Seeking a sound career opportunity seems to be a nightmare in today’s era. The current scenario depicts job to be merely a means of acquiring status, position, income, fame, etc., thus limiting the concept to materialistic achievements, whereas, Islam takes this idea to an entirely different level.
Allah is Ar-Razzak, the provider
Allah mentions in the Qur’an:
وَمَا مِنۡ دَآ بَّةٍ فِى الۡاَرۡضِ اِلَّا عَلَى اللّٰهِ رِزۡقُهَا وَ يَعۡلَمُ مُسۡتَقَرَّهَا وَمُسۡتَوۡدَعَهَاؕ كُلٌّ فِىۡ كِتٰبٍ مُّبِيۡنٍ
(11:6) There is not a single moving creature on the earth but Allah is responsible for providing its sustenance. He knows where it dwells and where it will permanently rest. All this is recorded in a clear Book
The above verse is a clear evident that Allah provides provisions to all of his creations regardless of whether they are believers or non believers; plants or animals. We humans, being the best of Allah’ s creations are born with a purpose. The Qur’an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammed (SAW) encompasses all means to fulfill the very purpose of our creation. Job is not an exception either. This issue may seem of little or no importance to many, probably due to lack of right islamic knowledge. But for a believer every single matter counts. Most importantly a believer is satisfied with whatever career he pursues and is never annoyed by his earning or status due to the following verse from the Holy Qur’an:
اِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَبۡسُطُ الرِّزۡقَ لِمَنۡ يَّشَآءُ وَيَقۡدِرُؕ اِنَّهٗ كَانَ بِعِبَادِهٖ خَبِيۡرًۢا بَصِيۡرًا
(17:30) Verily thy Lord does provide sustenance in abundance for whom He Pleases, and (for some) He provides in a just measure: for He does know and regard all His servants.
A true believer constantly seeks Allah’ s aid and is content even in times of hardships. He is hopeful and entirely relies on his Lord for he knows that Allah, The Most Exalted, being AR- RAZZAQ,, definitely has his best plans which no human can ever comprehend.
What to choose? Halal vs. Haram
Allah has clearly defined the parameters of Halal (legitimate) and Haram (illegitimate) in the Qur’an, thereby encouraging mankind to enjoy what’s good and forbid the bad. This is not just limited to food, clothing, relationships, etc. but also our earnings. The following Hadith carries a lesson for the present generation of Muslims.
The Prophet (SAW) said: “A time will come upon the people when they will not care as to how he gets his money whether legally or illegally.” (Bukhari – 1954).
Choosing a halal career in order to gain Allah’s pleasure also counts as Ibadah. Besides, one must have the ability to differentiate between the lawful and unlawful aspects of work. ‘It is not about how much we earn but how we earn’. Halal income fulfills our obligation towards Allah, thus leading our hearts and souls to tranquility.
Pure intentions
The element that gives importance to a person’s action is his intention .Intention is the pillar of worship and the essence and foundation of one’s actions.
The Prophet (SAW) said: “….……………………in the body there is a piece of flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt the whole body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.” (Sahih Muslim – 4094).
Heart, being the birth place of all intentions has a significant influence on our actions . Sincerity (Ikhlas) is a secret that Allah has placed in the hearts of His beloved slaves. Halal earnings enjoined with Ikhlas are sufficient for a believer to climb the success ladder.