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| “We are the syndicate of muslim's slaughtermen workers” labor union alliance gains strength in Brazil” |
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| “We are the syndicate of muslim's slaughtermen workers” labor union alliance gains strength in Brazil” |
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| “We are the syndicate of muslim's slaughtermen workers” labor union alliance gains strength in Brazil” |
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| “We are the syndicate of muslim's slaughtermen workers” labor union alliance gains strength in Brazil” |
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| “We are the syndicate of muslim's slaughtermen workers” labor union alliance gains strength in world” |
“We are the syndicate of muslim's slaughtermen workers” labor union alliance gains strength in Brazil”
May Day, which is also known as International Workers' Day, or Labour Day, has become an international celebration of the social and economic achievements of the Labour movement. The commemoration of May Day received its inspiration from the United States in the 1886 Haymarket affair The Haymarket affair occurred during the course of a three-day general strike in Chicago, Illinois, that involved common Labourers, artisans, merchants, and immigrants. Events during those days led to killing of more than a dozen people including a police man. The Haymarket incident became a source of outrage from people around the globe. The memory of the "Haymarket martyrs" has been since remembered and celebrated on May 1 as International Workers’ day. The purpose of this article is to put the May Day in perspective by looking at rights and duties of workers’ and Labour in Islamic perspective.
Industry is the key to prosperity. No great works can be done without Labour. So, Labour is an important factor of production and plays a vital role in economic development of all the countries of the world including our country. As far as Islamic Shariah is concerned, work and Labour is an act of worship that has certain rights and duties on the part of the employers and the employees.
Islam guarantees the rights of the Labourers, workers and peasants i.e. the poorest and oppressed classes of the world. Islam not only guarantees the rights of Labour but also of the capitalist class. The Holy Qur’an provides guidance for all human beings and is a complete code of life. There are clear instructions for the capitalists as well as Labours and workers regarding possession of wealth.
Islam has given high regard for work. Those who work and earn their living by their own Labour must be respected. Of course, the work has to be lawful and it should be done in an honest and sincere manner. All anti-social works, irresponsible behaviour and work done with cheating and deception are forbidden in Islam. Employers and employees all must be honest and must deal with each other justly. The economic aspect of life envisaged by Islam is based upon sound foundations and divine instructions. Pursuit of worldly life is enjoined in Islam. Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran: "Then when the (Jumu’ah) Salat (prayer) is finished, you May disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah (by working, etc.), and remember Allah much, that you May be successful ." (Surah Al-Jumu’ah, Ayat:10)
Islam respects all kinds of work for ensuring one’s livelihood so long as there is no injustice involved. Justice is the real foundation of Islam. The Prophet of Islam Hazrat Muhammad (SAW), the great patron of justice, was also commanded to act justly. During the prismatic period, injustice prevailed everywhere and every kind of tactic was used to gratify one’s soul and suppress people for self interest. The Holy Quran commands Muslims to respect human rights, Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran: "O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves or your parents or your kin whether it be against rich or poor For Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts of your hearts, lest ye swerve, and do not distort justice or decline to do justice. Verily, Allah is well acquainted with all that ye do." (Surah An-Nisa, Ayat:135)
Labour and workers justice is a very important topic and it should be discussed in detail by Muslim scholars. Justice and fair dealings are basic values of Islam and they must be always emphasized. No peaceful co-existence and inter-faith harmony in the society can exist without justice. Justice should be done to all people. Prophet of Islam Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) said in His last sermon on the Mount Arafat at the Farewell Pilgrimage: "O people !indeed your Lord is one and your father is one. Behold, there is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor for a non-Arab over an Arab, nor for a white person over a black person, nor for a black person over a white person, except through piety." (Musnad Ahmad)
There are two basic principles laid down in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah for the master as well as the servant. The master shall pay fully for the services rendered and the servant shall work faithfully and honestly. Islam gives directions about the attitude of the employers for equal treatment with servants and subordinates. But, if we look at the history of the world, we will find that there is always conflict between these two classes. It is due to improper distribution of wealth, unfair treatment to Labour and worker by the capitalists and disobedience on the part of Labour also which creates non-cooperation and uncongenial atmosphere between these two classes, which hampers the economic development of the countries of the world.
