Islam And Jobs
The Concept of Work In Islam ( WORK HARD)
Islam lays great emphasis on work. In many places in the Qur’an it is made clear that time should not be wasted. In the Qur’an, God draws attention to all the magnificent creations as an indication of the proper planning that leads to wonderful results—for Muslims believe that He creates nothing haphazardly. God relates in the Qur’an how the heavens and the earth were created in seven days and describes that as a sign for humankind. Then the Qur’an directs a message to humanity that it should contribute positively to the earth, that is, it should work to make use of what is created for its benefit:
[That man can have nothing but what he strives for; That (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight: Then will he be rewarded with a reward complete.] (An-Najm 53:39-41)
In Islam work is given special importance to the extent that it is considered as an act of worship in itself. Although some people believe that they are not obliged to work because they dedicate themselves to worshiping God, this is actually a wrong perception of the concept of worship. The Muslim scholar Imam Al-Ghazali mentioned in his book Ihyaa’ `Ulum Ad-Deen (Revival of the Religious Sciences) that Jesus (peace and blessings be upon him) once saw a man who had completely devoted himself to worship. When he asked him how he got his daily bread, the man replied that his brother, who worked, provided him with food. Jesus then told him, “That brother of yours is more religious than you are” (The Book of Provision, Chapter 1). Al-Ghazali also mentions the Prophet’s Companion `Umar ibn Al-Khattab, who used to stress this point further by telling people, “Never should anyone of you think that du`aa’ (supplication) for sustenance without work will avail him, for heaven never rains gold nor silver” (The Book of Provision, Chapter 1).
Therefore, Islam is a religion of worshiping the Creator, with an essential part of that worship being working for survival. God tells us in the Qur’an to traverse the universe and make use of all the abundant resources that have been created for us.
Islam is a religion that orders its followers to be part and parcel of a working and productive society. The Qur’an says what means:
[and help one another in goodness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and aggression; and be careful of (your duty to) Allah.] (Al-Ma’idah 5:2)
The Prophet Muhammad himself, who is considered a paragon of virtues in Islam, used to pray seeking God’s refuge from laziness or idleness. Even before he was chosen as a messenger of God, he was a hardworking person. This earned him the respect of his employer, Khadijah, who later proposed marriage to him because of all the merits and virtues she saw in him.
In his instructions to Muslims on this aspect, the Prophet Muhammad strikes a balance between worship and work. So, as Muslims have to be constant in their acts of worship, they also have to work hard to make a living, as it is recorded in one of the famous sayings of scholars: “Work hard (for making a living and survival) as if you are going to die” (Al-Albani, Series of Weak and Fabricated Hadiths). Also, in exhorting Muslims on the importance of work, the Prophet Muhammad made it clear that getting one’s sustenance from one’s work is one of the praiseworthy acts of worship. It is recorded in his traditions how he turned a man who came to him begging into a productive member of the society by teaching him how to work and provide for himself.
One of the scholars of Islam, Imam Hasan Al-Basri, was asked one day the secret behind his asceticism. The imam mentioned four things in reply: “One, I believe that my sustenance will never be hijacked by anybody (so I work to attain it). Two, I know that a work that is mine must be performed by me, so I do not decrease my efforts in performing it. Three, I believe that my Lord is Omnipresent (watching me), so I do not like Him seeing me committing sins. Four, I know that death is somewhere waiting for me, so I prepare for it (through good deeds).”
In this way, Islam lays down a practical framework for life by making these principles and guidance. Islam strives to eradicate social ills and vices that result from unemployment, idleness, and poverty, by instructing the youth to rise up to the challenge of shouldering responsibility at an early age, and also for the old not to give up their efforts in benefiting the society with their experience and working skills. Thus, the true message of Islam is not just for a Muslim to profess faith and do nothing for his or her society. Rather, Islam teaches that the true faith is what is demonstrated through sincere deeds that make a noticeable addition to the progress of society.
