Poverty and Labor
A person in poverty cannot fulfill Zakat and Hajj. Islam urges us to work and earn a living. It teaches us to adhere to the boundaries of Halal (permissible) and Haram (forbidden) while working. Since Zakat and Hajj are obligatory only upon those who have the financial means, Islam considers the act of earning a livelihood to be a noble form of Ibadah (worship).
Islam does not support poverty. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to seek protection from poverty daily. Abu Bakra Nubaifi bin al-Harith (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that after prayers, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْكُفْرِ وَالْفَقْرِ، وَعَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from disbelief, poverty, and the punishment of the grave.” (Ahmad, Nasai)
The Response to Supplication (Dua) Will Surely Come
Allah does not reject the Dua of a believer. Ibn al-Jawzi (may Allah have mercy on him) says:
“Understand that Allah does not deny the supplication of a believer. However, at times, Allah may delay the response for the sake of the servant’s own benefit. Furthermore, what the servant asks for may not be entirely good for them; in such cases, Allah grants them what is truly beneficial instead. Sometimes, the response to a servant’s Dua may even be deferred until the Day of Resurrection.
Therefore, a believer should not stop making Dua simply because they haven’t received an immediate answer. Making Dua is itself an act of worship, and we must fully submit to what Allah deems best for us.”
Treat Others Exactly as You Wish to be Treated
Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) says:
“When you intend to behave in a certain way toward someone, put yourself in their shoes. If you would like someone to treat you that way, then proceed to treat them accordingly. If you would hate to be treated that way, then do not treat others in that manner.
Certainly, this standard (the balance) is the most just. It is this approach that earns the love of people and brings a person high esteem.”