According to the tradition of the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW), when he advised his companions regarding Labour, worker and slaves, He said: “these are your brothers over whom Allah has granted you authority. You should feed them on what you eat yourself, cloth him as you clothe yourself and you should not set him a task beyond his capacity and if he is assigned something heavy and difficult, you should help him in carrying it out, " (Bukhari) The Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) also said: “He is not Mumin (true Muslim) who eats full stomach while his neighbor is hungry.” (Baihaki)
There are two words used for justice in the Holy Qur'an: al-`adl and al-qist. `Adl is to follow the balanced way, neither going to one extreme nor to another, neither extravagance nor negligence. Al-qist means to recognize that every person and everything in this world has some rights. To give every one his, her or its dues is justice. Injustice is to deprive others their dues. Almighty Allah says in the Holy Qur'an: "O you who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well acquainted with all that you do. " (Surah An-Nisa, Ayat:135)
Labour and work, therefore, is regarded not only as a right but a duty and an obligation.
All people are entitled to equal status in Islam. It does not make any difference to what race they belong, what colour they have, what country they come from, what their gender is or what their occupation is. Young and old, rich and poor, white and black, citizens or foreigners with legal work permits are all equal; and they all should be respected, honored and treated equally. Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran: "O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you May know each other (not that you May despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full Knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)." (Surah Al-Hujurat, Ayat:13)
Labour and work, therefore, is regarded not only as a right but a duty and an obligation. Dutifulness is a great virtue. Allah has created man with certain purpose. He wants man to do some duty. This duty is obligatory for man, So, everyman is required to do his duty to make life and the world meaningful. All man’s duty to work hard to earn livelihood. If each individual would have such sense of dutifulness this world would be a good place like heaven. Unfortunately, a dutiful man is rare specimen in our society. A dutiful man is always regarded and respected by all. We all should be dutiful.
Islam extends to the individual the right to choose the type of work he desires, but along with this freedom comes the obligation to consider the needs of the society as well as the selection of the type of work permitted by the Shariah. Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran: "And that man can have nothing but what he does (good or bad) , And that his deeds will be seen, Then he will be recompensed with a full and the best recompense." (Surah An-Najm, Ayats:39-41) "How excellent is this reward for the doers (who do righteous deeds according to Allah’s Orders)." (Surah Ale Imran, Ayat:136) "And for all, there will be degrees according to that which they did, that He (Allah) May recompense them in full for their deeds. And they will not be wronged." (Surah Al- Ahqaf, Ayat:19)
The main purpose of the Islamic legislations on economics and commerce is to secure the rights of the individual and maintain the solidarity of society, to introduce high morality to the world of business and enforce the Law of Allah in that sphere of enterprise. It is logical and consistent that Islam should be concerned with such aspects as these, because it is not merely a spiritual formula but a complete system of life in all its walks. Since all class distinctions are negated by Islam, no line of work permissible by the Shariah is considered demeaning by Islam, which countenances only diversification on the basis of natural talents, skills and technology, or personal inclinations.
Based on its concepts of justice and contracts, Islam makes it an obligation for the worker to perform the tasks which he has contracted to the best of his ability, but since individuals are endowed with different abilities and talents, their productivities will differ. Justice, however, demands that return to work of every individual must be commensurate with his productivity. On the treatment of Labour and workers there are general and specific teachings in Islam. The following five points must be emphasized:
Clear and proper agreements: All greements, whether oral or written, must be clear and transparent. The agreements must be just and lawful. Employees should know their duties and responsibilities and they should be told their rights in terms of vacations, leaves, compensations etc. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur'an: "O you who believe! fulfill your contracts." (Surah Al-Ma'idah, Ayat:1) The Prophet of Islam said: "Muslims must abide by their agreements, unless there is an agreement that makes halal what is haram or makes haram what is halal." (Tirmizi).
This means that illegal terms and conditions are not valid under Islamic law. It is the duty of both the employers and the employees to fulfill their agreements to the best of their capacities. Hazrat Abu Hurrairah (RA.) reported that the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) said: "Allah says there are three persons whose adversary in dispute shall be on the day of resurrection, a person who makes a promise in My name then acts unfaithfully and a person who devours prices and the person who employs a servant and uses fully the Labour from him and then does not pay the remuneration."
The dignity of Labour and workers: Islamic law allows all human beings the right to enter upon any lawful profession or occupation and to conduct any lawful trade or business. The worker and Labours should be treated with dignity and honor. No work is menial or degrading. Our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) kissed the hands of a Labourer who showed him his rough hands due to his hard Labour. He prayed for him and spoke very highly of those who Labour over against those who sit idle or go begging.