[That man can have nothing but what he strives for; That (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight: Then will he be rewarded with a reward complete.] (An-Najm 53:39-41)
In Islam work is given special importance to the extent that it is considered as an act of worship in itself. Although some people believe that they are not obliged to work because they dedicate themselves to worshiping God, this is actually a wrong perception of the concept of worship. The Muslim scholar Imam Al-Ghazali mentioned in his book Ihyaa’ `Ulum Ad-Deen (Revival of the Religious Sciences) that Jesus (peace and blessings be upon him) once saw a man who had completely devoted himself to worship. When he asked him how he got his daily bread, the man replied that his brother, who worked, provided him with food. Jesus then told him, “That brother of yours is more religious than you are” (The Book of Provision, Chapter 1). Al-Ghazali also mentions the Prophet’s Companion `Umar ibn Al-Khattab, who used to stress this point further by telling people, “Never should anyone of you think that du`aa’ (supplication) for sustenance without work will avail him, for heaven never rains gold nor silver” (The Book of Provision, Chapter 1).
Therefore, Islam is a religion of worshiping the Creator, with an essential part of that worship being working for survival. God tells us in the Qur’an to traverse the universe and make use of all the abundant resources that have been created for us.
Islam is a religion that orders its followers to be part and parcel of a working and productive society. The Qur’an says what means:
[and help one another in goodness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and aggression; and be careful of (your duty to) Allah.] (Al-Ma’idah 5:2)
The Prophet Muhammad himself, who is considered a paragon of virtues in Islam, used to pray seeking God’s refuge from laziness or idleness. Even before he was chosen as a messenger of God, he was a hardworking person. This earned him the respect of his employer, Khadijah, who later proposed marriage to him because of all the merits and virtues she saw in him.
In his instructions to Muslims on this aspect, the Prophet Muhammad strikes a balance between worship and work. So, as Muslims have to be constant in their acts of worship, they also have to work hard to make a living, as it is recorded in one of the famous sayings of scholars: “Work hard (for making a living and survival) as if you are going to die” (Al-Albani, Series of Weak and Fabricated Hadiths). Also, in exhorting Muslims on the importance of work, the Prophet Muhammad made it clear that getting one’s sustenance from one’s work is one of the praiseworthy acts of worship. It is recorded in his traditions how he turned a man who came to him begging into a productive member of the society by teaching him how to work and provide for himself.
One of the scholars of Islam, Imam Hasan Al-Basri, was asked one day the secret behind his asceticism. The imam mentioned four things in reply: “One, I believe that my sustenance will never be hijacked by anybody (so I work to attain it). Two, I know that a work that is mine must be performed by me, so I do not decrease my efforts in performing it. Three, I believe that my Lord is Omnipresent (watching me), so I do not like Him seeing me committing sins. Four, I know that death is somewhere waiting for me, so I prepare for it (through good deeds).”
In this way, Islam lays down a practical framework for life by making these principles and guidance. Islam strives to eradicate social ills and vices that result from unemployment, idleness, and poverty, by instructing the youth to rise up to the challenge of shouldering responsibility at an early age, and also for the old not to give up their efforts in benefiting the society with their experience and working skills. Thus, the true message of Islam is not just for a Muslim to profess faith and do nothing for his or her society. Rather, Islam teaches that the true faith is what is demonstrated through sincere deeds that make a noticeable addition to the progress of society.
Some Islamic Books, Dawah Books, Hadith Books
Fatawa Islamiyah (Islamic Verdicts) 8 Vol. Set. By: Darussalam,
A collection of Islamic rulings issued by the most renowned scholars of the world. This collection covers all the important topics such as creed, prayers, zakah, tafseer, hadith, marriage, jihad, dawah, etc.
