u/Character-Rip-7991

Materialism leads to Arrogance

Materialism, arrogance, and wealth-worship were primary reasons that the people of Nuh AS rejected his message and refused to follow him.

The wealthy leaders and elites rejected Nuh AS, considering themselves superior and refusing to accept that a "man like themselves" was a messenger from Allah. (11:27)

The rich and affluent people refused to follow Nuh AS because his followers were mostly poor, docile and of low social status. (26:111)

The people were so consumed by their material well-being, wealth, and children that they grew arrogant and rejected the afterlife, focusing only on worldly pleasures. (71:21)

They clinged to their ancestral idols (Wadd, Suwa, Yaghuth, Ya'uq, and Nasr) as part of a culture that prioritized material pursuits over spiritual devotion. (71:23-24)

Despite Nuh AS calling them for 950 years, their obsession with worldly status and refusal to accept equality with the poor lead to their demise. (29:14)

Materialism, arrogance, and wealth-worship were primary reasons that the people of Nuh AS rejected his message and refused to follow him.

The wealthy leaders and elites rejected Nuh AS, considering themselves superior and refusing to accept that a "man like themselves" was a messenger from Allah. (11:27)

The rich and affluent people refused to follow Nuh AS because his followers were mostly poor, docile and of low social status. (26:111)

The people were so consumed by their material well-being, wealth, and children that they grew arrogant and rejected the afterlife, focusing only on worldly pleasures. (71:21)

They clinged to their ancestral idols (Wadd, Suwa, Yaghuth, Ya'uq, and Nasr) as part of a culture that prioritized material pursuits over spiritual devotion. (71:23-24)

Despite Nuh AS calling them for 950 years, their obsession with worldly status and refusal to accept equality with the poor lead to their demise. (29:14)

Materialism, arrogance, and wealth-worship were primary reasons that the people of Nuh AS rejected his message and refused to follow him.

The wealthy leaders and elites rejected Nuh AS, considering themselves superior and refusing to accept that a "man like themselves" was a messenger from Allah. (11:27)

The rich and affluent people refused to follow Nuh AS because his followers were mostly poor, docile and of low social status. (26:111)

The people were so consumed by their material well-being, wealth, and children that they grew arrogant and rejected the afterlife, focusing only on worldly pleasures. (71:21)

They clinged to their ancestral idols (Wadd, Suwa, Yaghuth, Ya'uq, and Nasr) as part of a culture that prioritized material pursuits over spiritual devotion. (71:23-24)

Despite Nuh AS calling them for 950 years, their obsession with worldly status and refusal to accept equality with the poor lead to their demise. (29:14)

Materialism, arrogance, and wealth-worship were primary reasons that the people of Nuh AS rejected his message and refused to follow him.

The wealthy leaders and elites rejected Nuh AS, considering themselves superior and refusing to accept that a "man like themselves" was a messenger from Allah. (11:27)

The rich and affluent people refused to follow Nuh AS because his followers were mostly poor, docile and of low social status. (26:111)

The people were so consumed by their material well-being, wealth, and children that they grew arrogant and rejected the afterlife, focusing only on worldly pleasures. (71:21)

They clinged to their ancestral idols (Wadd, Suwa, Yaghuth, Ya'uq, and Nasr) as part of a culture that prioritized material pursuits over spiritual devotion. (71:23-24)

Despite Nuh AS calling them for 950 years, their obsession with worldly status and refusal to accept equality with the poor lead to their demise. (29:14)

Materialism, arrogance, and wealth-worship were primary reasons that the people of Nuh AS rejected his message and refused to follow him.

The wealthy leaders and elites rejected Nuh AS, considering themselves superior and refusing to accept that a "man like themselves" was a messenger from Allah. (11:27)

The rich and affluent people refused to follow Nuh AS because his followers were mostly poor, docile and of low social status. (26:111)

The people were so consumed by their material well-being, wealth, and children that they grew arrogant and rejected the afterlife, focusing only on worldly pleasures. (71:21)

They clinged to their ancestral idols (Wadd, Suwa, Yaghuth, Ya'uq, and Nasr) as part of a culture that prioritized material pursuits over spiritual devotion. (71:23-24)

Despite Nuh AS calling them for 950 years, their obsession with worldly status and refusal to accept equality with the poor lead to their demise. (29:14)

Allah SWT in the Quran (57:27) has explicitly told us, that Monasticism is not possible. Monasticism is a rebellion against basic biological and social priorities, especially personal relationships.

