The behavior and words of our Imams show that every human, at any rank or position, must strive to earn their livelihood and should not rely on the wealth and resources of others to attain it. They also teach us that a person should not expect or demand others to fulfill their needs.
As an example, Ali ibn Hamza says:
“I saw Imam Hadi (peace be upon him) working on land, his body soaked with sweat. I said to him: ‘May I be your ransom! Where are the workers?’
Imam (peace be upon him) replied: ‘O Ali! Someone has worked with a hoe on his land who is better than me and my father…’
I asked: ‘Who is that?’
Imam Hadi (peace be upon him) said: ‘The Messenger of God (peace be upon him) and Amir al-Mu’minin Ali (peace be upon him), and my ancestors, all worked with their hands. Physical labor is the way of the Prophets and the rightful successors.'”[1]
This statement and action of Imam Hadi (peace be upon him) aligns perfectly with the practice of the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him), who said: “It is far from the mercy of God for a person to place the burden of their life on society.”[2]
Now, if the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), who are, according to Shia belief, the highest of all humans in every aspect, especially in spirituality and ethics, worked so diligently to earn their own livelihood and that of their families, what should our duty be? Yes! Every Muslim must strive to provide for their own life so that, if they do not contribute to society, at least they are not a burden on it.
(Adapted from the book Kafi, Volume 5, pages 76 and 75, authored by Shaykh Kulayni (with additions))
Footnotes:
[1] Kafi, Volume 5, pages 76-75
[2] Kafi, Volume 4, page 13 and Volume 5, page 72