In order to remain focused on seeking knowledge for self-improvement and the enormous da’wah needs begging for their time while being financially independent, the best for alfas is to have reasonable passive income, i. e. regular earnings from businesses that they may invest in but do not have to actively participate in. And since something cannot come out of nothing, in our own context, it will have to be that an alfa has worked and saved long enough to have something substantial to invest somewhere or that Allah’s grace comes his way somehow.
If this is not the case and alfas have to engage in remunerable work fully actively, then the demands we make on their time as we seek that they teach us, oversee our events and ceremonies, hold reconciliation sittings among us and be ever available on phone to answer our endless questions and complaints would certainly require superhuman ability to balance with the needs of their own selves and families.
The next time you think an alfa is less readily available for you and want to conclude that he has “abandoned da’wah” in pursuit of earning a living, be more charitable and realistic in your thoughts. He is probably starting da’wah where he ought to. Duties are in ranks!
The Prophet says: كفى بالمرء إثما أن يضيع من يقوت
“lt is sinful enough for an individual to abandon (the needs of) his dependants [Reported by Ahmad].
Without being too actively engaged in distractive daily hustling, earning passively by investing in a good business can secure for an alfa: (1) his precious time that is needed more on his books and spiritual functions (2) halaal earnings (3) his honour that is often bruised by dependency on charity.
If money for such an investment is not from savings over the years-which is rare-it may come from the countless forms of Allah’s grace other than outright begging. A loan is a good and honorable option once the genuineness and feasibility of the business is ascertained.
But loan from whom? It could be an individual or even a jamaa’ah who are convinced of his credibility and good purpose. Allah’s grace is boundless, and He will certainly make a way for those who truly fear Him.
Except in the three dire situations mentioned by the Prophet Sallallaahu ‘alayhimassalam-may Allah spare us all three-begging is most abominable in the character of a Muslim. It is worse for an alfa.
Murtala Alade Adedokun
