Which Occupation Should the Muslim Seek?
Imām ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn Nāṣir al-Saʿdī (d. 1376 AH) said:
If it is asked: What is the very best and most fruitful occupation?
We reply: The people of knowledge have differed concerning this—from them are those who favour farming and tilling [the land], and among them are those who favour buying and selling, and others favour craftsmanship, carving, and its like.
All [of these scholars] have well-presented arguments. However, it is this ḥadīth that completely settles this discussion. It is his (ﷺ)’s saying:
‘Aspire and strive towards that which is beneficial to you, and seek Allāh’s aid.’
The...
