Strive for Excellence in Work
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed, Allah loves when any of you does a work that he perfects.” This narration emphasizes the importance of mastering one’s work, whether it pertains to worldly tasks or spiritual endeavors. It calls upon us to perform our duties with precision and integrity, ensuring there are no faults or deficiencies, especially when those duties relate to the Hereafter.
Excellence in work, regardless of its purpose—be it for worldly gain or spiritual benefit—is an act of devotion that should never be compromised. Mastering one’s work earns the pleasure of Allah and serves as a means to attain Paradise. Conversely, failing to perfect one’s work may lead to a breach of trust, resulting in the disapproval of Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also warned, “Whoever takes up arms against us is not part of us, and whoever deceives us is not one of us.”
Every Individual is a Guardian and Responsible for Their Charges
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “All of you are guardians and each of you is responsible for their charges.” Muslims are called to approach their responsibilities with utmost diligence and integrity. This includes providing sincere counsel to those under their care, fulfilling obligations to the best of their abilities, and ensuring they maintain a high standard of quality in their work.
Imam Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) remarked, “The one in charge is the guardian, entrusted with the duty of ensuring the welfare of those under his supervision.” This suggests that anyone who has obligations towards others is required to uphold justice and act in their best interests, both in matters of faith and daily life.
The narration excludes those who engage in deception and evade responsibility from the fold of faith; implying that deceit and irresponsibility weaken one’s belief. Mastery of work complements one’s faith and is part of one’s commitment to Allah.
Indeed, Allah Commands Excellence in Everything
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, “Indeed, Allah has decreed excellence in all things. Therefore, when you kill, kill in a good manner; and when you slaughter, do so in a good manner. Let one of you sharpen his blade and alleviate the suffering of his animal.”
This teaching encourages Muslims to seek excellence even in the most serious of actions, such as killing. If one is called to be proficient in these matters, how much more so in routine tasks? Muslim workers should embody kindness, gentleness, and fairness in all their endeavors. Moreover, excellence in work should not be perceived solely as a personal gift or an act of charity—it is a necessary obligation.
If a Muslim is responsible for others in a workplace, he should treat them with respect, avoiding overburdening them or making their tasks unnecessarily difficult. They should never treat their subordinates with harshness or arrogance. For instance, if one has workers at home or employees in a company, they should not exploit them beyond what is reasonable, nor should they mistreat vulnerable individuals, such as domestic helpers or junior staff. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) stated, “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) never hit anything with his hand, nor did he strike a woman or a servant.”
Video: Be Your Own Advocate at Work
Watch the video to learn more about being your own advocate at work: