The Subtle Art of Spending

The last couple of days have been straight-out-of-hell, as everyone, no exaggeration, would like to describe it. There have been times when we all would have thought at least once (if not every day) that we wouldn't be able to make it through, or worst case scenario, pass out from the excessive heat and humidity. In these literally mind-boggling circumstances, the only escape (or, as it seems, the only solution) is to "chill" (pun intended) in an air-conditioned environment. 

Well, I don't blame anyone for it.

However, one thing struck me in this scenario: a forwarded message my amma read to me.

Excessive ease makes you drift away from your Rab, it said.

When a human is treated to unnecessary comfort (mind it, I am not referring to people who have certain medical conditions), he often forgets (or chooses not to think about) other people around him, who do not own the same privilege. 

It's convenient to do, I often think to myself.

However, at the same time, I am also reminded (Alhamdulillah) how entitled this makes me feel. Sometimes, when I choose not to stay in an air-conditioned environment and let myself sweat in this heat makes me "feel" what other people in my community go through who do not own such luxuries. It makes me closer to my Rab, to be more grateful, compassionate, and human.

While I am all-in-all in favor of savoring the Naimah of Allah to us, I am beginning to think how Naimah can simultaneously become a test; Israaf. 

The lessons from the forwarded message don't end here, though (the best is yet to come). The most significant outcome I found from the message was the fact that we all will be accountable for everything we "spent." While many of us think of this teaching in terms of monetary spending, it certainly does not limit there. My spending encompasses how I spend every moment of my life, of how much I consume water while taking a shower, oil while cooking food, electricity while I stay in an air-conditioned room, and so on. 

And amazingly, there's not a single moment when we are not indulged in the act of "spending." Subhana’Allah – how every moment we live can be spent in embracing Taqwa. How many opportunities He gives us; to Remember Him, to Serve Him, and to just exist as His Slave.