Overconsumption, the excessive and unsustainable use of resources beyond true need, has emerged as a critical issue over the past century. The rise of mass production, disposable goods, planned obsolescence, and pervasive advertising after the industrial revolution has fuelled a consumerist mindset focused on accumulation of material possessions.[1] A disposable mentality is now deeply entrenched within society, posing grave environmental threats. This article will aim to show the Islamic approach for combatting against overconsumption.
The World Economic Forum reports that global consumption has reached an unsustainable 80 billion tons, exceeding the sustainable limit of 50 billion tons by 60 percent. This alarming growth in resource use has dramatically worsened sustainability challenges, with global overconsumption increasing by 33 billion tons since 1990. High-income countries are the primary drivers of this trend, with 81 percent of the increase in overconsumption attributed to the rise in per capita consumption in wealthy nations. In 1990, the average person in a high-income country consumed under 20 tons of resources per year, but by 2008, this figure had risen to 28 tons. In contrast, individuals from lower-income backgrounds have reduced their consumption levels over this period, underscoring a widening disparity in resource use and highlighting the urgent need to address unsustainable consumption patterns in affluent regions. If everyone consumed at the rate seen in high-income countries, existing data suggests that humanity would require 3.8 Earths to sustain itself. By adopting a more restrained and balanced approach to consumption, as encouraged by Islamic guidance, societies can work toward a sustainable future that respects both environmental limits and global equity. [2]
As Muslims, we hold the belief that our faith tradition provides a holistic, timeless ethical framework to establish balance and justice in all spheres, “We have certainly sent Our Messengers with clear signs and sent along with them the Scripture and the Balance, so that mankind may uphold Justice...” [3]. Though the field of environmental ethics is a recently emergent field of ethics responding to the crises of our capitalist system, the Islamic tradition has long-held principles cautioning man against opulence, overconsumption, excess, mistreatment of the non-human world, and wastefulness. The Qur’an makes explicit mention of the link between unfettered anthropic activity and the degradation of our world: “Corruption has flourished on land and sea as a result of people’s actions, and He will make them taste the consequences of some of their own actions so that they may turn back.” [4] From this, believers learn that harmony and careful coexistence with our environment is of utmost importance and that the negative impacts of climate change upon us are in fact by products of our own indiscipline. God calls upon all of humanity in the Qur’an, saying, “Children of Adam! Wear your finest garments at every place of worship; eat and drink, but do not be excessive. Truly, He does not love those who commit excess.” [5] We see here that there is a tender balance to be struck between ethical consumption and overconsumption, and this theme is ubiquitous across the Islamic corpus. In another passage, God gives scathing criticism of those who use their wealth for the accruing of needless material things, “Give to relatives their due, and the needy and travellers, and do not squander wealth wastefully. Truly, those that squander are the brethren of Satan, and Satan was most ungrateful to his Lord.” [6]
The connection between excessive materialism and ingratitude is profound, teaching the reader that constantly accruing more is an act with diminishing returns, and this approach creates a lack of contentment, manifesting itself in a rampant consumerist culture, such as the one we find ourselves in all over the globe. When we turn to the example of ethical living embodied by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, we further understand the centrality of conscious coexistence with our environment. In a narration recorded in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet ﷺ is quoted to have said, “Truly, the world is sweet and green, and truly God has installed you as successors in it, in order to see how you act.” The Prophet ﷺ himself embodied a lifestyle that was minimalist, discouraging overconsumption, “A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must (fill it), then one third of food, one third for drink and one third for air.” This moderate approach, if more widespread, would significantly reduce our emissions from food production and lessen our harm to each other and animals. He stressed the importance of not being wasteful; he taught that water, for instance, is a global common [7] and censured those who wasted it, even chastising a companion of his who was making ablution in an excessive way, telling him, “Do not waste water even if performing ablution on the bank of a fast flowing large river” [8] All these examples, and many others, provide a holistic ethic that diets the contemporary ills of overconsumption that are wreaking havoc on the environment.
As we go into the solution to neglect the overconsumption factors and how Islam solves these problems is by first mentioning the intention of one. Ensuring that this is for the sake of Allah, our creator and one we submit to, and to only please the Lord of all worlds. Here are some of the solutions one can do to help reduce and improve the problems of overconsumption Islamically. Concept of Moderation; Islam emphasizes the principle of moderation in all aspects of life, including consumption. The Quran mentions: "Eat and drink but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess." (Quran 7:31). Another point is avoiding extravagance. Islam prohibits extravagance and wastefulness. Muslims are encouraged to be mindful of their consumption and avoid excessive spending on luxuries beyond their needs. Another important point to mention is Sadaqat which is zakat and charity. Islam emphasizes the concept of giving to those in need. Paying Zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and engaging in voluntary charity (Sadaqah) help redistribute wealth and resources to those less fortunate, thereby reducing overconsumption among the affluent. My last point is the environment leadership. Islam teaches that humans are stewards of the Earth and should not exploit its resources excessively. Overconsumption can lead to environmental degradation, so Muslims are encouraged to adopt sustainable lifestyles and conserve resources.
This article aims to highlight ways in which the Islamic tradition addresses the issues of consumerism and overconsumption. While there are many aspects that we did not touch on, we focus on a few key principles in this discussion. These include aligning with principles of moderation, charity, environmental stewardship, and ethical living, which are deeply rooted in the Quran and exemplified by the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These principles provide timeless guidance for individuals and societies seeking to strike a balance between material needs and spiritual well-being. By cultivating intentionality in consumption, avoiding extravagance, prioritizing charity, and embracing environmental stewardship, Muslims can help reduce the harmful effects of overconsumption while contributing to a more just and sustainable world. Through these practices, individuals are encouraged to lead lives of conscious coexistence with the environment, recognizing the importance of moderation and gratitude in all aspects of life.
References:
[1] Schor, J. B. (2005). Prices and quantities: Unsustainable consumption and the global economy. Ecological Economics, 55(3), 309-320.
[2] Jason Hickel (2018), World Economic Forum, “The great challenge of the 21st century is learning to consume less. This is how we can do it.”
[3] Quran, 57:25
[4] Quran, 30:41
[5] Quran, 7:31
[6] Musnad Ahmad, Vol 2, Book 22
[7] Tirmidhi
[8] Jason Hickel (2018), World Economic Forum, “The great challenge of the 21st century is learning to consume less. This is how we can do it.”
Key Terms Defined:
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Allah: The one and only god worthy of being worshipped, the creator, the sustainer, and judge of mankind (Also referred to as God in the Article).
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Quran: Believed by Muslims to be the final and last revelation that has come to mankind, it was uttered by Allah. May he be exalted and heard from him by Jibreel (Peace be upon him), who brought it down to Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
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Islam: Islam means submission, humbling oneself, and obeying commands, and heeding prohibitions without objection, sincerely worshipping Allah alone, believing what he tells us and having faith in him.
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Prophet: A prophet is a human being to whom the revelations of Allah descended and has been deputed (by Allah) to convey the message of truth to others. Examples of Prophets in Islam include but are not restricted to Jesus, Moses, Noah, Abraham.
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Zakat: Religious obligation that requires Muslims to donate a portion of their wealth each year.
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Sadaqah: Voluntary act of charity or giving that is intended to please Allah and help others.
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ﷺ : Also pronounced “Sallahu Alayhi Wasalam” means Peace and Blessings be upon him. In reference to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
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Ablution: Process of Purification Muslims perform before prayer. Involves washing specific parts of the body, including the hands, mouth nostrils, face, arms, head, and feet etc.
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Sahih Muslim: One of the most important collections of Hadith (Sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