Bint Ayesha

Amidst the kaleidoscope of colorful clothes, jewelry, and what not, one can hardly decide what to purchase. Our budget lingers at the back of our heads as a warning signal cautioning us not to spend more than we can afford. Eating away at our precious time in Ramadan, many of us are caught up in window shopping, which has become a form of entertainment by those who are proficient in this art.

And indeed window shopping has become an art! Staring wistfully at the mannequins displaying the latest trends, envying those capable of hoarding the sales items, bargaining with the salesmen, and ending up with a load of bags to carry. An extremely unproductive “art”, resulting in nothing more than hours of wasted time, ingratitude towards Allah The Most Merciful, and sowing the seeds of jealousy, envy etc.

With Eid approaching, that is when people most use their shopping skills. Has one forgotten the Hadith reported by Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “The parts of land dearest to Allah are its mosques, and the parts most hateful to Allah are markets.”? (Sahih Muslim)

In general, the marketplace is not the most desirable place to be in the tradition of Islam. Therefore, a woman should go when it is necessary and after she has purchased what she needed, she should leave. When going out, she should be careful to avoid that which Allah has forbidden, and she should wear hijab. If she goes out wearing adornments and makeup or perfume, then this is not permitted. When women follow the guidelines for covering and modesty in Islam, there is nothing wrong with their going out. Women at the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to go out to the market-places.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) permitted women to go out if there is a need. He said, “It is permissible for you (women) to go out for your needs.” (Sahih Bukhari)

But one can hardly ascertain window shopping to be a need! Moreover, once we have purchased the items of necessity, we hardly need to linger around.

Indeed Allah is Al-Hakeem, He commands us for our good. Isn’t it true, that many a times, we have regretted the amount of time lost in shopping?

Allah is so merciful to us that He gave us the opportunity that if we remember Allah at the marketplace, we can receive reward from Allah. The market and bazaar is a place where a person is more forgetful regarding religion, therefore, while entering a market one should recite the following supplication.

None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, alone, without partner, to Him belongs all sovereignty and praise. He gives life and causes death, and He is living and does not die. In His hand is all good and He is Omnipotent over all things.

We can make the intention for our Eid shopping to bring happiness to children and family members. And we can abide by the proper etiquette of shopping. And by reciting this invocation and remembering Allah at all times, we can earn rewards from Allah even when doing enjoyable activities like shopping.