Islam has consistently called on people to engage in work and effort, encouraging them to be positive and impactful in life, to be energetic, and to contribute to the well-being of others while also benefiting themselves. Islam disapproves of a lazy and sluggish lifestyle, which leads to economic stagnation and the spread of poverty and need within society. Many statements from the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his successors (peace be upon them) have been narrated, urging people to work, and describing the admirable qualities of those who engage in work. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Worship consists of ten parts, nine of which are in working and striving to earn a lawful livelihood”[1]. Imam Kazim (peace be upon him) also said in this regard, “Indeed, Allah does not love a lazy and idle servant”[2].
The Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) also led lives of hard work and effort, setting an excellent example for their followers. Imam Kazim (peace be upon him) himself worked personally to provide for his family’s livelihood.
One of Imam Kazim’s (peace be upon him) companions, Hassan bin Ali, narrates that he saw Imam Musa (peace be upon him) working on land that belonged to him, and his feet were soaked in sweat due to his hard work. Hassan bin Ali said to him, “May I be sacrificed for you, where are the workers, that you are doing the work yourself?” The Imam (peace be upon him) replied, “Someone better than me and my father used to work with their own hands on their land.” Hassan asked, “Who was better than you and your father?” Imam Kazim (peace be upon him) responded, “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and Amir al-Mu’minin (peace be upon him), and all my forefathers, who all worked with their own hands. Work is the way of the Prophets, the messengers of Allah, and the righteous”[3].
Through this, the Imam (peace be upon him) taught him, and all of us, the importance of striving and working to earn a livelihood. He also taught that every person, regardless of their position, is obligated to work in order to make themselves and their families independent of others.
(Taken from the book “An Analysis of the Life of Imam Kazim (peace be upon him)” by Baqir Sharif Qarashi, translated by Mohammad Reza Attaee, with some modifications.)
Footnotes:
[1] Mustadrak al-Wasa’il wa Mustanbat al-Masa’il, vol. 13, p. 12
[2] Wasa’il al-Shi’a, vol. 17, p. 58, Hadith 21972; Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 84, Hadith 2
[3] Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih, vol. 3, p. 53