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The Prophets worked various jobs and crafts, such as
Shepherding: Abu Hurayrah narrated the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said
“Allah did not send a Prophet except that the Prophet tended sheep.” His Companions asked: “Even you?” He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, replied: “Even me, I used to tend to sheep for the people of Makkah in exchange for some Qiraat [parts of a Dirham or Deenaar].”
Smithery: Allah The Almighty Says (what means):
«And We certainly gave David from Us bounty. [We said], ‘O mountains, repeat [Our] praises with him, and the birds [as well].’ And We made pliable for him iron. [Commanding him], ‘Make full coats of mail and calculate [precisely] the links, and work [all of you] righteousness. Indeed I, of what you do, am Seeing.’»
[Quran: 34:10-11]
Carpentry: Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said
“Zachariah was a carpenter.”1 An-Nawawi said: “Among the benefits of the narration is that being a carpenter is not an affront to manhood, rather, is a noble trade. It also reflects the virtue of Prophet Zachariah who would eat from his own earnings.”
Laziness and not working even though one is able is censured and blameworthy, and that is why the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, did not specify anything for a lazy unemployed person. This would push them to work to earn lawful earnings, and he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Charity is not lawful to be given to a rich person, a strong person, or someone who is healthy.”
`Abdullaah ibn Mas`ood said: “I detest a man who sits idle without any work for the worldly life or for the Hereafter.”
The Arab proverb says, “Dig a well, overflow a well, and do not leave an employee to be idle.” Meaning, you should put young men to work and get them used to working, and get them used to not taking money without something in return, even if you must put them to work at something that is useless, but in the end, getting them used to working and being serious and avoiding idleness is a beneficial thing.
