Eid is a joyous and significant event on the Muslim Calendar. As Muslims often spend huge amounts of money to prepare for the celebration of Eid, it has also become a significant event on the retail calendar. Many retailers have dedicated promotions and manufacturers produce speciality products just for the period surrounding Eid. How should we as Muslims approach this time when it comes to how we spend our wealth? There are a few points worth mentioning. They include the following:

Spending is an act of devotion.

When we spend with the correct intention, spending can be seen as an act of devotion to Allah and something for which we can be rewarded. Allah mentions that a quality of those who have taqwa is that they spend (in the way of Allah) from what Allah has provided for them (Qur’an 2:3). Generally, on the day of Eid, our spending fits into three broad categories: spending on our family, spending on our guests and spending on gifts. These three categories have specific support within our tradition.

The Beloved (ﷺ) taught us that, "when a Muslim spends something on his family intending to receive Allah's reward it is regarded as sadaqa for him" (Bukhari). Similarly, with regards to guests he ﷺ taught us that "whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should unite the bond of kinship…” (Bukhari). In relation to giving gifts he ﷺ said "give gifts and you will love one another."

It becomes evident, that not only is much of the spending on Eid allowed, but it is encouraged. In fact, a significant portion of Eid spending can be done with more than one intention. Again, there is precedent within our tradition for multi-intentioned spending. The Beloved ﷺ said: "giving charity to a poor person is charity, and (giving) to a relative is two things, charity and upholding the ties of kinship " (Nasa’i).

Joy and Celebration is allowed in Islam.

Eid is a day of joy, celebration and happiness. In our religion there is lenience, and we shouldn’t make it harder than it was meant to be. We as Muslims are allowed to celebrate and enjoy the favours Allah has bestowed upon us as long as it doesn’t fall within what is proscribed to us. In fact, the celebration of Eid can play an integral role in maintaining the bonds of kinship as well as cementing a community spirit.

Avoidance of excess.

While spending and enjoyment can be meritorious deeds, it is essential that it doesn’t devolve into excess. Allah tell us “O children of Adam, take your adornment [i.e., wear your clothing] at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess” (Qur’an 7:31). While we may not be able to put a precise monetary figure on what constitutes “excess”, there are some general rules to consider. These include the following:

·        Food shouldn’t go to waste.

·        Ideally, non-consumable items such as clothes and cutlery should be used more than once.

·        Anything purchased should have a purpose.

·        Nothing should be bought merely for the ostentation of keeping up with the Joneses.

Allah knows best.