Hadrat Abu Umaamah Radiallahu Anhu narrates, “One day the Companions of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam mentioned the world before him. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, ‘Are you listening? Are you listening? Verily simplicity is part of Imaan!’ ” [Abu Dawud]
Some scholars have written under this narration that the word ‘Badhadha’, which means, ‘simplicity’, refers to abstaining from adorning oneself and being content with inferior quality of clothing. [The Rewards of Good Deeds – Allama Dimyati (R.A) Pg.750]
A great deal of importance is attached to fashion and branded clothing. A shoe carrying a brand name is marketed for R2000.00, whilst a similar shoe (without the brand name) is marketed for less than half the price, whilst both serve the exact same purpose. Many will pay the extra money and purchase the branded footwear to enjoy the status of wearing branded items, whereas this is considered as wastage which we have been prohibited from in the Quraan Sharif. Allah Ta’ala states, “Verily He (Allah Ta’ala) does not love those that are extravagant.” [Surah Aa’raaf]
Many women will spend thousands on just a handbag or a shoe to match their outfit, whereas numerous handbags and shoes may be lying in the dressing closet. The new shoe and handbag is hardly used a few times, and again she is in search of a new brand to match another outfit. Perhaps thousands of Rands are wasted in this manner every now and then.
Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “Certainly Allah Ta’ala loves the person who is simple, who is not concerned of what he wears.” [Baihaqi]
A person who is from among the children of Sahaaba Radiallahu Anhum, narrates from his father, that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “He who abstains from wearing beautiful clothes despite being able to do so, (I think he said – out of humility), Allah Ta’ala shall make him wear the garment of honour.” [Abu Dawud]
Another narration states that Allah will give him the choice of wearing whichever garments of Imaan he desires. [Tirmidhi]
Our life in this world is really to prepare for the everlasting life of the hereafter. The garments of Jannah have been prepared for the true believers to enjoy. The more effort a person makes on Dunya, the less will be his concern for the hereafter. Since making an effort to acquire Dunya consumes so much of time, a person’s time to prepare for the hereafter becomes limited. The worldly life will soon terminate whilst the hereafter is everlasting hence, preference should be afforded to that which is everlasting and perpetual.
Anas Radiallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “There are many people with dishevelled hair and dust on their clothing, possessing (just) two worn out cloths. No importance is given to them. However, if such a person was to take an oath in the name of Allah, then He will fulfill it. From amongst them is Bara Bin Maalik R.A.” [Tirmidhi]
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and guide us towards righteousness, Ameen!
