In order to have a better understanding of the verse in question, we draw your attention to following few points:

1. As we know, halāl is a term designating any object or an action which is permissible to use or engage in, according to Islamic law. The term is also used to designate food or a drink seen as permissible according to Islamic law. It does not mean that something which is halāl is obligatory by extension.

2. Permissibility of using or doing something has its degrees or levels. Perhaps, sleeping at night is one of the halāl actions and a cause of tranquility of the body and soul[1] but staying awake and engaging in supplication and communication with God would cause more tranquility of the body and soul for some people.

3. As well, the spiritual bounties and pleasures are not restricted to worldly and material things; rather they also include spiritualities which for many entail greater pleasures. The mystics and pious ones have availed themselves of spiritual pleasures rather than worldly possession and advantages. They attained high spiritual and scientific ranks by benefitting themselves from spiritualities and sufficing with the minimum from this material world.

4. As we know, the teaching of the Holy Quran cannot be judged from a single angle or perspective. In fact, the Quranic topics have to be seen and studied with a view to the verses of the Quran, their occasions of revelation as well as the narrations from the Infallibles. The Quranic verses interpret one another[2] in the same way as the narrations interpret the verses.

5. If the religious doctrines say that the worldly bounties have been created for believers the same doctrines say the believers should suffice with the minimum from this material life. God, the Exalted says in the Holy Quran: “Know ye (all), that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying, (in rivalry) among yourselves, riches and children. Here is a similitude: How rain and the growth which it brings forth, delight (the hearts of) the tillers; soon it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the Hereafter is a Penalty severe (for the devotees of wrong). And Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the devotees of Allah). And what is the life of this world, but goods and chattels of deception?”[3]

The leader of the mystics, Imam Ali (A.S.) also describes the pious ones and God-fearing people as such: "فالمتقین ... و حاجاتهم [4]خفیفة" The God-fearing… their needs are scanty. Therefore, the more a man makes progress in knowledge and cognition, the more insignificant do the worldly pleasures seem to him.  If there had not been fixed periods (of life) ordained for each, their spirits would not have remained in their bodies even for the twinkling of an eye because of (their) eagerness for the reward and fear of chastisement. The greatness of the Creator is seated in their heart, and, so, everything else appears small in their eyes. Thus to them Paradise is as though they see it and are enjoying its favors. To them, Hell is also as if they see it and are suffering punishment in it.[5]

The pious scholars have inherited simplicity from the Commander of the Faithful and Leader of the Pious, Ali (A.S.), he who despite having worldly means sufficed with the minimum from this world:

"أَلَا وَ إِنَّ إِمَامَكُمْ قَدِ اكْتَفَى مِنْ دُنْيَاهُ بِطِمْرَيْهِ وَ مِنْ طَعْمِهِ بِقُرْصَيْهِ أَلَا وَ إِنَّكُمْ لَا تَقْدِرُونَ عَلَى ذَلِكَ وَ لَكِنْ أَعِينُونِي بِوَرَعٍ وَ اجْتِهَادٍ وَ عِفَّةٍ وَ سَدَادٍ"[6]

“Now look to your Imam (Imam Ali (a) meant himself). In this world he has satisfied himself with two old, torn and coarse garments and two pieces of bread (one in the morning and one in the evening). I know that to adopt such a hard way of life is beyond you but at least try to be pious. Try to follow me and be my companion in virtue, piety and simple living.”

The Imam also says, “Certainly, Allah, the Sublime, has made it obligatory on true leaders that they should maintain themselves at the level of low people so that the poor do not cry over their poverty.”[7]

Obviously, this behavior on the part of those who, in their society or in their little community and place of residence, are known as role models, can be highly effective as it had been the case throughout the history.