God has described some men He loves so much in the final revelation which are worth emulating by all well-meaning and committed Muslims. This is God Himself describing their unwavering commitment to Him (God), despite the mounting odds they continue to face in their lives. Allah exalted be He says “Among the believers are men true to what they promised God. Among them is he who has fulfilled his vow to the death, and among them is he who awaits his chance. And they did not alter the terms of their commitment by any alteration” Quran 33: 23
In this modern day where striking calamities have become a daily experience, only the prudent amongst men will understand the response of God to the supplication of His slaves. This also makes the wise understand one pivotal thing about life; “don’t fear a lack of provision. Instead fear living a life heedless of God’s command”. Every Muslim and well-meaning Ghanaian must learn to distinguish between good and evil.
Authentic Islamic scholars have unanimously agreed that a person who insists on a halal (lawful) livelihood can choose not to even bother himself with voluntary fasting and prayers, this is because a halal earner will have his supplication answered whilst a haram earner will go the opposite. An authentic tradition of the messenger of God (saw) clarifies this point. Abu Hurayrah narrated that, the messenger of Allah (saw) had said “verily, Allah the Exalted is pure. He does not accept anything except that which is pure” (Bukhari and Muslim). The messenger of Allah also said “The pursuit of lawful income is an obligation after obligation’
In addition to these, insisting on halal livelihood means a Muslim must perfect his actions, for perfecting one’s actions will make him feel ashamed to try to go near anything unlawful. Owing to this, the messenger of Allah says “The believer perfects his actions as if he is being watched” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 64, pg 311).
Furthermore, Muslims must be very careful of what they interpret as good due to its popularity or good appearance, or due to the majority of the people following or loving it, for the abundance of something does not necessarily make that particular thing a good thing. Allah says “Say, Oh Muhammad not equal are the evil and the good, although the abundance of evil might impress you.” So, fear God, O you of understanding, that you may be successful.
In the authentic collection of sahih Muslim the messenger of God (saw) is reported to have mentioned a man who travels a great deal and becomes dishevelled and covered with dust, who raises his hands to the heavens and says, oh Lord, when his food is Haram, his drink is haram, his clothes are haram and he has been nourished with haram, so how can he receive a response from Allah”.
Moreover, the messenger of Allah has predicted that a time will come upon the umma when many will not care where their livelihood will come from; whether from a halal source or a haram source. May Allah never count us among this section of the umma. In Sunan ibn Majah the Prophet (saw) said, ‘The purest provision is that which is earned through honest labor.” The Prophet(saw) also said, “No man ever eats a better meal than that which he eats out of the work of his hands. And indeed, the Prophet of Allah, Dawud used to eat from the work of his hands.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
These verses of the Quran and Ahadith of the prophet (saw) emphasize the importance of earning a halal livelihood through lawful and honest means so that one’s life and family will be pure and his /her supplications answered by Allah. It also highlights the virtues of hard work, self-sufficiency, and gratitude for the provisions granted by Allah. Muslims are encouraged to seek lawful sources of income, avoid dishonest practices, and avoid making use of money through stealing. Allah exalted be He says “O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only in lawful business by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves or one another. Indeed, God is to you ever Merciful. And Allah knows best!
To be continued.
YAHAYA ILIASU MUSTAPHA
The writer is an Islamic Banking and Finance patron and advocate in Ghana and beyond.
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