Simple Life in Islam

If I were being asked to mention two words that can eradicate corruption in Indonesia, then the answer is a simple life. The majority of cases of official corruption are mainly caused by the desire to live in luxury that exceeds the salary received by lawful and legal means. Therefore, the simple life is the most effective and efficient way not only to eradicate corruption, but also to remove the intention to commit corruption of each officials who are in power.

Ideally a simple life becomes the lifestyle of all Muslims. Not only the lifestyle of those in power. And this mindset must be instilled early on in the family environment in order to internalize the traditions and patterns of thinking so that the simple life really become a way of life throughout the Muslim family.

There is no strict definition of the meaning of simple life. But someone can be considered living in a simple life behavior if not caught up in consumerism. Consumerism is a person lifestyle who think that personal happiness can only be achieved by consuming, buy whatever you want and have exceeded the limits of basic needs.

There are many positive factors why the simple life must be a Muslim lifestyle. First, Islam strictly prohibits lavish or excessive behavior (Surah al-Furqan 25:68).

Secondly, Islam emphasizes the importance of a Muslim to be the philanthropist. Help the poor not only by charity, but also with infak, sadakah (alms) and grants. A command that will be hard done by someone who has lavish lifestyle and consumptive. Because someone who used to live like that will feel always “deficiencies.” How can someone who is busy with himself will think to help others?

Islam’s urge for the simple life does not mean banning a Muslim to work hard and become rich. Instead, Allah praised the richness as something laudable and implicitly stated that the rich are better than the poor (Surah Ad Dhuha 93:8). In Sura 71:12 Noah also plainly asserted that God multiply the wealth of a Muslim as a “reward of the world”.

Dr. Yusuf Qaradawi in his book Musykilatul Faqr Kaifa Alajaha al-Islam (Poverty’s Problems and its Solutions According to Islam) claimed that “Islam considers wealth as a blessing and gift from God. And poverty as a misfortune to be overcome.” Qaradawi In the present study found that none of the verses in the Qur’an and authentic Hadith of the Prophet who qualified to be called sahih that praise poverty or encourage a Muslim to deliberately choose a life of poverty.

Thus, what is desired by Islam is clear: be diligent to find the treasure of your ability. At the same time, choose a simple lifestyle. So it is we who control the property, not property that controls us. This is one of the Islamic solution how to achieve a happy life.

In America, the simple life also begin the echo and become a choice of many lives of the millionaires and billionaires. Stanley & Danko in The Millionaire Next Door (1998) said:

“The Americans millionaires who are living glamorous lives actually represent a small minority of wealthy Americans. The majority of U.S. tycoon chose simple lifestyle. Their distinctive lifestyle, among others, are they keep their old cars that are still functioning well. They do not wear expensive clothes and watches. And their house is relatively simple compared to the status of their wealth. ”

If the American millionaire ara able to enjoy the simple life, why do not we? []