Work is worship

[safar]

http://www.islamonline.com


Work is worship: Understanding the spirit of Islamic prayer


27 May 2005


THE Islamic understanding of worship allows the whole of one’s life to be an act of worship, as long as the objective of that life is the pleasure of Allah, which is achieved by doing good and refraining from evil. This can be seen from the following:

1. A person can turn everyday activities into acts of worship by purifying his or her intention and sincerely seeking Allah’s pleasure through these activities. Allah’s Last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Greeting a person is charity. Acting justly is charity. Helping a man with his steed is charity. A good word is charity. Every step taken on the way to performing prayers is charity. Removing an obstacle from the road is charity."

2. Earning a living can be a form of worship if certain conditions are met. The Prophet’s Companions, may God bless them, saw a man and were astonished by his hard work and industry. They said: "If only he were doing this much work for the sake of Allah!"

Allah’s Messenger then said: "If he is working to support his small children, then it is for the sake of Allah. If he is working to support his elderly parents, then it is for the sake of Allah. If he is working to occupy himself and keep his desires in check, then it is for the sake of Allah. If, on the other hand, he is doing so to show off and earn fame, then he is working for the sake of Satan."

3. Even the most natural acts can become acts of worship if they are accompanied by the proper intention. The Prophet said: "When one of you approaches his wife, it is an act of charity."

The same can be said for eating and drinking, as long as it is done within the restrictions stipulated by Allah and with a desire to obey Him. In order for these actions to be counted as acts of worship deserving of divine reward, the following conditions must be met:

A. The action must be accompanied by the proper intention. The Prophet said: "Actions are but by intentions, and a person gets only what he intended."

B. The action must be lawful in and of itself. If the action is something prohibited, its perpetrator deserves punishment. The Prophet said: "Allah is good, and He accepts only what is good (pure)."

C. The activity must be performed in the best possible manner. The Prophet said: "Allah has prescribed excellence for all things." He also said: "Allah loves that if one of you does something, he does it well."

D. The tenets of Islamic law must be completely observed. Deception, oppression, and iniquity must be avoided. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "He who deceives us is not one of us." Allah says: "And avoid false speech."

E. The activity should not keep the person from performing his or her religious obligations. Allah says: "O you who believe, do not let your wealth and children distract you from the remembrance of Allah."

[-theTruth-]

Very good indeed Jazaka Allah

[Sheyha]

Thank you for sharing. Let me also add....giving a smile is also charity and an act of ibadah.

[Theja]

Surrendering to God, acknowledging His absolute power, and praising God for who God is, is pure worship. Then work become meaningful and enjoyable, which is what God desires for His children to have a good life.
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I hope no friend or relative of Safar is affected in the train wreck.....

Condolence to the victims in London bombing and the train accident in Pakistan.

It is reported that four people of Pakistani background were responsible for the destruction in London. The Muslim community, specially the neighbors of these four terrorists, are in shock over the extreme and unIslamic behavior of these people.

[freemocy]

very nice Safar,thank you for sharin this with us.