Islam and Career

i)             Working is an absolute necessity for a Muslim to earn sustenance as has been

provided by Allah s.w.t. Even if it is required, one is encouraged to travel to all corners of the world to earn an honest (halal) sustenance. This matter also falls under the context of jihad.

 

ii)            Working is a powerful defence against poverty, capital to attain wealth and a dominant factor in achieving a prosperous life.

 

iii)            A person is demanded to accept the fact of his job and to diligently carry out the duties entrusted to him to ensure the purity of his wage. Therefore, a job should be done with the intention for Allah s.w.t.

 

iv)            There are three rewards for those whose job becomes a religious practice (ibadah):

a)     To get a reward in the form of material (wage);

b)     To get a reward in the form of satisfaction for being able to complete or solve one's job;

c)    To get reward in the Hereafter.

 

v)             In the context of the employer-employee relationship, Islam views an employee not as a slave to other human beings in creating a certain production because slavery is only meant for Allah s.w.t. Therefore, there should be a balance between the employer and the employee in which the salary which is paid must match the job and responsibility held by the said employee, even if it is necessary before his sweat dries up because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had said, meaning: “It is so big a sin for those who refrain food (wage and the like) from those who are under his responsibility.”