Parenting Perspective 

Digital sales, with their flashy pop-ups, countdown timers, and ‘limited time offers’, are specifically designed to create a sense of excitement and urgency. Children, whose self-control is still developing, are particularly vulnerable to these marketing tactics. They can begin to feel that life is about constantly grabbing the next deal, even for things they do not need. 

The Allure of Constant Discounts 

The constant availability of sales can create a powerful illusion that items are always within reach. This can be confusing for a child, who may not yet understand the difference between a perceived bargain and a genuine need. 

Cultivating Greed and Restlessness 

Exposure to frequent sales can foster a mindset where children are always wanting more, simply because things seem temporarily affordable. Instead of valuing what they already own, they can develop a sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction. This can also turn into impatience, as they may pressure their parents to buy things impulsively. 

Weakening a Child’s Financial Discipline 

When children see items constantly discounted, they may lose their sense of an item’s real value. The important concepts of saving, prioritising, or waiting for something that is genuinely needed become blurred. Over time, this weakens their financial responsibility and fuels a ‘consume now’ mentality. 

The Long-Term Harm to Contentment 

This mindset can have lasting negative effects. 

• A Sense of Entitlement: Children may expect to always get what they want, whenever they see it on sale. 

• Constant Comparisons: They might begin to measure their happiness by what they can buy compared to their peers. 

• Misplaced Joy: Their satisfaction can become dependent on purchases rather than on experiences, learning, or family love. 

Supporting Children Against Digital Temptations 

Parents can guide their children through this with gentle wisdom. 

• Explain how sales work and why companies often exaggerate offers to attract buyers. 

• Set clear boundaries for online browsing and involve children in thoughtful decisions about any purchases. 

• Encourage saving habits, so that children learn the value of waiting and prioritising their needs over their wants. 

• Model contentment by celebrating non-material joys, such as family meals and shared activities. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that the pursuit of worldly possessions should be balanced and mindful, never driven by impulsive desire. Digital sales culture, which encourages constant consumption, can be a spiritual test that challenges a believer’s commitment to moderation, gratitude, and contentment. 

A Quranic Reminder on the Desire for Wealth 

The Quran reminds us that our possessions are a test from Allah, and that chasing after them without a sense of balance can be harmful to our spiritual well-being. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Taghaabun (64), Verse 15: 

‘ Indeed, your wealth and your children are a trial and tribulation for you; and with Allah (Almighty) lays the greatest reward.‘ 

This verse teaches families that possessions are a test, and our reaction to them has eternal consequences. 

The Prophetic Teaching on Moderation 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that true success is found in having just enough for one’s needs and being content with what Allah has provided. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1054, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Successful is the one who has accepted Islam, is provided with what suffices him, and Allah makes him content with what He has given him.’ 

This hadith shows that sufficiency and contentment are the real measures of success, not the constant pursuit of more possessions. 

By reminding children that true joy comes from gratitude, patience, and moderation, parents can protect them from the unhealthy desires fuelled by digital sales. They can learn that possessions are temporary, while faith, contentment, and good character are the lasting treasures that are granted by Allah.