The Economic System of Islam — Page 46
46 Holy Prophet sa asked men not to wear jewellery or silk. Similarly, he forbade the use of utensils made of gold or silver. Jewellery is not totally forbidden for women, but the Holy Prophet sa disliked its use in everyday life. While jewellery may help to embellish women’s beauty, Islam disapproves of excessive expenditures on it, as it might hinder economic progress of society, make them arrogant, or give rise to rivalries that feed on greed and avarice. Thus, women may use jewellery within certain limits; but men are totally barred. The above comments also apply to articles that the rich keep for show and display, but which serve no purpose. Some people spend large sums of money on antique China and think that they have made a good investment. Old carpets and old China command exorbitant prices and many Europeans buy them not because they are of some use but because they are rare and a source of pride for the owner. Their prices are high only because of the antique value; otherwise, similar carpets or china can be purchased for a fraction of the price. Islam declares all such expenditures to be laghw — which provide no real benefit and are meant only for ostentation. The Holy Prophet sa by his own practice disapproved of such indulgences and admonished the believers not to waste time and money in pursuit of vain desires. Cinema and theatre are another area of waste in this day and age. I once made a rough calculation and was astonished to discover the enormous amount the public spends on this pastime. In Lahore, I hear, there are some 25 cinema houses, each of which nets in about three thousand rupees [Rs. ] a week. If one assumes the average weekly profit to be Rs. 2,500 per cinema, or Rs. 10,000 monthly, the annual revenue of an average cinema would come to Rs. 120,000. If we assume there are only twenty cinemas in Lahore,