Halaal – the only way

In this world, wealth is largely acquired through business dealings. Islam encourages the earning of a livelihood that is absolutely pure and wholesome. In fact, it is incumbent on a Muslim to use his hands in order to earn and support himself (and his family). To this end, Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) greatly emphasized the importance of acquiring wealth that is Taahir (pure) and Halaal. There is no degree of compromise in earning and consuming, however little it may be, Haraam.

The businessman who is honest and truthful is indeed loved by Allah Taála. Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) admonished the businessman, referring to him as “As Sadooqul Ameen” – the truthful and trustworthy. His abode on the day of Qiyamah will be with the Prophets (AS), the truthful people, the pious and the martyrs. These two outstanding qualities are excellent and most praiseworthy that a Muslim businessman should endeavour to acquire. It will enable the person to achieve honour in this world and the hereafter. In order to achieve these superb qualities, a Muslim businessman would need to abandon speaking lies, deceitfulness, fraud and dishonesty. Indeed such a person will most certainly be successful.

Apart from the numerous Ahaadith with regard to the earning and consumption of Halaal, the lives of the pious depended on and demanded the intake of Halaal unconditionally. One pious and famous personality, Sahal bin Abdullah At Tastan (RA) said, “Whomsoever is particular about his earnings, i.e. abstains from Haraam, then undoubtedly such a person would be regarded and counted among the righteous in the Deen of Islam”.