“If you have clutter, you're richer than you think!”
― Donna Smallin Kuper
A couple weeks ago, I was suddenly seized by a panic attack. I realised that I had too much stuff. More than I needed. I immediately started my de-cluttering mode. I was truly afraid I would be deemed as `wasteful` for having so much stuff. I was scared out of my wits that if I were to die that instance, I would not be able to justify my worldly possessions. Yikes!
I made a promise to myself a long time ago, never to become a hoarder again and though I did not quite break my promise, I did in actual fact cluttered my closet again. Sigh!
The thing is, I did it absent mindedly. Yeah, I know! Such a lame excuse to give but honestly I did it subconsciously. I bought the stuff thinking that I will use it later, chucked it in the closet and forgot all about it. It was only when hubbs casually commented about my 'un-used' stuff that I snapped out of my stupor and took a good look at my closet and other storage area. SubhanAllah!
Luckily, it wasn't as bad as last time but it wasn't good either.
"And render to the kindred their due rights, as (also) to those in want, and to the wayfarer: But squander not (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily spendthrifts are brothers of the Evil Ones; and the Evil One is to his Lord (himself) ungrateful."
Surah Isra 17:26-27
What a person need is very subjective but truthfully, we can survive on very little. Anything that is extra is actually a luxury. It is better to give away stuff that we don't use. Let others who need it put it into good use. Giving away your worldly possession is also an act of charity and InshaAllah you will reap reward for. Charity is not about giving money only. Smiling is also a form of charity. The Wise Owl once told me that the best charity is to give away the things that we love.
The Prophet SAW also said: "Every act of goodness is charity." - Sahih Muslim, Hadith 496
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Charity is prescribed for each descendant of Adam every day the sun rises." He was then asked: "From what do we give charity every day?" The Prophet answered: "The doors of goodness are many...enjoining good, forbidding evil, removing harm from the road, listening to the deaf, leading the blind, guiding one to the object of his need, hurrying with the strength of one's legs to one in sorrow who is asking for help, and supporting the feeble with the strength of one's arms--all of these are charity prescribed for you." He also said: "Your smile for your brother is charity." - Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 3, Number 98
I must constantly remind myself to keep things simple. No more clutter. Stick to the basic.....May God grant me ease....Ameen.....
