PIONEERING WORK IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED IN ISLAM:
The Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) says:
“He who introduced some good practice in Islam which was followed after him (by people) he would be assured of reward like one who followed it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect.”
[Narrated by Muslim]
If we are to put together the meaning of this hadith with the above three points, we can conclude that Muslims are not only enjoined to do good deed and lead others to do the same but more importantly in the spirit of ihsan and competition to pioneer new deeds, new ways to good deed, new ideas or new invention, as long as they do not fall under prohibited bid`ah in Islam.
Nothing is dearer to Muslims than getting rewards from Allah and His pleasure that would guarantee salvation in the eternal life.
Here, the hadith points to such way.
By pioneering new deeds, ways and ideas and inventing new things not done by anyone before, a Muslim would not only reap reward for his deed but also get a share from those who benefit from his pioneering contribution.
ISLAM ENCOURAGES MUSLIM TO LEAVE BEHIND LEGACY:
This is based on the Prophet’s (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) saying:
“When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things:
Sadaqah jariyah (ceaseless charity);
A knowledge which is beneficial, or
A virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).”
[Narrated by Muslim]
Sadaqah jariyah and beneficial knowledge are the relevant point here.
Of course, Muslims will benefit from any sadaqah jariyah and knowledge but the one that is new and without peer will bring greater benefit to people and greater reward to its pioneer.
This is also in line with the spirit of ihsan and competition.
Although we do not belittle small and ordinary deeds, the spirit of doing and being the best requires us to chart new and pioneering terrain.
Historically, pioneering work that benefits many would be remembered most and last in history and this could be another source or benefit for the pioneer – du`a (prayer) from all that remember him throughout history.
ISLAM COMMANDS ITQAN IN EVERYTHING:
The Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) says:
“Allah loves to see his servant who does a job with itqan (meticulously).”
[Narrated by Al-Tabarani]
It could be said that itqan is another side of ihsan.
One manifestation of ihsan is to do anything with itqan or in a meticulous manner.
Being meticulous includes asking questions;
What have not been done before? What is in need for improvement? How can it be done differently, rather than repeating the same thing?
CLOSING REMARK:
It must be highlighted also knowing the above and inculcating them in us are important but is not enough to effect pioneering work.
We need right skill and knowledge on how to translate the above into real action and product.
We also need skills and knowledge relevant to specific work that we want to do or field we are venturing into.
These cannot be found in religious sciences only.
Thus, to put the above into real action effectively, do read more on people who have pioneered new things among Muslims and non-Muslims, past and present.
We also need to expand our knowledge to areas such as business studies that provide many tools for generating creative and innovative ideas.
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