your honour are inviolable.”

Allah, majestic is He, personally delineated how wealth is to be apportioned in many passages: “Know that whatever spoils you acquire, one-fifth belongs to Allah” (8:41); “Charity is only for the poor, the destitute, those who collect it…” (9:60); and, “Allah instructs you concerning your children: for the male, a share equal to that of two females” (4:11), in addition to the other verses on inheritance. All of this shows the Law’s special concern for wealth and its great importance. Indeed, many contemporary nations derive their strength from their economies, the growth of their assets, and their affluence.

Since wealth is so significant, a person may not squander it on what yields no benefit. There are many forms of such squandering, among them extravagance in spending. Extravagance is prohibited even with regard to food and drink, clothing, vehicles, and housing; whenever a person exceeds the proper limit he is sinful. Allah the Exalted says, “Eat and drink, but do not be extravagant; surely He does not love those who are extravagant” (7:31). Crossing the limit is extravagance; it is forbidden and exposes the doer to Allah’s displeasure.

If we define extravagance as exceeding the proper limit, it becomes clear that spending varies from one person to another. A wealthy person, for example, may build his house, purchase a car, or wear clothes that do not