Business Islamic Economics Islamic Finance

The Commandment to Earn a Living and the Prohibition of Begging

Devin Halim Wijaya9 September 2024

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In Islam, working to earn a living and avoiding begging are core principles emphasized in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Islam promotes hard work and prohibits begging unless under certain unavoidable circumstances. This article explores the command to seek livelihood and the prohibition of begging based on Qur’anic verses, hadiths, and Islamic teachings.

Command to Seek Livelihood

Islam highly values hard work and earning a lawful livelihood. One of the key Qur’anic verses that highlights this value is found in Surah Al-Baqarah: 273:

لِلْفُقَرَاءِ الَّذِينَ أُحْصِرُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ ضَرْبًا فِي الْأَرْضِ يَحْسَبُهُمُ الْجَاهِلُ أَغْنِيَاءَ مِنَ التَّعَفُّفِ تَعْرِفُهُمْ بِسِيمَاهُمْ لَا يَسْأَلُونَ النَّاسَ إِلْحَافًا…

“[Give charity] to the poor who are restricted in the cause of Allah, unable to move about in the land. The unknowing would think them self-sufficient because of their restraint, but you will know them by their [characteristic] sign. They do not ask people persistently…“
(QS. Al-Baqarah: 273)

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s dignity by not begging, even in times of hardship. People who work hard despite their challenges are viewed as more honorable in Islam.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the importance of working hard, as seen in the following hadith:

لَأَنْ يَحْتَطِبَ أَحَدُكُمْ حُزْمَةً عَلَى ظَهْرِهِ خَيْرٌ لَهُ مِنْ أَنْ يَسْأَلَ أَحَدًا فَيُعْطِيَهُ أَوْ يَمْنَعَهُ

“It is better for any of you to carry a bundle of firewood on his back and sell it, than to beg someone, whether he gives him or refuses.”
(HR. Bukhari no. 1402, Muslim no. 1044)

This hadith underscores that even the most modest form of labor is more honorable than asking others for assistance.

Also read:Balance Between Worldly Life and Hereafter According to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

The Importance of Lawful Livelihood

Seeking a lawful livelihood is a duty of every Muslim, as it helps preserve dignity and ensures that one’s means are permissible. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

طَلَبُ الْحَلَالِ جِهَادٌ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ

“Seeking lawful sustenance is a form of jihad in the path of Allah.”
(HR. Ath-Thabrani)

This hadith implies that the struggle to earn a lawful living is not just a physical effort but also a spiritual one. It ensures that Muslims do not become dependent on others and that their provisions come from pure and permissible sources.

Also read:Khilafatul Ardh: Bridging Faith and Finance

Prohibition of Begging

Islam strictly forbids begging unless in specific, critical situations. A well-known hadith illustrates this:

لَا تَحِلُّ الْمَسْأَلَةُ إِلَّا لِأَحَدِ ثَلَاثَةٍ: رَجُلٍ تَحَمَّلَ حَمَالَةً فَحَلَّتْ لَهُ الْمَسْأَلَةُ حَتَّى يُصِيبَهَا ثُمَّ يُمْسِكَ، وَرَجُلٍ أَصَابَتْهُ جَائِحَةٌ اجْتَاحَتْ مَالَهُ فَحَلَّتْ لَهُ الْمَسْأَلَةُ حَتَّى يُصِيبَ قِوَامًا مِنْ عَيْشٍ…

“Begging is not permissible except for one of three: a man burdened with debt, a person struck by disaster and lost his wealth, and a person in extreme poverty, confirmed by three wise men of his community.”
(HR. Muslim no. 1044)

This hadith sets clear limitations on when a person is allowed to beg, showing that it is only permissible in cases of dire necessity. Without a valid reason, begging is seen as a dishonorable act that can degrade one’s self-respect.

Also read:The Concept of Thoyyib Eating in Islam

Avoiding Laziness and Encouraging a Strong Work Ethic

Islam encourages its followers to avoid laziness and seek productive work. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

احْرِصْ عَلَى مَا يَنْفَعُكَ وَاسْتَعِنْ بِاللَّهِ وَلَا تَعْجِزْ

“Be keen on what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not be helpless.”
(HR. Muslim no. 6945)

This hadith encourages Muslims to work hard and strive for success while seeking Allah’s assistance. Laziness and inaction are discouraged, as they hinder personal growth and contribution to society.

Also read:Upgrade Skills as a Sign of a Good Muslim Professional

Conclusion

Islam strongly encourages hard work and earning a lawful livelihood, viewing work as an act of worship. Conversely, begging without legitimate reasons is strongly prohibited and seen as degrading. Through the teachings of the Qur’an and hadith, Muslims are urged to maintain their dignity by working hard, expressing gratitude for Allah’s blessings, and avoiding being a burden on others.