An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
16. Earning A Living
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16. EARNING A LIVING
IT IS BEST TO WORK FOR ONE’S LIVING
The Prophet, once questioned on the best way to
earn a living replied, “By manual labour.”
THE BREADWINNER SHOULD NOT CONSIDER
HIMSELF SUPERIOR TO OTHERS
Of two brothers who lived in the time of the
Prophet, one used to sit with the Prophet, while the
other used to busy himself earning a living for his
family. The latter complained of his brother to the
Prophet: “He does nothing, leaving me to do all the
work.” “Perhaps it is because of him that you find
sustenance,” replied the Prophet.
(RIYADH AS-SALIHIN)
RUNNING TO ANOTHER’S ASSISTANCE IS A
GREAT RELIGIOUS DUTY
Abdullah ibn Abbas was once in retreat
(i’tikaf)
in
the Prophet’s mosque in Madinah, when a man,
who was clearly in trouble, came and sat beside
him. When Abdullah ibn Abbas asked him what