There come many moments and occasions in one's life when there arises a need to know about a certain Islamic ruling in accordance with a situation with respect to certain conditions and circumstances. The legal Islamic rulings required should be from those who have knowledge of Qur'anic Verses and Ahadith, and be able to understand them and to use them as evidence as required on the questions. They must possess knowledge to the extent that they are able to cite relevant Ahadith on which there is consensus. They must have sufficient knowledge of the Arabic language to understand the texts of the Qur'an and the Sunnah and to derive and extract proofs from them. It is not easy for the Muslims to contact such learned scholars of Islam at all times for legal judgements they are in need of at particular times.
To overcome this difficulty of the Muslims, Darussalam is presenting this collection of legal rulings issued from the most renowned scholars of the world. This collection is also a valuable addition in Islamic literature in the English language.
Volume 1: 396 pages: Creed
Volume 2: 479 : Purification and Prayer
Volume 3: 444 : Mosques, Funerals, Zakah, Fasting and Sales Transactions (1)
Volume 4: 446 : Hajj Rites and Sales Transactions (2)
Volume 5: 456 : Insurance & other issues, endowments, gifts, wills, inheritance, slavery & marriage
Volume 6: 447 : Divorce, breast-feeding, offences, punishments, lawful & forbidden, oaths & judgments
Volume 7: 400 : The Noble Qur'an, Tafsir, Hadith, repentance, supplication & its manners, al-birr & joining relations, clothes & adornment
Volume 8: 415 : Jihad, Da'wah, employees & workers, teachers & students, dreams & visions, bribery & its effects, the orphan's wealth, pictures, media, singing & music, collection of various topics
Each chapter starts with an introduction on the specific topic followed by questions and answers by the above mentioned famous scholars of Islam.
From the Noble Scholars: Shaykh 'Abdul-'Aziz bin 'Abdullah bin Baz, Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih Al-'Uthaimin & Shaykh 'Abdullah bin 'Abdur-Rahman Al-Jibreen.
Along with: The Permanent Committee and the decisions of the Fiqh Council.
Collected by: Muhammad bin 'Abdul-'Aziz al-Musnad
Buy this fatawa in cheap price from Darussalam Birmingham
There come many moments and occasions in one's life when there arises a need to know about a certain Islamic ruling in accordance with a situation with respect to certain conditions and circumstances. The legal Islamic rulings required should be from those who have knowledge of Qur'anic Verses and Ahadith, and be able to understand them and to use them as evidence as required on the questions. They must possess knowledge to the extent that they are able to cite relevant Ahadith on which there is consensus. They must have sufficient knowledge of the Arabic language to understand the texts of the Qur'an and the Sunnah and to derive and extract proofs from them. It is not easy for the Muslims to contact such learned scholars of Islam at all times for legal judgements they are in need of at particular times.
To overcome this difficulty of the Muslims, Darussalam is presenting this collection of legal rulings issued from the most renowned scholars of the world. This collection is also a valuable addition in Islamic literature in the English language.
Volume 1: 396 pages: Creed
Volume 2: 479 : Purification and Prayer
Volume 3: 444 : Mosques, Funerals, Zakah, Fasting and Sales Transactions (1)
Volume 4: 446 : Hajj Rites and Sales Transactions (2)
Volume 5: 456 : Insurance & other issues, endowments, gifts, wills, inheritance, slavery & marriage
Volume 6: 447 : Divorce, breast-feeding, offences, punishments, lawful & forbidden, oaths & judgments
Volume 7: 400 : The Noble Qur'an, Tafsir, Hadith, repentance, supplication & its manners, al-birr & joining relations, clothes & adornment
Volume 8: 415 : Jihad, Da'wah, employees & workers, teachers & students, dreams & visions, bribery & its effects, the orphan's wealth, pictures, media, singing & music, collection of various topics
Each chapter starts with an introduction on the specific topic followed by questions and answers by the above mentioned famous scholars of Islam.
