Nabi ﷺ said, “Seeking lawful earnings is compulsory upon every Muslim” (recorded in Bukhari). Imam Ghazali (RA) has commented that it is only fardh to cover the basic necessities of life. Once those needs have been met, it is not longer fardh to earn, as that earning is surplus and not vital. For example, if a person has sufficient amounts to cater for himself, support his dependents and pay his bills, it is no longer binding upon him to venture out of the home to earn. Of course, he can if he wishes to but if he does not, it is not a sin.
What then, is he expected to do with his free time? He is supposed to serve the Deen of Allah under the guidance of Ulama. Or, if Allah has blessed him with good business acumen, then earn for the sake of Allah. Spend on yourself and family and thereafter, on noble causes. Perhaps give to charity or support those who cannot. This is the Sunnah of Nabi ﷺ and the Sahaaba (RA), who earned to uplift the Deen of Allah, not themselves. As a result, the work of Deen progressed until it reached every corner of the world.
Once our needs are met, we are also supposed to focus more on worship. Nowadays we have become so obsessed with earning money, we have little time for anything else. Salah is compulsory. Our dhikr, muamalaat and the Qur’an should be recited daily. For the sake of work, they are all often overlooked, forgotten and omitted. This is because we earn to fulfill our needs, wants, desires and more. Whereas our goal in life is to serve the Deen of Allah and acquire Jannah in the process. May Allah grant us the ability to focus on earning Jannah more than earning money, aameen.
— Shaykh Dawood Seedat حفظه اللّٰه
Above is an extract from Shaykh’s talk on 7/10/19 in Masjid-ut-Taqwa, Pietermaritzburg. To listen to the full talk, please click here.
