Therefore...

Therefore, when it is said that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) lived a simple life and that we should make him our role model, this does not mean that our homes, method of transportation, food and clothes should be exactly like his in terms of quality and quantity.

Rather, what is intended is that the current general understanding of people today regarding present conditions, changes and advancements in technology must be taken into consideration in order to determine what type of lifestyle is considered simple and free of hassle.

In other words, from this principle one should not draw the conclusion that since the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), for example, lived in a house made of clay or ate out of dishes made of clay or rode a particular animal, one should do the same today. Rather, what is important is observing the principle of living simply while paying attention to the particular present conditions of time and place.

Some aspects of the simplicity of the Noble Prophet's lifestyle will now be discussed. Anas ibn Malik has said, "The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) would not eat out of a tray or a platter, nor would he eat thin, refined white bread (apparently the food of the elite of that time)." [^1] ‘Aishah (the Prophet's wife) has said, "The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) would never eat his fill." [^2] Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him) has said, "Halva (a jellylike sweet) was brought to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) but he refused to eat it.

He was asked: 'Do you consider this to be forbidden?' He said, 'No, but I despise (getting used to it and) craving it.' Then he read the verse of the Qur’an that says, 'You did away with pure food in your life in this world' .[^3] Imam ‘Ali (peace be upon him), describing the Great Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) has said, "He took only that which he absolutely required from this world and he did not take the smallest look at it.

He had the thinnest waist and the hungriest stomach of all the people of this world.