Tabdhira

Tabdhira (extravagance, squandering, wasteful spending) is condemned in Islam as a blameworthy trait contrary to the principles of moderation and stewardship. The Quran explicitly prohibits tabdhira: "And give the relative his right, and the poor, and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully. Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful" (17:26-27). This verse establishes tabdhira as morally reprehensible, associating it with satanic behavior. Tabdhira differs from israf (excess),israf involves exceeding proper bounds in legitimate expenditure, while tabdhira involves spending on illegitimate, useless, or harmful things. Both are prohibited, but tabdhira is considered more severe as it completely misdirects resources. Examples include spending wealth on prohibited items (alcohol, gambling, extravagance), funding harmful activities, or consuming beyond all reasonable need while others starve. Islam encourages balanced spending,neither miserly nor wasteful,following the Quranic description of true believers: "And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor miserly, but hold a just balance between those extremes" (25:67). Tabdhira violates the principle that wealth is a trust (amanah) from Allah, to be used responsibly for personal needs, family support, and charitable purposes. Avoiding tabdhira promotes sustainable living, social responsibility, and gratitude for divine provision.