Mu'jam al-Saghir

Hadith Commentary:
Prophet Adam (alayhis salam) used to work in agriculture, Prophet Dawud (alayhis salam) was a blacksmith, Prophet Nuh (alayhis salam) was a carpenter, and Prophet Idris (alayhis salam) used to sew clothes. Prophet Musa (alayhis salam) used to herd goats.
And our Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was engaged in trade. Therefore, to consider any lawful and permissible profession as inferior is strictly condemned in Islamic Shariah.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
From this hadith, it is understood that the best means of earning for a person is that which he does with his own hands. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) mentioned in this regard our master Dawud (alayhis salam) and used him as evidence for the superiority and purity of earning by one’s own hand. Regarding Dawud (alayhis salam), the Noble Qur’an has stated that he used to make coats of mail. Although he was not in need of this, since he was Allah’s vicegerent (khalifah) on earth, nevertheless, he chose the best and most virtuous method for his food, drink, and household expenses.

(2)
It should be noted that the fundamental sources of livelihood are three: agriculture, trade, and industry/craftsmanship. Some scholars have considered trade to be superior, while others have regarded the profession of agriculture as better. In any case, whatever earning is acquired by a person’s own hand has been described in the hadith as better and purer. (Fath al-Bari: 4/387)