Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
I am working at a low level, but I have good enough time to perform dhikr, prayer, fasting, etc. Now my manager is offering a promotion to become a supervisor. I feel that it will be difficult to give more time while focusing on a new role.
Is it better to develop my career or stay in my old position and spend time in remembrance of Allah?
Answer
Thank you for your question. This is a very tough choice as I can see how attached you are to your worship. I feel that you should weigh this carefully and see what you feel fits you best.
Advantages
Here are some advantages that I see taking the job:
- You would make more money that would enable you to do more with your money religiously,
- You could have a positive effect on those under you, by teaching them about Islam and its practice, whether they are Muslim or not,
- You could get more reward from working, because you would make a good intention for your new duties, such as treating your employees well, etc.
- Once you settle into your new role, you may find that you are able to make more time for yourself for more worship
- You may need more money in the future, as expenses are always increasing, so the savings would be useful for yourself or a loved one.
Disadvantages to Taking the Job
- You may never have the kind of free time again that you have now for worship
- …….
You should continue this list for yourself and see what you feel comfortable with. Please pray istikhara about this promotion until you feel certain about what to do. The supplication in the following hadith is also very appropriate for you [Quran, 2:201].
Anas narrated, “The most frequent invocation of The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), was: “O Allah! Give to us in the world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire.” [Bukhari]
Please see this reader in the link:
Provision and Work: A Reader
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
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