Principle 83 — Livelihood

The Prophet of Islam said that Allah loves His servant who earns his livelihood through hard work. (Al-Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith No. 246) This tradition explains the importance of earning a living. Making a living by working hard is not a simple matter. The fact is that hard work is the source of all human virtues. The provision of labor is the most lawful. Earning a living from hard work makes a person grounded in reality. The provision of hard work creates a temperament of simplicity in a person. Hard work saves a person from ease. Hard work is an important means of developing one’s personality. Even if there is no compulsion, man should adopt the method of hard work for his life. In all circumstances, he should refrain from seeking a life of ease.