The Meaning of a Lavish Lifestyle and Its Impact on Our Souls

Have you ever wondered if a life filled with luxury and global travels guarantees happiness? The question prompts us to delve into the spiritual and ethical dimensions of our lives, and whether such a lifestyle is aligned with our cosmic purpose.

What Does it Mean to Live a Lavish Life?

A lavish life often involves indulging in opulence, frequent high-end travel, and an extravagant lifestyle without a sense of servitude to others. This lifestyle can indeed provide moments of joy and satisfaction, but it is often short-lived and does not ensure long-term fulfillment or happiness. This is primarily because such a lifestyle often ignores our responsibility towards those less fortunate, which raises the question: does this approach align with our inherent conscience?

A Question of Conscience and Moral Obligation

When we look at the Quran, it offers striking contributions to our understanding of morality and responsibility. According to verses 20:124-127, God will hold us accountable for not using our blessings – including sight, conscience, and reasoning – to address the needs of those around us. The verse states:

“And in whatever state you [mankind] are, We are with you, and We will record the deeds of every doer of good as much as he does them and as much as he does of evil We ignore not.

If we fail to help the hungry or the poor, God will ask us: 'What did you do with the gifts of conscience, sight, and reasoning? Why do you spend excessive money on a luxurious lifestyle and refuse to assist those in need?'

Consequences of Ignoring Our Responsibilities

The consequences of ignoring our moral obligations are profound. Failure to aid the poor or the oppressed can lead to spiritual blindness. The Quran intelligently explains that those who neglect to use their gifts of sight, hearing, conscience, and reasoning to help others will be spiritually blind in the afterlife (Quran 20:124-127).

“So woe to you, who forget the reminder, your hearts have become hard like the hardness of the rocks.”

Neglecting to see the needs of others and choosing to indulge in luxury can lead to a missed life, where one becomes spiritually deaf and blind, figuratively ignoring the world around them. One might wonder, 'Why am I blind, even though I had the sight before?' The answer lies in the realization that one has ignored what they saw before, leading to a life of spiritual darkness.

A Call to Responsibility and Empathy

To live a truly fulfilling life, we must take responsibility for more than just ourselves and our immediate families. We must also be responsible for feeding the hungry, defending the oppressed, clarifying the truth, establishing justice, and helping those who struggle to survive. It is imperative to recognize that every person's struggle is intertwined with our own.

How can we ask someone to rejoice while they see their children abused, while their friends are oppressed, or their brothers and sisters are in need? Every abused child, every hungry person, and every oppressed person is connected to us. To expect joy and fulfillment in a lavish lifestyle while neglecting these responsibilities is a contradiction in terms.

Becoming Great Through Service

True greatness can be found not in luxury but in service. Those who feed the hungry, defend the oppressed, clarify the truth, establish justice, and help those who struggle to survive can live a life of true fulfillment and purpose. These actions embody the spirit of compassion and responsibility that aligns with our higher calling.

Instead of focusing solely on material wealth and personal pleasure, let us use our gifts and resources to make a difference in the lives of others. This is the path to a life of true significance and profound happiness.