Buying and Selling: The Obligation of Earning a Living

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Ayatullah Sistani

Ruling 2061

If a person does not have any wealth but certain expenses are obligatory for him – such as providing for his wife and children – he must earn his living. As for recommended (mustaḥabb) matters – such as providing a better livelihood for one’s family and helping the poor (fuqarāʾ) – for such matters, earning is recommended.

-Ayatullah Sistani, Practical Laws of Islam, Buying and Selling