حياة السلف بين القول والعمل

The early Muslims were keen on earning lawful money and managing it wisely. Ibn al-Qayyim, may God have mercy on him, said in Madarij al-Salikin: “The fundamental principle is severing inner attachments. Once these are severed, outward attachments will not harm you. If money is in your hand but not in your heart, it will not harm you, even if it is abundant. But if it is in your heart, it will harm you, even if you possess none of it.” Sufyan al-Thawri was asked: “Can a wealthy person be an ascetic?” He replied: “Yes, if he is grateful when his wealth increases and grateful and patient when it decreases.” This is why the Companions were the most ascetic of the nation, despite their vast wealth. Severing outward attachments is only praiseworthy in two situations: when there is fear of harm to one’s faith, or when those attachments have no overriding benefit.

The early Muslims were keen on earning lawful money and managing it wisely. Ibn al-Sa'di said: Umar, may God be pleased with him, appointed me to collect zakat. When I finished, he ordered that I be given a wage. I said: I only worked for God, the Exalted and Glorified, so my reward is with God, the Exalted and Glorified. He said: Take what you have been given, for I worked during the time of the Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him, and he paid me a wage. I said the same thing you said. The Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him, said to me: “If you are given something without asking for it, then eat from it and give some in charity.” [Ibn Abi al-Dunya Encyclopedia 7/410]

The early Muslims were keen to earn lawful money and manage it well: On the authority of Al-Qasim bin Muhammad, he said: When it was the time of Umar, may God be pleased with him, wealth increased and gifts were given and people stopped seeking a livelihood, Umar said: O people, improve your livelihoods, for in them is goodness for you, and support for others. [Ibn Abi Al-Dunya Encyclopedia 7/416].

The early Muslims were keen to earn lawful money and manage it well: Abdullah bin Omar, may God be pleased with him, said: Work for your worldly life as if you will live forever, and work for your afterlife as if you will die tomorrow. [Ibn Abi Al-Dunya Encyclopedia 7/412].

The early Muslims were keen to earn lawful money and manage it well: On the authority of Ibn Sirin: Sa’d ibn ‘Ubadah, may God be pleased with him, used to spread out his garment and say: O God, grant me abundance, for only abundance suffices for me. [Al-Muntazam 4/200].