The Limits of Self-Reward in the Perspective of the Four Schools: An Analysis of the Concept of Individual Rights and the Prohibition of Isrāf

Batasan Self-Reward dalam Perspektif Empat Mazhab: Analisis terhadap Konsep Hak Diri dan Larangan Israf

Abstract

Abstract 

The phenomenon of excessive self-reward in modern life often raises ethical and legal issues in Islam, particularly concerning the boundary between individual rights over oneself and the prohibition of isrāf (extravagance). This study aims to formulate how the concept of self-reward is understood within the framework of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), and to address questions regarding the permissibility limits of self-reward according to the four Sunni schools of law (Ḥanafī, Mālikī, Shāfiʿī, and Ḥanbalī), as well as the position of isrāf in such practices. The method employed is qualitative research with a normative-juridical approach, conducted through a literature review of classical and contemporary fiqh texts from the four schools. The findings indicate that all four schools essentially permit the fulfillment of needs and the granting of rewards to oneself, provided these remain within reasonable bounds (iʿtidāl) and do not lead to isrāf or tabdhīr. However, differences emerge in the emphasis placed on determining the threshold of excess, particularly in relation to social context, intention, and the impact on other obligations. Thus, self-reward is permissible in Islam as part of individual rights, but must be regulated by the principles of balance, public benefit (maṣlaḥah), and the prohibition of extravagance.

Keywords: self-reward, isrāf, four schools of fiqh

Abstrak

Fenomena self-reward yang berlebihan dalam kehidupan modern seringkali menimbulkan persoalan etis dan hukum dalam Islam, khususnya terkait batas antara hak individu atas dirinya dan larangan israf (berlebih-lebihan). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk merumuskan bagaimana konsep self-reward dipahami dalam perspektif fikih, serta menjawab pertanyaan mengenai batasan kebolehan self-reward menurut empat mazhab fikih (Hanafi, Maliki, Syafi’i, dan Hanbali), serta bagaimana posisi israf dalam praktik tersebut. Metode yang digunakan adalah penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan normatif-yuridis melalui studi kepustakaan terhadap kitab-kitab fikih klasik dan kontemporer dari empat mazhab. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa keempat mazhab pada dasarnya membolehkan pemenuhan kebutuhan dan pemberian penghargaan kepada diri sendiri selama berada dalam batas kewajaran (i’tidal) dan tidak mengarah pada israf atau tabdzir. Namun, terdapat perbedaan penekanan dalam menentukan batas berlebihan, terutama terkait konteks sosial, niat, dan dampak terhadap kewajiban lain. Dengan demikian, self-reward diperbolehkan dalam Islam sebagai bagian dari hak diri, tetapi harus dikontrol oleh prinsip keseimbangan, kemaslahatan, dan larangan berlebih-lebihan.

Kata Kunci: Self-reward, Israf, Fikih Empat Mazhab