Islamic Religious Council of Singapore
Friday Sermon
13 December 2024 / 11 Jamadil Akhir 1446H
Moderation in Spending
Dear blessed congregation,
Let us continue to elevate our taqwa towards Allah s.w.t. by fulfilling all His commands and avoiding all His prohibitions. Let us embody balance and moderation in our lives, as followers of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., who are described by Allah s.w.t. as "ummatan wasata" – a balanced and moderate community. Let us be grateful for this honour so that Allah’s blessings will always be with us. Amin.
Dear blessed congregation,
Today, the sermon invites all present to reflect on our wealth and expenditure as a blessing that we must be grateful for by practicing moderation.
My dear brothers,
As the year-end approaches, it is common for us, as consumers, to be presented with countless offers for various goods and services. This privilege is not enjoyed by some people in other parts of the world, especially in places plagued by humanitarian crisis or countries yearning for peace and security. Therefore, it is only right for us to be mindful.
At the same time, this year-end habit can influence our buying power in an uncontrolled manner. It is at this point, that our desires need to be guided by religion. Reflect upon Allah’s words in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 67:
Which means: "They are those who are neither wasteful nor stingy when they spend, but keep to a just balance."
My dear brothers,
Allah commands us to practice moderation in all matters, including in enjoying His blessings when we spend. It must be clarified that moderation does not mean purposely living in poor conditions or rejecting the luxuries that Allah has granted us. Instead, moderation is the balance between excessiveness and miserliness.
Esteemed congregation,
Let us consciously reassess our lifestyle and spending habits. If they reflect the moderation taught by Islam, let us say Alhamdulillah. But if otherwise, we should ask ourselves this question: Does a purchase truly fulfil a need or merely a want?
The followers of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. should be conscious in distinguishing between needs and wants. This aligns with the Prophet’s guidance which means: "Eat, drink, give in charity, and wear clothes, but without extravagance or arrogance."
(Hadith narrated by Imam Al-Bukhari)
In the face of global economic uncertainty, it is wise to prioritise spending on essential matters, such as short- and long-term needs for the family, our education, or that of our children. Practicing moderation in spending prepares us to face future economic challenges.
Moderation in spending has dual benefits:
First, it guards against excessiveness. Practicing moderation helps us avoid greed and overindulgence. By enjoying Allah’s blessings with conscious restraint, we embody gratitude and achieve peace of heart and soul.
Secondly, moderation also supports physical and mental health. For example, excessive eating can lead to various health problems, while overspending can cause financial strain and emotional stress, leading to anxiety and depression.
In managing finances, Islam emphasises avoiding wastefulness and debt, as reflected in the Prophet’s supplication which means: "I seek refuge with You from the burden of debt and the oppression of people." (Hadith narrated by Imam Abu Dawud)
We are also encouraged to save a portion of our income and give in charity to those in need. This not only aids our financial management, but also fulfils our social responsibilities as Muslims.
Respected congregants,
Allow me to highlight two perspectives that can inspire us to embrace moderation in life:
First, moderation attracts blessings. Abu Nu’aim Al-Isfahani, in his book Hilyatul Awliya’, quotes Imam Hasan Al-Basri, a renowned scholar from the Tabi’in, as saying: "If you see someone blessed with wealth by Allah, yet living modestly and moderately, seek acquaintance with him, for he has been granted wisdom."
Practicing moderation in spending keeps us from falling into debt, even though debt is permissible in principle. It reflects our wisdom in prioritising what truly matters and, by Allah’s will, brings tranquility to our lives – a key indicator of the blessings which a Mukmin enjoys.
Secondly, understanding the true virtue of a Mukmin: In today’s era, hyper-consumerism and social media often promote luxurious and extravagant lifestyles, potentially leading to harmful consequences. For instance, someone may feel pressured to own the latest gadgets or travel to popular destinations. These are the traps of excessive consumerism that can fuel envy, ingratitude, and other negative traits.
Remember, the worth of a believer is not measured by wealth or worldly possessions, but by their taqwa or mindfulness of Allah, as the Prophet s.a.w. said: "Indeed, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and deeds."
(Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim)
Respected congregants,
In conclusion, let us humbly and sincerely pray for Allah’s guidance to help us embody moderation in our lives. May Allah make us His grateful and humble servants, and remove from our hearts greed and arrogance. Amin, Ya Rabbal 'Alamin.
أَقُوْلُ قَوْلِي هَذَا وَأَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ العَظِيْمَ لِي وَلَكُمْ، فَاسْتَغْفِرُوهُ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الغَفُوْرُ الرَّحِيْم
Second Sermon
الحَمْدُ للهِ حَمْدًا كَثِيرًا كَمَا أَمَرَ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَن لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ سَيِّدَنَا مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ. اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَأَصْحَابِهِ أَجْمَعِينَ. أَمَّا بَعْدُ، فَيَا عِبَادَ الله، اِتَّقُوا اللهَ تَعَالَى فِيمَا أَمَرَ، وَانتَهُوا عَمَّا نَهَاكُم عَنْهُ وَزَجَرَ.
أَلَا صَلُّوا وَسَلِّمُوا عَلَى النَّبِيِّ الْمُصْطَفَى، فَقَدْ أَمَرَنَا اللهُ بِذَلِكَ حَيْثُ قَال فِي كِتَابِهِ العَزِيزِ: إِنَّ اللهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يَـا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا. اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ وَبَارِكْ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ.
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالمُؤْمِنَاتِ، وَالمُسْلِمِينَ وَالمُسْلِمَاتِ، الأَحْيَاءِ مِنهُم وَالأَمْوَاتِ. اللَّهُمَّ ادْفَعْ عَنَّا البَلَاءَ وَالوَبَاءَ وَالزَّلَازِلَ وَالمِحَنَ، مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ، عَن بَلَدِنَا خَاصَّةً، وَسَائِرِ البُلْدَانِ عَامَّةً، يَا رَبَّ العَالَمِينَ. اَللَّهُمَّ انْصُرْ إِخْوَانَنَا اْلمُسْتَضْعَفِيْنَ فِي غَزَّة وَفِي فِلِسْطِينَ وَفِيْ كُلِّ مَكَانٍ عَامَّةً، يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ. اَللَّهُمَّ بَدِّلْ خَوْفَهُمْ أَمْنًا، وَحُزْنَهُمْ فَرَحًا، وَهَمَّهُمْ فَرَجًا، يَا رَبَّ العَالَمِينَ. اَللَّهُمَّ اكْتُبِ السِّلْمَ وَالسَّلاَمَ وَالأَمْنَ وَالأَمَانَ لِلْعَالَمِ كُلِّهِ وَلِلنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ. رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنيَا حَسَنَةً، وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً، وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ.
عِبَادَ اللهِ، إِنَّ اللهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالعَدْلِ وَالإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي القُرْبَى، وَيَنْهَى عَنِ الفَحْشَاءِ وَالمُنكَرِ وَالبَغْيِ، يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ، فَاذكُرُوا اللهَ العَظِيمَ يَذْكُرْكُمْ، وَاشْكُرُوهُ عَلَى نِعَمِهِ يَزِدْكُمْ، وَاسْأَلُوهُ مِن فَضْلِهِ يُعْطِكُم، وَلَذِكْرُ اللهِ أَكْبَرُ، وَاللهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ
