Page 17 - Pakistan Link - March 17, 2023

COMMENTARY PAKISTAN LINK - MARCH 17, 2023 - P17
Prophet Muhammad on Minimalism: Gems from the Holy Qur’an

Seeking Inspiration from Our Beloved Prophet

to walk with its support and jump onto
his ride (camel or horse) using it. He
would then hang it on the side of his
camel.)
6. A wooden bowl with hooks
7. A glass bowl
8. A bowl that he kept under his
bed at night (for urinating)
9. Water bottle (mushk) and a pot
(made out of stone) for making wudu
10. A pot for washing hands and a
pot for washing his clothes
11. A bottle of oil From the translation and nought do We bestow from on
12. A bag in which he kept his by Muhammad Asad high unless it be in accordance with
mirror and comb (made out of teak (Leopold Weiss) a measure well-defined.
wood) About the translator: And We let loose the winds to
n By Umm Ahmed ing up in his presence or from kneeling 13. Kohl powder (Surma Asmad) fertilize [plants], and We send down
Abu Dhabi, UAE down to him in respect. He lived in a and a vial for containing it (He would Muhammad Asad, Leopold water from the skies and let you
simple house and ate simple food. De- apply it thrice in each eye, before going Weiss, was born of Jewish parents drink thereof: and it is not you who
rophet Muhammad, peace and spite being a prophet and a person of to bed. And he encouraged his people in Livow, Austria (later Poland) in dispose of its source – for, behold, it
blessings be upon him, had a significant following, he never used his to use it, too.) 1900, and at the age of 22 made his is We – we alone – who grant life and
P simplistic and minimalistic ap- influence to live a life of ease. Rather, 14. 2 pairs of scissors and a first visit to the Middle East. He deal death, and it is We alone who
proach towards life, so much so that he he lived a life not of affluence but of hu- miswaak later became an outstanding for- shall remain after all else will have
would confess to Allah that he would mility and modesty. 15. A huge bowl with 4 hooks (so eign correspondent for the Fran- passed away!
rather fast one day and eat one day, so Narrated Abu Huraira, the Mes- huge that it needed to be carried by 4 furter Zeitung, and after years of And well do We know [the
that on the day that he fasts, he would senger of Allah, please and blessings be people) devoted study became one of the hearts and deeds of all human be-
call out to Him and on the day he chose upon him, said: 16. Bed made out of leather filled leading Muslim scholars of our ings – both] those who lived before
to eat he would thank his lord for His "If I had gold equal to the moun- with date tree bark, its legs were made age. His translation of the Holy you and those who will come after
abundant favors and blessings. Subha- tain of Uhud, it would not please me out of teak wood Qur’an is one of the most lucid you; and, behold, it is thy Sustainer
nAllah, Glory be to Allah. that anything of it should remain with Although it is not entirely possi- and well-referenced works in this who will gather them all together [on
"Indeed, in the Messenger of Al- me after three nights (i.e., I would ble to replicate the use of some of these category, dedicated to “li-qaw- Judgment Day]: verily, He is wise, all-
lah, you have an excellent example for spend all of it in Allah's Cause) except items, in reality, the idea is to under- min yatafakkaroon” (people who knowing!
whoever has hope in Allah and the Last what I would keep for repaying debts." stand, learn and teach from the plain- think). Forwarded by Dr Ismat
Day, and remembers Allah often." (Sahih al-Bukhari) ness of the character of our Prophet, Kamal. Chapter 15, Verses 45-48
(Surah al-Ahzaab, 33:21) Reflecting on the simplicity of may peace and blessings be upon him. Verily, those who are conscious
From the obvious beauty of his our beloved, peace and blessings be Our Prophet's, may peace and Chapter 15, Verse 9 of God [shall find themselves in
character to his appealing, humble and upon him, leaves us in awe of where we blessings be upon him, views on the Behold, it is We Ourselves who the hereafter] amidst gardens and
simplistic outlook on life, there are in- stand. There is indeed much to learn laws of Inheritance for his own family have bestowed from on high, step by springs, [having been received with
deed many a lesson that we can borrow. and seek inspiration from. Adding on, were rigorous, too. step, this reminder [ 1 ]: and behold, the greeting,] “Enter here in peace,
In this article we will focus on the sim- it might be useful to know more about Narrated Abu Huraira, may Allah it is We who shall truly guard it [from secure!”
plicity of his possessions and also how what it was that our Prophet actually be pleased with him: "Allah's Messen- all corruption]. And [by then] We shall have re-
we can implement a minimalistic life- owned in terms of his personal assets. ger, peace and blessings be upon him, moved whatever unworthy thoughts
style at home ourselves. And, these were: said, ‘Not even a single Dinar of my Chapter 15, Verses 19-25 or feelings may have been [linger-
1. An armor property should be distributed (after And the earth – We have spread ing] in their breasts, [and they shall
His Simplicity in Possessions 2. Bow and arrow my deaths to my inheritors, but what- it out wide, and placed on it moun- rest] as brethren, facing one another
Prophet Muhammad, peace and 3. Spear and shield ever I leave excluding the provision for tains firm, and caused [life] of every [in love] upon thrones of happiness.
blessings be upon him, did not like be- 4. 3 robes (used on account of ji- my wives and my servants, should be kind to grow on it in a balanced man- No weariness shall ever touch them
ing treated like any superior human- had) spent in charity’." ner, and provided thereon means of in this [state of bliss], and never shall
being. He forbade people from stand- 5. staff (stick) (The Prophet used (Sahih al-Bukhari) livelihood for you [O men] as well they have to forgo it.
For further clarity, reported Ai- as for all [living beings] whose suste- ___________________
sha, may Allah be pleased with her: nance does not depend on you. Translator’s Notes
The Prophet, peace and blessings For, no single thing exists that [ 1 ] I.e., the Qur’an.
be upon him, said, "Our (Apostles') does not have its source from Us;
property should not be inherited, and
whatever we leave, is to be spent in
charity." 1. Live within your means. He does not like the wasteful."
(Sahih al-Bukhari) The first step is to ensure that we (Surah Al- A'raf, 7:31)
are utilizing our resources wisely and Again, we will be questioned and
Practicing Minimalism Ourselves living within our means. As mentioned held accountable for every resource
Prophet Muhammad, peace and in the Qur’an: that is in our possession, and for how
blessings be upon him, was ever cau- "Let the man of wealth provide we put it to good use.
tious and mindful of his acts, despite according to his means. As for the one 4. Say no to hoarding.
being the Messenger of Allah, because: with limited resources, let him provide There is absolutely no harm in
• He knew he would be held according to whatever Allah has given spending money on that which is ben-
accountable for his own actions and him. Allah does not require of any soul eficial or needed, in fact, Allah and
that this world was just a temporary beyond what He has given it. After His messenger, peace and blessings
abode. hardship, Allah will bring about ease." be upon him, have encouraged us to
• He was entrusted with the (Surah at-Talaq, 65:7) spend for the greater good, i.e., in char-
responsibility of guiding the people to- 2. Check your intention. ity, on our family, neighbors and that
ward the teachings of Islam, by virtue In order to find the right balance, which serves the purpose of fulfilling
of his character. it is imperative that you question your our basic needs.
As parents, it is important for us intention before spending on any kind “The best Dinar that a man can
to reflect deeply on these pointers and of goods or services. Ask yourself, is it spend is a Dinar that he spends on his
remind ourselves of the significance of for mere show or for personal satisfac- family, a Dinar that he spends on a
our role as parents and guardians for tion? If it is for personal satisfaction, horse in the cause of Allah, and a Dinar
our children. And, this is where we do you desperately need it or can you that a man spends on his companions
need to step up and set an example for make do with an alternative that you in the cause of Allah.”
our future generations, i.e., the future already possess or can, may be, borrow (Sunan Ibn Majah)
role models from amongst the follow- from someone? 5. Share your blessings.
ers of our beloved Prophet, peace and 3. Say no to wastage. Prophet Muhammad, may peace
blessings be upon him. Here are five "O Children of Adam! Dress and blessings be upon him, was not
suggestions to help you implement a properly whenever you are at worship. only against the idea of extravagance
minimalistic lifestyle at home. Eat and drink, but do not waste. Surely (Continued on page 23)
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