Muslim scholars have defined “worship” as, “An all-inclusive term for those internal and external sayings and actions of a person that are pleasing to Allah.”
In other words, the concept of worship in Islam is not limited to rituals such as praying, fasting, giving charity, and performing pilgrimage - it is much more.
A person can turn everyday activities into acts of worship by purifying his or her intention and sincerely seeking Allah’s pleasure through these activities. Allah’s Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Greeting a person is charity. Acting justly is charity. Helping a man with his horse is charity. A good word is charity. Every step taken on the way to performing prayers is charity. Removing an obstacle from the road is charity.”
Even earning a living can be done for the sake of God if done for the right reasons (e.g. working to support a family). If however one works to show off or earn fame then this can not be considered worship.
The above might sound strange to those who view religion only as a personal relation between the individual and God and as having no impact on those activities that are not connected specifically with any religious rituals. For Muslims however, Islam is not just a religion, but a complete way of life.