4 stories of Monasticism, which tells us it's not at all sustainable especially without divine intervention:

1)Story of Barsisa. He died a disbeliever.

2. Story of Juraij. Divine intervention saved him or he might have been beaten to death by his own people.

This story confirms that the pleasure of Allah is in the pleasure of the parents. The anger of Allah is in the anger of the parents.

3. The Sleepers (Ashab al-Kahf). This was only possible by divine intervention.

4. Story of an unnamed monk who worshipped Allah for 60 years, committed adultery with a woman. Unlike Barsisa he didn't go down the path of murder and disbelief. He repented.

Monasticism is a non achievement. That's why Monasticism was never practiced by Prophet Muhammad pbuh or prescribed by him pbuh, thus it is a bid'ah (innovation). Prophet Muhammad pbuh is the ultimate example of Asceticism.

Difference between Asceticism and Monasticism:

Asceticism is self-discipline and renunciation of worldly pleasures for spiritual growth. In Asceticism there is no withdrawal from the world.

Monasticism is a way of life that adopts ascetic practices while living separated from society (withdrawal from the world).

Narrated Anas bin Malik: A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) asking how the Prophet (ﷺ) worshipped (Allah), and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said, "Where are we from the Prophet (ﷺ) as his past and future sins have been forgiven." Then one of them said, "I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever." The other said, "I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast." The third said, "I will keep away from the women and will not marry forever." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came to them and said, "Are you the same people who said so-and-so? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you; yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women. So he who does not follow my tradition in religion, is not from me (not one of my followers).

[Sahih al-Bukhari 5063]

The story highlights that the Prophet's (ﷺ) life is the ideal balance of religious devotion and worldly responsibilities.

Allah SWT in the Quran (57:27) has explicitly told us, that Monasticism is not possible. Monasticism is a rebellion against basic biological and social priorities, especially personal relationships.

4 stories of Monasticism, which tells us it's not at all sustainable especially without divine intervention:

1)Story of Barsisa. He died a disbeliever.

2. Story of Juraij. Divine intervention saved him or he might have been beaten to death by his own people.

This story confirms that the pleasure of Allah is in the pleasure of the parents. The anger of Allah is in the anger of the parents.

3. The Sleepers (Ashab al-Kahf). This was only possible by divine intervention.

4. Story of an unnamed monk who worshipped Allah for 60 years, committed adultery with a woman. Unlike Barsisa he didn't go down the path of murder and disbelief. He repented.

Monasticism is a non achievement. That's why Monasticism was never practiced by Prophet Muhammad pbuh or prescribed by him pbuh, thus it is a bid'ah (innovation). Prophet Muhammad pbuh is the ultimate example of Asceticism.

Difference between Asceticism and Monasticism:

Asceticism is self-discipline and renunciation of worldly pleasures for spiritual growth. In Asceticism there is no withdrawal from the world.

Monasticism is a way of life that adopts ascetic practices while living separated from society (withdrawal from the world).

Narrated Anas bin Malik: A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) asking how the Prophet (ﷺ) worshipped (Allah), and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said, "Where are we from the Prophet (ﷺ) as his past and future sins have been forgiven." Then one of them said, "I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever." The other said, "I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast." The third said, "I will keep away from the women and will not marry forever." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came to them and said, "Are you the same people who said so-and-so? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you; yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women. So he who does not follow my tradition in religion, is not from me (not one of my followers).

[Sahih al-Bukhari 5063]

The story highlights that the Prophet's (ﷺ) life is the ideal balance of religious devotion and worldly responsibilities.

Allah SWT in the Quran (57:27) has explicitly told us, that Monasticism is not possible. Monasticism is a rebellion against basic biological and social priorities, especially personal relationships.

4 stories of Monasticism, which tells us it's not at all sustainable especially without divine intervention:

1)Story of Barsisa. He died a disbeliever.

2. Story of Juraij. Divine intervention saved him or he might have been beaten to death by his own people.

This story confirms that the pleasure of Allah is in the pleasure of the parents. The anger of Allah is in the anger of the parents.

3. The Sleepers (Ashab al-Kahf). This was only possible by divine intervention.

4. Story of an unnamed monk who worshipped Allah for 60 years, committed adultery with a woman. Unlike Barsisa he didn't go down the path of murder and disbelief. He repented.

