Hi everyone and welcome back to For All Humans. The teachings of Islam encourage us to work hard in this life, support ourselves and families, not worry about outcomes, and enjoy life. God says in the Quran, “And say, ‘Work, for God will see your deed and so will His messenger and the believers.'” The prophets were the best examples of self-sufficiency, hard work, and responsibility. For example, Prophet Dawud would never eat a meal unless he earned it himself. Prophet Zakaria worked as a carpenter. Prophet Muhammad used to perform chores for his family rather than having others work for him. He would clean his own clothes, milk his sheep, and serve himself. Prophet Muhammad said, “By Him in whose hand my life is, it is better for any one of you to take a rope and cut the wood and carry it over his back and sell it as a means of earning his living rather than to ask a person for something and that person may give him or not.” In the Quran, it is stated, “And that there is not for man except that good for which he strives.”

Islam teaches us to work hard but also to enjoy life and avoid worrying about the outcomes that are out of our control. Rather, we are to focus on the present day and not worry about the future or grieve about the past. Prophet Muhammad sought refuge in God from worry about the future and regret for things that cannot be put right or changed. He said, “Strive for that which will benefit you and seek the help of God and do not be helpless. If anything bad happens to you, do not say, ‘If only I had done such and such, then such and such would have happened.’ Rather you should say, ‘قدر الله وما شاء فعل’ (God decrees and what He wills He does).” For the words “if only” open the door to Satan. Undoubtedly, living by this principle will bring us happiness and lessen our worry and distress.

Leading a purposeful life and enjoying all the bounties God has endowed upon us should be the key principle guiding your life. Prophet Muhammad also advised us to take benefit of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied, and your life before your death. Wise people have said, “Utilize your diligence as long as you are in good health and take the opportunity to work while you are at leisure, for time will not always be on your side nor will you be able to restore what you have lost.”

Omar ibn al-Khattab, a companion of the Prophet, said, “Do not stop pursuing livelihood and supplicating, ‘O God, provide for me.’ You know that the sky does not rain gold or silver. God provides for people by virtue of their interaction.” It is thus key to work hard and fully enjoy one’s life. Youth, health, wealth, and time are all blessings, and we would do well to make the most of them.

We conclude this episode of For All Humans with a beautiful saying by Jalal ad-Din Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet who is described as a poet of joy and love. Rumi said about life, “Make your last journey from the strange world soar for the heights where there is no more separation of you and your home. God has created your wings not to be dormant. As long as you are alive, you must try more and more to use your wings to show you’re alive.” If you liked what you saw, please remember to like, comment, share, and let us know what you think in the comment section below. See you all next time.