The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “For one of you to take a rope and go to the mountains, then bring a bundle of firewood on his back and sell it, and make himself independent of means thereby, is better for him than to ask of people, whether they give him something or not.”
The Musnad of az-Zubair bin al-'Awwam - Musnad Ahmad 1429
This narration from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasizes the virtue of self-reliance and the dignity of labor over begging and dependency.
Commentary on the Text
The Prophet (ﷺ) illustrates that even the most strenuous physical labor - carrying firewood from mountains - is superior to asking people for charity. This demonstrates that no honest work is demeaning in Islam.
The phrase "make himself independent of means thereby" highlights the Islamic principle of economic self-sufficiency and maintaining personal dignity.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars explain that this hadith establishes the preference for earning lawful livelihood through physical effort over depending on others' charity, even if the work appears humble.
The comparison between "whether they give him something or not" indicates that preserving one's honor through work is valuable regardless of whether begging might yield more material benefit.
Practical Application
This teaching encourages Muslims to seek lawful employment, no matter how simple, rather than becoming dependent on others. It promotes the Islamic work ethic and dignity of labor.
The example of gathering firewood specifically shows that even basic, traditional forms of work are honorable when performed with the intention of self-reliance.