Controlling expenses

With a meagre salary, a person can do much in life – but on condition that he does not have huge expenses. Nonetheless, if he has a lot of expenses, a huge salary also will not suffice. At times, a penny also may not remain by the middle of the month. The need even arises to borrow money. 

Through this example, it is clear that in order for a person to progress, he must control his expenses; as it is much easier for a person to control his expenses than to increase his income. Therefore, controlling expenses and reducing them, can improve the financial position of a person. 

There are a lot of futile expenses that a person does. This goes beyond his budget. For example, expenses in weddings, engagements and birthdays – all these are not to be done. Nonetheless, people consider their pleasures above all. There are even those who say: "What is there in life besides eating, drinking and merry-making?! Let’s have fun! As for the coming day, we will see to it tomorrow!" The logic of this type of people is irresponsibility. 

When a person lives for fun and entertainment, he eventually becomes a burden and a nuisance to the society. He has to work hard in order to fulfil his exigencies, needs and desires. His hard work increases his fatigue and stress. He does not give sufficient time to his wife and children. This lack of time affects the conjugal and familial relationship which can end in a break-up whereby, the children are the ones who suffer. 

If it happens that a person is a manager or a senior officer in a certain establishment or department, then he gets ‘booty’ for amusement and entertainment by taking “rewards” and bribes. Hence, the money that a person earns by the sweat of his brow is wasted by those who take it through bribes, racing games, casinos, drinking alcoholic drinks and other amusements. The "bribe" in turn opens the way for those who have no competence to rule in all sectors and departments. Finally, an entire nation suffers the grave and undesirable consequences that may be caused by incompetent officials who have been installed by their monetary power. Because of a handful of profiteers and divertissement, an entire nation suffers. This is how those, who make unnecessary expenses, harm an entire society. Perhaps it is in this very sense that Allah Ta’ala has labelled these categories of people as the brothers of Shaitaan: 

"Without doubt, the extravagant ones are the brothers of the Shayaateen ..." (S 17: V 27)

[English version of "Controle depense" – Al Jamiat – Vol.2 No.3]