of (may his sanctity be preserved) (Session 1700)
The Noble Qur'an, as a book of guidance and salvation, presents work and righteous deeds as the axis of human perfection and social progress. This treatise, inspired by the luminous verses of the Noble Qur'an and profound analyses scholarly lectures of religious authorities, examines the concept of work and righteous deeds. Its objective is to elucidate the exalted status of work within the Qur'anic culture through a comprehensive and systematic perspective, while proposing strategies for reconstructing the culture of work in the Islamic society. This work, organised with a clear structure and eloquent language, explores the spiritual, social, and economic dimensions of work, employing the Qur'anic verses as guiding lights.
The Noble Qur'an regards work not merely as an activity for livelihood provision but as a fundamental pillar for human spiritual and social elevation. Work is like a seed planted in the soil of faith, which, when accompanied by benevolent intention, grows into a robust tree of felicity and well-being. In this viewpoint, righteous work is an action coupled with faith and divine intent, whose goodness flows like a clear spring to both the individual and society.
The Qur'an classifies work into two types: righteous and evil. Righteous deeds are like a light that dispels the darkness of ignorance and misguidance, whereas evil deeds are like a wind scattering the ashes of actions.
مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُمْ بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
(Surah An-Nahl: 97)
Whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer, We will surely grant them a good life and We will surely reward them according to the best of what they used to do.
This verse introduces righteous work as a bridge towards a good lifea life in which spiritual tranquillity and physical health are intertwined with divine felicity. From the Qur'anic perspective, righteous work encompasses any activity performed with good intent and for the sake of God, ranging from scientific and cultural efforts to daily tasks accompanied by sincerity.
The Noble Qur'an depicts negative actions as a fire that harms not only the individual but the entire society. These actions resemble a whirlwind disrupting social order and peace, causing irreparable damage. Nonetheless, the doors of divine mercy remain perpetually open, providing the opportunity for repentance and return from error.
وَمَنْ يَعْمَلْ سُوءًا أَوْ يَظْلِمْ نَفْسَهُ ثُمَّ يَسْتَغْفِرِ اللَّهَ يَجِدِ اللَّهَ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا
(Surah An-Nisa: 110)
And whoever does evil or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness from Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful.
This verse acts as a light in the darkness, indicating the path of return and reform. The term أَصْلَحَ in the Qur'an denotes reconstruction and compensation, illustrating a social act whose benefit extends to others. Reform acts as a balm healing the wounds caused by negative deeds, guiding society towards righteousness and prosperity.
The Noble Qur'an reflects divine justice in valuing deeds like a clear mirror. In this mirror, no distinction exists between male and female in the reward of righteous deeds. This principle acts like a breeze dispersing the veils of prejudice and discrimination, establishing equality within Islamic society.
مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَأُولَٰئِكَ يَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ وَلَا يُظْلَمُونَ نَقِيرًا
(Surah An-Nisa: 124)
Whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believerthey will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, even as much as the speck on a date seed.
This verse, by emphasising gender equality, negates any form of discrimination. In traditional societies where women faced social restrictions, this verse serves as a charter shedding the light of justice upon patriarchal cultures and legitimising women's participation in all social and scientific domains.