Islam teaches that workers should be treated with kindness. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran: "Serve Allah, and make not any partners with Him in His divinity. Do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the way-farer (you meet) and those whom your right hands possess (your workers): for Allah loves not the arrogant, the vainglorious. (Nor) those who are stingy, or enjoin stinginess on others, or hide the bounties which Allah has bestowed on them; for We have prepared, for those who are ungrateful, a humiliating punishment." (Sura An-Nisa, Ayat:36-37)
Earning one's living through decent Labour is not only a duty but a great virtue as well. Dependence of any able effortless person on somebody else for a livelihood is a religious sin, a social stigma and disgraceful humility. According to Islam, the status of honest working men cannot be lowered on account of the kind of work they are doing for a living. Yet the Labouring workers have no limited scope for improving their lots and raising their standards as high as possible. They have equal opportunities at their disposal and enjoy freedom of enterprise.
Kindness to Labour and workers: Labour and workers are our brothers and sisters. They are our helpers. We need them; we depend on them for many things that we cannot do for ourselves. Without Labour it would be simply impossible for us to have numerous dishes at our dinning table or to have various kinds of clothes to wear or to be able to reside in beautiful houses. So, Labours and workers should not be given work beyond their capacity. They should have a humane and safe environment for work. They should be compensated if they are injured on the job. They should have time for work and time for themselves and their families. The Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) said: "Your brothers are your responsibility. Allah has made them under your hands. So whosoever has a brother under his hand, let him give him food as he eats and dress as he dresses. Do not give them work that will overburden them and if you give them such task then provide them assistance." (Bukhari).
The work should not require the man or the woman to violate Islamic law (e.g., serving alcohol), and be mindful of the woman's safety. And children or minors should not be used for Labour. Women are allowed to work in Islam, subject to certain conditions, such as if a woman is in financial need and her employment does not cause her to neglect her important role as a mother and wife. Women should have proper environment for hijab without jeopardizing the rules of privacy. They should not be employed in vocations that are unsuitable to their gender, and they must be ensured maternity benefits in their employment.
Proper and timely wages: Labour and workers should be given proper and just wages. For example: "Wages of a worker should be enough for his and his family's requirements of food, clothing, shelter, medical aid, children's education and other necessities…If wages are fixed according to the above principle, then there would be no protest and no strikes."
Exploitation of any person is not allowed in Islam. Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran: "To the Madyan people We sent Shu`aib, one of their own brethren. He said: "O my people! worship Allah; you have no other god but Him. Now has come unto you a Clear (Sign) from your Lord. Give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the people the things that are their due; and do no mischief on the earth after it has been set in order: that will be best for you, if you have Faith." (Surah Al-A`raf, Ayat:85).
The person who is working for another person or for a firm or an institution is ordained by God to do his work with efficiency and honesty. The Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) said that if any of you undertakes to do any work, God loves to see him do it well and with efficiency. Once the work is done, the worker is entitled to a fair wage for his services. Failure by the employer to pay the just wage, or attempts to cut it down and waver on it is a punishable act, according to the Law of God. Almighty Allah warns those who take full measure but give less to others: "Woe to those that deal in fraud. Those who, when they have to receive by measure from men, exact full measure. But when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due. Do they not think that they will be called to account? On a Mighty Day. A Day when (all) mankind will stand before the Lord of the Worlds." (Sura Al-Mutaffifin, Ayats:1-6).
Labour and workers should also be paid on time. The Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) said: "The wages of Labour must be paid to him before the sweat dries upon his body." (Ibn Majah). In another Hadith the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: "It is the duty of employer to take only such work from the employees, which they can do easily. They should not be made to work so that their health is impaired."
Freedom to form unions: Based on all the above principles, we can also infer that Labour and workers in Islam have a right to exercise the freedom of association and the right to form unions. Special trade unions and associations help Labour and workers in their work and socialization. They can also help Labour and workers to seek justice for their rights and bargaining power to receive proper compensations. However, employers and employees all must fear Allah Almighty in the exercise of their rights and duties.
The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) worked with his own hands. The Holy Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said: "Never has anyone eaten a better thing than when he eats of his own hands." Previous Prophets also did Labour for their livelihood. Islam fully guarantees the rights of Labour and gives direction to the master for fair and good treatment to their subordinates.
