The Art of Trade Craftmanship and Work in Islam

The Art of Trade, Craftmanship and Work in Islam The Wholesome Way to Financial Indipendence 

By Imam Abu Bakr Khallal [D311H]

Allāh, the Most High said: “And We have made the day for [seeking] a livelihood.” Sūrah al-Nabaʾ (78):11

The Messenger of Allāh (peace and blessing be upon him) said: “No one has ever eaten better food than that which he has earned by working with his own hands. The Prophet of Allāh, Dāwūd (David), used to eat from the earnings of his manual labour.” Ṣaḥīḥ Al-Bukhārī # 2072

Know, O Muslim, may Allāh have mercy upon you, that in Islām, the concept of earning a livelihood through honest work is not just recommended but is highly encouraged, highlighting its role as an essential part of living a responsible and beneficial life. Seeking provision and engaging in business, trade, or craftsmanship is viewed as praiseworthy and beneficial to one's family and the community at large.

For this reason, the book before you is an important work highlighting the importance of earning a wholesome living and working to build a better future. The author gathers verses of the Qurʾān, sayings of the Messenger of Allāh (peace and blessing be upon him), statements and actions of esteemed scholars of Islām and narrations from the early generations that emphasise the value of business, trade and work and warn against those who abandon it and sit idly. Working, trading, and mastering a skill is a mark of a believer – by which not only does one benefit themself but benefits society, aids Islām and the Muslim community.

Imām Abū Bakr Al-Khallāl, may Allāh have mercy on him, was a great scholar of Islām. He gathered knowledge in various fields of Islāmic sciences. He travelled far and wide to gather the knowledge of Imām Ahmed. He is the author of many scholarly works and he dedicated his life to collected the legal rulings of Imām Ahmed were ever he could find them.