Islam calls for sincerity at work

Islam calls for sincerity at work

BY MJ MOHAMMED IQBAL

ISLAM gives due importance for work which has been considered as an essential element for man's success in life. It is expected that a worker uses his full potential sincerely, with utmost loyalty for his employer.

Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: "Almighty is gracious to one who earns his living by his own labour and not to one who begs despite being able and fit to work. "The best food taken by anyone is that which comes from his labour." One should note that Holy Quran indicates to mankind work is completely connected with trust and responsibility and every man is responsible for his work and conduct.

Earning money through a proper or righteous trade is vastly preferred over begging. The principle is emphasised in the following hadith:

A man of the Ansar came to the Prophet (PBUH) and sought alms. The Prophet asked, "Have you nothing in your home?" He replied, "Yes, a piece of cloth, a part of which we wear and a part of which we spread (on the ground), and a wooden bowl from which we drink water."

He said, "Bring them to me." The man then brought these articles to him and The Prophet took them in his hands and asked, "Who will buy these?" A man said, "I shall buy them for one dirham." Prophet called twice or thrice, "Who will offer more than one dirham?" Another man said, "I shall buy them for two dirhams."

Prophet (PBUH) gave the items to him, took the money and giving them to the Ansari, he said, "Buy food with one of them and hand it to your family, and buy an axe and bring it to me."

He did as instructed. The Apostle of Allah (PBUH) fixed a handle on it with his own hands and said, "Go, gather firewood and sell it, and do not let me see you for a fortnight." The man went away and gathered firewood and sold it. When he had earned ten dirhams, he came to him and bought a garment with some of them and food with the others.

The Apostle of Allah (PBUH) then said, "This is better for you than begging will come as a spot on your face on the Day of Judgment. Begging is justified only for three people: One who is in grinding poverty, one who is seriously in debt, or one who is responsible for compensation and finds it difficult to pay."

"It is He Who has made the earth manageable for you, so traverse Ye through its tracts and enjoy of the Sustenance which He furnishes: but Unto Him is the Resurrection."[67:15]

"Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight Of good, see it!" [99:7]

"And anyone who has done an atom's weight Of evil, shall see it." [99:8]

Holy Prophet likened work with worship, provided it is carried out honestly.

Holy Quran says:

"Is it they who would portion out the mercy of thy Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in the life of this world: And We raise some of them above others in ranks, so that some may command work from others. But the mercy of thy Lord is better that the (wealth) which they amass." [43:32]


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