📖Sahih al-Bukhari 2073
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “The Prophet (ﷺ) David used not to eat except from the earnings of his manual labor.”
From this hadith, we can learn a few important lessons that are still relevant today:
- Simplicity and contentment: The Prophet David (peace be upon him) chose to sustain himself solely through the earnings of his own manual labor. This demonstrates the virtue of leading a simple life and being content with what one earns through honest work. It teaches us the importance of avoiding extravagance and unnecessary accumulation of wealth.
- Self-reliance and hard work: The fact that Prophet David earned his livelihood through manual labor highlights the value of self-reliance and the dignity of work. It encourages believers to engage in productive activities and earn their living through lawful means, rather than relying solely on others or expecting handouts.
- Humility and humility: Despite being a prophet, Prophet David did not consider himself above engaging in manual labor to sustain himself. This shows the importance of humility and modesty, reminding us that no task or job is beneath us. It encourages us to approach our work and daily tasks with a sense of humility, regardless of our positions or status in society.
- Ethics of earning: This hadith indirectly emphasizes the importance of earning a lawful and ethical livelihood. The Prophet David’s choice to eat only from the earnings of his own labor signifies the avoidance of any doubtful or ill-gotten wealth. It reminds us to be conscious of the source of our income and to ensure that it is obtained through legitimate and ethical means.
Overall, this hadith teaches us the values of simplicity, contentment, self-reliance, humility, and ethical earning, which are applicable principles for believers to incorporate into their lives today.