Monasticism is a non achievement. That's why Monasticism was never practiced by Prophet Muhammad pbuh or prescribed by him pbuh, thus it is a bid'ah (innovation). Prophet Muhammad pbuh is the ultimate example of Asceticism.

Difference between Asceticism and Monasticism:

Asceticism is self-discipline and renunciation of worldly pleasures for spiritual growth. In Asceticism there is no withdrawal from the world.

Monasticism is a way of life that adopts ascetic practices while living separated from society (withdrawal from the world).

Narrated Anas bin Malik: A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) asking how the Prophet (ﷺ) worshipped (Allah), and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said, "Where are we from the Prophet (ﷺ) as his past and future sins have been forgiven." Then one of them said, "I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever." The other said, "I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast." The third said, "I will keep away from the women and will not marry forever." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came to them and said, "Are you the same people who said so-and-so? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you; yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women. So he who does not follow my tradition in religion, is not from me (not one of my followers).

[Sahih al-Bukhari 5063]

The story highlights that the Prophet's (ﷺ) life is the ideal balance of religious devotion and worldly responsibilities.

​

Allah SWT in the Quran (57:27) has explicitly told us, that Monasticism is not possible. Monasticism is a rebellion against basic biological and social priorities, especially personal relationships.

4 stories of Monasticism, which tells us it's not at all sustainable especially without divine intervention:

1)Story of Barsisa. He died a disbeliever.

2. Story of Juraij. Divine intervention saved him or he might have been beaten to death by his own people.

This story confirms that the pleasure of Allah is in the pleasure of the parents. The anger of Allah is in the anger of the parents.

3. The Sleepers (Ashab al-Kahf). This was only possible by divine intervention.

4. Story of an unnamed monk who worshipped Allah for 60 years, committed adultery with a woman. Unlike Barsisa he didn't go down the path of murder and disbelief. He repented.

Monasticism is a non-achievement. That's why Monasticism was never practiced by Prophet Muhammad pbuh or prescribed by him pbuh, thus it is a bid'ah (innovation). Prophet Muhammad pbuh is the ultimate example of Asceticism.

Difference between Asceticism and Monasticism:

Asceticism is self-discipline and renunciation of worldly pleasures for spiritual growth. In Asceticism there is no withdrawal from the world.

Monasticism is a way of life that adopts ascetic practices while living separated from society (withdrawal from the world).

Asceticism emphasizes the inner world, renounces desires, values simplicity and discipline, seeks spiritual freedom.

Asceticism enhances self-discipline, gives clarity of thought, gives a greater sense of inner peace, builds flexibility, increases spirituality, gives social clarity, builds ethical autonomy, reduces personal environmental footprints, slows aging process, improves sleep, restores health, leads to self empowerment.

Materialism emphasizes the outer world, indulges desires, values comfort and consumption, leads to dependency on possessions.

Materialism hinders personal well-being and social connection, increases anxiety and depression, lowers life satisfaction, breeds competitive and selfish behavior, damages relationships, reduces environmental sustainability, increases negative emotions, leads to a shallow life, prevents lasting happiness, increased spending problems and debt, leading to a constant, unsatisfied desire for more.

Asceticism emphasizes the inner world, renounces desires, values simplicity and discipline, seeks spiritual freedom.

Asceticism enhances self-discipline, gives clarity of thought, gives a greater sense of inner peace, builds flexibility, increases spirituality, gives social clarity, builds ethical autonomy, reduces personal environmental footprints, slows aging process, improves sleep, restores health, leads to self empowerment.

Materialism emphasizes the outer world, indulges desires, values comfort and consumption, leads to dependency on possessions.

Materialism hinders personal well-being and social connection, increases anxiety and depression, lowers life satisfaction, breeds competitive and selfish behavior, damages relationships, reduces environmental sustainability, increases negative emotions, leads to a shallow life, prevents lasting happiness, increased spending problems and debt, leading to a constant, unsatisfied desire for more.

Asceticism emphasizes the inner world, renounces desires, values simplicity and discipline, seeks spiritual freedom.

Asceticism enhances self-discipline, gives clarity of thought, gives a greater sense of inner peace, builds flexibility, increases spirituality, gives social clarity, builds ethical autonomy, reduces personal environmental footprints, slows aging process, improves sleep, restores health, leads to self empowerment.

Materialism emphasizes the outer world, indulges desires, values comfort and consumption, leads to dependency on possessions.

