Amidst the increasingly competitive world of work, we often forget that work is not just about meeting targets, pursuing promotions, or simply earning a monthly salary. Dr. H. Kiai Amirsyah Tambunan, M.A., Secretary General of the Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI), invites us to reflect more deeply: what if the work we do becomes a source of reward?
In our daily lives, the terms “faith and piety” are often heard in sermons and religious studies and are written into regulations and laws. However, outside of these normative spaces, the concepts of faith and piety are often separated from the realities of work and professional routines.
However, when understood holistically, faith and piety can form a strong foundation for a productive, fulfilling work ethic that even constitutes worship.
A work ethic grounded in faith and piety is not merely a matter of religious discourse, but a practical foundation for living one’s profession and life. Faith and piety will be extraordinary when they truly imbue one’s work. Faith doesn’t stop at the mosque or religious studies. It must be a guiding principle in one’s work. Without it, work can be futile, merely pursuing worldly pursuits.
Many jobs today are solely oriented toward material gains, such as salary and prestige, while losing their spiritual aspect. In fact, in Islam, work is not merely an economic activity, but also a path of worship.
There are five main elements in building a work ethic based on faith and piety, namely:
1. Sincerity in Work
Sincerity is the main spirit of work. Without sincerity, a person is easily disappointed and feels burdened. If you are disappointed every day and feel unappreciated, it means you are not sincere. However, sincere work actually lightens the heart and brings blessings.
2. Happiness as a Result of a Soul that is One with Work
Work should be a source of joy, not stress. When someone loves what they do and is passionate about it, work will feel light, even blissful. Some people earn billions but still feel anxious. There are also those whose salaries are just enough to get by but who live peaceful lives. This is because their hearts are happy and their work is based on faith.
3. Making Work an Act of Worship
In Islam, worship is not only prayer and fasting, but also encompasses all positive activities intended for Allah. Working to support one’s family, helping others, and even smiling at one’s coworkers are all acts of worship if the intention is for Allah.
4. Measurable Work Ethic
A professional worker must have clear targets and achievement indicators. For example, if we have 10 samples in the laboratory, we must complete them well. There is inner satisfaction that arises when the work is completed. This is also part of happiness. Achieving performance indicators to maintain enthusiasm and direction in the work is also very important.
5. Awareness of the Spiritual Value of Faith and Piety
Faith and piety are not just rituals but serve as spiritual capital for work. The Quran states that those who are pious will find their sustenance easily from unexpected sources. Sustenance is not just about material things. It can be good health, a harmonious family, or a pleasant work environment. These are all sustenance.
Therefore, it is important not to separate this world from the hereafter in the context of work. This world is the field, the hereafter is the harvest. What is planted today—good intentions, work ethic, sincerity—will bear good fruit in the future. Work is not just about earning a living; it is an investment in charity. If the intention is for Allah, the results will be blessed. Even the smallest act of charity, such as giving one thousand or two thousand rupiah in charity, can become a continuous act of charity.
The reality of wealth inequality in society can sometimes be disastrous. Wealth without spiritual awareness can make someone forget that wealth is a trust. Many people have wealth for seven generations, but don’t know what to do with it. Ultimately, what we find is not happiness, but anxiety.
In our professional lives, we face routines and targets. However, Kiai Amirsyah reminds us not to turn into “work robots” controlled by a system without spiritual direction. Work, work, and work. But for what? We must not become mere soulless machines.
When working in a team, it is essential to share and make each other happy. It is not enough to be a great professional individually; we must also build a collective, synergistic, and enjoyable work atmosphere. Pleasing others is an act of worship. If our work causes hardship to others, it is in vain.
The past is gone, the future is uncertain, all we have is the present. Therefore, make the most of the present to build good deeds. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Work as if you will die tomorrow, and do good deeds as if you will live forever. This world is a place of farming, the hereafter is a place of harvest. Therefore, cultivate good deeds through the work we do today.”
In an organizational context, the values ​​of faith and piety should be the foundation of work culture. Building sincerity, bringing happiness, considering it as an act of worship, setting measurable targets, and instilling the values ​​of faith and piety are all pillars of building a professional, resilient, and meaningful work team. The future must be better, both in this world and the hereafter. We can start all of this today, with our respective jobs. (YN)
