Source: Excerpt from the book “Aḥkām wa Masāʾil: In the Light of the Qur’an and Sunnah” by Shaykh Mubashshir Ahmad Rabbānī ḥafiẓahullāh
Is it permissible to beautify one’s shop or factory using various new methods for the purpose of increasing business?
Nowadays, people seem to be blindly following this trend. However, the Qur’an instructs the Prophet ﷺ not to cast his gaze upon the adornments of worldly life that have been granted to some groups of people.
Given the many Qur’anic verses that encourage detachment from worldly desires, will one be held accountable on the Day of Judgement for decorating shops and investing in worldly beautification?
Kindly provide guidance.
The Qur’an and Sunnah indeed contain numerous exhortations towards zuhd (detachment from the world), and this world is described as a temporary, fleeting enjoyment.
However, this does not mean that a believer must completely abandon material means or sever ties with worldly provisions.
✔ These worldly means — such as wealth, business, and resources — are included in the means of seeking help from Allah and are permissible avenues for livelihood.
✔ A person asks Allah for expansion in sustenance and blessings in business, and such a supplication is entirely in line with Islamic teachings.
✔ The only condition is that worldly pursuits must not become the ultimate goal, but rather be used as a means to achieve higher spiritual goals.
Many of the Noble Companions رضي الله عنهم were wealthy, yet they lived lives of piety and generosity.
➤ Earning ḥalāl income is part of the sunnah of the Prophets and Messengers عليهم السلام.
➤ In fact, according to a narration in al-Muʿjam al-Kabīr by al-Ṭabarānī, striving lawfully to support one’s children, spouse, and parents is itself considered a form of striving in the path of Allah (fī sabīlillāh).
That said, one must avoid:
✖ Wastefulness (isrāf)
✖ Unlawful expenditures
✖ Prideful or showy spending
As the Qur’an warns, those who are wasteful are regarded as:
“Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils.”
(Sūrah al-Isrāʾ 17:27)
Therefore, within reasonable limits, and avoiding extravagance, it is permissible to enhance or beautify your shop or factory to attract customers or increase business, provided it is done for a legitimate, productive purpose.
✔ You may beautify your shop or business as per need and benefit
✖ Avoid doing so for pride, show, or in a wasteful manner
✔ Ensure your intention is to earn ḥalāl income, improve sustenance, and use wealth in good causes
So, you will not be held accountable for reasonable, purposeful beautification — unless it involves isrāf, show-off, or leads to neglecting the Hereafter.
❖ Question:
Is it permissible to beautify one’s shop or factory using various new methods for the purpose of increasing business?
Nowadays, people seem to be blindly following this trend. However, the Qur’an instructs the Prophet ﷺ not to cast his gaze upon the adornments of worldly life that have been granted to some groups of people.
Given the many Qur’anic verses that encourage detachment from worldly desires, will one be held accountable on the Day of Judgement for decorating shops and investing in worldly beautification?
Kindly provide guidance.
❖ Answer:
The Qur’an and Sunnah indeed contain numerous exhortations towards zuhd (detachment from the world), and this world is described as a temporary, fleeting enjoyment.
However, this does not mean that a believer must completely abandon material means or sever ties with worldly provisions.
❖ Seeking Worldly Provisions is Permissible
✔ These worldly means — such as wealth, business, and resources — are included in the means of seeking help from Allah and are permissible avenues for livelihood.
✔ A person asks Allah for expansion in sustenance and blessings in business, and such a supplication is entirely in line with Islamic teachings.
✔ The only condition is that worldly pursuits must not become the ultimate goal, but rather be used as a means to achieve higher spiritual goals.
❖ The Example of the Companions
Many of the Noble Companions رضي الله عنهم were wealthy, yet they lived lives of piety and generosity.
➤ Earning ḥalāl income is part of the sunnah of the Prophets and Messengers عليهم السلام.
➤ In fact, according to a narration in al-Muʿjam al-Kabīr by al-Ṭabarānī, striving lawfully to support one’s children, spouse, and parents is itself considered a form of striving in the path of Allah (fī sabīlillāh).
❖ Caution Against Extravagance
That said, one must avoid:
✖ Wastefulness (isrāf)
✖ Unlawful expenditures
✖ Prideful or showy spending
As the Qur’an warns, those who are wasteful are regarded as:
﴿ إِنَّ ٱلْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوٓا۟ إِخْوَٰنَ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينِ ﴾
“Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils.”
(Sūrah al-Isrāʾ 17:27)
Therefore, within reasonable limits, and avoiding extravagance, it is permissible to enhance or beautify your shop or factory to attract customers or increase business, provided it is done for a legitimate, productive purpose.
❖ Conclusion:
✔ You may beautify your shop or business as per need and benefit
✖ Avoid doing so for pride, show, or in a wasteful manner
✔ Ensure your intention is to earn ḥalāl income, improve sustenance, and use wealth in good causes
So, you will not be held accountable for reasonable, purposeful beautification — unless it involves isrāf, show-off, or leads to neglecting the Hereafter.
