What prompted me to reflect on consumerism and especially the extent of over consumerism was a recent conversation with an old friend. She was dressed in all the designer brands – head-to-toe labels, flawless make-up, the latest handbag. But she looked tired. Her shoulders were heavy with something deeper than fatigue.

As we sat and caught up, she sighed and confided: “My children hardly call me any more. They don't come around.” I was quiet for a moment, but my thoughts were loud. I remembered how often she was working – always striving, always away. I had babysat her children more times than I could count.

Yes, they were immaculately dressed and always had the newest devices, but in my mind, they did not have her. And maybe now, she does not really have them.

Why would we overwork ourselves to buy items of overindulgence when our closets are already bulging with clothes, shoes, and bags – some still with price tags on them, untouched and unworn?

Many of us work long hours just to purchase more things, depriving ourselves of time with family, spiritual growth, and real rest. We may reason, “I worked for it, so I can spend as I wish.” But we are warned not to rely solely on our own understanding, for it can be limited and heedless. What we see as entitlement may actually be excess. What we call self-reward may in truth be self-neglect.

“The more you possess, the more you are possessed. True wealth is contentment and knowing what is enough.” This quote is inspired by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and wise sages throughout time.

So as not to be judgemental, I asked myself: what is overconsumption?

All the dictionaries state that overconsumption refers to the act of using or buying more resources, goods, or services than is necessary or sustainable – often beyond what is needed for comfort or wellbeing.

It may involve constantly buying things we don’t need, consuming resources excessively, or living beyond our means for the sake of status or habit.

In Islam, this imbalance is discouraged. The Koran warns: “And eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess.” (Surah Al-A‘raf 7:31)

Overconsumption is not just a matter of excessive spending – it affects our spiritual wellbeing, our pocketbooks, and the planet we all share.

Today, we live in a time of unprecedented abundance. Yet, we are constantly pushed to acquire more – more clothes, more gadgets, more of everything – often at the expense of our health, our values, and the Earth.

Prophet Muhammad warned us not to be wasteful, and the Koran makes it clear that squandering is a sign not of freedom, but of spiritual recklessness.

Allah says: “Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:27)

And He also reminds us: “Who is it that will loan Allah a beautiful loan, which Allah will multiply for him many times over?” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:245)

These verses remind us that what we possess is not truly ours. Our wealth is a trust, a temporary provision for which we will be accountable. Islam encourages mindful spending, charity, and moderation – not extravagance and excess. Even when we have plenty, we are warned not to indulge aimlessly, because ultimately, we will be asked: “Then you will surely be asked that day about pleasure.” (Surah At-Takathur 102:8)

The lives of our prophets and the righteous companions exemplify this principle of simplicity. Muhammad, though offered the riches of the world, chose a life of humility. He mended his own clothes, slept on a straw mat, and went days without a cooked meal. His home was simple. His heart was expansive. He gave freely, lived lightly, and never hoarded. In fact, he would make sure there was never any leftover food – if there was some, he would give it away.

Likewise, Prophet Isa (Jesus), a revered messenger in Islam, lived with almost no possessions. He travelled from village to village with nothing but the clothes on his back, eating from the earth, teaching truth, and turning hearts to God. His ascetic lifestyle was not poverty by force, but humility by choice – a rejection of worldly excess in favour of spiritual richness.

Even the companions – some of whom were wealthy – lived with restraint. Sayyiduna ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), the second caliph, was among the richest of the Quraysh, yet during his leadership he wore patched garments, slept on the ground, and placed public service above personal comfort. When people saw his simplicity, they were in awe.

He said: “If I wished, I could eat the finest of foods and wear the finest of clothes, but I want my portion in the Hereafter.”

Consider this: the fashion industry alone is responsible for 10 per cent of global carbon emissions. It is said that, on average, one person throws away 81 pounds of clothing each year. Much of it ends up in landfills, and even thrift shops are overwhelmed and unable to accept the volume of donations.

Fast fashion, driven by the hunger for constant newness, exploits workers, pollutes rivers, and drains natural resources – all for things that are often worn once and forgotten.

This is not just poor budgeting; it’s environmental injustice and spiritual neglect. The old proverb rings true: “A fool and his money are soon parted.” Why would someone work so hard – sacrificing time, energy, and health – only to squander their earnings on things that neither benefit the soul, nor last the season?

Islam teaches us to spend in the way of Allah – to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, and uplift our communities. Every penny or dollar spent should be a witness for us, not against us. The Prophet was the most generous of people, yet his simplicity and restraint were remarkable. He never pursued worldly excess. We have in him the best example.

Let us reclaim our spiritual compass in a world obsessed with consumption. Let us choose quality over quantity, purpose over impulse, and eternal rewards over fleeting pleasure. Let us teach our children that value is not found in brands, but in character. Let us spend in the way of Allah – with sincerity, with justice, and with awareness that we are stewards of both our wealth and this Earth.

In'shaa Allah, I hope to write more on this topic in the near future. Until then, I leave you with this reflection and prayer: “May Allah purify our intentions, protect us from wastefulness, and guide us to spend in ways that please Him and benefit others.”

Bermuda, let us continue to raise our voices against the wars and genocide unfolding before our very eyes. Let us stand together in prayer, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.

In these trying times, may we also turn our attention inward – to care for and support one another within our own small but precious island community. The power to address and overcome our challenges lies within us. Unity, compassion, and collective action will carry us forward.

Bermuda, may your week be blessed, purposeful, and peaceful.

As-salaamu ‘alaikum (peace be upon you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam