Working hard to earn lawful livelihood is not a sin but a commendable act in Islam.
In the Holy Quran, working and earning lawful livelihood is recognized as a positive and valuable act. Allah states in Surah Al-Jumu'ah, verse 10, 'But when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek the bounty of Allah and remember Allah much that you may be successful.' This indicates that after performing prayer, one should spread out in the land and seek God's provisions. This emphasizes that striving and working for one's livelihood and needs of life is not only endorsed but also encouraged. Moreover, in Surah Al-An'am, verse 152, it is mentioned: 'And do not approach the property of the orphans except in a way that is best until they reach maturity. And fulfill [every] contract. Indeed, the contract is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.' This verse underscores the importance of fairness and justice in one’s endeavors. Additionally, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 194, Allah says, 'And remember Allah during the appointed days. And whoever intends to perform a good deed, let him do so.' This reminds individuals that not only is work and effort in this world necessary, but one should not forget God in their lives. Thus, working hard for the purpose of earning lawful livelihood is not a sin, but rather a commendable act in Islam, and one should strive with a pure intention to fulfill their needs and those of their family.
But when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek the bounty of Allah and remember Allah much that you may be successful.
And do not approach the property of the orphans except in a way that is best until they reach maturity. And fulfill [every] contract. Indeed, the contract is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.
And remember Allah during the appointed days. And whoever intends to perform a good deed, let him do so.
One day, a man worked hard to earn a lawful livelihood for his family. Every day, he would wake up early in the morning and, with a heart full of hope and faith in his success, he would head to work. One day, while working, he recalled the verses of the Quran that encourage individuals to work and strive to meet their life's needs. From that moment on, he never felt that he was in sin, but rather he regarded this work as a worship that secured his and his family's future.