What is the Quran’s perspective on waste and extravagance?

The religion of Islam is the religion of life and its precepts and rules set the grounds for human felicity and success, both for the individual, as well as the society. Islam has brought forth a complete program for every facet of human life and has advised balance and moderation to its followers in all affairs.

Extravagance and waste means going past the proper boundaries and is the opposite of moderation. The limits of such are set by the precepts of religion, the intellect, and society. Here, waste (Tabdheer) takes on the meaning of waste and excess in the usage of food, as well as in general matters of life.

The Quran has labeled the people who waste and are extravagant as the ‘Brothers of Satan’. People who waste on purpose and with full knowledge are considered as being one with Satan.

An individual who wastes in regards to the public treasury, his life, and his day to day expenditures with full knowledge and awareness is considered as being far from the reality of religion and he cannot be considered as being on the straight path (the Sirat al-Mustaqim).