is beyond a person’s power. Whoever does what he is capable of will not be punished by Allah for what he is unable to do. Nor is the pursuit directed towards any particular thing, but rather towards sufficient provision—just as someone supplicates to Allah for provision and enough to meet his needs, without specifying anything in particular.

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Once this is understood, earning a living is obligatory in some circumstances. For example, a man may need to provide for himself or his dependants, or repay his debt, while being capable of earning and not occupied with something Allah has commanded that is more virtuous in His sight than earning a living. Such a person is obliged to earn a living, by scholarly consensus. If he neglects to do so, he is disobedient and sinful.

In other circumstances, earning is recommended, as when such a person earns something to give in charity. It is authentically reported in the two Sahīh collections, on the authority of Abū Mūsā, that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Charity is due from every Muslim.”

They asked, “Messenger of Allah, what if he has nothing?”

He replied, “He should work with his hands, benefiting himself and giving charity.”

They asked, “What if he cannot do that?”

He replied, “He should help someone in need who is distressed.”

They asked, “What if he cannot do that?”

He replied, “Then he should enjoin what is right and refrain from evil, for that counts as charity for him.”