Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
In Islam, both full-time da’wah and earning wealth can be pleasing to Allah if done with sincere intention and for the benefit of the Ummah. Many early Muslims were merchants who used their wealth to support da’wah and education. The key is choosing the path where one can serve most effectively and maintain a pure intention.
Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
Balancing Da`wah and Wealth: A Prophetic Model
Your dilemma shows a sincere heart — may Allah reward you for seeking His pleasure.
You face two noble goals: full-time Da`wah or building strength for the Ummah while supporting Da`wah. Today, shaping policies and narratives often needs influence, which usually requires wealth. Still, the urgent need for sound Islamic guidance is clear amid confusion and moral drift.
Alhamdulillah, it’s not an either-or choice. Islam values balance. Many early companions were successful merchants and impactful Da`wah carriers. What matters is sincerity, planning, and excellence.
Identifying Where You Can Benefit the Ummah Most
Ask yourself:
- Where can you be most effective — on the front lines or behind the scenes?
Can you combine both paths, perhaps starting with one and scaling the other?
- Which option energizes you and benefits others more?
Many Muslims today run businesses that fund Da`wah, education, media, and policy efforts while staying spiritually active.
Steps to Make a Wise and Rewarding Decision
- Consult a wise mentor who understands both Da`wah and leadership.
- Pray Istikharah regularly. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever seeks guidance from Allah and consults others will not regret.” (At-Tirmidhi)
- Make a flexible plan that allows you to serve through both effort and impact.
- Keep renewing your intention — wealth is not blameworthy if used for Allah’s cause, and Da`wah isn’t limited to the pulpit.
In the end, “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those most beneficial to His creation.” (Sahih Al-Jami`)
May Allah guide you to the best path and make you a means of upliftment for this Ummah.
For related discussions, refer to the following fatwas:
- Is It Allowed to Give Dawah to the Opposite Sex?
- What Ways Can Women Give Dawah?
- Can Men Give Dawah to Female Converts?
- What Dawah Activities Can Muslims Do in Summer?
- How to Make Dawah to Misguided Family Members
- Boundaries between Men and Women in Online Dawah
- Is Giving Dawah Obligatory?
Almighty Allah knows best.