Question
I recently bought some clothing from a Turkish online brand, but felt terribly guilty upon receiving my order. I try to keep my closet simple, and I don’t have near as much as many others I know, but I always feel guilty when purchasing something I want rather than something I need. Is this sinful? The clothing also feels like fast fashion, which brought more guilt. I feel that perhaps I should be investing in quality instead of quantity. Is there prophetic guidance?
Answer
Assalamu alaykum,
Thank you for your question.
Buying what you want in moderation is no sin, especially if not coupled with arrogance and pride. However, considering that we live in a modern society of consumerism where materialism is valued, we must take steps to ensure that we don’t become wasteful and extravagant which will only lead to more emptiness.
I often think of a friend, who would encourage his family to spend time together talking or going out in nature instead of bonding over food and spending money. I see a lot of depth and wisdom in that now. You will find a full and detailed answer here:
Global Warming and Wastefulness
Keep in mind this prophetic hadith: “Whoever is focused only on this world, Allah will confound his affairs and make him fear poverty constantly, and he will not get anything of this world except that which has been decreed for him. Whoever is focused on the Hereafter, Allah will settle his affairs for him and make him feel content with his lot, and his provision and worldly gains will undoubtedly come to him.” [Ibn Majah]
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.