The Unemployment Epidemic

Sayed Jawad Al-Qazwini

وَأَن لَّيْسَ لِلْإِنسَٰنِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ

وَأَنَّ سَعْيَهُۥ سَوْفَ يُرَىٰ

And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives

And that his effort is going to be seen -

[Surah An-Najm 53: Verses 39-40]

The ‘unemployment epidemic’ was one of the most significant talking points of 2020 presidential campaign, alongside many other significant issues. This was the main concern for many electors, to ensure a positive future outlook for employment in America. Throughout the early stages of COVID-19, research suggested that 23% of Americans were unemployed and 56% had a part time job that could not break even. Whilst many citizens obtain an education in order to secure employment and maintain financial stability, many Americans still feel as though that they are still insufficiently paid and incur long-lasting debt for most of their lives.

Allah (swt) created humans with a innate sense of ambition, aspiration and drive. Sadly enough, over time our ambitious desires begin to fade away as the financial responsibilities of life take over. However, it should not be this at all. We should not resort to self-defeat. There is still the possibility to achieve great success at the end of the road. A majority of the wealthiest individuals are self-made, some even coming from financially disadvantaged upbringings. Therefore, there is no reason why we Muslims should not achieve the same outcomes. In fact, the religion of Islam strongly encourage us to strive for success.

The mission of Imam Hussain (as) was based on the concept of reformation. He aimed to reform the Islamic nation after they had deviated from success—from proper Islam. Imam Hussain’s (as) mission statement should be engraved on the entry of every religious centre to keep the essence of his mission alive.

Although it is great that many Muslims have secured employment and a means of financial income, it will not suffice until all Muslims are on the path of achieving this. It is unacceptable for Muslims to be a burden upon society by unnecessarily collecting government benefits without a valid excuse. This is one of the areas we as Muslims should seek to reform in the 21st century in order to prevent financial crisis within our own communities.

We Muslims should be the ones creating abundant opportunities and advancing in society. This is all part and parcel of Islam. The growth and future of this religion lies within our hands. It is bad enough the world views us as second class citizens that have no particular influence in society. Islam does not discourage prosperity, however if someone is prosperous at the expense of their community, it is shameful and unacceptable.

Let’s examine the following points:

1) Is Islam against building a financial empire?

2) A shift of paradigms leads to financial success

3) Bravery: turning ideas into actions

4) Own your mornings and join the 5am club

5) The story of Tha'laba ibn Hatib

RasoolAllah (s) on the association between sustenance and supplication:

“A part of my ummah will not have their dua answered. They are those that sit at home asking Allah (swt) for sustenance but do not go out and strive for that sustenance.”

Someone came to Imam Jaafar As-Sadiq (as) and relayed the story of a man named Umar ibn Muslim who abandoned his business duties in order to fully commit to worship. This person wanted the Imam to clarify if Umar has made a good decision by doing so. The Imam replied shame unto him, does he not know that abandoning the seeking of sustenance leads to the unfulfiment of his supplication.

Imam Al-Baqir (as) says:

“Whoever seeks sustenance in this world so that he will not be in need of people, and to provide for his family and to aid his neighbours and near ones, he will meet Allah (swt) on the day of judgment with a luminous face like the full moon.”

“When you seek sustenance seek it with rigour.” (meaning don’t be nonchalant about it)

Point 2)

So, how do we commence our path to success?

Firstly, there needs to be a total paradigm shift in the way we think and act. Affluence is not the sole definition of success. Success is an all-round effort towards achievement, both within yourself and in society.

At the parental level, parents must take a stance at disciplining their children and integrate the components of success within them so that they become valuable and productive members of society instead of a burden. Part of ensuring successful futures for our children lies in our efforts at contributing towards the very facilties, organisations, centres & seminars that are aimed at developing the youth. Just as much as it is our responsibility to develop our children, it is also our responsibility to sponsor the foundational institutes dedicated towards advancing and reforming future Muslim generations, religiously or otherwise.
Another method in which success is also achieved is by solving real-world problems. The greater the social problem the more abundant the success is once that problem is solved.

Point 3)

Success lies outside of our comfort zone. It is about embarking on opportunities which require aspects of risk, courage and determination. Fulfilling your dreams requires sustained effort and proper action. Reading the autobiographies of successful people throughout history provides a great insight into the various journeys towards achieving success.

Point 4)

You should take advantage of the mornings and use them as an opportunity for self-improvement. This is the most crucial part of the day.

RasoolAllah (S) says:

“Commence seeking sustenance from the early hours of the day and seek Halal sustenance. Allah (swt) will provide you with sustenance and aid you in doing so.”

Point 5)

In Surah Tawbah (Chapter 9), there is reference to the story of a man named Tha'laba ibn Hatib, who once came to the Prophet (s) and asked him to pray for his financial success. The Prophet (as) attempted to dissuade him and advise him that it wasn’t in his best interest to become wealthy, however Tha’laba persisted in his request, vowing never to change for the worse if became wealthy. So, the Prophet (s) supplicated for him and over time, Tha’laba became wealthy. The wealthier he became the more neglectful he was of his religious duties until one day, he departed the city and refused to pay any Islamic taxes.

So, Allah (swt) revealed in the Quran:

And among them are those who made a covenant with Allah, [saying], "If He should give us from His bounty, we will surely spend in charity, and we will surely be among the righteous." (9:75)

But when He gave them from His bounty, they were stingy with it and turned away while they refused. (9:76)

This Quranic lesson applies to all of us. The ultimate lesson is that it does not matter how much money we have or how much we plan on having before giving to charity. We should give in accordance to our means at all times.

Imam Hussain (as) gave absolutely everything he had in the way of Allah (swt). He had unconditional love for Allah (swt) that was not restricted by any attachment to any wordly possession. We must strive to be like Imam Hussain (as). Therefore, make a pledge with Allah (swt) that from this point forward, you acknowledge that everything in your life belongs to Him and that you are willing to sacrifice and give in His way in all affairs. Allah (swt) will undoubtedly and ultimately give you back an even greater return. Imam Hussain (as) is the impeccable example of this. He sacrificed everything and Allah (swt) honoured him a great honour.