A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
The importance of earning wealth through lawful means.
A Muslim should be diligent in ensuring that the wealth they acquire is lawful (halal).
So that it may be an aid to them on their path to Allah, rather than an obstacle.
The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
"O people,
Allah is Pure and accepts only that which is pure.
Allah has commanded the believers as He commanded the messengers,
for He said:
“O ye messengers! Eat of the good things, and do right. Lo! I am Aware of what ye do.” (23:51)
“O ye messengers! Eat of the good things, and do right. Lo! I am Aware of what ye do.” (23:51)
And He said:
“O ye who believe! Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you, and render thanks to Allah if it is (indeed) He Whom ye worship.” (2:172)
He then mentioned a man who undertakes a long journey, disheveled and dusty,
stretching his hands toward the sky, saying, 'O Lord, O Lord,'
while his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothing is unlawful,
and he has been nourished by the unlawful; how then could his supplication be answered?"
Narrated by Muslim.
Earning a lawful living is a requirement that many people today have neglected,
even some of the righteous and those who call to Allah.
They do not concern themselves with whether their acquired wealth is lawful or unlawful.
One should know that diligence in earning a lawful living must be directed toward two matters:
First:
The lawfulness of the substance of the wealth itself.
One must not trade in forbidden things,
such as intoxicants, narcotics, or that which incites base desires,
and so on.
Second:
The lawfulness of the method of earning that wealth.
For a line of work may be lawful in its essence,
yet it may be tainted by unlawful elements due to negligence,
whether in terms of the quality of one's work,
or in terms of adhering to the designated working hours,
and not becoming preoccupied with other matters during that time,
and so on.
A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.