Business and work in Islam are not merely material or worldly matters...

Business and work in Islam are not merely material or worldly matters; rather, if a person strives with the intention of seeking God’s pleasure and providing comfort and well-being for themselves and their family, they both build their worldly life and benefit from spiritual reward in the hereafter.

In this regard, Imam Rida (AS) says in a radiant narration: “Surely the one who seeks increased sustenance to provide for his family and dependents has a reward greater than that of a warrior in the path of God” . [3] In this saying, Imam Rida (AS) equates the daily work of a family breadwinner with a major righteous deed such as striving in the path of God, and even ranks it above that.

Therefore, with sincere intention and earnest effort, a person can give a divine color to an important part of their worldly life and use it for building their hereafter. The Etiquette of Successful Business in the Words and Practice of Imam Rida (AS) Islamic teachings contain many instructions and recommendations that describe the nature of business and the qualities of a successful job and income. The words and conduct of Imam Rida (AS) are rich with such guidance.

Below, we refer to some of these teachings: 1. Seeking God’s Assistance in Business The true Provider is the Almighty God. He delivers sustenance to every creature. Therefore, we must always ask God to bless our work and expand our livelihood. Imam Rida (AS) says to one of his companions: “Ask the Almighty God for ample sustenance and livelihood” . [4] Imam Rida (AS) also teaches another companion how to ask God for sustenance: “O Lord, truly I ask You for abundant, lawful, and pure sustenance” .

[5] The spiritual effect of this ethical recommendation is that, it preserves a person’s relationship with God and reminds them that they are always in need of their Lord. This guidance also prevents one’s bond of servitude from weakening due to worldly success. 2. Contentment in Business One of the most important ethical teachings of our religious leaders is practicing contentment in life.

Contentment means being satisfied with the sustenance God has allotted and distancing oneself from greed and excessive desire. Contentment has a direct relationship with successful business. One of Satan’s traps to entice humans toward unlawful or forbidden income is greed. Contentment protects a person from falling into the whirlpool of unlawful earnings and preserves their dignity.