Materialism hinders personal well-being and social connection, increases anxiety and depression, lowers life satisfaction, breeds competitive and selfish behavior, damages relationships, reduces environmental sustainability, increases negative emotions, leads to a shallow life, prevents lasting happiness, increased spending problems and debt, leading to a constant, unsatisfied desire for more.

Asceticism emphasizes the inner world, renounces desires, values simplicity and discipline, seeks spiritual freedom.

Asceticism enhances self-discipline, gives clarity of thought, gives a greater sense of inner peace, builds flexibility, increases spirituality, gives social clarity, builds ethical autonomy, reduces personal environmental footprints, slows aging process, improves sleep, restores health, leads to self empowerment.

Materialism emphasizes the outer world, indulges desires, values comfort and consumption, leads to dependency on possessions.

Materialism hinders personal well-being and social connection, increases anxiety and depression, lowers life satisfaction, breeds competitive and selfish behavior, damages relationships, reduces environmental sustainability, increases negative emotions, leads to a shallow life, prevents lasting happiness, increased spending problems and debt, leading to a constant, unsatisfied desire for more.

Asceticism emphasizes the inner world, renounces desires, values simplicity and discipline, seeks spiritual freedom.

Asceticism enhances self-discipline, gives clarity of thought, gives a greater sense of inner peace, builds flexibility, increases spirituality, gives social clarity, builds ethical autonomy, reduces personal environmental footprints, slows aging process, improves sleep, restores health, leads to self empowerment.

Materialism emphasizes the outer world, indulges desires, values comfort and consumption, leads to dependency on possessions.

Materialism hinders personal well-being and social connection, increases anxiety and depression, lowers life satisfaction, breeds competitive and selfish behavior, damages relationships, reduces environmental sustainability, increases negative emotions, leads to a shallow life, prevents lasting happiness, increased spending problems and debt, leading to a constant, unsatisfied desire for more.

Zuhd (asceticism) in Islam means prioritizing the afterlife over worldly luxuries. Reducing worldly desires to gain Allah's love, and focusing on lasting good deeds.

It is a daily spiritual practice focusing on the afterlife by minimizing attachment to worldly luxuries. It involves fasting and limiting physical comforts to avoid being controlled by sensual desires. Focusing on salah and strengthening mental/moral character.

Ascetics live a profoundly minimalist lifestyle by choice to reach higher spiritual states.

Asceticism rejects materialism by prioritizing self-control over consumerist satisfaction and hedonistic consumption. Asceticism liberates from the influence of money and rejects the idea that possessions brings purpose.

A Primary Focus of Divine Warnings is Protection, as Attachment to the Material World is a Major Cause of Disbelief and Disobedience.

'Materialism' is understood as the spiritual disease of Hubb al-Dunya (the love of the worldly life), which prioritizes material possessions and comforts over spiritual values and the Hereafter. Worldly attachment is a primary veil that corrupts the heart and leads to heedlessness (ghaflah). The Quran addresses this theme extensively across 33 key verses, most notably in Surah At-Takathur, which condemns the 'rivalry in worldly increase' that distracts humanity until death. Accumulation of wealth and children not as blessings in themselves, but as a profound trial (fitna) from Allah to test one's obedience and gratitude. Earning wealth should not become the ultimate purpose of life, thereby causing one to lose the eternal reward of the Hereafter.

Materialism is depicted as a veil that distracts the heart from the remembrance of Allah and the ultimate purpose of life.

The Quran acknowledges an innate human love for wealth and possessions [100:8], which becomes a spiritual disease when it surpasses the love for Allah.

Materialism is considered a disease of the heart that leads to arrogance, greed, ingratitude, and heedlessness (ghaflah), corrupting the soul.

Overcoming Materialism through Detachment (zuhd), Generosity (sadaqah), and Contentment (qana'ah) are key to spiritual growth.

Allah SWT in the Quran [(91:9-10), (62:2), (2:222)] emphasises Spiritual Purification (Tazkiyah), which is a lifelong process, not a one-time act.

Methods of Spiritual Purification (Tazkiyah) in the Quran:

Repentance (Tawbah): Constantly seeking forgiveness to polish the heart from black spots caused by sin.

Disciplining the Nafs: Recognizing and controlling the different states of the self—the commanding self (Ammarah), the self-reproaching self (Lawwamah), and the peaceful self (Mutmainnah).

Remembering Allah (Dhikr): Engaging in prayer and reciting the Quran to ward off Shaytan and spiritual impurities.

Striving: Actively working against ego, arrogance, and worldly temptations.