Women and Consumption Pattern Reform in Fatimid Culture

Today, the uncontrolled growth of consumption has developed into a predicament for many countries. The consumptionist society and country are less likely to attain self-sufficiency. The growing tendency to consume has in fact infiltrated and affected different strata of society including women who also have dual relationship with consumption. On the one hand women constitute half of the consumer population, on the other, they have direct effect on other's consumption choices and patterns. Therefore, reforming consumption pattern in anything whose maintenance and preservation have an impact on the individual himself and on society is necessary. In this regard, women can help institutionalize frugality and economic behavior in the family which can help change the culture of the whole society. A major part of the religious doctrines about economic issues, deal with desirable consumption patterns according to Islamic Shariah. In this study, first of all Islam's general standards have been introduced regarding consumption. Then social issues related to consumption and the effects of propagations on women's consumption behavior have been examined. The dangers of consumptionism (in the form of extravagance and fashionism) for women's society have also been taken into account by the writer. Since the manifestation of piety, contentment and simplicity in the life of Fatima Zahra can create sufficient motivation in Muslim women's lives, examples of simplicity and frugal conducts have been provided from the life of that great lady.