The prophets did not reside in
palaces or ivory towers; instead,
they descended and became
directly involved within their communities.
All
Prophets had to work hard to build their society. Allah doesn't just make it
easy, although of course Allah can do it. Allah does not make the people
immediately obey and accept whatever the Prophets and Apostles convey. See
Prophet Musa AS who was full of extraordinary struggles to build the people of
the Children of Israel, emigrated to meet Prophet Shuaib AS, faced Pharaoh, led
the massive rescue of the Children of Israel from Egypt to Palestine which took
decades.
Likewise,
the Prophet Muhammad SAW, who during both the Mecca and Medina periods always
had to work hard to preach Islam. At all times you have to be among the people
to develop your mentality, form cadres, build networks, lead wars, organize
strategies, make negotiations, and so on. To carry out his apostolic duties, it
is not enough for him to just perform dhikr in the mosque, even though his
dhikr and prayer are very special. It is not enough just advice, guidance, and
direction; often must be guided and exemplified.
Because
taking care of the community does not get paid.
The
Prophet Muhammad SAW laid down rules for state officials. A caliph does not
receive a salary, but receives an allowance of 2 dirhams per day. Another
provision was that an official could not use a Turkish horse, which was the
best vehicle at that time. Officials cannot wear thin clothes because it is a
symbol of luxury, they cannot eat fine flour, they cannot place guards in front
of the house which they fear will become a barrier to their people.
Not
a single Prophet made their missionary task a means of earning a living. Their
reward is from Allah. See the story of the Prophet Nuh AS in Surah Huud verse
29, as well as in Surah Asy Syu'araa' verses 109, 127, 145, 164, and 180; There
is a consistent statement from the Prophets Noah, Hud, Salih, Lot, and Shu'ayb:
they did not seek any compensation for their proselytizing efforts.
Regarding
the practice of making religious lecturing a profession, there are varying
perspectives; some consider it permissible, while others view it as
inappropriate. If lecturing is understood as a form of teaching—much like the
role of a schoolteacher—it is an entirely reasonable profession. During the
time of the Prophet, an individual who could teach ten others how to read and
write was considered to have provided a significant service, worthy of a
substantial reward. In fact, prisoners of war from the Battle of Badr (who were
non-Muslims) were granted their freedom if they could teach others how to read
and write.
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