Work in Islam
Allah Almighty has commanded humanity to engage in work, elevating its value and status. Furthermore, He facilitated this through the creation of the universe and its resources for humankind. Islam recognizes various forms of labor, as referenced in the Quran, which include commerce, industry, and agriculture. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the significance of work in Islam, equating it to jihad in the way of Allah, and sought to make the process of working accessible to everyone.
Hadiths on the Virtue of Work
Human beings develop and progress through work; success in one’s endeavors often leads to unexpected provisions from Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has shared numerous hadiths on this topic, including the following:
- As narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “The best of what you eat is from your own earnings, and your children are from what you earn.”
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “It is better for one of you to carry a bundle of wood on his back than to ask someone who may or may not give him.”
- A man passed by the Prophet (peace be upon him), and his companions admired his diligence. They asked, “O Messenger of Allah, if only this was for the sake of Allah?” The Prophet replied: “If he goes out seeking sustenance for his young children, he is in the path of Allah; if he goes out to support his elderly parents, he is in the path of Allah; if he goes out to earn for himself to remain self-sufficient, he is in the path of Allah; but if he goes out to show off, then he is in the path of Satan.”
- Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Prophet Dawood (David) used to eat only from the earnings of his own hands.”
- Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) mentioned: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that God never sent a prophet who did not tend sheep.” His companions asked, “And you?” He replied, “Yes, I tended them for a few coins for the people of Mecca.”
- Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “If the Hour of Judgment comes while one of you has a seedling in his hand, then if he can, he should plant it before the Hour comes.”
- “Indeed, Allah loves that when one of you does a job, he should do it well.”
- According to Suhr al-Ghamidi, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “O Allah, bless my nation in its early mornings.” It was his practice to send out armies or troops at the beginning of the day. Suhr was a merchant, and when he sent out his trade caravans, he would also send them at dawn, which led to his prosperity and wealth.
Quranic Verses on Work
The Quran advocates for diligent work, mentioning it alongside its various methods and significance in numerous verses, including:
- “He who created death and life to test you, which of you is best in deed. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.” (Surah Al-Mulk, 67:2)
- “And We taught him the making of coats of armor to protect you from your enemy’s violence.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:80)
- “And among His signs is your sleep by night and by day, and your seeking of His bounty. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who listen.” (Surah Ar-Rum, 30:23)
- “On that Day, the people will be separated [by their deeds] so that they may be shown [the results of] their actions.* So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” (Surah Al-Zalzalah, 99:6-8)
- “They construct for him whatever he wishes of sanctuaries, statues, and large cooking pots, and they are firmly anchored. ‘Work, O family of David, in gratitude.’” (Surah Sabah, 34:13)
- “And from its [the earth’s] surface, you extract jewelry for adornment and see ships that sail through it, seeking His bounty.” (Surah Al-Nahl, 16:14)
- “Indeed, We sent Our messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their rights]. And We sent down iron, wherein is strong material, and benefits for people.” (Surah Al-Hadid, 57:25)
- “It is He who made the earth subservient to you, so walk in its pathways and eat from His provisions…” (Surah Al-Mulk, 67:15)
- “And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others; for men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned…” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:32)
- “And others are traveling through the land seeking the bounty of Allah…” (Surah Al-Mumtahanah, 60:12)
- “And that is Paradise which you are made to inherit for what you used to do.” (Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:23)
- “And We inspired to him, ‘Construct the ark under Our observation and Our inspiration…’” (Surah Hud, 11:37)
- “So whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord, let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.” (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:110)
- “Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – they will have the Gardens of Paradise as a lodging.” (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:107)