That is why Allah cautions in Qur'an to be moderate in one's wants and should not run after money which may not be in his fate or destiny. We share today a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on the same caution and will eleborate it with references from Qur'an.
This Hadith is mentioned in Sunan Ibn Majah / Book 12 The Chapters on Business Transactions / كتاب التجارات) / Chapter 2: Moderation In Seeking To Earn A Living / باب الاِقْتِصَادِ فِي طَلَبِ الْمَعِيشَةِ / as Hadith number # 2144 under:
It was narrated from Jabir bin 'Abdullah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
"O people, fear Allah and be moderate in seeking a living, for no soul will die until it has received all its provision, even if it is slow in coming. So fear Allah and be moderate in seeking provision; take that which is permissible and leave that which is forbidden. "
Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُصَفَّى الْحِمْصِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا الْوَلِيدُ بْنُ مُسْلِمٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ جُرَيْجٍ، عَنْ أَبِي الزُّبَيْرِ، عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ " أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَأَجْمِلُوا فِي الطَّلَبِ فَإِنَّ نَفْسًا لَنْ تَمُوتَ حَتَّى تَسْتَوْفِيَ رِزْقَهَا وَإِنْ أَبْطَأَ عَنْهَا فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَأَجْمِلُوا فِي الطَّلَبِ خُذُوا مَا حَلَّ وَدَعُوا مَا حَرُمَ " .
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Context and Relevance
This hadith, situated in the chapter titled "Moderation in Seeking to Earn a Living" (باب الاِقْتِصَادِ فِي طَلَبِ الْمَعِيشَةِ) in Sunan Ibn Majah, focuses on ethical and balanced approaches to earning. This is a significant hadith that addresses the balance between seeking sustenance and maintaining piety. t encourages Muslims to seek sustenance through permissible means, trust in Allah's provision, and maintain moderation in their endeavors.
Let us expand this hadith for better understaning:
Key Themes and Teachings
- Moderation in Seeking Livelihood: The hadith emphasizes the importance of moderation in the pursuit of sustenance. While striving to earn a living is essential, it should not lead to excessive attachment or neglect of spiritual duties.
- Trust in Divine Provision: It reassures believers that every soul will receive its destined provision. Even if sustenance seems delayed, it will come at its appointed time. This teaches reliance on Allah's plan and timing.
- Adherence to Halal and Avoidance of Haram: The hadith advises taking only what is halal (permissible) and avoiding what is haram (forbidden) in the pursuit of livelihood. This underscores the importance of ethical means of earning and maintaining integrity in business transactions.
Practical Implications
- Balanced Approach: Muslims are encouraged to balance their worldly pursuits with spiritual obligations, ensuring that the quest for sustenance does not overshadow religious duties.
- Ethical Earnings: The hadith serves as a reminder to engage in business and work that align with Islamic principles, avoiding dishonest or unlawful practices.
- Patience and Trust: Believers are taught to exercise patience and trust in Allah's timing, especially during periods of financial uncertainty or delay.
Relevance to verses of Qur'an
This hadith complements many Qur’anic principles that emphasize taqwa (God-consciousness), halal earnings, and trust in Allah’s provision.
1. Provision (Rizq) is Guaranteed by Allah
- “There is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision...” — Surah Hud (11:6)
- The Qur’an affirms that Allah is the sole provider. The hadith mirrors this belief by stating, "No soul will die until it has received all its provision...".
- This fosters tawakkul (reliance upon Allah) and discourages panic-driven or unethical pursuit of wealth.
2. Permissible (Halal) Earnings
- “O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan...” — Surah Al-Baqarah (2:168)
- The Qur’an commands believers to consume lawful (halal) and pure (tayyib) provisions.
- The hadith reinforces this: “Take that which is permissible and leave that which is forbidden.”
- This encourages Muslims to avoid riba (usury), fraud, bribery, theft, and unethical business practices.
3. Moderation in Earning and Living
- “Do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.” — Surah Al-Isra (17:29)
- Moderation is a recurring value in the Qur’an. The hadith says, “Be moderate in seeking a living.”
- Islam encourages hard work, but within a balanced, ethical framework—without greed, excessiveness, or neglecting worship.
4. Taqwa (Fear of Allah) as a Key to Provision
- “And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect.” — Surah At-Talaq (65:2-3)
- The hadith begins and ends with the instruction to “Fear Allah.”
- According to the Qur’an, taqwa leads to unexpected provision and divine ease.
Conclusion
This hadith is a powerful reminder that:
- Provision is decreed by Allah, so believers should not compromise on ethics.
- One must earn through halal means and avoid haram shortcuts.
- Taqwa and moderation lead to both spiritual peace and worldly success.
The Qur’an and the hadith together teach that trusting Allah, working ethically, and living moderately lead to true prosperity in this world and the next.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject
Please refer to our reference page: Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Self-Reliance with Dignity and Value of Honest Labour to read more related Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing. one may also consult local Muslim Imamam of the masjid for more calrification.
If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.
Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.
0 comments:
Post a Comment