Islam Does Not Approve Of An Idle Life

Islam does not permit a Muslim to remain lazy or refrain from seeking a livelihood, whether in the name of worship or reliance on Allah (tawakkul). Wealth does not descend from the sky in the form of gold and silver. Therefore, if a Muslim is capable of earning enough to support themselves and their family, it is not permissible for them to depend on charity or alms.

The Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "It is not lawful for a wealthy person or for a healthy and able-bodied person to receive zakat." (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith: 1634)

One of the matters regarding which the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) expressed the strongest disapproval and declared unlawful for Muslims is begging. Begging and extending one's hand to others for assistance without necessity diminish a person's honour, dignity, and self-respect.

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Whoever asks people for something without genuine need is as if he is gathering burning embers." (Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Hadith: 2446)

In another hadith, he said: "Whoever begs from others in order to increase his wealth will have marks on his face on the Day of Resurrection and will eat the heated stones of Hell. Therefore, let whoever wishes ask little, and whoever wishes ask much." (Jami' al-Tirmizi, Hadith: 653)

However, if a person is compelled by genuine necessity and is unable to meet their needs, there is no harm in seeking assistance from the state or from individuals.

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Begging is a means of disfiguring one's face. Whoever wishes may continue to disfigure his face through begging, and whoever wishes may refrain from it. However, asking from the ruler or asking out of absolute necessity is different."

(Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith: 1639)

In another hadith, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) permitted only three categories of people to seek help from others. It is narrated by Qabisah Ibn Mukhariq al-Hilali (may Allah be pleased with him): "Once I became burdened with a large debt after guaranteeing someone else's liability. I came to the Messenger of Allah and asked him for assistance. He said, 'Wait until zakat or charity comes to us, and then I will instruct that something be given to you from it.'

Then the Messenger of Allah said, 'O Qabisah, remember that asking people for help is lawful only for three types of people: 

First: A person who has incurred debt while undertaking a good deed or acting as a guarantor. It is lawful for such a person to seek assistance until the debt is repaid. Once the debt has been settled, they must stop asking.

Second: A person whose wealth has been destroyed by a natural disaster. It is lawful for such a person to seek help until they are able to meet their basic necessities.

Third: A person who has fallen into severe poverty, and whose condition is confirmed by three wise and trustworthy members of their community. Such a person may seek assistance until they acquire enough to sustain themselves.

O Qabisah, apart from these three categories, asking people for assistance is unlawful. Whoever seeks help outside these circumstances consumes what is unlawful." (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1044)

One of the primary reasons people become reluctant to work is that they look down upon certain occupations and professions. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) forbade such an attitude. He taught his Companions that every lawful occupation is honourable. The real disgrace lies in depending on others.

The Messenger of Allah said: "If one of you takes a rope, gathers a bundle of firewood on his back, and sells it, thereby Allah protects him from begging, that is better for him than asking people, whether they give him something or refuse." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith: 1471)

Therefore, it is the duty of every Muslim to lead a productive life, strive to earn a lawful livelihood, and become self-reliant instead of depending on others.

May Allah grant us all the ability to do so. Ameen.

The writer is a Senior Sub-Editor at Daily Sun. He can be reached at [email protected]