Discussions on Manual Labor
Numerous hadiths have been reported from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) concerning manual labor, illustrating its significance as emphasized by the prophets throughout history. Some notable hadiths include:
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “No prophet was ever sent by Allah without tending to sheep.” His companions asked, “And you?” He replied, “Indeed, I tended to them for a few dirhams for the people of Mecca.”
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated: “Indeed, the Prophet of Allah, Dawood (peace be upon him), used to eat from the labor of his own hands.”
Hadiths on the Virtue of Work and Earning a Halal Income
Islamic tradition illuminates the numerous virtues and benefits of engaging in manual labor through various hadiths, including:
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) emphasized: “By the One in whose hand is my soul, it is better for one of you to take his rope and gather firewood on his back than to ask a man for something, whether he gives it or withholds it.”
- “No Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds without it being a source of charity for him when a bird, human, or animal eats from it,” the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) added.
- He also mentioned: “The honest and trustworthy merchant is with the prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs on the Day of Resurrection.”
Hadiths Encouraging Manual Labor
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged his followers to engage in work and earn by their own hands, highlighting its superiority over other means of sustenance. Among these encouraging hadiths are:
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) remarked: “No one has ever consumed food that is better than that which he has earned through his own labor. The Prophet of Allah, Dawood (peace be upon him), used to eat from the work of his hands.”
- Abu Dharr Al-Ghafari reported: “I asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) which deed is the best. He replied: ‘Faith in Allah and striving in His cause.’ I further inquired, ‘Which type of slavery is best?’ He said: ‘The most valuable and cherished in the sight of their owners. I then asked, ‘If I cannot do that?’ He said: ‘Support a needy person or help someone in distress.’ I asked again, ‘If I cannot do that?’ He said: ‘Refrain from harming people, for it is considered a charity you give to yourself.’
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) remarked: “If the Hour were to arise and one of you had a palm shoot in his hand, if he is able to plant it before the Hour arises, he should do so.”
- Abdullah bin Umar reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about the best means of earning. He said: “A man’s labor with his own hands and every accepted transaction.”