Work and happiness

Why do we have to work? There are three reasons why people work:

1. People work to provide themselves and their families with the basic essentials or life: food, clothing and shelter. Once these basic essentials are met, other needs and wants become important. 
2. People basically like companionship. People seek companionship with persons who have interests similar to their own. Working is a means of associating with people who have similar interests. Being part of a group gives people a feeling of belonging. Your work can provide companionship and associations with other people. 
3. A person’s work can provide an opportunity to learn and grow intellectually and socially. It is a means of attaining new goals in life by developing new skills and learning new things. Work allows people to reach their fullest potential. 

As Muslim, we have to work because that is what Al-Qura’an told us to do:

“But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters." (Al-Qaşaş: 77)

We have to give this life its due share. We have to live it; we cannot escape from it, nor can we ignore the real challenges it poses. Moreover, Islam does not expect us to withdraw ourselves from the world. 

We see from the life of the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) that he was an active and successful merchant before being chosen as a prophet. During his life of prophet hood, he had family and dealt with worldly affairs like any fully-engaged human being. We, too, are supposed to lead life, utilizing all the resources Allah Most Gracious has bestowed on us. Accordingly, we need to educate ourselves in worldly matters and to use that knowledge to lead a good life and also to help prevent injustices and exploitation of humanity at large.

The obligation to live this life while providing for ourselves and our families effectively and by ensuring that we are not violating others’ rights. We ought to adopt attitudes where our actions strike the right balance between any competing and conflicting situations. We need to remind ourselves that by respecting the tenets of halal (lawful) and haram (unlawful) as laid out by Allah, we can lead a life where we can make the most of this life while our hearts are always conscious of, and devoted to, Allah and the hereafter.

“And when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek from the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah often that you may succeed” [ Al-Jumu`ah:10]

We can thus lead fulfilling lives by bringing more Islam into our lives. For example, we can become wise in our interactions and dealings with each other, fulfill our trusts and duties toward each other, be patient in adverse circumstances with an unwavering Faith in Allah, become thankful to Allah for His blessings and show gratitude to people as well for what we get from them, earn our livelihood through lawful means, and so on. 

Let’s remember that when we live our lives according to what Islam teaches us, we not only live fulfilling lives, we are also pleasing Allah and thus contributing toward credits that will count in the hereafter. However, while living this life none of these should take precedence over Allah’s Commands and none of these should divert us from our real purpose of life. The desire to attain the Favor of Allah (SWT) should supersede all other considerations.

Since most or your adult waking life will be spent working, it is important to choose an occupation that will bring job satisfaction. Your work can be a service to others. You, as well as your family will be happier if the occupation you choose is satisfying. In addition, people like to feel that the work they do is important and of value to others. People look for security in their occupations. Your work can provide you with this security. People want stability in their lives in order to make realistic and effective plans for the future. 

All ambitious young people are interested in securing a beginning job that offers an opportunity for advancement. Employers are interested in employing persons who like a challenge and who want to be successful in life. Your work can give you success. Last, but not least, is happiness with one's work. Thomas Edison, the great inventor, was once encouraged by his wife to take a vacation. He responded by stating that he "couldn't think of anything he would rather do that work in his laboratory." Most people who choose their occupations wisely, thoroughly enjoy their work. This contributes to their overall happiness

9 Suggestions for Choosing a Career

1. Choose an occupation because you like the work, not solely because of the rewards in money or prestige.
2. Choose an occupation that will use the abilities you possess.
3. Do not choose an occupation just because a friend or someone else you admire chose it.
4. Avoid occupations that require abilities you do not have.
5. Do not confuse interest and ability.
6. Before making a final choice of occupation, find out what are all the things you might have to do in it. Find out which of these will take most of your time.
7. Do not expect to find a job in which you will never have to do anything you dislike.
8. Do not stay permanently in a job in which you dislike most or the things you have to do.
9. Remember Robert Louis Stevenson's counsel, "To know what you prefer, instead of humbly saying 'Amen' to what the world tells you you ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive”.

Let’s make the following Dua part of our daily worship in which we ask Allah to give us the good in this life and the hereafter!

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