The Importance of Work in Islam
Islam assigns a significant status to work, promising rewards and compensation for efforts that align with Islamic guidelines. Numerous religious texts from the Quran and Sunnah emphasize the value of work in both this life and the hereafter. The intention of work extends beyond mere worldly gain, embedding a spiritual aspect that earns the servant of Allah divine rewards.
Quranic Verses on Work
The Quran features a variety of verses that encourage productivity and labor within the Islamic framework. Some notable verses include:
- (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. And ask Allah of His bounty. Indeed, Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing.) [Quran, 4:32]
- (And We taught him the making of coats of armor to protect you from your own harming. So will you not be grateful? And to Solomon [We subjected] the wind blowing by his command, to the land which We had blessed. And We were Knowing of all things. And of the devils were those who swam for him and did other work besides that. And We were protecting them.) [Quran, 21:80-82]
- (So We inspired him, “Construct the ship under Our observation and Our inspiration. And when Our command comes and the oven overflows, you shall board therein from every species two, and your family – except for those who have preceded [in decree]. And do not speak to Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are to be drowned.) [Quran, 23:27]
- (And of His mercy, He made for you the night and the day that you might rest therein and seek from His bounty and perhaps you will be grateful.) [Quran, 28:73]
- (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.) [Quran, 30:23]
- (And We gave David from Us bounty. O mountains, repeat with him [the praise], and the birds [as well]. And We softened iron for him, [commanding], “Make full coats of armor and measure [precisely] the links, and work righteousness. Indeed, I am, about what you do, Seeing.” And to Solomon [We subjected] the wind blowing, morning [traversing] a month’s [journey] and returning in the evening [the same]. And We caused a fountain of molten copper to gush forth for him. And of the devils were those who worked for him by permission of his Lord. And whoever turned away from Our command – We will make him taste of a painful punishment.) [Quran, 34:10-13]
- (And the two seas are not alike. This one is sweet and thirst-quenching; that one is salty and bitter. And from each, you eat tender meat and extract ornaments which you wear. And you see the ships plowing through it, that you may seek of His bounty and perhaps you will be grateful.) [Quran, 35:12]
- (And We made therein gardens from palm trees and vines and caused springs to gush forth within it, that they may eat from its fruit; and their hands have not produced it. Will they not then be grateful?) [Quran, 36:34-35]
- (We have certainly sent Our messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [therein] justice. And We sent down iron, wherein is strong material, as well as many benefits for mankind.) [Quran, 57:25]
- (O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu’ah, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew. And when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek the bounty of Allah. And remember Allah much that you may succeed. But when they saw a transaction or a diversion, [O Muhammad], they rushed to it and left you standing. Say, “What is with Allah is better than diversion and than a transaction, and Allah is the Best of providers.”) [Quran, 62:9-11]
- (It is He who made the earth subservient to you, so walk in its slopes and eat of His provision. And to Him will be the resurrection.) [Quran, 67:15]
- (He knew that there would be among you the sick and others traveling through the land seeking of Allah’s bounty and others fighting in the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy of the Quran.) [Quran, 73:20]
Guidelines for Work in the Quran
Islam encourages hard work, acquisition of wealth, and perfection in one’s tasks while outlining the necessary guidelines and conditions. Key points include:
- Prohibition of usury and all unlawful means of earning money. Allah -the Exalted- stated, “Those who consume interest cannot stand on the Day of Resurrection except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, ‘Trade is just like interest.’ But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest. So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may have what is past, and his affair rests with Allah. And whoever returns [to dealing in interest or usury] – those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.” [Quran, 2:275-276]
- Prohibition of deceit and fraud, as well as the necessity of fulfilling obligations and not neglecting them. Allah -the Exalted- says, “O you who have believed, do not let your wealth and your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that – then those are the losers.” [Quran, 63:9]
- Prohibition of trading in alcohol and anything related to it. Allah -the Exalted- commanded, “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.” [Quran, 5:90]