By Aaidh Al-Qarni
In Golda Mayer’s memoirs, Malice, the Jewish writer said that at one stage in her life she would work sixteen hours continuously without breaks. But for what end did she strive? It was to serve her false principles and deviant ideas. She toiled until her and Ben Gurian established a country.
I then reflected on thousands of Muslims that will not work even for a single hour a day. Instead it is playing, eating, drinking, sleeping, and wasting time.
‘Umar was steadfast in working day and night and he would sleep but a little. His family asked, “Do you not sleep?” He replied, “If I sleep at night, my soul will be lost (meaning that he spent his nights in worship) and if I sleep during the day, my people (citizens) will be lost (as Caliph, he spent his days taking care of the peoples’ affairs).”
The memoirs of the Assassin Moshe Dayan, The Sword and Rule, is replete with accounts of how he flew from one country to another, day and night, attending meetings and conferences, always making deals and pacts. I thought what a shame it was that a person that seemed more akin to pigs and apes than to mankind displayed such extraordinary fortitude.
To complete this somber thought, I reflected on the feebleness and incapability of so many Muslims. Here again I remembered ‘Umar’s words about the stamina of the evildoer and the feebleness of self-assurance.
Under the aegis of ‘Umar’s rule, indolence and inactivity were not tolerated. He once evicted some youths that lived in the Mosque. He chastised them with blows and said, “Go out and seek sustenance, for the sky does not send down rain of gold or silver.”
Laziness begets worry, depression, and manifold illnesses, while activity and work beget satisfaction and happiness. If each one of us does what he is supposed to do, all of the above-mentioned maladies can be eradicated, and our society will benefit from an increase in productivity and development.
The Prophet (Blessings and Peace be upon him) said, “Verily, the Prophet Dawood would eat from the labor of his hands.”
Though it might seem to be a paradox, many people are dead despite the fact that they are alive. They have no clue as to the purpose of life, and they do nothing for themselves or for others.
“They are content to be with those [the women] who sit behind [at home}. (Qur ‘an 9: 87)
The dark-skinned woman who cleaned the Prophet’s Mosque played out her role in life with alacrity and a sense of purpose. And as a result she entered Paradise.
“And indeed a sla ve woman who believes is better than a [free} Mushrikah [idolatress, etc.}, even though she pleases you. (Qur ‘an 2: 221).
Similarly, the boy who made the pulpit for the Prophet (bpuh) contributed according to his abilities, and for that he earned his reward. His talents were in carpentry and he took advantage of those talents.
“.and those who could not find to give charity [in Allah’s Cause] except what is available to them.” (Qur ‘an 9: 79)
Source: Don’t be Sad (p.266)
