On the treatment of workers there are general and specific teachings in Islam. The following five points must be emphasize:
1. Clear and proper agreements
All agreements, 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 says in the Qur'an {O you who believe, fulfill your contracts.} (Al-Ma'idah 5: 1) The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
"Muslims must abide by their agreements, unless there is an agreement that makes halal what is haram or makes haram what is halal." (At-Tirmidhi)
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.
2. The dignity of 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 workers should be treated with dignity and honor. No work is menial or degrading. Our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) spoke very highly of those who labor over against those who sit idle or go begging. Islam teaches that workers should be treated with kindness. Allah says
{Serve Allah, and make not any partners with Him in His divinity. Do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the way-farer (you meet) and those whom your right hands possess: 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...} (An-Nisaa' 4:36-37)
3. Kindness to workers
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.
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. Children or minors should not be used for labor.
Women should have proper environment for hijab without jeopardizing the rules ofkhalwah (privacy). They should not be employed in vocations that are unsuitable to their gender, and they must be ensured maternity benefits in their employment. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) 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." (Al-Bukhari)
4. Proper and timely wages
Workers should be given proper and just wages. Exploitation of any person is not allowed in Islam. Allah says,
{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.} (Al-A`raf 7: 85)
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.} (Al-Mutaffifin 83:1-6)
Workers should also be paid on time.It is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Give to the worker his wages before his sweat dries." (Ibn Majah)
5. Freedom to form unions
Based on all the above principles, we can also infer that workers in Islam have a right to exercise the freedom of association and the right to form unions. Special trade unions and associations help workers in their work and socialization. They can also help workers to seek justice for their rights and bargaining power to receive proper compensations. However, employers and employees all must fear Allah in the exercise of their rights and duties.
0 التعليقات:
Post a Comment