In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says,
"Man gets only what he strives for."
— (Surah An-Najm: 39)
This verse clearly indicates that there is no alternative to effort and hard work for achieving success. Therefore, it is the duty of a believer to make the utmost effort to earn a lawful livelihood.
Allah Ta'ala further says,
"Then when the prayer is concluded, disperse through the land and seek the bounty of Allah (livelihood), and remember Allah much, that you may succeed."
— (Surah Al-Jumu'ah: 10)
This verse proves that alongside worship, striving for a halal livelihood is an important directive of Islam.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of earning with one's own hands, saying,
"No one has ever eaten better food than what he earns with his own hands. Allah's Prophet Dawud (peace be upon him) used to eat from his own earnings."
— (Sahih Bukhari: 2072)
In another hadith, he said,
"If one of you takes a rope and collects firewood from the mountain, then sells it and earns a living, that is better than begging from people."
— (Sahih Bukhari: 1471)
That is, earning through dignified hard work is far more honorable than begging.
The lives of the noble Companions are also practical examples of this teaching. After the Hijrah, Hazrat Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (may Allah be pleased with him) started a business with very little capital. Through honesty, patience, and hard work, he became one of the most successful businessmen in the Muslim community.
Again, Hazrat Khabbab ibn Aratt (may Allah be pleased with him) was a skilled blacksmith, and Hazrat Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) worked as a shepherd before embracing Islam. These examples prove that in Islam, no halal profession is insignificant; dignity depends on the legality, honesty, and responsibility of earning.
In the journey of life, failure and adversity may come. However, a believer does not become hopeless but continues striving, relying on Allah. The Companion Sa'd ibn Ayyad al-Qaraz (may Allah be pleased with him) faced losses at the start of his business but did not lose patience. Later, following the advice of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), he started his business anew and achieved success.
Islam has not only encouraged trade but has honored every halal profession dedicated to the welfare of society. Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) served as a skilled statesman, Hazrat Mu'adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) served as a judge and teacher, and Hazrat Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah (may Allah be pleased with him) worked as a trustworthy administrator for the welfare of the Muslim Ummah.
In the present time, driven by the desire to get rich quickly, many people turn to unlawful earnings. However, the teaching of Islam is that there is blessing in halal earnings, even if they are small. Unlawful wealth may bring temporary abundance, but there is no good in it.
Therefore, every Muslim should acquire skills, make hard work a part of life, and strive to earn a halal livelihood with honesty, trustworthiness, and fear of Allah. Because Allah's pleasure, peace in this world, and success in the Hereafter are all inherent in halal earnings and sincere work effort.
