Islam and Consumerism: It's important for Christians to understand

It is the season when many of us are busy selecting gifts for our family and friends for Christmas. People are gearing up for the biggest shopping event of the year – Black Friday, with the dreaded traffic jams and website crashes.

But is this holiday shopping craze symptomatic of something deeper? As Christians, we know that being obsessed and consumed with material things is a form of idolatry, which breaks the first commandment. This is not to say that Black Friday shopping is sinful, but we must be careful not to make idols out of things.

But what do our Muslim neighbors think about this materially consumed culture? Or, perhaps more importantly, how does the Islamic worldview approach consumerism (the love of buying material goods)?

Most Muslims actually live very materialistic and consumeristic lives. If you visit a Gulf country, like Dubai or Saudi Arabia, you will notice that materialism has overtaken the marketplace and social life. Splurging on the most expensive clothing brands and pure diamond-covered watches and phone cases is the norm for the elite Arabs. Parties that cost fortunes to entertain and celebrate Ramadan and other holidays are extravagant and over-the-top.

Muslims save all year to spend lavishly on food and gifts during Ramadan. And because most Muslim countries are societies built on an honor and shame system, many families live beyond their means to be more respected in their communities.

Just because Muslims often live a materialistic lifestyle, like many people, it doesn’t mean this is what they are told to do. So, what does the religion of Islam teach about consumerism?

The Quran and Consumerism 

The Quranic warning against waste 

At first glance, it may seem that the Quran promotes a concept similar to biblical stewardship. Several verses in the Quran advise against wastefulness. Surah 7:31 urges Muslims: “O Children of Adam! Dress properly whenever you are at worship. Eat and drink, but do not waste. Surely He does not like the wasteful.”

The Quran also advises Muslims to spend wisely. In Surah 17:26, Allah commands Muslims not to “spend wastefully.” And in Surah 25:67, Muslims are told to practice a balanced approach to their finances.

Not all Muslims are extravagant. Very devout Muslims believe that when they obey commands against excessiveness, they gain favor in Allah’s eyes. Even those who often live extravagantly will pull back when they want to gain Allah’s favor. Like nearly all aspects of Islam, the Islamic idea of material stewardship is based on fear of torment and hope for paradise.

Islamic Charity and Material Gain 

Islam also requires that Muslims give charity (one of the five pillars of Islam). This means that charity and giving are one of the secure ways to gain Allah’s favor and increase the likelihood of entering paradise after death.

“Those who spend their wealth in charity day and night, secretly and openly—their reward is with their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.” Surah 2:274

Charity leads to a higher chance of salvation in Islam. A Muslim is encouraged to give for his own future security and self-gain. This is why we must view the Quranic version of charity with a grain of salt.

The Islamic paradise - An epitome of materialism!

While the Quran promotes frugality and charity and seems to oppose consumerist culture, the Quranic paradise may come as a surprise. 

Ironically, the Islamic afterlife is the epitome of materialism– unlimited sex, endless drinking, comfortable reclining areas, and feasting on gourmet foods and delicious fruits. To learn more about what Islam believes about heaven, click here. 

The Quran’s inconsistency regarding materialism becomes even clearer with Surah 3:14: “The enjoyment of worldly desires—women, children, treasures of gold and silver, fine horses, cattle, and fertile land—has been made appealing to people. These are the pleasures of this worldly life, but with Allah is the finest destination.”

So these things Allah deems “worldly desires” are the rewards in the “finest destination” that await Muslims if they do enough good to deserve paradise.

Possessions through Plunder 

Perhaps the most obvious sign that Islam is not anti-materialism is shown by Mohammed himself. Conquest, plunder, booty, treasure, land, and women were not only Mohammed’s war spoils but also a large factor in how quickly he gathered greedy men around him, which led to the expansion of Islam.

With what we have seen, how can Christians possibly believe that Islam denies materialism? Mohammed made a habit of plundering and storing up physical treasures for himself. In fact, the Quran assures Muslims in Surah 48:20: “Allah has promised you ˹believers˺ abundant spoils, which you will gain…” Allah also encourages Muslims to: “...enjoy what you have taken, for it is lawful and good...” (Surah 8:69)

The Hadith even promises early rewards to Islamic fighters and ensures them that any lack of rewards will be compensated in heaven: “A troop of soldiers who fight in the way of Allah and get their share of the booty receive in advance two-thirds of their reward in the Hereafter and only one-third will remain (to their credit). If they do not receive any booty, they will get their full reward.” (Sahih Muslim 1906a)

The Bible and Consumerism

As Christians, we need to understand Muslims to be able to reach them with the gospel. But also we need a strong understanding and belief in what the Bible says. 

Ecclesiastes 5:10 clearly captures the Christian understanding of consumerism, saying: “One who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor one who loves abundance with its income. This too is futility.”

Having money and means is not sinful; in fact, Scripture teaches that all gifts come from above (James 1:17). But we begin to sin when we love money and the things it can buy. This is a worldly mindset and is unbiblical. 

The Bible also instructs Christians to be responsible with their belongings and not desire worldly things. But the difference is, Christian stewardship comes from a place of gratitude and love towards a God who provides for and blesses us abundantly. Yes, proper stewardship is a command from God, but we do not obey the Lord out of fear.

Why does the Bible warn about money?

As Christians, we often hear 1 Timothy 6:10 quoted, “the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil.” There is nothing inherently sinful about buying, owning things, or being wealthy.

But the Bible repeatedly cautions against building our worth upon wealth and being a slave to our possessions. 

“...Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one is affluent does his life consist of his possessions.” Luke 12:15

Rather than accumulating earthly possessions, Jesus urges believers to “store up treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

Biblical Command about Stewardship 

No matter what our financial situation is, Christians are called to be stewards of the finances or material goods that God has blessed us with – always remembering that any blessing the Lord provides is entrusted to us to use wisely. We are stewards and not owners. 

“For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, not greedy for money…” Titus 1:7

Christians are commanded to “...do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:18-19) 

Conversing with your Muslim Neighbor about Consumerism   

During this season of busyness, take time to pray for Muslims and wait for the right time to talk about consumerism. Listen well, and share your biblical understanding of stewardship. 

Questions to kick start your conversation: 

• How do you view money and wealth, does your religion say anything about it?

• Have you ever heard the saying “Money is the root of all evil”? Did you know that is actually an incorrect quote of the Bible?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for the many blessings that you have given me. Help me to steward all you have given me for the advancement of your kingdom. Please use me as your witness to the Muslims you put in my life. Amen