How to meet household expenses?

Dear Islamic brothers! Allah Almighty has not blessed every individual with same amount of sustenance in this world. Some are poor, some are of the middle class (i.e. neither poor nor rich), and some are rich. There is a lot of Hikmah (Wisdom) of Allah Almighty behind this. One amongst it has been mentioned in the following Hadees-e-Qudsi[1]. The Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰہُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم stated that Allah Almighty says, ‘Some Mu’min bondmen of Mine are such that goodness of their Iman [faith] lies in them being rich. If I do not make them rich, then they will indulge in Kufr [disbelief]. And some Mu’min bondmen of Mine are such that goodness of their Iman [faith] lies in them not being rich. If I make them rich, then they will indulge in Kufr [disbelief].’ (Ibn ‘Asakir, vol. 7, pp. 96)

Some middle class and poor people utter inappropriate words for Allah Almighty and at times the words of disbelief after being distressed due to low income and more expenses. Hence, they get themselves deprived of the precious asset of Iman (faith) they possess. In case of having low income, remain content upon the Will of Allah Almighty and spend life with patience and contentment and attain its benefits.

Benefit of remaining content over less sustenance

The Holy Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰہُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated, ‘The one who remains pleased with Allah Almighty over less sustenance, Allah Almighty gets pleased with him over his less action.’ (Shu’ab-ul-Iman, vol. 4, pp. 139, Hadees 4585)

At times, the breadwinner does agree himself to remain content over less sustenance but his other family members burden him with such unnecessary demands that make his life very difficult.

Few methods of staying satisfied even with low income

1     Make a budget of your monthly grocery, travel expenses, utilities, house rent (if you live in rented property), children’s educational expenses etc., according to your income. Then remain firm on it as well.

2     Instead of pressurising the head of family or breadwinner of the house to earn more money, the household should try to sustain on low expenses. Due to your pressurising him, he may indulge in deceit, corruption, and Haraam activities in order to earn more money.

3     It is requested to all family members that even if the income is low, live with harmony. As due to unity and affection among each other, Allah Almighty will give Barakah [blessings] even in low income. Arguing, quarrelling and having an aggressive attitude towards each other will not increase the income but will increase the domestic problems.

4     At times, a person distresses himself by overthinking. For example, I should have clothes and shoes like so and so rich person. I should have a car like so and so rich person. My house should have such and such specs. And my mobile should be the most expensive one etc. Whereas, he does not have those things in his destiny. Therefore, make your mindset that you will attain only what is in your destiny. Nothing will happen by your desiring for it.

Few methods of reducing your expenses

Due to having low income and high expenses, people generally remain worried over the fact that their salary or sources of income should increase. Whereas, very few have the mindset of reducing their expenses. Therefore, below are few methods of reducing expenses:

1 All family members should decide by consulting with each other that the one who is best at shopping in the house should be given the responsibility of buying the grocery and other provisions of the house.

2 Make a list of what needs to be bought and then leave for shopping. Moreover, it is better to purchase things at the wholesale price.

3 A good thought should be given at weddings and such kind of events (where family members gather) whether we already have clothes and shoes etc., that we can wear in those functions. If so, we should use them instead of buying the new ones.

4 It is better to refrain from eating out whether it is with your friends or family even if your income is good. It will not only reduce your expenses but will also be good for you and your family’s health.

5 When kids go to school, they shall be given packed lunches from home. Similarly, those who go to work and office should take lunch from home instead of buying it from outside.

6 If possible, suckling babies should be breastfed by mothers themselves with the consultation of the doctor. It will not only be beneficial to the children’s health but you will also save up on the amount that you would spend on the formula milk.

7 Use the electrical appliances only as per required. Turn them off as soon as their need is over. Moreover, only those appliances or methods shall be used which can reduce the bill to a great extent. For example, a slight change in the temperature on the thermostat of the A.C. can reduce the electricity bill to a great extent. Savings can be made by keeping it to 25 or 26 degrees.

8 Those individuals with low-income keeping in mind the convenience of travelling to office or work instead of acquiring a house on rent in an expensive area would rather look for a rented house in a cheaper area and should bear some difficulty of travelling (to and from office/work).

9 Expenses shall not be increased as soon as one’s salary increases. As people increase their expenses as soon as their salary increases and at times, their expenses exceed their income. Therefore, it is not a wise decision to increase your expenses as soon as your salary increases.

10 Refraining from cigarettes, paan (betel leaf), Gutkha, various types of Chhaliyah (betel nut) and such kind of harmful things will not only be beneficial to your health but will also save you money. Moreover, refrain from unnecessary usage of mobile phone and internet as well.

Blessings in sustenance

No matter whether income is low or high, no savings’ tactics would be fruitful until they do not contain blessing in it. Therefore, few Madani pearls regarding blessings in sustenance are presented below:

1 Washing hands before and after eating food bring blessings in sustenance.

2 Saying Salam and reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas upon entering home brings blessings in sustenance.

3 Offering Salah in congregation brings blessings in sustenance.

4 Truthfulness brings blessings in sustenance.

5 Eating food by reciting ‘بِسْمِ اللّٰہ’ brings blessings in sustenance.

I make a plea to all the devotees of Rasool to control your household expenses by adopting a simple lifestyle while acting upon the aforementioned Madani pearls. اِنْ شَـآءَ اللّٰہ عَزَّوَجَلَّ, you will attain numerous worldly and religious blessings.