( يَا بَنِي آدَمَ خُذُوا زِينَتَكُمْ ) (O children of Adam, take your adornment): This verse is a definite proof that Islam does not order people to sit in corners cutting themselves out of life, but rather to use permissible adornments. An adornment is used to add a fine-looking appearance to something.

( عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ ) (at every masjid): A (Masjid) is a mosques where people gather and meet. We go to the mosque to worship Allah (swt) in a House of Allah (swt) and where there are many attendants. This is why people should take care of their personal appearance and put on their best clothes when going to honour this meeting with Allah (swt).

( وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا ) (and eat and drink): Eating and drinking are one of  essential needs of life.

( وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا ) (but be not excessive): Allah (swt) clarifies that exceeding is a form of misguidance. Humans should not exceed in anything and always try to be moderate. We see today almost in all societies on earth a calling to be efficient with using energy and reduce consumption, and to not be excessive. The Holy Quran was the first to call for that even before everyone else.

(إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِينَ) (Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess): We should not be excessive even if it was for ablution. The Prophet (saws) ordered us not to use water excessively, when Abdulla bin Amr bin Al-‘As (may Allah be pleased with them) said:

“The Prophet came upon Sa’d when he was performing ablution and asked, “What is the meaning of this extravagance, Sa’d?” He replied, “Is there extravagance in ablution?” He said, “Yes, even if you are beside a flowing river.”[1]

This Hadith teaches us to preserve the resources; be it water, energy, electricity, or even foods and drinks. excessiveness comes from the whispers and temptation of the devil to human beings. Humans should always think about others, for Islam was revealed to ensure guidance and wellbeing for all mankind. Just like we have prohibitions and commands that we should follow, others too must abide by these prohibitions and commands, which are aimed at our protection. When the Holy Quran prohibits us from looking at someone else’s kinswomen, it is also a command for others not to look at our kinswomen. This way, society is preserved, Allah (swt) says: (but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess). Thereby, these fortunes will be preserved and people can enjoy it.

[1] Musnad Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, Hadith No. 7065.