Parenting Perspective 

When cultural traditions revolve around the display of wealth, such as through lavish weddings or extravagant gifts, children learn that social approval is dependent on material things rather than on good character. They may start to undervalue core virtues like honesty and humility, viewing them as secondary to the importance of wealth and status. 

Shifting the Focus Away from Character 

The most significant loss is the focus on character. Children begin to believe that it is more important to appear successful than to be a person of integrity. This undermines the moral and ethical foundation that parents work so hard to build. 

The Erosion of Gratitude 

A child who is exposed to this mindset may stop appreciating their simple, everyday blessings. They become restless and start to constantly compare what they have with what others have, rather than feeling thankful. This weakens their ability to practise gratitude, which is essential for both emotional resilience and faith. 

Creating a Distorted Sense of Success 

These traditions teach children that success is measured by possessions, not by effort or sincerity. This can cause them to seek validation through spending and showing off, which creates a fragile sense of confidence that is dependent on the approval of others. 

The Strain on Family Relationships 

An overemphasis on wealth-based traditions often puts pressure on parents, who may feel forced to spend beyond their means. When children witness this, they can either develop a sense of entitlement or feel anxious about the family’s financial strain. Either way, the values of unity and simplicity are compromised. 

Nurturing the Right Perspective 

Parents can counteract these harmful messages by openly explaining that true honour comes from character and faith, not from material excess. Involving children in acts of charity, celebrating modest achievements, and modelling joy in simplicity helps to reframe their understanding. This ensures that children learn to see wealth as a tool for doing good, not as a badge of superiority. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that wealth is a trust from Allah and should be used with gratitude and humility, not as a tool for showing off. Traditions that encourage arrogance and extravagance are in direct opposition to the core principles of the faith, which call for moderation and sincerity in all things. 

A Quranic Reminder on Wastefulness 

The Quran warns that extravagance and showing off are not just wasteful habits but are spiritually harmful acts that pull a person away from gratitude. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verse 27: 

‘ Indeed, those who are extravagant (i.e. wasteful of their wealth) these are the brothers of the Satan, as the Satan has always been ungrateful to his Sustainer.‘ 

This verse reminds us that wasteful competition is a spiritual failing that aligns a person with ingratitude. 

The Prophetic Teaching on Modesty in Living 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that moderation and humility must be the guiding principles for how a Muslim spends their wealth. 

It is recorded in Sunan Nisai, Hadith 2559, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Eat, give charity, and clothe yourselves, without extravagance or pride.’ 

This hadith highlights that arrogance and showing off can strip our actions of their blessing and true value. 

By grounding children in the Quranic and Prophetic emphasis on humility, parents can help them to see that faith, character, and gratitude are far more valuable than any worldly display. This restores a sense of balance, ensuring children come to value simplicity as a sign of strength and blessing, not as something to be ashamed of.