Hadiths Encouraging Earning and Labor
Work is defined as the effort expended, either physically or mentally, to acquire daily sustenance and basic necessities. Islamic teachings, derived from the Holy Quran and the honorable Sunnah, emphasize the importance of work. Below are some key evidences:
- From Aisha -may Allah be pleased with her- who reported that the Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- said: “The best of what a person eats is from his earnings, and the child is also from his earnings.”
- Jabir ibn Abdullah -may Allah be pleased with him- narrated that the prophet -peace be upon him- stated: “There is no Muslim who plants a tree, but what is eaten from it is an act of charity for him, and if someone steals from it, it is a charity for him. What is consumed by wild animals is a charity for him, and what is eaten by birds is also a charity for him. No one diminishes it except that it is a charity for him.”
- Al-Zubair ibn Al-Awam -may Allah be pleased with him- reported that the Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- said: “It is better for one of you to take his rope and bring a bundle of firewood on his back to sell, thereby safeguarding his face from need, than to ask people who might give or withhold.”
Hadiths on the Importance of Mastery in Work
Islam encourages excellence in work, whether relating to worldly matters or the Hereafter. It is essential to complete work to the best of one’s ability; for instance, fulfilling the pillars and conditions of prayer is mandatory for acceptance by Allah -the Almighty-. The following hadiths illustrate the significance of mastering one’s work:
- The Messenger -peace be upon him- said: “When you slaughter, do so in the best manner. Let each one of you sharpen his knife and spare the animal any discomfort.”
- The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- stated: “When a servant sincerely advises his master and excels in his worship of Allah, he will receive double reward.”
- The Prophet -peace be upon him- said: “Indeed, Allah, the Exalted, has ordained excellence in all matters.”
Hadiths on the Virtue of Work
Work is highly esteemed within Islamic teachings. Allah -the Exalted- states in Surah Fussilat: {And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says, ‘Indeed, I am of the Muslims.’} Below are hadiths that highlight the virtues of work:
- The Prophet -peace be upon him- said: “Every Muslim has an obligation to give charity.” They asked, “What if he does not find anything (to give)?” He replied, “Let him work with his hands to benefit himself and give charity.” They asked, “What if he cannot do that?” He said, “Then let him assist the needy.” They asked, “What if he cannot do that?” He said, “Then he should promote good or speak kindly. And if he cannot do that, then he should refrain from harming others, for that is charity for him.”
- Abdullah ibn Umar -may Allah be pleased with both of them- reported that the Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- said: “A man will keep asking others for help until he comes on the Day of Resurrection with no flesh on his face.”
- The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- said: “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.”
Hadiths on the Value of Handicraft
Allah -the Blessed and Exalted- loves a servant who is dedicated to honest work. Integrity is the foundation of successful labor, being essential for the growth of individuals and communities. It reduces societal crime, enhances educational effectiveness, and encourages both domestic and foreign investments. The following hadiths highlight the value of genuinely earning through one’s own hands:
- The Messenger -peace be upon him- remarked: “Any Muslim who plants a seed or cultivates a crop, from which a bird, a person, or an animal eats, will receive a charity for that.”
- Abu Burda Al-Ansari -may Allah be pleased with him- reported: “The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- was asked, ‘What is the best type of earnings?’ He replied: ‘The work of a man with his own hands, and all lawful trade.'”
Hadiths Preferring Work over Charity
Below are some hadiths that emphasize the preference of work over receiving charity:
- The Messenger -peace be upon him- stated: “The upper hand is better than the lower hand; the upper hand is that which spends, while the lower hand is the one that asks.”
- The Prophet -peace be upon him- said: “It is better for one of you to carry a bundle of firewood on his back than to ask someone who may give or refuse.”
- He also said: “May Allah have mercy on a man who is generous in his transactions, whether in selling, buying, or collecting debts.”