Work

إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يُحِبُّ إِذَا عَمِلَ أَحَدُكُمْ عَمَلًا أَنْ يُتْقِنَهُ

“Allah loves to see his servant who does a job with itqan (meticulously).” (Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsat lit-Tabrani)

As a perfectionist, this hadith resonates deeply with me. It’s a clear affirmation: YES! It should be this way! Efficiency, proficiency, integrity, and excellence are essential to Islamic work ethics. However, when we reflect on our sincerity, do we truly give 100% in our jobs or settle for the bare minimum?

The answer may be a resounding YES for self-employed individuals, but the real question pertains to those who are employed or contracted. When we examine the work culture in Mombasa and across our country, we often encounter a mentality of “doing the bare minimum.” This mindset also extends to individuals who sell low-quality products or provide subpar services to others.

I understand why this mindset exists. Working hours can be exhausting, and the work environment may be challenging. Sometimes, bosses can be demotivating or even harsh, which makes it difficult to feel inspired to put forth our best effort. As a result, many people perform their tasks just enough to get by, and some may not complete their responsibilities at all.

However, it’s essential to recognize that our work is, in fact, an amanah (trust).

When someone hires you or calls you for an interview, and among several other candidates, they choose to trust you with that role, it is considered an amanah (trust). This is something for which you will be held accountable. Regardless of whether you are a teacher, car dealer, nurse, or secretary, you will be questioned about how well you fulfilled your responsibilities.

Our religion is perfect and we have values, principles and ethics in every single aspect of our lives. When you overcharge a person due to their naivety, Allah knows. You lie and give fake excuses to miss out on work days, Allah sees. You accept bribes to do what you shouldn’t be doing, Allah is fully aware. You intentionally do shoddy work because you simply don’t care, Allah cares. You purposely waste time during work hours, avoiding the actual responsibility, it is all written down.

It doesn’t matter if you are the ideal Muslim who prays the obligatory prayers and the tahajjud, fasts on all the sunnah days, and goes to Umrah every year. If your good manners and work ethic do not reflect these practices, then something is still missing.

Remember, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the proposal from Khadija bint Khuwaylid not only because of his exemplary manners but also because of his excellence and diligence in conducting business.

Diligence is highly encouraged in Islam, as demonstrated in the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He said, “If the Hour comes while one of you has a shoot that he is able to plant, then he should plant it.” [Ahmad, Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad]

Take a moment to reflect on the gravity of this hadith. Imagine it is the Day of Judgment; there is panic and chaos everywhere, and everyone is filled with fear about what lies ahead. It is a time of immense anxiety and confusion. Yet, the Prophet still advises that if you have the opportunity to plant a tree, you should go ahead and do it i.e. finish your task!

One question I often ask myself when I take on a new role is, “Do I truly deserve every dollar I earn from this job?” At the end of the day, can I honestly say that I have delivered or even exceeded expectations? I believe many of us lack taqwa (the fear of Allah) in our work because we tend to view this life as purely worldly, thinking that it doesn’t really matter to Allah. However, it actually does.

In the case that you believe you are doing more than what you are being paid for, take comfort in the Prophet’s assurance: “Help from Allah comes to the servant according to his diligence.” [Imam Al-Bazzar]

I know a man who started his career as a cleaner at the university. Today, he serves as a lecturer and holds an important leadership position at the same institution. There are many similar stories we have encountered over the years. For instance, another man began his journey as a cleaner at a bank and eventually became the manager. These successes come first from Allah and are followed by the effort and dedication that individuals put into their work. It is clear that if you strive sincerely, Allah will elevate your status.

Some people argue that the lack of respect and appreciation in their workplaces justifies abandoning Islamic work ethics. However, we must remember that our religion instructs us to treat others and act according to Islamic teachings, regardless of how others behave. We should not wait for humans to reward, appreciate, or acknowledge us before we strive to do our best. Indeed, everything we do should be done with Ihsan, for the sake of Allah, and ultimately to seek His pleasure.

Just as there was a time when people preferred to do business with Muslims, trusting that they would act honestly and not deceive others, let us also cultivate a culture of diligence and excellent work ethics.Let us be an example to society. Let people yearn to do work as we do, and be rather confident in working with us because ultimately, they know that Muslims deliver.

It is true that work is exhausting and draining especially in these tough economic times, but before you decide to lower your effort and do the bare minimum, remember that Allah has favoured you immensely by giving you a halal source of rizq that many wish for. I recently came across a tweet that hit me hard, it said, “Alhamdulilah for the exhaustion of work.” See all that sweat, all that fatigue? Many would die for a chance to experience it. So alhamdulilah always.

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy upon him) said:

The sages of every nation agree that welfare cannot be obtained through welfare, that anyone who prefers comfort will miss it, and that joy and pleasure depend on the level of risks and difficulties that are experienced when getting them. There is no joy for a person who has no resolve; no pleasure for a person who lacks patience; no bliss for a person who endures no hardships; and no comfort for a person who has no hard work. If a person is exhausted for a short time, he will relax for longer. If he endures difficulties for a short while, this will lead him to eternal welfare. People who will receive eternal delight [the people of Paradise] earned this status due to their patience in this very short worldly life. Truly, Allah alone gives help, and there is no power except in Him.

The loftier one’s own self is and the higher his aspirations are, the more a person’s body is exhausted and the less his comfort is. Yahya ibn Katheer (may Allah have mercy upon him) said. “Knowledge cannot be acquired when the body is in comfort.” [Muslim]

“All those who are sensible undoubtedly believe that perfect comfort depends on the level of exhaustion, and perfect bliss relies on the level of difficulties that are endured when achieving it. Comfort, pleasure, and bliss are free of exhaustion only in Paradise, not in this worldly life. [Quoted from ‘Uluw Al-Himmah by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Isma`il]

As we wrap up this bit, do have it in mind that even if you absolutely hate your work or your boss or your workmates, your job is an Amanah, and you shall be questioned about it. In the same way, you shall be rewarded for your hard work and efficiency. Stay diligent good people!

Also, here is a short yet beautiful reminder of how to become your best self, at work and in life in general; https://youtu.be/BhYvXJ3VtNc?si=sa6sNwTwqji_Id04

This article (edited version) was first published on ‘Travel Log Magazine’ an insert of Standard Newspaper on 5/7/2019

Do you remember that one family that you stayed with and you decided to never ever stay at someone’s home again? Or perhaps that one warm family that treated you too well this one time you visited, you now have a permanent suitcase at their home ‘in case’ you need a bed for the night. I bet we all have memories of the places we’ve been to and the different kinds of hosts we’ve met. Some are pretty lovely, some are weird, disgusting, and entertaining…the list is endless. Here are a few examples of the kind of hosts you’re most likely to meet:

1. PANIC MODE:

From the moment you make that phone call on your visit, they become on a panic mode. An emergency general clean-up of the house will be done even when the house was already clean enough. They will over-stock the fridge with all kind of groceries because ‘how will I know what they love?’ They will stress over the ‘master piece’ drawings on the walls done by the children. They will worry about the seemingly old bed sheets. They will overcook for your entire stay. Ask you a hundred times in the least if ‘you need anything’. They will be on their feet as early as 4 a.m. in the morning to ensure breakfast is ready by the time you’re up. It doesn’t matter if you’re a very close family member, a friend or even a colleague, they’ll still overstretch themselves to ensure you have a comfortable stay.

2. VISITORS MEANS FEASTING:

They are the literal example of ‘mgeni aje, mwenyeji apone’ because now that we have visitors, we have the perfect reason to over-spend and over-eat. They will break their piggy banks, pull out the hidden money under the mattress, and withdraw all their savings from the bank just to make the best out of the situation. They will put a pause to their diet and FEAST on all that they couldn’t eat in the past year because now ‘I can’t leave the visitor eat different food. It doesn’t seem good.’ They will go for fancy shopping sprees, spoil the visitor thoroughly while spoiling themselves too. ‘You Only Live Once’ becomes their new daily mantra till the stay is over and they’re left with an empty pocket, debts and some extra kilos of body fat. ‘Welcome back to reality pal!’

3. YOU ARE NOT A VISITOR:

It doesn’t matter what your relationship is with the host or how long you plan to stay but you must play a role in the house chores. They will ensure you help around whether it is by washing the dishes after meals or even picking their child from the day-care in the evening. So long as you eat and sleep in this house, you won’t be favoured in any way. Keep working!

4. THE INTRUDER:

Don’t leave your phone for a second and they’re already deep in the photo gallery, or even worse, replying your messages. They will randomly open your suitcase to peep at your clothes, or use your laptop without your permission. They have no idea whatsoever on how to give one their personal space.

5. THE WARM HOME:

They will make you feel very welcome and ensure that you have the best time at their home. They will entertain you and feed you well. They will sacrifice their time and energy to give you company whenever they can. They ensure you’re comfortable enough to feel free and do as you please in their house.

6. FOOD AND ROOF ONLY:

It is like you’re in a hotel but only difference is you have some ‘company’. They’re present but it’s like you’re non-existent to them. Everyone in the house is busy doing something of their own and the only time anyone talks to you is to call you for a painfully silent meal. Pretty much like those boring hostel roommates at college. You can’t expect anything more from them apart from food and roof. But at least you have that, can you complain really?!

7. AIRING THE DIRTY LAUNDRY

These people will not pretend to be jolly when they’re not. They won’t wear plastered smiles to please you. As long as you’re in the house, you’re in it. You will hear them shouting to each other, throwing abusive words, as you stand by your room door with your mouth agape. You will hear something heavy fall. Someone screaming. Perhaps a chair or the small wooden stool has been thrown. Becomes even worse when it is not just a couple but a family and now everyone is throwing words at everyone and you have absolutely no idea what to do. Should you stay in your room and pretend you see nothing, you hear nothing? Or should you walk out and try calming them down? What do you do at the dinner table when it is all tense and extremely quiet? You have an entire two weeks to figure that out. All the best with your stay though!

8. HINT DROPPER:

‘So when are you planning to go to the City?’
‘When did you say your friend will be picking you up?’
‘My sister has been waiting for me so we travel to Dubai together. I am just here because of you. Ni sawa lakini.’
Your hosts will not fail to drop you hints that it is high time you leave because well, isn’t it high time? They say ‘akufukuzaye hakuambii toka’. So please get the hints and find another place to crash in.

Reflecting back, what kind of host are you? Have you ever thought whether your visitors would ever want to stay with you again or are you the nightmare that made someone’s child despise visiting any home entirely?!

EVEN WHEN YOU HATE IT, YOUR JOB IS AN AMANAH!

8 KINDS OF HOSTS YOU ARE LIKELY TO MEET