There are are many benefits of applying Islamic Work Ethics mindfully and sincerely in one’s daily life to the individual and the community. Among them :
Allah the All-Generous, the All-Bountiful and the Great- Provider clearly wants us to seek a balanced life in this world i.e. pursue the goodness in the Hereafter but at the same time not foregoing our share of Allah’s various blessings for us in this world. This is the path of moderation,
“By the means of what Allah has given you, seek the abode of the Hereafter, while not forgetting your share of this world.”
al-Qassas, 28:77
When work is considered worship and like worship, work is conducted according to the guidelines of Islamic core values. The individual, organization and community can benefit form this balanced life. Just as the world did from the Golden Age of Islam.
So a true Muslim must strive and cannot be idle.
We must work and strive with perseverance for these various forms of wealth. And if our work receives His blessings, Allah Al-Wahhab (The Supreme Bestower), Al-Razzaq (The Provider) will bestow this wealth on us, in whatever form and sometimes in a form which we may not immediately realise.
2. To Fulfil One’s Nature or Fitrah
“Just as Allah SWT gave the animals their hunting instincts to search for food for their survival, Allah has instilled in man, when He created us, the instincts for us to work for our livelihood. Work is therefore as basic for man for our survival and self-esteem, as hunting is for the animals. If a lion has a craving for a deer, it must run faster than the deer to catch it. If it doesn’t want to work that hard, since a deer can run very fast, it must settle for something less appetizing but easier to catch, maybe a rabbit, but then it has to explain to its mate why they are not having a deer but instead a rabbit for dinner. You think animal spouses are more understanding than human spouses? Apparently not. That’s why in most cases, the male lion would endeavour to outrun the deer and avoid the icy stare from its mate. It’s prepared to work harder to make her happy. “
3. To Seek Barakah and Hikmah
If our work is performed according to proper work ethics, our efforts to earn our livelihood will be more productive. The earnings from that will be considered as honestly earned, and if we share that wealth with others and in the way of Allah, it will be counted as amal soleh i.e. righteous deeds. However, in earning our livelihood there is one more element that we need i.e. barakah, the blessings of Allah The Most Glorified and The Most High.
Surah al-Baqarah 2:261 describes what this blessed wealth is,
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each ear bearing one hundred seeds. And God multiplies the reward even more to whoever He wills. For God is All-Bountiful.”
