Halal earnings
How to make a living without corrupting the hand.
About 25 minutes of listening
Book 13: Etiquettes of Earning and Living
Imam al-Ghazali · Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din
The thirteenth book of the Ihya addresses the Islamic ethics of earning a livelihood, outlining the virtues of honest labor, the conditions for lawful trade, and the spiritual responsibilities that accompany worldly pursuits.
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From Etiquettes of Earning and Living.
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"It is also reported that Allah loves the believer who is a craftsman. The Prophet added, "The most lawful food a man eats is from his own earnings, and every honest trade is blessed." In a hadith, it is mentioned that there are sins that cannot be atoned except through concern for earning a living. Another hadith states that a trustworthy merchant will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment with the righteous and the martyrs."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 13: Etiquettes of Earning and Living
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"Chapter Two: On the Knowledge of Earning through Sale, Usury, Salam [forward sale], Leasing, Qirad [profit-sharing partnership], and Partnership, and the explanation of the legal conditions for the validity of these transactions, which are the core of earnings according to Islamic law. It is essential for every Muslim who earns a living to acquire knowledge in this field, as seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 13: Etiquettes of Earning and Living
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"Trade is not inherently better than other pursuits. If trade is pursued to accumulate wealth without spending it on good deeds, it becomes blameworthy, as it reflects an attachment to the world. Salman referred to merchants who seek excess when he advised against dying as a merchant or a traitor. However, if trade is pursued to provide for oneself and one's family without resorting to begging, it is considered better."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 13: Etiquettes of Earning and Living