Islam Rediscovered
9. The Islamic Way of Life
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(a)
Avoidance of transgression:
God Almighty has
declared in the Qur’an: “Eat of the good things
we have given for your sustenance, and do not
transgress with respect to them.” (20:81)
(b)
Self-reliance:
One should try one’s utmost to earn
one’s daily bread by one’s own efforts, without
being dependent on anybody else. The Prophet
Muhammad, may peace be upon him, is
reported to have said repeatedly: “The best food
one has ever had is that which one has earned
with one’s own hands.”
(Abu Dawud)
(c)
Avoidance of niggardliness and spending in charity:
When one is fortunate enough to earn even more
than it takes to meet one’s own needs, one
should not try to be parsimonious with one’s
earnings. Instead, one should rather extend a
supporting hand to less fortunate or even
destitute members of society. Otherwise, one’s
wealth will become a curse for oneself rather
than a blessing. Hence, the Prophet Muhammad,
peace be upon him, used to say in his regular
prayers: “O God, give a good compensation to
