Muslim

Hadith Commentary:
Vocabulary of the Hadith:
la yarzu’uhu:
Will not diminish it,
Will not take from it.

Benefits and Issues:
This hadith establishes that every action or deed which becomes a cause or means of benefit and goodness for others, and other people benefit from it without his permission or consent, and he does not reproach or criticize them for it, then their benefiting from his work or deed becomes a source of reward for him. If a person plants a fruit-bearing tree for himself, or engages in agriculture, and then, contrary to his own will, people, animals, beasts, and birds benefit from his trees and crops, then this becomes a cause of reward for him. Therefore, tree planting and agriculture are virtuous acts, provided that by being engaged and occupied in these activities, a person does not become heedless of his religious obligations and duties, nor should his interest in these activities exceed the limit to the extent that his interest in religious matters decreases. The same ruling applies to all worldly occupations and engagements: if, by being involved in them, a person does not become heedless of his religious obligations and duties, and takes interest in them only as needed, then this occupation and engagement becomes a source of reward for him.

On this basis, there is a difference of opinion as to which occupation and deed is the best and most virtuous for a person. According to some, the best means of earning or livelihood is agriculture and farming. According to others, it is handicraft, industry, and craftsmanship, in which more effort is exerted by hand—otherwise, the hand is used everywhere. Some have declared trade to be superior. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was asked: “Which earning or livelihood is the best or the purest?” He (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) replied: “A person’s work with his own hand and lawful buying and selling.”

In reality, the basis and criterion of superiority is the benefit and advantage of the deed. Whichever work contains more benefit and advantage for others, or in which there is more sympathy and goodwill for people, that is the cause of superiority. Because there is no work from which people can be completely independent and self-sufficient—whether it is agriculture, trade, industry, craftsmanship, or employment. Therefore, in different ahadith, the proportion of benefit may vary, and accordingly, the place of virtue will also change. In times of grain shortage, growing grain and preparing agricultural tools for it; in times of war, preparing war equipment; in times of shortage of commonly used or daily necessities, engaging in their supply and provision—all are superior in their respective circumstances. Similarly, taking interest in rejecting mismanagement in administration, establishing peace and security, or raising and elevating educational standards will be superior in those contexts.