Farming and trading have long gone hand in hand; the very purpose of farming is often to sell the produce. Islam attaches great importance to the practice of buying and selling. It even elevates the status of merchants, making this profession the first to be honored with the obligation of paying zakat (alms). Historically, it was merchants—driven by economic necessity to travel across the globe—who played a pivotal role in spreading Islam, including to the Nusantara region.
Trading—buying
and then selling—or entrepreneurship—creating something and then selling it—is
a noble profession that facilitates the arrival of God’s (Allah SWT) provision.
A hadith states: "Nine out of ten doors to livelihood are found in
trade." Our Prophet, Muhammad (PBUH), was himself a true merchant.
Historical records indicate that he began his business career at the age of
twelve. He was known as an honest, friendly, and successful merchant, earning
the titles Al-Shiddiq (The Truthful) and Al-Amin (The Trustworthy).
Prophets,
Messengers, and Companions are Traded
Working
to earn a living through trade, farming, or animal husbandry was never
considered beneath the dignity of the Prophets and Companions, nor did it
diminish the quality of their tawakkul (reliance on God). Even after becoming
Caliph, Abu Bakr would go to the market every morning carrying garments to
sell. When Umar and Ubaidah bin Jarrah encountered him, they asked, "How
can you engage in trade while serving as the leader of the Muslims?"
Abu Bakr replied, "How else am I to support my family?" This
was despite the fact that, like Umar, he was entitled to a share from the Baitul
Mal (public treasury).
During
the time of Prophet Muhammad, women were permitted to participate actively in
the economy. Khadijah (the Prophet's wife) and Qailah Umm Bani Ahmar are
examples of successful businesswomen. There was also Asy-Syifa, a woman
entrusted by Caliph Umar with the role of managing the market in Medina.
We
have frequently heard the stories detailing the arduous journeys undertaken by
the Prophets and Messengers to spread the faith revealed to them. We have known
these accounts since childhood, and they continue to be retold in various
sermons and religious observances. Their struggle was truly immense; the
challenges they faced were far beyond those encountered by the average
person—they were truly formidable.
Like
ordinary human beings, Prophets and Messengers required food, clothing, and
shelter. They did not simply receive these necessities in the same way they
received divine revelation; they had to work to obtain them, just as other
people do. A Hadith states: "God never appointed a Prophet who did not
tend sheep or goats."
Beyond
providing for themselves, Prophets and Messengers also had to support their
families, necessitating work. Conveying revelation, upholding God's religion,
and tending to the community did not require them to abandon their economic
lives.
Throughout
history, Prophets worked like ordinary people to sustain themselves. Surah
Al-Furqan, verse 20, reads: "And We did not send before you, [O
Muhammad], any of the messengers except that they ate food and walked in the
markets." The marketplace is a place where people of diverse
characters gather.
The
Prophets engaged in actual work and trade. Prophet Moses (Musa) worked for
Prophet Jethro (Syuaib); Prophet David (Daud) was a craftsman who made armor;
Prophet Joseph (Yusuf) served as a royal advisor and warehouse overseer;
Prophet Zechariah (Zakaria) was a carpenter; and Prophet Enoch (Idris) was a
tailor.
Prophet
Abraham (Ibrahim) produced earthenware for household use, while Prophet Moses
was a master builder who designed and oversaw the construction of monumental
structures in Egypt. Similarly, before being appointed as a prophet at the age
of 30, Jesus (Isa) is often depicted in Christian art as a shepherd tending to
goats; there are also accounts suggesting he worked as a carpenter.
The
Prophets worked because they refused to exploit their status or rely on their
communities for their livelihood. The Messengers engaged in various trades,
utilizing manual skills and other abilities. "No food is better for a
person to consume than that which is earned through the work of their own
hands; indeed, the Prophet of Allah, David (Dawud), ate from the work of his
own hands" (Hadith). Prophet David earned his living through manual labor
as a blacksmith; he crafted items such as suits of armor and sold them in the
market to support himself and his family. Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman) was the
first person to create gold-plated ornaments.
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