Hadiths on the Virtue of Work
The Islamic Sharia emphasizes the importance of work and the obligation to strive in the world for its development. This endeavor is essential for sustaining life and facilitating it for Muslims. Multiple hadiths from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) elucidate the merits of work. Here are a few notable examples:
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “If the Hour comes while one of you is holding a palm shoot, if he can plant it before the Hour arrives, he should do so.” This hadith underscores the importance of continuous effort, suggesting that even in the face of impending doom, one should engage in productive activities that yield benefits—not limited to agriculture alone.
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, and in both there is good. Strive for that which benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not abandon your efforts.” This narration clearly favors the strong believer, whose strength stems from complete faith and physical prowess. It highlights that those who strive and work diligently are more beneficial to themselves and society than those who are idle.
- He also said: “It is better for any of you to take his rope and carry a bundle of firewood on his back and sell it than to ask people to give or withhold from him.” This hadith emphasizes the significance of engaging in even the most humble work rather than relying on others for support. It illustrates that gathering and selling firewood is superior to begging for a living.
- Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned: “Prepare for them whatever you can of strength. Indeed, strength is in archery.” This indicates the necessity for preparation and dedication in various fields, stressing the importance of readiness for jihad according to one’s capabilities, with archery used as a metaphor for a skill that, while simple, is critical in battle.
Hadiths on the Virtue of Working with One’s Hands
Islam encourages individuals to be self-reliant through their own labor. The following hadiths highlight this principle:
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) remarked: “The best earnings are from the work of a man’s hands, and every lawful sale is acceptable.” This implies that nothing surpasses the merit of a Muslim striving to earn a living through honest work rather than being a burden on others.
- He also stated: “No one has ever eaten food better than that which he earns with his own hands. Indeed, the Prophet David (peace be upon him) used to eat from the work of his hands.” This statement extols those who labor for their sustenance, rather than relying on others, and encourages self-sufficiency. The reference to Prophet David exemplifies diligent effort even for a prophet, highlighting that he worked as a blacksmith, despite his high status.
Hadith on Mastery of Work
The Islamic educational system aims to benefit individuals and society, thus, it does not merely encourage work, but it also emphasizes that every person should strive for excellence in their tasks. This principle fosters a practical discipline often absent in other worldly laws.
In this context, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated: “When any one of you performs a task, let him master it.” Although this hadith is considered weak, it holds value as it addresses the virtues of actions, aligning with Islamic teachings on the importance of mastery in every Muslim’s duties. This leads to a society free of corruption and deceit.
It is narrated that some companions mentioned this hadith while the Prophet (peace be upon him) was preparing the grave for his son Ibrahim. He noticed a defect in a brick that was brought for the grave, prompting him to emphasize the need for everyone to ensure that their tasks are performed flawlessly. Mastery in one’s work can be a source of comfort in times of grief and a source of solace.