Religious Scholars Are No More Virtuous Than Workers

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The Islamic scholar, Imam al-Ghazali, who holds the title of Hujjatul Islam (Defender of Islam), recounts in his book Ihya Ulum ad-Din a story about a meeting between Prophet Isa (peace be upon him) and a devout worshipper. Unfortunately, this worshipper was reluctant to work and earn a living, instead relying on the compassion of others.

Prophet Isa asked him, “What is your occupation?”

The man replied, “I only worship Allah Almighty.”

Prophet Isa asked again, “Who provides for your daily needs?”

The man answered, “My brother.”

Then, Prophet Isa said, “Your brother performs more acts of worship in the eyes of Allah Almighty than you do.”

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Do not let the delay in obtaining and the small amount of earnings in seeking a livelihood make you impatient, leading you to engage in easy but forbidden ways. Indeed, violating the commandments of Allah Almighty will only lead to sin and humiliation. Moreover, there will be no blessings from Allah Almighty in the results obtained through unlawful means.” (Narrated by Imam Abu Ibnu Abu Al Dunya and Imam Al Hakim from the hadith of Ibnu Mas’ud Radhiyallahuanhu).

Rasulullah (peace be upon him) said, “Indeed, a person who seeks a livelihood by collecting firewood, tying it on his back, and then selling it in the market is better than begging from others, whether he is given anything or not.” (Narrated by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim).

Luqman al-Hakim once advised his son, “My son, be content with lawful earnings even if you are in poverty. Indeed, poverty stems from three things: a lack of faith or weak religious knowledge, a lack of intelligence, and a loss of self-respect.”