How to Be Happy Without Spending (Much) Money

Money does not dictate happiness. Sadly, we often equate our satisfaction to the amount of riches we have. So this post is about how to be happy without spending (much) money.

I cannot say money has no importance at all. But with all things considered, it’s quite inconsequential. You can certainly live happily without money and be rich in many other ways.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was asked: “What kind of wealth should we acquire?”

He replied: “Let one of you acquire a thankful heart, a tongue that remembers Allah and a believing wife who will help him with regard to the Hereafter.” (Ibn Majah 1856)

Appreciate What You Have

If you’re grateful for everything you have, then you’ll be content even with little.

A person who is not content with little, will never be fulfilled with much.

I’m sure most of us have heard the term “money can’t buy happiness”.

But sometimes it’s easy to feel “once I have *insert desired item* then I’ll be happy.” The reality is, most times the joy we receive from said item is short-lived. And if we’re always wanting the next best thing, we’re missing out on enjoying what we have right now.

You see it’s really quite simple — when you look at the life you have, it’s better than what you would ever choose for yourself. Because it’s what you need. And it’s been chosen by our Lord, The Best of Planners.

Give in Charity

Although this is about how to feel happy without spending money; giving in charity can actually bring joy to your heart.

“Ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله) stated in Zādul Ma’ād regarding our Messenger Muhammad (ﷺ) that he was the most generous of people in giving in charity, and that he did not think anything too valuable or anything too insignificant to give in charity. Rather if anyone was to ask for something then he (ﷺ) would give it to them. Whether it was little or whether it was great.

His happiness and his joy in giving were greater than the joy of the one who was receiving that charity from him.“

This is an excerpt from this post: The Amazing Reward of Giving Sadaqah and Being Charitable which I highly recommend you read.

Smile More

Smiling is generally a result of being happy, however the opposite can also be true. The simple act of smiling (even if you don’t feel like it) can actually improve your mood. It may require little effort, but this small act can bring about great joy. For both you and the recipient.

The Prophet (ﷺ) stated in a hadîth collected by Imām Muslim:

               ‏لا تحقرن من المعروف شيئاً، ولو أن تلقى أخاك بوجه طلق‏‏ ‏‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏‏

“Let not any of you belittle or look down upon a good deed, even if it be that you smile in the face of your brother.” (Muslim)

Admire Nature

Be still — listen to natural sounds of the environment, the trees swaying in the wind, birds chirping, and the soft patter of rain against the window.

Delight in nature and let your exploration of the vast and green earth bring about awe for The Creator (Al-Khaliq).

Enjoy the Ordinary

Do things that bring you comfort and beautify simple everyday moments.

Going to a restaurant, café or event can be nice, but you can also have a pleasant time at home.

Make some food you love and plate it aesthetically on your favourite dinnerware. You can make your own cosy home café.

Make Something

It’s definitely possible to enjoy not spending money. Though it’s natural to feel bewildered initially on how to do it.

One way is to make something rather than buy it. Whether it be sewing a dress, making an embroidery wall hanging, or painting a landscape.

Making something with your own hands will not only give you a similar happiness as making a purchase does; but you’ll also feel a sense of achievement, which is longer lasting.

Spend Time With Your Loved Ones

I’ve mentioned previously about the importance of intentionally giving your time to the ones you love.

Time is one of our greatest blessings from Allah. Everything we give our time to, we are giving away a part of ourselves. So it’s imperative we use it wisely.

You can find much merriment when in the company of the people you adore, even when you’re simply sitting with one another in the comfort of your own beautiful home.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for reading until the end. I hope you have found value in these 7 simple pieces of advice on how to feel happy without spending money.

If you’re looking for more extensive advice, from one who is exceedingly more knowledgeable than myself on the matter, I’d recommend reading The Keys to Happiness by Ibn Al-Qayyim

Which of these points did you find most helpful? I love to read your feedback in the comments.