The word Indolence is very known to all. But, many of us don’t know that; the meaning of indolence, definition of indolence; harmful Effect of indolence or importance of giving up Indolence according.
What is the meaning or definition of indolence:
The meaning of indolence:
Indolence meaning is aversion to our work or task. To sit idle or remain unemployed in spite of ability to our work is called indolence. If a disabled or incapable person cannot do any task, it is not indolence. For instance; the blind person; deaf or physically retarded persons are not capable of performing many types of work.
Definition of indolence: not doing any job and sitting idle in spite of competence and ability; or for any other reason intentionally is what is termed as indolence.
Harmful Effect of indolence in our personal or social life:
Our life is unthinkable without work. For this reason, man has to do many deeds to become great; as well as to earn livelihood. Man’s progress or success depend on doing such deeds properly and punctually.
On the contrary, an individual or a nation averse to work can not prosper. Aversion to work is unfortunate and scandalous for a nation!
Indolence generates laziness in men! Thus man becomes so inactive. Man’s aptitude to and ability for any work comes to an end.
Thus runs an adage; “An idle brain is the devil’s workshop!” Lazy people indulge in various types of dishonest and unethical thoughts and deeds. Often times they involve themselves in dishonest and sinful acts like terrorist activities; hijacking; highway; robbery, etc. These acts lead to social decay.
As a result of indolence, man’s talent; strength and time are wasted. Nobody loves an indolent unemployed man. Nobody wants to maintain friendship and relative; like contact with him.
Indolence eradicates man’s self-respect. There develops in him an attitude of dependence on others person for economic support. So, This brings despair. Such a situation, often culminates in recourse to suicide.
The Importance of giving up Indolence according to Islam:
Islam is the great religion of well-being. Islam does not support any law or conduct; which may cause wrong to human. Indolence is indeed a curse in a human’s life.
On the other hand, Islam provides it no space whatsoever. Man has been encouraged by Islamic religion to action. So, Allah the Most High has exhorted man to spread on earth immediately; after worship is over. Allah the Most High says; “However, as soon as prayer is over, you spread up on earth and seek Allah’s favours.” (Sura: Al-Jumua, Ayat: 10)
In the Hadith work for earning livelihood also has been announced Farz (Obligatory). The holy Prophet (Sm.) said; “Seeking sustenance in a legitimate way is an additional Farz work after the other Farz.” (Baihaqi)
The need to work for earning livelihood is undeniable. Idleness will not avail. Rather, in Islam; encouragement has been given for working on self-initiative.
Rasulullah (Sm.) has said; “No one has ever eaten better food than what has been earned by one’s own hands.” (Bukhari)
There is no scope for indolence according to Islam. Rather; every halal work has been encouraged for earning livelihood. So, we should careful about indolence.
Good Example against Indolence:
A study of the biographies of Prophets; and Messengers reveals that they adopted many vocations for earning their livelihood. Such as, Hazrat Daud (As.) was a blacksmith; Hazrat Adam (As.) adopted farming; our beloved Prophet (Sm.) took to trading. On the other hand, they also would even graze cattle for the sake of livelihood. So, no labour is mean.
Hazrat Umar (Ra.) said; “See to it that none among you sits in despair for earning livelihood”. Many such example are found in our society; that sit idle after completion of formal education.
Such unemployment as this is not proper. So, everyone should work as per their capacity. Because, this gives both our body and mind a smooth sailing. Allah the Most High also becomes very pleased on us.