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The only reason that we are saved from the Azaab (punishment) of Almighty Allah Ta’ala and are still alive today is because we are from the Ummat of Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.
We are committing more sins than the previously dead tribes. The tribes of Hazrat Shuaib (Alaihis Salaam) was guilty of cheating by weighing less during business. The tribe of Hazrat Loot (Alaihis Salaam) was guilty of forbidden acts, particularly adultery and fornication. But we are the worst tribe of all as we have left our ancestors far behind and crossed all the limits in bad behavior and living a life of deceit. It is about time that we as Muslims consider this matter seriously and think of the consequences.
Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has stated that the best food is that which comes from one’s hard earned money. It is stated in Bukhari Shareef that Hazrat Dawood (Alaihis Salaam) also ate from his hard earned money.
Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has stated that the most scented thing comes from your earnings and your children are your earnings, therefore parents can live on their children’s earnings.
Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said that Halaal earning is Fardh after Fardh, meaning after Salaah and Roza, a Halaal profession is Fardh.
Just as Allah Ta’ala commanded His Messengers, he has ordered the same for the Muslims. He had ordered the Messengers: “O Messengers, eat from your Halaal earnings and perform good, pious deeds.” And He ordered the Muslims, “O Muslims, eat Halaal things that is given by Us.”
Many people make Dua and ask Allah Ta’ala to grant their wishes. But, how can their Duas be fulfilled if the clothes that they wear and the food that they eat comes from Haraam earnings.
It is stated by Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) that besides three people, it is not Ja’iz (permissible) for anyone to ask for anything. Firstly, one who has to pay his debts, secondly, those who are destroyed by natural causes, and thirdly, those that have been starving.
It is a Sunnat-e-Ambiya (Sunnat of the Prophets) to earn a Halaal living. By you earning a living, there is an increase in wealth, which can be used for Sadaqah, Khairaat, Hajj, Zakaat and the building of Masjids and Islamic Institutes. Hazrat Uthman Ghani (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) bought Jannat with the aid of his wealth. When one is occupied with work, he is saved from many disasters and sins such as stealing, gossiping, getting into fights and unnecessary arguments and other mischief which happens when one is idle. Whosoever leaves a home in order to earn money, the angels that write his good deeds make Dua, asking Allah Ta’ala to place Barkat in his earnings, and all the angels say Ameen to this Dua.
All the Prophets that came engaged themselves in some kind of work. Hazrat Adam (Alaihis Salaam) weaved clothes and later started farming. Hazrat Nooh (Alaihis Salaam) occupied himself with carpentry, Hazrat Hood (Alaihis Salaam) and Hazrat Saleh (Alaihis Salaam) were traders, Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam) did farming, Hazrat Shuaib (Alaihis Salaam) ran a dairy farm, Hazrat Loot (Alaihis Salaam) was also a farmer, Hazrat Moosa (Alaihis Salaam) took goats for grazing for years. Although Hazrat Sulaiman (Alaihis Salaam) was a king, he made fans out of leaves with his hands. As a little boy, Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was a shepherd (took goats for grazing) and later was a trader for Hazrat Khadija (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha). Therefore, any form of Halaal earning, is Sunnat-e-Ambiya and to degrade it is foolish.
The best occupation is Jihad, then trading, and then farming. Any occupation that is beneficial for this world and the Hereafter is recommended. Weaving of clothes and tailoring is good as it is used to cover one’s body. Making things that give light is also good as it is a necessity. An occupation of building and construction is just as important as it gives people a roof over their heads. The making of things that are not necessary in life has not much value in Islam. Allah Ta’ala provided us with hands and feet for a purpose we should be thankful for and use it in constructive work. To sit idle is a crime and to do sinful work or Haraam occupation is even worse. In any occupation, one should not go against the principles or teachings of Islam.
The occupations of singing, dancing, music, photography, selling of liquor, gambling, taking of interest and being a false witness are all Haraam. Any occupation that requires a person to have no conscience, be insensitive and ruthless, a person that washes dead bodies before burial (as this requires a totally honest person, one who does not disclose or mocks at any secrets or defects found during the Ghusl of the dead body because it is a completely private matter which he or she should keep to themselves), being an attorney or a broker is Makrooh, but in time of need, the latter two are acceptable on the condition that he is honest and truthful at all times.
Trading is the occupation of the Ambiya and has many advantages. It is mentioned in a Hadith that a trader is Marzooq (one who has been given sustenance by Allah Ta’ala) and one who stores goods and does not sell it in the time of need but waits for the prices to rise and then sells it is Mal’oon (cursed). It is also mentioned that on the Day of Qiyamat, a truthful and honest trader will be among the Martyrs.
The world depends on commerce and trading. The towns, markets, etc. are livened because of trading. The materials required for construction of a Masjid, Musallas, Kaffan, papers needed for publishing of Islamic Books, etc. are all bought from a trader. Thus, trading is a very important aspect of our lives.
When one is in the business of trading, one should be friendly, honest and truthful at all times. Customers should be able to trust him. He should know ways of attracting the customer. Nothing in this world is achieved easily. One has to make every effort and work hard. Trading requires one to be very hardworking, efficient, consistent and intelligent. One cannot achieve success through laziness or from being idle. To mislead or cause confusion in order to attract customers is not the Islamic way of earning a livelihood.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to earn Halaal Rozi and to follow in the footsteps of the Ambiya-e-Kiraam, Ameen.
[Compiled from Islami Zindagi by Hakeemul Ummat Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Qadri Naeemi Rahmatullah Alaih]