Islam not only protects the rights of the workers but also of the employers. It has tried to impress upon the working class to work faithfully, honestly, diligently and with deep sense of dignity of Labour. The last words of the Holy Prophet (SAW) before his departure from this world were, "Take heed of daily prayers and of the rights of those who are subordinate to you."
Islam has discouraged all persons from remaining unemployed without reason. Islam requires all to work for earning livelihood. Islam respects all kinds of work for earning one’s livelihood so long as there is no indecency or wrong involved. With a clear conscience and due respect from society the Muslim can roll up his sleeves and undertake any kind of work available to provide for himself and his dependents.
The Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) is reported as having said that it is far better for one even to take his rope, cut wood, pile it up and sell it in order to eat and give charity than to beg others whether they give him or not. Islam has encouraged to work and earn livelihood. Although man is encouraged to work, is free to enterprise, is entitled to earn and possess, the fact that he is a mere trustee provides the necessary measure to insure proper handling of his possessions, his trusts. He has authority to earn, to invest and to spend. Yet in so doing he is guided by high principles to save him from going astray. The Prophet of Islam Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) has said: It is not lawful for rich people or for healthy people to accept aid and assistance from others.” (Tirmiji)
Our motherland Bangladesh is a poor and developing country of the third world. Still we feel inclined to call it a land of plenty and we do so with a sense of pride. Hard work is needed to turn it into a land of plenty in the truest sense of this expression. The people of the developed countries are very hard working. On the other hand most of our people are lazy and averse to work. Man is architect of his own life. Our life is short, but we have to do many things. If we are idle, we cannot build up good fortune or we cannot prosper in life.
The general conditions of employment in our country are not very encouraging. About seventy four percent of our people are employed in agriculture. The remaining twenty six percent are engaged in non-agricultural work. After passing the SSC examination a poor young boy can be a farmer if he wishes and if he has lands, cattle breeding, forestry, fruit-gardening or vegetable gardening. All such occupations are indeed profitable.
There are many housewives who work almost all the day at home. They get no salary for their works. But their work is very important for the family. There are some housewives who help in the agricultural works of their families. Many build up poultry farm. No one can prosper without diligence. Be it money or education, you must work hard to earn that. Always remember that those who are idle lag behind forever. All who rose to eminence in society were industrious.
Some people think that the success in the life depends on fortune. But it is not true in all respects. Hard Labour is essential for success in every sphere of life. By coming successful citizens we can bring glory to our country by dint of firm determination and hard Labour. We can bring glory to our country by unleashing the stream of our activities for he progress and advancement of our country and by including into the stream of our activities the process of extension of education among the multitude of illiterate Labour and workers. n
Dr. Muhammad Abdul Munim Khan: Assistant Professor of Islamic Academy and Head of the Dept. of Islamic Studies & Da’wah, Darul Ihsan University, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
E-mail : dr.munimkhan@yahoo.com
“We are the syndicate of muslim's slaughtermen workers” labor union alliance gains strength in Brazil”
“We are the syndicate of muslim's slaughtermen workers” labor union alliance gains strength in Brazil”
“We are the syndicate of muslim's slaughtermen workers” labor union alliance gains strength in Brazil”
The Qur’an and
Worker Justice
The Muslim community and the labor
movement share the common goals of
social justice, economic fairness, and
fair treatment in the workplace. In fact,
the history of Islam is rooted in a firm
stand against economic exploitation.
When Prophet Muhammad ibn (son
of) Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with
Him, began teaching Islam in Mecca, it
shook up an unjust economic structure
that allowed the rich to take advantage of
the poor. Before Prophet Muhammad
departed, he left behind The Holy Qur'an, a
book filled with guidance on how men and
women should treat each other in various
situations, including the workplace.
The Holy Qur’an urges the proper treatment and respect of workers.
Several Muslim leaders discussed the relevance of the Holy Qur’an to the
struggle for dignity in the workplace with union leaders and other religious
leaders during the “Islam and Labor: Forging Partnerships Conference,”
held Nov. 10, 2001 in Washington, D.C. Co-convened by the National
Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice and the Muslim Public Affairs
Council, the conference sought to build relationships between the Muslims,
interfaith committees and labor communities.
