The dignity of labor in Islam

Labor is an important component of production and plays an important role in the economic development of all countries of the world including our country. It is considered an active component of production, since a large part of its national income is derived from labor, the importance of labor can never be emphasized.

There is no religion or ideology other than Islam that guarantees the rights of the workers and peasants, the poorest and most oppressed in the world. Islam not only guarantees the right to labor, but also to the capitalist class. Islam respects all kinds of work to ensure one's livelihood as long as no injustice is involved. The economic aspect of life planned by Islam is based on solid foundation and divine guidance. Making a living through decent labor is not only a duty but also a great virtue.

The dignity of labor in Islam

Islam's position on the dignity of labor is incomparable. The guideline of the human race, Al-Quran, says, "When the prayer is over, you will spread out in the land and seek the bounty of Allah." [Surah Jumu'ah, verse 10]

In the eyes of Islam, the ownership of wealth belongs to Allah, man is only the custodian of that wealth. So the owner-worker is all brothers. No difference can be drawn between them. Mutual relations will be full of respect, affection and loyalty. Both the worker and the owner have the right to understand their due. Both have been asked to be responsible for their respective duties. Not just the owner or just the worker; Rather, it instructed both to behave in a coordinated manner.

Although the classification of labor is accepted, in the eyes of Islam, all are equal in terms of human values and basic human rights. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: The worker is the friend of Allah. Islam tells workers to be efficient, faithful and responsible.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked: What is the best income? He replied that the earnings of your own labor are good earnings. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) rebuked unemployment, saying that unemployment makes people cruel. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said about those who give labor that they are laborers, pay their wages before the sweat of the laborer dries up. In this way, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) went on to point out the great crime of not paying the wages properly, and said that it is a grave sin to oppress the laborer in respect of his wages.

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The characteristics of Hazrat Musa (AS) as an ideal worker are described in the Qur'an as, ‘O Father! You hire him as a worker. Surely he is the best of those who are able and faithful. '[Surah Qasas, verse 26]. In the next verse, there is a description of determining the wages of Musa (AS) who was appointed along with his employer Shoaib (AS). He later instructed to fix the wages first with the consent of both to avoid disputes.

The uniqueness of Islamic labor policy lies in the fact that Islam speaks of a high-minded labor policy, where the standard of living of the workers is ensured. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘They are your brothers. God has made them subservient to you. So let him who has subjugated his brother feed him with what he eats, and clothe him with the clothes which he wears. Don't give him more work than he can handle. If he has to do that, let him help. '

It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure the dignity of labor and the security of their livelihood. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘The owner (subordinate) has the right to food and clothing.’ [Muslim]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) added:

i. The person who betrayed me by speaking in my name.

ii. The person who sold to an independent person embezzled its value

iii. The person who hired a laborer understood the full work from him but did not pay him his wages. '

This is a hadith about the realization of workers' rights. However, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said about what the owner would do if a worker ruined something of the owner while he was working for his master. There is a possibility that something will happen to them suddenly and reluctantly. 'Salary and remuneration of workers. Islam has instructed to realize it as soon as possible. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘Pay the workers before the sweat dries.’ [Ibn Majah]

In another hadith, Procrastination has been described as unjust in terms of remuneration and due rights. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘Procrastination injustice of a rich person.’ [Bukhari]

Islam has basically eliminated class discrimination by calling workers and employers brothers. However, Islam has not denied the merit, labor and social status of the owners and entrepreneurs in the name of eliminating class discrimination. Did not impose any repressive measures. In the Qur'an, it has been said, "Allah has made some of you superior to others in the means of subsistence." Those who have been given superiority do not give their subordinates anything from their livelihood so that they become equal to them. But do they deny the favor of Allah? '[Surah Nahl, verse 61]