The Significance of Work
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “No Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then eats from it, except that what is consumed is a form of charity for him. Moreover, what is stolen from it is also a charity for him, and what is eaten by wild animals, or birds is likewise charity for him. No one can reduce his rights to it, without it being charity for him.”
The Value of Work in Islam
Work holds a prominent place in Islam for several reasons, including:
- Its correlation with jihad; both are highly valued in Islamic teachings.
- The belief that personal labor is one of the forms of jihad; for instance, Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) prioritized earning a livelihood over engaging in combat.
- Struggling and exerting oneself in work is considered a means of atoning for sins in Islam.
- Allah’s acknowledgment of His servants’ busyness during the day; thus, He made night prayers less obligatory.
- Work is a practice established even by the Prophets despite their divine missions. Adam (peace be upon him) engaged in agriculture, while Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was a merchant. Prophets like Zakariya and Nuh (peace be upon them) worked as carpenters, Luqman and Idris as tailors, and Musa (peace be upon him) tended sheep. The companions of the Prophet also strove to earn a living; for example, Uthman ibn Affan was a trader, while Abu Bakr and Talha were known for their cloth trading.
Work Etiquette in Islam
There are several etiquettes associated with work in Islam, such as:
- Striving for excellence in work, which reflects a key characteristic of a true Muslim and contributes to positive changes in their endeavors and behavior.
- The prohibition against idleness for a capable individual, as it constitutes self-harm. It often leads to begging and dependency, which can cause shame.
- The necessity of selecting strong and trustworthy workers, marked by their knowledge of the task, ability to perform the work, integrity in handling responsibilities, adherence to deadlines, maintaining confidentiality, and punctuality.
Risks of Idleness
Unemployment can lead to a range of detrimental outcomes, including a lack of discipline, wasted time, seeking Handouts, engaging in sinful behavior, overall societal decline, and diminished individual worth. In contrast, actively pursuing sustenance, even if modest, alongside turning to Allah in supplication for independence and sustenance, is highly encouraged.