STRIKING A BALANCE

Religion and Worldly Demands

BELIEVERS! When the call to prayer is made on the day of congregation, hasten to the remembrance of God, and leave all worldly commerce: this is for your own good, if you but knew it. When the prayer is ended, disperse in the land and seek to obtain [something] of God’s bounty; and remember God much, so that you may prosper. Yet when they see some merchandise or entertainment, they break away to go to it and leave you standing. Say, ‘That which God has in store is far better than any merchandise or entertainment.’ God is the most munificent Giver. (62: 9-11)

These verses from the Surah al-Jumu’ah (The Day of Congregation) tell us in brief how to maintain a balance between the twin demands of God-oriented life and our economic activities.

Economic activity is a natural requirement of human existence. That is why Islam gives full freedom in this matter. However, it is essential that economic activities be subordinated to religious obligations. Therefore, although everyone is free to engage in economic activities, he must fulfil certain conditions.

1. Earning from economic activities should be considered a blessing of God.
2. God should be constantly remembered during one’s economic activities.
3. Economic activities should not be allowed to cross the limits imposed by God.

People should strike a balance between economic activities and demands of religion by remaining prepared always, so that whenever they receive a call of religion, they must give preference to the demands of religion over the economic necessity. These demands include one's own intellectual development, dissemination of the word of God and contributing positively towards society. After having fulfilled their religious duties, they will then have every right to return once again to economic activities.

Islam is a religion of nature. and must be understood from its original sources―the Quran and the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. While giving out religious commands, it takes into full account the worldly needs of a human being. Islam does not put human beings under undue stress. It is mentioned in the Quran thus: ‘God does not charge a soul with more than it can bear.’ (2: 286)