Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon
Lawful income refers to the money earned by an individual through lawful means, such as employment, business, and investments. The impact of lawful income on the moral health of society is a subject of much debate and discussion.
On one hand, lawful income is essential for the financial stability and well-being of individuals and families. It provides people with the means to support themselves and their loved ones, to pursue their dreams and aspirations, and to contribute to society in meaningful ways for e.g the Government jobs often come with numerous benefits such as job security, pension plans, health insurance, and paid time off. However, with these benefits also comes a great deal of responsibility and a strong sense of duty to serve the community and the government.
In terms of responsibilities, government employees are expected to carry out their duties with integrity, impartiality, and accountability. They must act in the best interest of the public and maintain a high standard of ethics and professionalism.
In Islam, it is emphasized that one’s actions should always be guided by the principles of honesty, fairness, and justice. This can be applied in the workplace by conducting oneself with these values in mind and treating all people with respect, regardless of their background or beliefs.
If a government employee won’t perform assigned duties with dedication, it can have hazardous effects, not only on the individual but also on the community and the government as a whole. It can erode trust in the government and its employees, leading to a loss of credibility and a decrease in effectiveness. Additionally, it can have negative consequences for the individual, such as decreased job satisfaction and potentially damaging consequences for their career.
In the below mentioned religious holy book references, it is made clear that one should earn his/her income through the honest means and by working sincerely. It is also emphasized that wages earned without performing duties honestly are not considered to be halal or pure. By working hard and performing duties to the best of one’s ability, an individual can not only fulfill his/her obligations but also earn a legitimate and just income that is in line with authentic religious values.
Here are a few religious references that emphasize the importance of performing one’s duties amicably:
The holy Quran-“O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that – then those are the losers.” (Surah Al-Munafiqun 63:9)
Hadith – “The Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) said, ‘The best form of earning is what a man earns by his own hands.'” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Bible – “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
Bhagavad Gita “Work done as a sacrifice for the Lord is greater than any other kind of work. It is performed in devotion and leads to the ultimate spiritual goal.” (Chapter 4, Verse 33)
In conclusion, it is important for the government employees to understand the significance of their role , responsibilities and duties. They must perform their duties honestly and with a commitment to serve the community. With religious references, these values can be further reinforced that the work needs to be done amicably and in a manner that is consistent with one’s beliefs and values. Failing to do so can have dangerous consequences for both the individual and society as a whole. Therefore, every employee is required to work keeping in view his monthly dues and , more importantly, his/her creator who is watching him/her 24X7 . John D. MacDonald an American author of crime and suspense novels, has rightly said that “Integrity is not a conditional word. It doesn’t blow in the wind or change with the weather. It is your inner image of yourself, and if you look in there and see a man who won’t cheat, then you know he never will.” –
Impact of Haram income on the morality of children
The consequences of not earning a halal income can have a significant impact on the morality of children. When children see their parents or their other role models not earning a legitimate income, it can lead to a sense of moral confusion and a lack of understanding about the importance of hard work and ethics.
Children may also come to believe that it is acceptable to earn money through unethical or illegal means and that can have negative impact on their moral development and future behavior. Additionally, not earning a halal income can cause financial hardship, which can also have a negative impact on the well-being of children and the family as a whole.
On the other hand, earning a halal income through hard and honest work and with dedication can have a positive impact on children’s morality. It can instill values such as honesty, integrity, sincerity and a strong work ethos , which are important for their moral and ethical development. Children who see their parents or their other role models earning a legitimate income through hard and honest work and with dedication are more likely to develop a strong sense of morality and ethical behavior. They not only grow up into the wealthy people but also into happy people. And, the greatest blessing that an individual can have is never ending ” happiness ”.
In conclusion, it is important for individuals to earn a halal income and to demonstrate the importance of hard and honest work and of ethical behavior to children. This can boost up their morality and integrity and lay a solid foundation for a future filled with true success , genuine happiness, contentment and fulfillment.
The idea that earning haram (forbidden or unlawful) income can have a negative effect on children’s moral development is widely accepted. In many religious traditions, it is emphasized that the manner in which one earns his/her income can have a significant impact on one’s moral character and behaviour.
Here are a few references that highlight the impact of haram income on one’s moral development:
The holy Quran- “O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] trade by mutual consent.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:188)
Hadith (Prophetic saying) – “The Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) said, ‘There are two types of people who will be punished severely on the Day of Judgment: a person who is wealthy and still does not pay his debts, and a person who sells something that is not in his possession.'” (Sahih Bukhari)
Bible – “For, the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
Bhagavad Gita – “A person who has purity of soul, who is tranquil and unruffled, who has no fear, and is without enemies, attains the highest peace.” (Chapter 6, Verse 7)
These references make it clear that earning an income through unjust or unethical means can have negative consequences for one’s moral development. Children who see their parents or their other role models engaging in such behavior are more likely to develop a similar outlook and may view such behavior as acceptable. On the other hand, seeing individuals earn a lawful income through hard and honest work and with dedication can have a positive impact on children’s moral development and help to foster values such as honesty, integrity, sincerity and a strong work ethos.
So, it is not prudent to compromise your faith and conscience for making unlawful wealth and thus jeopardizing your hereafter and the future of your innocent progeny.
“Integrity is not just doing what’s right, it’s doing the right thing even when no one is watching.”
(The author can be reached at [email protected])