From the Noble Scholars: Shaykh 'Abdul-'Aziz bin 'Abdullah bin Baz, Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih Al-'Uthaimin & Shaykh 'Abdullah bin 'Abdur-Rahman Al-Jibreen.
Along with: The Permanent Committee and the decisions of the Fiqh Council.
Collected by: Muhammad bin 'Abdul-'Aziz al-Musnad
Buy this fatawa in cheap price from Darussalam Birmingham
Tafsir Ibn Kathir 10 Volume Full Set By: Darussalam
Translated and abridged by a group of scholars under the supervision of Sheikh Safiur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri.
The Qur'an is the revelation of Allah's Own Words for the guidance of His creatures. Since the Qur'an is the primary source of Islamic teachings,
the correct understanding for the Qur'an is necessary for every Muslim.
The Tafsir of Ibn Kathir is the most renowned and accepted explanation of the Qur'an in the entire world.
In it one finds the best presentation of Ahadith, history, and scholarly commentary.
Dar-us-Salam is proud to present for the first time this abridged version of Tafsir Ibn Kathir, which is free from unauthentic Ahadith.
Volume 1: Parts 1 and 2(Surat Al-Fatihah to Verse 252 of Surat Al-Baqarah)
Volume 2: Parts 3, 4 & 5 (Surah Al-Baqarah, V. 253 to Surat An-Nisa, V. 147)
Volume 3: Parts 6, 7 & 8 (Surat An-Nisa, V. 148 to the end of Surat Al-An'am)
Volume 4: Parts 8 to 11 (Surat Al-A'raf to the end of Surah Yunus)
Volume 5: Parts 11 to 15 (Surah Hud to Surat Al-Isra' Verse 38)
Volume 6: Parts 15 to 18 (Surat Al-Isra', Verse 39 to the end of Surat Al-Mu'minun)
Volume 7: Parts 18 to 22 (Surat An-Nur to Surat Al-Ahzab, Verse 50)
Volume 8: Parts 22 to 25 (Surat Al-Ahzab Verse 51 to Surat Ad-Dukhan)
Volume 9: Parts 25 to 28 (Surat Al-Jathiyah to Surat Al-Munafiqun)
Volume 10: Parts 28 to 30 (Surat At-Tagabun to end of the Quran)
The Qur'an is the revelation of Allah's Own Words for the guidance of His creatures. Since the Qur'an is the primary source of Islamic teachings,
the correct understanding for the Qur'an is necessary for every Muslim.
The Tafsir of Ibn Kathir is the most renowned and accepted explanation of the Qur'an in the entire world.
In it one finds the best presentation of Ahadith, history, and scholarly commentary.
Dar-us-Salam is proud to present for the first time this abridged version of Tafsir Ibn Kathir, which is free from unauthentic Ahadith.
Volume 1: Parts 1 and 2(Surat Al-Fatihah to Verse 252 of Surat Al-Baqarah)
Volume 2: Parts 3, 4 & 5 (Surah Al-Baqarah, V. 253 to Surat An-Nisa, V. 147)
Volume 3: Parts 6, 7 & 8 (Surat An-Nisa, V. 148 to the end of Surat Al-An'am)
Volume 4: Parts 8 to 11 (Surat Al-A'raf to the end of Surah Yunus)
Volume 5: Parts 11 to 15 (Surah Hud to Surat Al-Isra' Verse 38)
Volume 6: Parts 15 to 18 (Surat Al-Isra', Verse 39 to the end of Surat Al-Mu'minun)
Volume 7: Parts 18 to 22 (Surat An-Nur to Surat Al-Ahzab, Verse 50)
Volume 8: Parts 22 to 25 (Surat Al-Ahzab Verse 51 to Surat Ad-Dukhan)
Volume 9: Parts 25 to 28 (Surat Al-Jathiyah to Surat Al-Munafiqun)
Volume 10: Parts 28 to 30 (Surat At-Tagabun to end of the Quran)
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