However, this does not necessarily mean that one has to toil the earth or cut or lift heavy stones to earn a living. An work done by hands which fetches Halal income falls in the same category.
We share today a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which emphasises the need to earn one's own meal by working with own hands rather than doing nothing and begging people for food. The hadith narrated by Al-Miqdam, as recorded in Sahih Bukhari, says:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Nobody has ever eaten a better meal than that which one has earned by working with one's own hands. The Prophet (ﷺ) of Allah, David used to eat from the earnings of his manual labor."
This hadith highlights the superior quality of food and sustenance earned through personal effort and manual labor. It also sets a precedent by mentioning Prophet David, a revered figure who earned his livelihood through his craftsmanship. The above said Hadith is the continuation of expansion of Divine Commandments given in the Qur'an. Let us expand the Hadith:
Explanation in Light of the Quran
- Emphasis on Earning Lawfully: The Quran stresses the importance of earning a livelihood through lawful means and working hard.
"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." Surah An-Nisa (4:32)
This verse emphasizes that everyone should strive to earn their livelihood through their own efforts and not covet what others have.
- Prophet David's Example:
"And We certainly gave David from Us bounty. [We said], 'O mountains, repeat [Our] praises with him, and the birds [as well].' And We made pliable for him iron, [Commanding him], 'Make full coats of mail and calculate [precisely] the links, and work [all of you] righteousness. Indeed I, of what you do, am Seeing.'" Surah Saba (34:10-11)
This verse highlights that Prophet David (Dawud) was blessed with the skill of working with iron, making coats of mail, and earning his livelihood through his labor.
- Importance of Honest Labor:
"Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned. Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people."
This verse reinforces that each person is responsible for what they earn, whether good or bad, and emphasizes personal accountability and the value of honest work.
- Benefit of own efforts and endeavours:
"And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives." Surah An-Najm (53:39)
This verse emphasizes that human beings will only benefit from their own efforts and endeavors, underlining the importance of working hard and striving to earn a livelihood.
Practical Implications
- Self-Sufficiency: The hadith encourages self-sufficiency and the dignity of labor. Muslims are encouraged to work hard and earn their livelihood through honest means rather than relying on others or unlawful sources.
- Value of Manual Labor: The example of Prophet David demonstrates that even prophets engaged in manual labor, highlighting its value and importance. This teaches humility and the nobility of all forms of honest work.
- Economic Justice: The Quran and hadith together promote economic justice by encouraging lawful earning and discouraging envy and covetousness. This helps create a fair and just society where everyone works for their share.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself worked as a shepherd and later engaged in trade before receiving prophethood. His life exemplifies the dignity and virtue of earning through honest and hard work.
The hadith thus underscores the virtue of earning one's livelihood through hard work and manual labor, exemplified by Prophet David. This principle is supported by various Quranic verses that emphasize lawful earning, personal accountability, and the dignity of honest labor. Together, these teachings encourage Muslims to value and engage in productive work, fostering a society built on fairness and self-sufficiency.
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.
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.
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