What is the Quran's view on social laziness and irresponsibility?

The Holy Quran, as the divine word and a comprehensive guide for humanity, addresses all aspects of human life, including individual and social matters, with a deep and responsible perspective. Regarding social laziness and irresponsibility, numerous verses explicitly or implicitly condemn these undesirable traits, instead calling humanity to strive, be responsible, cooperate, and actively contribute to good and righteousness. From the Quran's viewpoint, this worldly life is a field of action and a test, and everyone will be recompensed according to their effort, a reward that manifests not only in the afterlife but also in this world. The essence of Islamic teachings is built upon movement, dynamism, and constructiveness, rejecting stagnation and inertia as factors leading to loss and detriment. One of the fundamental principles emphasized by the Quran is the principle of "jihad" (struggle) and "sa'y" (effort). The Quran repeatedly commands humans to strive for their goals, both material and spiritual, asserting that nothing is attained without toil and exertion. The famous verse from Surah An-Najm, verse 39, explicitly states: "وَأَن لَّيْسَ لِلْإِنسَانِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ"; meaning, "And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives." This verse lays the foundation for the philosophy of work and effort in Islam. It implies that the results and achievements in one's life are directly dependent on their level of striving and diligence. Even the divine bounty and sustenance mentioned in the Quran are often realized through human effort and action. Laziness, therefore, is an abandonment of this divine duty entrusted to humanity, leading to deprivation of the fruits of both this world and the hereafter. Allah Almighty has made the earth a place for activity and a source of sustenance, commanding humans to be active therein and to benefit from its provisions. In Surah Al-Mulk, verse 15, He says: "هُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ ذَلُولًا فَامْشُوا فِي مَنَاكِبِهَا وَكُلُوا مِن رِّزْقِهِ ۖ وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ"; "It is He who made the earth manageable for you, so walk upon its regions and eat from His provision. And to Him is the resurrection." This verse is a direct call to movement, travel, and exertion to earn lawful sustenance, placing laziness in clear opposition to this divine command and the very purpose of creation. Islam strongly condemns begging and being a burden on society, instead encouraging Muslims towards self-respect and financial independence through lawful work and diligence. Responsibility (Mas'uliyyah) is also a core tenet of Quranic teachings, standing in strong contrast to the concept of social laziness. Every human being is responsible and accountable for their actions, their family, their community, and even the environment. The Holy Quran, in numerous verses, emphasizes the principle of individual responsibility, stating: "كُلُّ نَفْسٍ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ رَهِينَةٌ" (Al-Muddaththir: 38); "Every soul, for what it has earned, is retained." And elsewhere: "وَلَا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَىٰ" (Al-An'am: 164 and Fatir: 18); meaning, "No bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another." This implies that every individual must take responsibility for their decisions and actions, and refrain from becoming a burden on others or being indifferent to societal issues. Social irresponsibility is a form of escaping this divine trust (amanah) that Allah has placed upon humanity. Humans are Allah's vicegerents on Earth, and this vicegerency entails heavy responsibilities in cultivating the land, establishing justice, and rectifying affairs. Social laziness means shirking this great responsibility and divine trust, which harms both the individual and society. This responsibility is not only manifested in the individual sphere but also in the social dimension; because a Muslim individual sees themselves as a part of a single Ummah (community) whose destiny is intertwined with the destiny of the entire society. The Quran also places great emphasis on "ta'awun" (cooperation) in matters of righteousness and piety. Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2, states: "وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ"; "And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression." This verse establishes the foundation of the Islamic society on mutual aid and solidarity in the path of truth and good. A lazy and irresponsible individual not only fails to contribute to development but also, by becoming a burden on society and neglecting their duties, diminishes the burden on others and damages the spirit of cooperation. A society whose members are not responsible and where each person only thinks of themselves will suffer from stagnation, injustice, corruption, and backwardness. This issue becomes even more critical in contemporary times, when societies face complex challenges. Every individual must see themselves as part of a whole and play an active role in solving problems and advancing society. Neglecting duties and failing to participate means ignoring the rights of others and squandering the human and material resources of the community. Another aspect of laziness and irresponsibility from the Quran's perspective is the improper use of "time" and "divine blessings." Allah has granted humans life, talents, and abilities that must be utilized to their fullest potential, and wasting these blessings is considered ingratitude. In Surah Al-'Asr, Allah swears by time, stating: "وَالْعَصْرِ إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ"; "By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience." This short Surah vehemently calls humanity to action, righteous deeds, and social commitment. Laziness here means wasting time and abilities, which leads to eternal loss. Conversely, utilizing time and abilities for good and righteousness is a factor for salvation. The consequences and implications of laziness and irresponsibility, from the Quranic perspective, are very serious. A society where idleness and inactivity prevail will deviate from the path of progress and suffer weakness and decline. The Quran states that Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves (Ar-Ra'd: 11). This verse indicates that societal reform begins with individual reform and a shift in attitude towards effort and responsibility. Laziness prevents humans from playing an active role in the divine system of creation, causing individuals not only to deprive themselves of good but also unintentionally harm society. Irresponsibility in fulfilling individual and social duties can lead to moral, economic, and even security crises within a community. In conclusion, the Holy Quran regards humans as active, dynamic, and responsible beings who must not only strive for their eternal salvation but also diligently work for the prosperity of this world, the well-being of society, and the advancement of humanity. Social laziness and irresponsibility are contrary to the monotheistic spirit of Islam, for monotheism means moving in the path of God's pleasure, and God's pleasure is manifested through effort, constructiveness, and responsibility towards oneself and others. These traits are detrimental not only to the individual but also to the entire society, hindering the realization of the lofty Quranic ideals for a righteous and progressive community. Therefore, the Quran, with a firm and encouraging tone, calls upon believers to be diligent in their work, adhere to their duties, and play a positive role in society, so that a community built on justice, benevolence, and cooperation may be established—a community where every individual plays their part and does not burden others.