Islam does not only teach workers to fulfil their responsibilities. It also teaches employers to treat their workers fairly.
Whether someone manages a large company, owns a small business or employs a domestic worker, the relationship should be built on justice, honesty and respect.
WHAT DOES ISLAM SAY ABOUT WORKERS’ RIGHTS?
Allah says: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.” — Qur’an 4:58
This verse establishes the importance of fulfilling trusts and acting justly. An employment relationship involves responsibilities on both sides.
1. PAY WORKERS WHAT THEY ARE OWED
When an employer agrees to pay a worker a particular wage for specified work, the employer should honour that agreement.
The Prophet ﷺ reported that Allah said in a hadith qudsi:
Among those against whom Allah will be an opponent on the Day of Resurrection is a person who employs a worker, receives the full work from them, and does not give them their wages.
— Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2227
This is a serious warning against withholding workers’ rightful wages.
2. TREAT WORKERS WITH DIGNITY
An employer should not insult, humiliate or abuse workers simply because they hold a position of authority.
Leadership is a responsibility, not permission to mistreat people.
3. HONOUR THE AGREEMENT
Employers should be clear about job duties, working hours, wages and other agreed conditions. They should not secretly change the terms to exploit workers.
4. DO NOT OVERBURDEN WORKERS UNFAIRLY
Work expectations should be reasonable and consistent with the agreement and applicable law. An employer should not deliberately exploit a worker’s financial difficulties or vulnerability.
5. BE FAIR AND AVOID FAVOURITISM
Employers should make decisions fairly rather than unfairly denying someone opportunities because of personal dislike or favouring others without a legitimate reason.
WHAT ABOUT A WORKER WHO MAKES A MISTAKE?
Employers can correct mistakes and hold workers accountable. However, correction should be fair and proportionate, not abusive or humiliating.
Workers also have responsibilities: they should perform their duties honestly, protect their employer’s property and respect legitimate workplace rules.
HEART CHECK
Islam teaches both sides to fulfil their trusts. A worker should not cheat an employer, and an employer should not exploit a worker. Justice, honesty and respect should guide every employment relationship.
May Allah bless our lawful earnings and make us fair in all our dealings. Ameen.
3SIXTYISLAM
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