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Worship and Financial Freedom in Islam

Devin Halim Wijaya9 September 2024

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Financial freedom and freedom of worship are two intertwined elements in a Muslim’s life, offering a balance between worldly responsibilities and spiritual obligations. In Islam, financial freedom is not merely about amassing wealth, but managing resources responsibly to meet one’s needs without neglecting religious duties. Conversely, freedom of worship allows a Muslim to perform religious obligations without the hindrance of financial stress. This article explores how financial freedom enhances the quality of worship and how Islam, through the Qur’an, offers guidance on balancing both aspects.

Also read:What is Financial Independence for a Muslim?

Financial Freedom in Islam

Financial freedom in Islam is the ability to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter without relying on others. However, this freedom is not devoid of responsibility. Islam emphasizes that wealth must be earned through halal means and used wisely. In Surah Al-Mulk (67:15), Allah states:

“هُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ ذَلُولًا فَامْشُوا فِي مَنَاكِبِهَا وَكُلُوا مِن رِّزْقِهِ ۖ وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ”

“It is He who made the earth manageable for you, so traverse through its paths and eat from His provision. And to Him is the resurrection.

This verse encourages Muslims to seek lawful sustenance from the resources Allah has provided. Every Muslim is urged to work diligently to achieve financial freedom through honest means.

Islam also teaches the importance of moderation in financial management. Surah Al-Isra’ (17:26-27) warns against extravagance, with Allah’s words:

“وَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِيرًا ۝ إِنَّ الْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوا إِخْوَانَ الشَّيَاطِينِ ۖ وَكَانَ الشَّيْطَانُ لِرَبِّهِ كَفُورًا”

“And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully. Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful.”

This highlights that balance in spending is essential, as being either wasteful or miserly can detract from the ability to focus on worship with sincerity.

Also read:Unlocking Sustenance: A Powerful Dua’ in Islam

The Role of Financial Freedom in Worship

Financial freedom plays a significant role in a Muslim’s ability to worship with peace of mind. Those who achieve financial independence are better able to focus on their religious duties, without being distracted by worldly needs. In Islam, worship is not limited to rituals like prayer, fasting, or pilgrimage, but also encompasses social responsibilities such as zakat, charity, and helping others.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286) reassures:

“لَا يُكَلِّفُ ٱللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا ٱكْتَسَبَتْ ۗ”

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned.”

This verse offers comfort that Allah does not impose unbearable burdens, including financial ones. It also encourages Muslims to avoid excessive financial strain, such as incurring unmanageable debts or overspending. Therefore, financial freedom allows one to engage in worship without the mental burden of financial difficulties.

Moreover, financial freedom enables Muslims to fulfill significant religious obligations like Hajj and Umrah. Surah Ali ‘Imran (3:97) states that performing Hajj is a duty for those who are financially and physically able:

“فِيهِ ءَايَٰتُۢ بَيِّنَٰتٌۭ مَّقَامُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ ۖ وَمَن دَخَلَهُۥ كَانَ ءَامِنًۭا ۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ حِجُّ ٱلْبَيْتِ مَنِ ٱسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًۭا”

“In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way.”

This verse shows that financial stability is a prerequisite for fulfilling the Hajj pilgrimage, indicating how financial freedom facilitates the performance of larger religious obligations.

Also read:Hajj: A Complete Act of Worship

Freedom of Worship in Islam

Islam holds freedom of worship as a fundamental right for every Muslim. Worship is the primary purpose of human creation, as stated in Surah Adz-Dzariyat (51:56):

“وَمَا خَلَقْتُ ٱلْجِنَّ وَٱلْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ”

“And I did not create jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”

Worship in Islam extends beyond ritual acts such as prayer, fasting, and zakat, to all actions done with the intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure. In this sense, working and managing wealth properly are also considered acts of worship.

However, financial burdens can obstruct this freedom. For instance, individuals trapped in debt or financial hardship often find it difficult to concentrate on worship. Islam emphasizes financial planning and prudent management to avoid such distractions, allowing Muslims to worship Allah with full focus and sincerity.

Furthermore, financial freedom enables greater participation in charitable acts. Those who are financially stable can donate more to those in need, fulfilling their obligations of zakat and charity. Surah At-Taubah (9:60) outlines the categories of zakat recipients:

“إِنَّمَا ٱلصَّدَقَٰتُ لِلْفُقَرَآءِ وَٱلْمَسَٰكِينِ وَٱلْعَٰمِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَٱلْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِى ٱلرِّقَابِ وَٱلْغَٰرِمِينَ وَفِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ ۖ فَرِيضَةًۭ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ”

“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakat] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah.\

Also read:Umrah and Sadaqah? Which one is Better?

Conclusion

Financial freedom and freedom of worship are mutually reinforcing elements in a Muslim’s life. Islam encourages its followers to achieve financial freedom through lawful effort and wise management of resources, as financial independence supports uninterrupted worship. By attaining financial freedom, a Muslim can better focus on religious obligations such as prayer, zakat, and pilgrimage without the distractions of worldly concerns. Through the guidance of the Qur’an, Islam provides a clear roadmap for balancing wealth and worship, allowing both to coexist harmoniously in the pursuit of a blessed life in this world and the hereafter.