The Musnad of az-Zubair bin al-'Awwam - Musnad Ahmad 1407

This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasizes the virtue of self-reliance and honest labor over begging and dependency. The Messenger of Allah draws our attention to the dignity of work, no matter how humble it may appear.

Commentary on the Hadith

The Prophet's mention of carrying ropes and gathering firewood illustrates that no honest work is demeaning in Islam. Even manual labor that might be considered lowly by people holds great merit when performed with sincerity and to achieve self-sufficiency.

The phrase "make himself independent of means" highlights the Islamic principle of preserving one's dignity and honor. A Muslim should strive to fulfill their needs through permissible means rather than stretching their hands before others, which diminishes self-respect and may lead to humiliation.

The concluding words "whether they give him anything or not" underscore the uncertainty and potential disappointment of begging. The one who begs places their sustenance in the hands of people, while the worker relies upon Allah's provision through lawful effort, which is more certain and dignified.

Scholarly Insights

Imam An-Nawawi comments that this hadith encourages earning through manual labor and trade, demonstrating that Islam honors all forms of lawful work. The firewood gatherer, though engaged in simple work, is elevated above the beggar who depends on others.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that the superiority lies in the preservation of honor and avoidance of humiliation. The worker maintains his dignity while fulfilling his needs, whereas the beggar risks both his worldly dignity and potentially his hereafter by burdening others.

This teaching aligns with numerous Quranic verses and prophetic traditions that encourage lawful earning and discourage begging without genuine need. It establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic economics: the dignity of labor and the importance of self-reliance within the Muslim community.