In Islam, work is highly encouraged and valued, as it allows individuals to earn a livelihood, contribute to society, and fulfill their responsibilities. However, Islam also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between work and spiritual well-being. While pursuing worldly endeavors, Muslim entrepreneurs are reminded not to let their work overshadow their spiritual duties and connection with Allah.
What is a Muslim’s ideal work-life balance?
As a Muslim, they should seek a balance for both life and their deen. To do this, neither should be neglected.
The Quran, from Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), has mentioned that people should seek the reward of the hereafter and also not neglect their worldly affairs:
“Rather, seek the ˹reward˺ of the Hereafter by means of what Allah has granted you, without forgetting your share of this world. And be good ˹to others˺ as Allah has been good to you. Do not seek to spread corruption in the land, for Allah certainly does not like corruptors.”
Dedicate time for both work and life
This is the most basic but crucial part of work-life balance. It is very important to set a healthy boundary with both. To do this, allocate time for business-related tasks as well as for personal and family activities. Through this, Muslim professionals can focus on work while nurturing themselves, making meaningful connections, fostering inner peace, and achieving success both in their worldly pursuits and in their pursuit of spiritual fulfillment.
Make self-improvement
Dedication to personal growth and development will enhance professional skills and nurture spiritual and emotional well-being. This commitment involves continuously increasing knowledge, whether through reading, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship, to refine career and deepen one’s understanding of one’s faith. These self-improvements can contribute to overall success, such as time management, communication skills, and resilience in the face of hardships.
Have enough quality of sleep
Make a bedtime routine that could help improve the quality of sleep. Research shows that sleeping 7 to 8 hours a night will boost productivity, and vice versa. Before going to bed, incorporate good sleep hygiene practices, such as ensuring to avoid electronic devices, drinking enough water and keeping the room dark and comfortable. To balance it with deen, incorporate practices such as performing wudu, reciting bedtime duas and dhikr to gain spiritual balance. Also, follow the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad by sleeping on the right side and facing the Qibla.
What are the requirements for having a work-life balance?
Has self-discipline
To successfully have a work-life balance as a Muslim professional, it’s crucial to avoid wasting time and procrastinating. Instead, one should prioritize productivity and follow through with tasks efficiently.
Consistency
Success is often a result of consistency. In this context, success is when a person gets to balance their work and life. An example of routine is dedicating regular time to business tasks to ensure success and making sure to pray every day. When one keeps up this consistency, it becomes a habit, making it easier to manage both work and spiritual life effectively. This helps to achieve a good balance between business and deen.
Plan the day or schedule
Not only for Muslim professionals, every individual should plan their schedule to balance work and personal life. Not planning can contribute to a feeling of overwhelm, and worse, one might not be able to get their job done. Start by setting aside time for prayers and religious activities. Then, schedule your work tasks. Don’t forget to include time for family, friends, and community events.
Self care
This might be exhausting to hear, but it is part of taking care of an individual’s well-being to avoid getting exhausted. Humans need to rest to function better. Hence, take the necessary time, even as little as 5 minutes, to take a breath. Self-care activities like exercise and relaxation activities such as reading a book, taking a nap, meditate or watching the sunset are several simple things that can be done.
Conclusions
Achieving a balanced work-life balance as a Muslim professional should include the routines and practices of Islamic teachings and personal well-being. This way, Muslim professionals can achieve success in both world and hereafter.
