We all have some needs, and we seek to fulfil them. Our needs are limited. The problem arises when one doesn’t remain satisfied with one’s needs being fulfilled, and, instead, gets caught up in greed. Unlike need, greed has no limit. If one starts chasing unlimited greed, one will never be content. Need-based living is called, in Islam, living with contentment. The Prophet of Islam once said, ‘Be content, and you will be the most grateful of people.’ (Sunan Ibn Majah 4217)

Simple living means living according to limited needs, and not according to unlimited greed. Simple living is a safeguard from all kinds of distractions. It results in saving of time, energy, money, and other resources, which can be put to optimum use, for one’s development.

Distractions lead to destruction of life. Today, people are surrounded with distractions— shopping, outings, movies, reading useless novels and everything else that is part of the entertainment culture. Most people are wasting their lives in this way. Intellectually, they are dwarfs. One cannot discuss any serious subject with them. They know only about their desires, their fantasies, the things that give them pleasure, their comforts, and luxuries. They have great knowledge about these things, but not about serious subjects of life and death.

If we live based on our needs, it saves us from distractions that can save our time, energy, money, and other resources, which can be put to optimum use, for one’s development.