11.4 Islamic education and the objective of earning living

Muslim is not lazy but he is active and hard worker for this is the instructions of Islam when Allah says in the Holy Quran "It is He Who has made the earth manageable for you, so traverse ye through its tracts and enjoy of the Sustenance which He furnishes: but unto Him is the Resurrection." (MULK:15). So Islam organizes the Muslim activities concerning earning of living in three phases:

The belief concerning the sustenance:

Muslim should believe that

Allah is the only supplier and sustainer for all the creatures nobody else "O men call to mind the grace of

God unto you is there a Creator, other than God, to give you sustenance from heaven or earth? There is

no god but He: how then are we deluded away from the Truth?" (FATIR 3).

Allah has created the world and calculated its sustenance in four days from the six days of creation "He

set on the (earth), mountains standing firm, high above it, and bestowed blessings on the earth, and

measured therein all things to give them nourishment in due proportion, in four Days, in accordance with

(the needs of) those who seek (sustenance)." (FUSSILAT 10).

The sources of sustenance are in the heaven, that means they are under the control of Allah (Almighty)

alone "They are the ones who say, Spend nothing on those who are with God's Apostle, to the end...

11.4 Islamic education and the objective of earning living

...that they may disperse (and quit Medina). But to God belong the treasures of the heavens and the

earth; but the Hypocrites understand not." (MUNAFIQUN 7).

Allah (Almighty) guaranteed to sustain everyone "There is no moving creature on earth but its

sustenance dependeth on God: he knoweth the time and place of its definite abode and its temporary

deposit: all is in a clear record." (HUD 6).

In the light of this by belief, Muslim has to search and demand his sustenance.

During seeking of sustenance.

In this phase Muslim should do the following:

To work hard and honestly and not to wait for it doing nothing for Islam says in the Quran "And when the

Prayer is finished, then may ye disperse through the land, and seek of the Bounty of God: and celebrate

the Praises of God often (and without stint): that ye may prosper." (JUMU'AH 10).

All kinds of work and jobs are acceptable form Allah, except for the forbidden ones "Say: who hath

forbidden the beautiful (gifts) of God, which he hath produced for his servants, and the things, clean and

pure, (which he hath provided) for sustenance? Say they are, in the life of this world, for those who...

11.4 Islamic education and the objective of earning living

...belive, (and) purely for them on the day of judgment thus do we explain the signs in detail for those who

understand." (A'RAF 32).

Not to be in a hurry and annoyed because of delaying of coming the sustenance and to wait the results

of his efforts following the Prophet's advice when he (pubh) said "O people, Nobody will die till he

receives his sustenance. So do not be hurry in seeking the sustenance. Take what is permitted and

leave what is prohibited".

To be careful and perfect when doing the jobs because the Prophet (pubh) said "Allah loves that if any of

you has done a job, he must do it perfectly."

When coming of the sustenance.

When sustenance came to the Muslim, he must do the following:

Thank Allah for his sustenance for keeping it continuous as the Quran says "And remember your Lord

caused to be declared (publicly): if ye are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you; but if we show

ingratitude, truly my punishment is terrible indeed." (IBRAHIM 7).

11.4 Islamic education and the objective of earning living

Accept, satisfactorily, what Allah has given him. If he does so, he will be the richest among the people

following the Prophet's advice "Accept, satisfactorily, what Allah has judged, you will be the richest one

of the people".

Show the others the effects of Allah's graces following the Prophets advice "Allah loves to see the effect

of his graces in his slave".

Not use it as a weapon or a method for fighting Allah or harming the others.

Use it as a method to gain Allah's acceptance and pay Zakat and charities and perform the prayers

following the Holy Quran "(They are) those who, If We establish them In the land, establish Regular

prayer and give Regular charity, enjoin The right and forbid wrong: With God rests the end (And

decision) of (all) affairs" (HAJJ 41).