Referencing heavily from the Holy Qur’an and the life of Prophet
Muhammad, several Muslim Imams (leaders) discussed worker justice, the
connection between faith and works, class and gender equality, and the
responsibility of employers. The essence of their remarks can be summed
up in one sentence uttered by Prophet Muhammad to his companions about
1400 years ago:
“None of you has faith unless you love for
your brother what you love for yourself.”
The Imams pledged to work with organized labor to secure economic
justice for low-wage workers in America. This booklet is a result of the
dialogue and highlights key themes discussed during the conference.
Qur’an – (k -ran’, -rän’
also spelled Koran,
Quran, Alkoran) is the
holy scripture revealed
by Allah (God) to
Muhammad ibn
Abdullah. The word
Qur’an literally means
readings or recitations.
These revelations
consist of verses (ayat)
grouped into 114
chapters (suras).
Standing Together for Worker Justice
In Islam, it is neither a person’s wealth,
gender, or ethnicity that makes them a
better person. “Islam teaches that the
best in God’s sight are those that stand
for righteousness,” said Imam Mahdi
Bray of the Muslim Public Affairs
Council. “To me, that signals a
commonality of the human spirit
regardless of our faith tradition,
ethnicity, social status.” The Holy Qur’an
calls on all of humanity to stand for
justice and to work together to ensure
that people are treated fairly. “This
alliance that we’re working to build,
reinforcing a traditional relationship
between labor and religion, is needed
now probably more than ever,” said
Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, the Muslim
chaplain at Howard University in
Washington, D.C. “Workers being laid
off are looking to the traditional sources
of support – labor unions, the church,
the synagogue, the mosque and other
community service organizations – to
fill the gap that’s being created by some
of these (corporations). We have to be
together with labor. We have to be on
the picket line. We have to be before
Congress and organizing workers
around the country to fight against this
consolidation of wealth.”
This statement reflects a core
teaching of Islam. Muslims are told to
strive for justice – even “against your
own self” and to establish justice
coalitions that transcend faith. Prophet
Muhammad discussed this very idea.
“One day a trader came to do
business in Mecca, (a major place of
trade at the time), but was wronged by
a businessman who didn’t pay him his
money. The trader stood on a mountain
and he cried out for justice. When he
cried out, people of Mecca decided to
create an alliance that transcended tribal
and religious barriers to fight for the
rights of those wronged. Before
Muhammad Ibn Abdullah received
revelation and became a prophet, he
joined this coalition and after becoming
a prophet, he said to one of his
companions, ‘I was called to this
coalition before I become a prophet and
if somebody called me today to stand
for what is just and address issues of
equality and fairness with people of
different backgrounds, I would
respond,’” said Imam Mohamed Magid
of the Washington, D.C.-based ADAMS
Center. “One of the missions of a
Muslim is to work with those who work
for justice.”
• O you who believe! Stand out firmly
for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even
as against yourselves, or your parents,
or your kin, and whether it be
(against) rich or poor.… Holy Qur’an
4:135
• The Messenger of Allah said, “Help
thy brother whether he is the doer of
wrong or wrong is done to him.” His
companions said, “O Messenger! We
can help a man to whom wrong is
done, but how could we help him
when he is the doer of wrong?” He
said: “Take hold of his hand from
doing wrong.” Manual of Hadith
Imam Johari Abdul-Malik,
Imam Makram El-Amin,
and Imam Mohamed Majid
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National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, 1020 West Bryn Mawr, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60660-4627
Phone: (773) 728-8400 • Fax: (773) 728-8409 • E-mail: info@nicwj.org • Website: www.nicwj.org
Faith, Works, and Dignity
The idea of “faith and good works” is a
theme highlighted often throughout the
Holy Qur’an. Though there are some
spiritual connotations, it also refers to
the duties and responsibilities placed on
people to earn a living by contributing
to society and taking care of their
families. In general, Muslims are
encouraged to work hard and be honest.
“With works comes dignity,” said
Imam Makram Al-Amin of Minnesota.
“No one enjoys a meal more than a
person who actually gives their time,
effort, and labor to go out and to provide
a way, to take care of themselves and
their families.” In Islamic tradition,
every profession, organization,
corporation, and union of service
oriented or trade workers should be
established with the purpose of serving
humanity. Therefore, all are regarded
with dignity and honor. This principle is
also revealed in the hadith (sayings) of
Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah who
viewed all professions honorably and
taught those who followed him to do
the same. Even the humblest of work
Equality
One of the tools used by Prophet
Muhammad and his companions to end
the unjust economic system in Mecca,
Arabia was to teach the concept of
equality. During that time in Mecca
there was a large underclass of slaves
who served the rich. Prophet
Muhammad made it clear that all are
equal. The same concept is relevant
today.
