Many Muslims today are not confused about Islam. They are confused about how to live it inside their work.
When Sincerity Stays Inside the Heart
Purifying the heart is central in Islam. But somewhere along the way, Muslims began to separate inner sincerity from outward responsibility. A quiet assumption has settled in. As long as I pray, fast, and learn some deen during Jummah khutbah, my work can be average. I just need to get by.
When Systems Reflect Negligence
Messy systems. No calendars. Missed tasks. And “InshaAllah” used as an escape instead of a commitment. But Islam never separated iman from responsibility. Ihsan applies to how you worship and to how you build, manage, and deliver.
Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه and Accountability
Look at Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه). He audited governors, questioned unexplained wealth, removed those who failed their duties, and demanded clarity in leadership. He used to say: “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the strength and hard work of the disbeliever, and from the laziness and incapacity of the believer.”
The Modern Confusion
Many Muslims today think responsibility mattered only in the time of the Sahabah (رضي الله عنهم) because they were building the first Muslim state. As if today, everything is already built, and systems run on their own. As if sincerity and discipline in work are optional.
Ihsan in Worship and Work
For the Sahabah (رضي الله عنهم), excellence in work was fear of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). They never separated between dunya and deen because they knew Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) would question them about both. Their work was worship, and their discipline was sincerity in action.
