Part - The Quran Blog - Enlighten Yourself

Interest the child to seek a suitable mode of living.A duty rests on the guardian that he create in the child an interest to seek an independentsource of sustenance. He may opt for a line in industry, profession, agriculture or trade inkeeping with his aptitude. The lives of the Holy Prophets may peace be on them provide us withexcellent examples in lawful effort for bread. They worked in the fields of their choice. Thus,Hazrat Nªuh may peace be on him learnt the art of boat-making and Allah ordered him to constructa boat.430 [1] Hazrat Dªawood was adept in casting armours.431 [2] Hazrat Mªusªa may peace be onhim tended sheep for his father-in-law under the terms of his marriage.432 [3] Even ProphetMuhammad may blessings of Allah and peace be on him cared for sheep and engaged in trading.433 [4] Toearn one’s livelihood through labour is the bestform of worship. Islam regards labour assacred and respects the labourer and commands that we must journey about to procureprovision.434 [5]Islam looks down on a person who shrinks away from labour or sits idle. It cautions againstsuch attitude435 [6] and calls its shameful. Therefore, side by side with his education, let thechild develop technical skill so that he may earn with his hands lawfully. Ibn Sªinªa writesthat when a child has read the Qur`ªan, we must probe his capabilities and guide himaccordingly. If he yearns for more knowledge, then let him learn; otherwise perfect him in thearts for which he has a passion. Our ancestors were very eager to pursue studies. When a girlis of age, teach her such skills as will help her in future life. She will soon be a wife andmother. She must be able to bring up children, to care for the household, to stitch and sewand to cook. Islam has relieved her of strenuous responsibilities not keeping with herphysique and feminine nature. She is not expected to engage in warfare, to toil in housebuildingor to employ in iron-works. She is not liable to put in effort against her innatenature, in factories or in offices. She must not work in the same place as men because it maycorrupt manners and Islam frowns at it. Islam exempts her from such tasks and gives herrespect and protection. Her rank and station stand elevated.430 [1] Hªud, 11:37, 38.431 [2] al-Anbiyªa`, 21:80, Saba`, 34:10, 11.432 [3] al-Qasas, 28:27, 28.433 [4] Bukhªarªi.434 [5] al-Mulk, 67:15, al-Jumu‘ah, 62:10, Ahmad, ibn Adªi, Tirmizªi, Bukhªarªi, ibn Mªajah,Tabarªanªi, Bayhaqªi.435 [6] ibn al-Jawzªi, Sa‘ªid bin Mansªur.