THE ISLAMIC WAY OF LIFE — Worshipping God and Doing Good to Man

virtues such as contentment, moderation, simplicity, altruism, charity and sharing one's happiness with others are highly recommended in Islam. Conversely, vices like extravagance, selfishness, monopolistic practices, exploitation, usury and all unfair means of money-making are strongly condemned and prohibited. How is one to earn a livelihood in accordance with the Islamic way of life? The answer to this question may be summed up in the following points: Avoidance of transgression: God Almighty has declared in the Quran: Eat of the good things we have given for your sustenance, and do not transgress with respect to them. THE QURAN 20: 81 Self-reliance: One should try one's utmost to earn one's daily bread by one's own efforts, without being dependent on anybody else. The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said repeatedly: "The best food one has ever had is that which one has earned with one's own hands" (Abu Dawud). Charity, and avoidance of niggardliness: When one is fortunate enough to earn more than it takes to meet one's own needs, one should not be parsimonious with one's earnings. Instead, one should extend a supporting hand to less fortunate or destitute members of society. Otherwise, one's wealth will become a curse for oneself rather than a blessing. Contentment: To attain inner peace and real happiness, one has to remain content with what one has been able to earn independently and lawfully. The Prophet says in this respect: "Indeed he has attained eternal success and prosperity who accepted Islam, and God has filled his heart with contentment towards whatever he was given". He also said: "A little that suffices is much better than a surfeit that causes disturbance" (Al-Bayhaqi). Simplicity: Last, but not least, an important Islamic principle concerning one's livelihood is simplicity. The Prophet's own life style was a unique example of simplicity. In one of his sayings he has even considered it one of the signs of true faith (Ibn Majah). In another Hadith, he warns his companions: "Stay away from the luxurious life. For the servants of God do not indulge in luxury" (Musnad Ahmad). o