Faith and Livelihood An Explanation of the Ideal Model in Islamic Teachings

Document Type : Original Article

Author

10.22081/jip.2026.72770.1146

Abstract

In Islamic teachings, both excessive worldliness and attachment to worldly life, as well as world-denial and abandoning economic activity under the pretext of otherworldliness, are explicitly condemned. From the perspective of the Holy Qur’an and the conduct (sīrah) of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), neither a worldly orientation that neglects the Hereafter nor a form of otherworldliness detached from worldly life is desirable. Rather, what Islamic teachings recommend is a balanced and moderate approach that may be described as “faith-centered engagement with the world.” In this approach, faith and livelihood are not seen as being in conflict; instead, livelihood is defined as a field for realizing spiritual and otherworldly objectives. According to this view, a believing person is obliged—through sincere intention and a God-oriented direction—to contribute to the flourishing of worldly life and to provide for his or her own material needs as well as those of others. Despite the outward similarity of people’s economic activities, what creates a fundamental distinction between the economic conduct of a believer and that of a worldly-minded individual is the inner dimension of these activities and the intention governing them. When everyday and economic actions are carried out within a framework of faith and spirituality, they transcend purely material behavior and become acts of value and means of drawing nearer to God. This article adopts an analytical approach and, drawing upon verses of the Holy Qur’an and narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), seeks to clarify the relationship between faith and livelihood and to present a religious framework for properly engaging with worldly life and economic activity.

Keywords

Ofogh e Tabligh
Volume 6, Issue 14
February 2026
Pages 172-188

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