The common concepts between the two cultures must be seen as areas for co-existence and sharing for the good of humankind. Let’s start to learn and apply them where possible.
1. Meaning and Origin
Mubazzir (مُبَذِّر)
In Islam, mubazzir refers to a person who wastes or squanders resources unnecessarily. The Qur’an explicitly condemns wastefulness:
“Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful.” (Al-Isra’, 17:27)
This shows that wastefulness (tabdhir) is not just a social fault but a spiritual sin, reflecting ingratitude (kufr al-ni‘mah) toward Allah’s blessings.
Mottainai (もったいない)
In Japanese culture, mottainai literally means “what a waste” or “it’s a shame to waste.” It expresses regret when something valuable—food, material, time, or effort—is not used properly. The concept is influenced by Buddhist and Shinto beliefs, which emphasize respect for nature and the spiritual essence (kami) in all things.
2. Moral and Spiritual Foundations
| Aspect | Islamic View (Mubazzir) | Japanese View (Mottainai) |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Qur’an and Hadith | Buddhist and Shinto ethics |
| Focus | Obedience and gratitude to Allah | Mindfulness and respect for nature |
| Moral Meaning | Wastefulness is sinful and shows arrogance and ingratitude | Wastefulness is shameful and shows lack of respect or awareness |
| Accountability | To Allah – for how one uses the blessings given | To society and conscience – for maintaining harmony and respect |
3. View of Resources
In Islam, all resources—money, food, water, time, and even knowledge—are trusts (amanah) from Allah. Humans are stewards (khalifah) on Earth, responsible for using these blessings wisely and avoiding excess.
In Japanese thought, resources are gifts of nature and human effort. To waste them is to disregard the interdependence between humans and the natural world. Mottainai encourages appreciation, reuse, and care for objects and materials.
4. Practical Expressions
Islamic Practices (Avoiding Mubazzir):
- Avoiding extravagance in spending and consumption.
- Using only what is needed (e.g., water during ablution).
- Practicing moderation (wasatiyyah) and gratitude (shukr).
- Giving charity (sadaqah) instead of hoarding or wasting wealth.
Japanese Practices (Living Mottainai):
- Repairing and reusing items instead of discarding them (kintsugi). https://traditionalkyoto.com/culture/kintsugi/
- Avoiding food waste and appreciating meals (itadakimasu).
- Recycling and conserving energy or resources.
- Living simply and mindfully in harmony with nature.
5. Shared Values and Differences
| Shared Values | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| Gratitude and appreciation for resources | Mubazzir is a religious sin; mottainai is a cultural ethic |
| Moderation and balance in consumption | Islamic view emphasizes accountability to Allah |
| Respect for what sustains life | Japanese view emphasizes harmony with nature |
| Encouragement of sustainable, mindful living | Islamic focus on spiritual purification; Japanese focus on social and environmental harmony |
https://muwasala.org/2015/06/14/insights-into-purification-not-wasting-water/
6. Summary
Both mubazzir and mottainai express a deep awareness of the moral and spiritual consequences of wastefulness.
- In Islam, avoiding waste is part of faith—showing gratitude to Allah, fulfilling one’s duty as a steward, and maintaining moderation in all actions.
- In Japan, avoiding waste is part of cultural mindfulness—showing respect for nature, gratitude for effort, and living in harmony with the environment.
Although they emerge from different traditions, both promote a universal message: to use every blessing wisely, with gratitude and purpose.
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