Does Islam Discourage Ambitious Careers, and How Can One Balance Them with Religious Duties?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Does Islam discourage pursuing ambitious careers like civil service if it demands significant time and energy, which could be spent on worship or learning Islamic knowledge? How can one balance fulfilling worldly aspirations with duties to Allah?
Answer
In the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
Islam does not discourage pursuing ambitious careers such as civil service, provided one’s intentions and actions align with the principles of serving Allah (Most High) and benefiting His creation. Excelling in a profession can be a form of worship if done to seek Allah’s pleasure, fulfil communal obligations (fard kifaya), and contribute positively to society.
Balancing Worldly Aspirations with Duties to Allah
Sincere Intention (Niyyah)
Begin your career with a sincere intention to use your skills and position to uphold justice, serve the community, and fulfil your responsibilities as a Muslim. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Actions are judged by intentions, and each person will receive what they intended.” [Bukhari, Muslim]
Prioritizing Obligations
Ensure that fulfilling your worldly responsibilities does not compromise your religious obligations such as prayer, fasting, and obligatory acts of worship. Allocate specific times for personal worship, study of Islamic knowledge, and spiritual development.
Time Management
Balance your career by setting clear priorities. Dedicate regular time to learning and practicing your faith. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
“Indeed, your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you, and your family has a right over you.” [Bukhari]
Seeking Barakah (Blessing)
Make supplication and rely on Allah for success in balancing both aspects of life. Ask for barakah in your time and efforts. The Quran reminds us: “Seek the life to come by means of what Allah has granted you, but do not neglect your rightful share in this world.” [Quran, 28:77]
Continuous Reflection
Periodically assess whether your career aligns with Islamic values and whether it allows you to maintain your connection with Allah (Most High). If your career begins to distract you from your faith, seek guidance to recalibrate.
Career as a Means of Worship
Pursuing excellence in your career, particularly one that involves serving others, can be a means of earning Allah’s pleasure. Civil service, for instance, offers opportunities to embody the Prophetic qualities of justice, mercy, and service. The well-known expression states: “The leader of a people is their servant.” [Abu Nu’aym, Hilyat al-Awliya’]
Ultimately, the key lies in striving for a harmonious balance where your worldly pursuits complement your journey toward Allah (Most High) rather than distract from it. Seeking guidance regularly from a qualified scholar or mentor can provide further clarity and support in this endeavor.
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
