Mumtaz Moosa | mumtazs@icloud.com
1 November 2024 | 10:30 CAT
2 min read

Many may not want to hear this, but it’s a conversation we need to have. In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend of Muslim women using TikTok to showcase their extensive hijab collections. A quick glance through these posts reveals cupboards overflowing with khimars arranged like shop displays featuring every imaginable shade—from soft pinks to bold, vibrant hues. One TikTok user even took the bold step to call out this trend, emphasising the urgent need to address overconsumption within our homes.

As women, we often desire the perfect scarf to complement each outfit. But let’s address the elephant in the room: Does this desire stem from a genuine need, or is it driven by an insatiable appetite for more, leaving us never fully satisfied with what we have? This desire to continually acquire more is precisely what the market targets. Many major brands and local businesses have tapped into the multi-million Rand modest wear industry in South Africa, creating a sense of perpetual need among consumers.

If we were to look through our wardrobes right now, we’d likely find numerous virtually identical items accumulated over time without realising it. Overconsumption is associated with a range of issues in Islam, one of the most pressing being debt. The endless desire for more often leads people to live beyond their means, straining their finances. Furthermore, overconsumption contributes to wastage—whether in the form of food, clothing, or the latest tech gadgets.

Overconsumption can also foster greed and discontent, as the constant desire for more can prevent people from truly appreciating what they already have. Islam teaches gratitude (shukr) and contentment, encouraging believers to appreciate their blessings and find peace in what Allah has provided.

How Can We Avoid Overconsumption?

1. Evaluate Needs vs. Wants: Before purchasing, ask yourself if it’s truly a necessity and whether it fits into your monthly budget. Avoid impulsive buys; if you still want the item after two weeks, consider purchasing it.
2. Practice Generosity with Good Condition Items: Each time you buy something new, take an item from your wardrobe that is in good condition and donate it to someone in need. This way, you avoid accumulating excess and ensure your home doesn’t become a storage space for “one-day” items. Remind yourself that life is unpredictable and that item might be better used by someone else.
3. Avoid Consumerist Content: If you follow social media accounts that frequently showcase new purchases and advertisements, consider unfollowing them. Instead, follow those who inspire you to grow, simplify, and experience spiritual well-being.
4. Remember the Sunnah of Simple Living: As one scholar wisely said, “Live on this earth as if you are a traveller.” Keep only what you truly need, avoiding items that are kept “just in case.” Embrace simplicity and remember that contentment lies in a heart satisfied with what it already possesses.

By being mindful of our consumption habits and focusing on what truly matters, we can align our lifestyles with the values of simplicity and gratitude in Islam.