Peace/Salam.
Good thread btw.
Generally, Christians tend to believe that it is okay to have material possessions (after all God promised to provide for us!) - as long as they do not become so important in one's life that they distract from our relationship with God.
I am guessing that Islam has similar, if not stricter views on this. (Correct me, if I'm wrong)
You're right, it is more or less similar. I'm sure at the nitty gritty, there would be differences, but as a general principle, that sums it up as far as my knowledge goes.
My question is, how do you all deal with those temptations?
As a Muslim, I use a few things to try and keep me in check: -
1) My parents come from Bangladesh, and I try to remember that its just as likely I was born in some mudhut with not enough food in the house for my family. So I try to shun any feelings to attachment to material wealth, but it is something thats very hard and also very subtle.
2)I remember that my provision (wealth in this world) has already been decided by Allah. So I may be rich now, but poor soon.
3) Zakah literally means the purification of wealth. So charity is always a good way to clean oneself of affection towards money.
As a mother I try to protect my children as best I can - and as best as is possible when you live in an urban area surrounded by advertisements, peer pressures, and the like.
For example, we choose family activities which are free, i.e a bike ride and picnic by the river, rather than going to the cinema or the theme park.
That sounds like really good alternatives and good way to teach children the value of things that don't cost.
My daughter (12) was desperate to get the latest nintendo DS (which she had to save up for), and my son (9) is only too aware of the latest football boot, and which sport label is the most fashionable!
I think that's natural, you shouldn't worry about it too much. Although its scary to think of how strong peer pressure can be at such a young age.
We may not be 'of' this world, but we live 'in' this world.
Reminds me of a saying my Sheikh always says: -
"Hold the world in your hand, not in your heart".
From threads about mobile phones, cars and Nike on this board, I gather that Muslim kids are equally not spared by Western society.
*sigh*... we're all fashion victims.