An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
16. Earning A Living
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THE VALUE OF RIGHT ACTION
Umar once said that at night he had read a certain verse
from the Qur’an and had been unable to sleep for the
rest of the night. From the chapter, ‘The Cow,’ the verse
read: “Would anyone of you like to have a garden of
palm trees and vines. ... (2:266)” Umar asked those
around him the meaning of this verse, and while some
suggested that it was a parable relating only to palm-
trees and vines, others said that its meaning was a
mystery known only to God. Abdullah ibn Masud, one
of those present at the time, was heard to say something,
but shyness prevented him from raising his voice.
“Speak up, nephew,” said Umar, to encourage him, and
urged him to have the courage of his convictions.
Abdullah ibn Masud then said that the verse was about
actions. “In what way?” asked Umar. “It was just
something which came to mind,” said Abdullah ibn
Masud, “and I said it.” “Nephew, you have spoken the
truth.” replied Umar, “for the verse is about actions. A
man has greatest need of his orchard when he has
grown old; man will have the greatest need of his good
deeds when he is raised from the dead.”
(IBN KATHIR
TAFSIR)
