THE PHENOMENON OF LABOUR IN THEORY AND PRACTICE OF ISLAM

Abstract

The situation of the contemporary (Muslim) world requires time and again searching for the causes of its fragmentation, particularism and stagnation. And theses causes can be in ideas and/or in practice. Constant stagnation of the Islamic world in moral, political and economic aspect has served the enemies of Islam for compromising the very idea of the Islamic faith itself. This world came to existence by the act of Devine Will, and is existing as a result of the natural, Devine laws, but  it is growing, developing or deteriorating as a result of human activities. Man is sent to the Earth and is compelled to work and act in order to satisfy his newly emerged individual and social needs.  All that man has achieved throughout the history is a result of his activity and the work that is generally viewed as a monotonous and endless struggle that can hardly be beard. The work has brought about tremendous changes, sometimes with positive consequences sometimes otherwise. Thus we can say it stands for the two different forms of human engagement in this world. One (the good work) results in feeling of contentment and success and the other (bad deeds) represents a torture, endless efforts, sacrifice and decline. However if man succeeds in discovering his real position and his mission in this world, the things are not at all so complicated. Islam clearly defines the work as an obligation for which human beings will be rewarded or left without the reward depending upon their capacity, character and the nature of their work. Thus the work as an  Islamic concept is not only an economic, but it is also an ethical moral and social factor of human life. As much as Islam categorically requests a man to work at the same time it demands that this work is performed in a moral and just manner. Only in this way is it possible to build a prosperous community, society and civilisation. So to say, in the nature of the activity, ie. doing good or evil lie the causes of a rise or a decline of any society.