Saad Ali Cheepa. Karachi

In the early period of spreading of Islam during Prophet Muhammad‟s (pbuh) life, the matter of livelihood of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) was a critical issue. They faced persecutions and hardships. The trained Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) of the Prophet (pbuh) were involved in various industries and businesses, so that they could fulfil their daily needs and contribute to the building of the society.
In the religion of Islam, economic independence is given great importance and Prophet (pbuh) encouraged His companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to work hard and earn halal sustenance.
The main sources of livelihood of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were as follows:

1. Agriculture
Agriculture, farming and horticulture were the main means of livelihood of the Arab society and the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were also involved in this field. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq also earned his livelihood from agriculture. Similarly, Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar was a landowner, who cultivated dates in the oases of Medina. The fruits of hard work not only gave economic benefits, but they also used to do charity with it.

2. Trade
Trade was liked by the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, because it was a means of livelihood based on morality and honesty. He صلى الله عليه وسلم himself was famous in trade and Hazrat Uthman Ghani and Hazrat Abd al-Rahman bin Awf among the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) were known as useful traders. Hazrat Abd al-Rahman bin Awf remained engaged in trade even after his migration to Medina and achieved great commercial success with his God-given abilities. Hazrat Uthman‟s trading business was so large that his income made him a model of great generosity and he spent his wealth for society.

3. Crafts and Industry
Hazrat Zubair bin Awam was a skilled blacksmith. He used labour to make weapons and sell them. Similarly, Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed was renowned for his leadership on the battlefield, but he was also skilled in trade and weaponry. This shows that one aspect of the life of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) was also related to industry.

4. Cattle Breeder
Cattle-rearing was another important source of earnings. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique had reared goats and got employment from it. Hazrat Umar Farooq used to take care of cattle at one time. Cattle-breeding was a part of Arab society, where milk, meat and wool met the economic needs of the people.

5. Jewellery and Clothing Business
Companions like Hazrat Zubair bin Awam and Hazrat Uthman were also engaged in the trade of gems and clothes. Hazrat Uthman‟s interest in the cloth trade made him one of the distinguished merchants of Medina. The cloth trade was not only a source of economic gain, but, it also added cultural beauty to Islamic society.

Principles of Economic Success of Companions

Some basic principles emerge from the economic life of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them).

1. Honesty and Integrity
   The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) of the Prophet (pbuh) always gave priority to honesty in trade and business. They avoided lying and cheating and acted with complete transparency. That is why, their trade was blessed.
2. Toil and Struggle
   The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) never despised any work. They used their means of livelihood for the pleasure of Allah Ta‟ala. They believed that halal sustenance is a great blessing from Allah Ta‟ala.
3. Generosity and Charity
   Generosity and helping the poor was an important part of the life of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). Their source of livelihood was not limited to themselves; rather they used to spend a large part of their earnings for the welfare of others.
4. Stick to the Principles
   The Companions of the Prophet (pbuh) never violated the rules. He believed that whatever earnings are made in a halal way, it will guarantee success in this world and the hereafter.

Conclusion: The Secret of Blessing in Industry
From the life of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), it is learnt that economic activities based on hard work, honesty and principles lead to blessings. Even today, if we adopt these principles in our lives, we can also be successful in this world and the hereafter. Be it industry, trade or any other profession, Islam has asked us to work hard and provide lawful sustenance. The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

“The best income is that which a man earns by the labour of his hands.”
We get the same message from the economic life of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). They were not only successful in this world, but also left an excellent example for us to follow for success in this world and the life hereafter.