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Rights of Workers in Islam
Workers rights issue is a very important topic and it should be discussed in detail by Muslim scholars. There is a great need for developing specific rules and legislations for governments and corporations in the Muslim world. The full and proper implementation of these rules is also needed. To explain briefly some basic values and principles related to workers rights, let me say the following:
Justice and fair dealings are basic values of Islam and they must be always emphasized. No peace and harmony in the society can exist without justice. Justice should be done to all people.
What is justice? There are two words used for justice in the 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. Qistmeans 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 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.} (An-Nisaa' 4: 135)
All people are equal. It does not make any difference to what race they belong, what color 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:
{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. 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).} (Al-Hujurat 49:13)
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said the following words in his last sermon:
"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)
High Regard for Work and Workers
Islam has given high regard for work. Those who work and earn their living by their own labor 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 behavior, 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.
To be continued...............
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