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Are there lowly and prestigious professions in Islam? Does ambition for high positions contradict contentment? And when does ambition contradict contentment? And does the pursuit of prestigious jobs contradict asceticism?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Allah made this world a means to the Hereafter and subjected the earth to humankind so they may live and earn money. Money is good if it is earned lawfully and spent rightfully, and if it is used to perform acts of obedience. The prophets worked in various professions. Islam encourages striving and earning, and it does not oppose honorable professions. It dislikes vile professions (such as cupping) but does not prohibit them. Those who work in them should be honored and not reproached. Islam encourages religious and worldly perfection, along with contentment with Allah's decree. However, it condemns coveting money and status if it corrupts one's faith. Money is blameworthy if it enslaves its owner or distracts them from Allah. Seeking prestigious jobs is lawful for those who fulfill their duties properly. As for those who acquire them unlawfully or commit injustice in them, they will face dire consequences on the Day of Judgment.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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