“Prophet Mohammed and his
companions ended slavery in Arabia.
We now have what some people would
call wage slavery,” said Imam Abdul
Malik. “The first step of ending slavery
(in Arabia) was to say that the slave is
equal to the master. Once there is the
idea that the slave, or today, the worker,
is equal to the master (or employer) that
becomes the unraveling of this and
other forms of discrimination. We all
carries with it dignity, as long as one’s
worldly pursuit does not take them
away from remembrance of God.
• No one eats better food than that
which he eats out of the work of his
hand. A Manual of Hadith
• They believe in Allah and the Last
Day; they enjoin what is right, and
forbid what is wrong; and they hasten
(in emulation) in (all) good works:
they are in the ranks of the righteous.
Holy Qur’an 3:114
• And those who believe and whose
seeds follow them in Faith – to them
shall We join their families: nor shall
We deprive them (of the fruit) of
aught of their works: (yet) is each
individual in pledge for his deeds.
Holy Qur’an 52:21
• O ye messengers! Enjoy (all) things
good and pure, and work
righteousness: for I am well-acquainted
with (all) that ye do. Holy Qur’an 23:51
• It is these who hasten in every good
work, and these who are foremost in
them. Holy Qur’an 23:61
Hadith – is the record
of an individual saying
or action or approvals
of Muhammad taken as
a model of behavior by
Muslims. The word
hadith literally means
communication or
narrative. The sayings
and the traditions of
Prophet Muhammad
are called hadith. These
are explanations,
interpretations, and the
living examples of the
Prophet. His sayings
are found in books
called the Hadith,
which have been
compiled into different
books by various
authors. Some famous
collectors of hadith are
Imam Al-Bukhari,
Imam An-Nasa’i, and
Imam Majah.
have rights. No matter whether you are
working in the corporate penthouse, or
down in the basement sorting the mail,
all people have rights. They’re equal
before their Lord.” This principle speaks
to class, race and gender differences.
• Men shall have the benefit of what
they earn, and women shall have the
benefit of what they earn. Holy Qur’an
4:32
• I will not waste the work of a worker
among you, whether male or female,
the one of you being from the other.
Holy Qur’an 3:194
• O mankind! We created you from a
single (pair) of a male and a female,
and made you into nations and tribes,
that ye may know each other (not that
ye may despise each other)....Holy
Qur’an 49:13
National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, 1020 West Bryn Mawr, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60660-4627
Phone: (773) 728-8400 • Fax: (773) 728-8409 • E-mail: info@nicwj.org • Website: www.nicwj.org
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Employer Responsibility
The Holy Qur’an teaches that people should “fulfill all of your obligations,”
said Imam Al-Amin. “An employer is obligated to properly compensate,
which is not just about money. We’re talking about providing a good
atmosphere; good working conditions, benefits, and allowing a person to
have time with their families.” In Islam, perfect honesty is enjoined in all
business transactions, including how an employer treats an employee. Those
who are in a better financial position and employ others have more
responsibility to ensure that they treat people with fairness, remembering
that all humanity is one.
This principle in Islam is displayed during the annual Hajj (pilgrimage)
ritual where people from all walks of life come together shedding their
traditional ethnic clothing, jewelry, and all other articles that reveal different
levels of social status. This helps to demonstrate that God is the God of all,
rich and poor.
“Muhammad the Prophet said, ‘Pay the worker while the sweat is still
on the brow.’ This speaks of timely compensation,” said Imam Makram Al-
Amin.
• Give full measure when you measure out and weigh with a fair balance.
This is fair and better in the end. Holy Qur’an 17:35
• When you hire, compensate the workers and treat them fairly.
A Manual of Hadith
• Woe to those that deal in fraud. Those who when they have to receive by
measure, from men exact full measure, but when they have to give by
measure, or weight to men, give less than due. Holy Qur’an 83:1-3
• Give just measure, and cause no loss (to others by fraud)….
Holy Qur’an 26:181-183
1020 West Bryn Mawr, 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60660-4627
Ph: (773) 728-8400 • Fax: (773) 728-8409
E-mail: info@nicwj.org • www.nicwj.org
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