The Rights & Respect for all Good Workers
The human condition rests upon two fundamental
states: either a person enjoys good health, or he is ill. Workers, like all
people, deserve respect and justice in all circumstances. Islam teaches that
every human being must be treated with dignity, compassion, and fairness. The
right of a worker includes receiving a fair wage, work according to his
capacity, and a balanced schedule that is healthy – not exceeding limits. When
a worker falls ill, his employer must make arrangements for his physical and
spiritual recovery; that is, to support him with sympathy and assistance. Our
Creator – Allah – has shown that Islam is not merely a religion, but a complete
code of life that protects the rights of every person, including workers.
In the Qur’an, Allah says: “Indeed, Allah commands you to fulfil your trusts to those to whom they are due, and when you judge between people, judge with justice.” (An-Nisa 4: 59)
This verse also encompasses the rights of
workers, because a worker and his labour are a trust placed in the hands of the
employer, who must then give justice to the one who has given his strength and
energy to accomplish the work entrusted to him. Fairness in the treatment of
workers is a divine obligation. In another Hadith, the Holy Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh) said:
“Give the worker his wages before
the sweat on his forehead dries” (Ibn Majah). This
statement is clear; it is a moral and religious obligation to respect the
rights of a worker. He must receive a fair wage, paid on time – not merely an
economic transaction, but an act of justice and piety.
When a worker falls ill, the employer also has
a moral duty towards him. That worker deserves greater consideration from his
employer. In Sahih Bukhari, Hazrat Anas (ra) reported that a young Jewish boy
was in the service of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). When he fell ill, the Holy
Prophet (pbuh) visited him, sat by his bedside, and invited him to Islam. With
his father’s permission, the boy embraced Islam and attained salvation. This
anecdote shows compassion towards a worker, respect for his human condition, and
spiritual guidance. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) gave the perfect example of how to
treat a sick worker: visit him, sit near him, and give him spiritual strength.
This is a Sunnah that must be practised in all societies. When an employer
cares for his sick worker, he gains divine blessing and performs an act of
kindness that attracts mercy.
As you know, today is 1st May –
Labour Day – and it is important that Muslims remind humanity that Islam
established principles of social justice long before modern society granted
rights to workers. Nabi Kareem (pbuh) said: “Your servants (workers) are
your brothers; Allah has placed them under your responsibility. So give them
food from what you eat, and clothe them from what you wear. Do not burden them
with work beyond their capacity. And if you do assign them a difficult task,
then help them in it.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
This Hadith shows that a worker must not be
considered inferior, but as a brother in humanity and justice. Food, clothing,
and working conditions must be proportionate and humane. Islam has already
proclaimed that a worker is a brother; he deserves justice, compassion, and
guidance.
When a worker is ill, the responsibility of an
employer is not only administrative, but also humanitarian. The employer must visit
him, support him, and make arrangements for his recovery. This is an act of
kindness that attracts divine blessing. In Surah Al-Insan (76: 9-10), Allah
praises those who give food and assistance to the needy: “And they give food, in spite of love for it, to the
needy, the orphan, and the captive, (saying): ‘We feed you only for the sake of
Allah. We desire neither reward nor thanks from you.’” This
principle also applies to workers who fall into difficulty. Compassion towards
a sick worker is a moral and religious obligation.
A worker is not merely physical strength for an
employer’s tasks; he is a soul that needs spiritual guidance. If he is not
Muslim, a Muslim employer must teach him the values of Islam with gentleness
and respect. The light of guidance is a gift that transforms the heart. The
Holy Prophet (pbuh) demonstrated this when he sat by the young Jewish boy and
invited him to the truth, saving him from the fire. Spiritual guidance for
workers is a moral responsibility. In Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh),
several issues concerning workers have been addressed. Firstly, Islam permits a
Muslim employer to hire non-believers for work, as shown in the Hadith of the
young Jewish boy. Secondly, a child or youth may accept Islam if he wishes,
even during adolescence. Thirdly, on the moral level, an employer – especially
a practising Muslim – must visit a sick worker, as this is Sunnah and an act of
compassion.
A worker also deserves spiritual training. If
he is Muslim but does not practise the five pillars of Islam, then the employer
– who must himself be practising and able to guide others – should teach him
these pillars and other aspects of Islam with patience. Salat, Siyaam, Zakaat,
and Hajj must be explained as the wonders of Islam. Spiritual guidance benefits
not only the worker, but society as a whole, as it creates discipline, honesty,
and solidarity. In the Qur’an, Allah says: “Allah
does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.” (Al-Baqara 2: 287)
This verse is fundamental for understanding
workers’ rights: an employer must not impose work beyond a worker’s human
capacity. Work must be proportionate, balanced, and respectful of the worker’s
physical and mental health.
In summary, the rights of workers in Islam rest
upon three pillars: economic justice (fair wages paid on time), humanitarian
compassion (support in case of illness), and spiritual guidance (teaching
Islamic values). In the context of Labour Day, it is important to remember that
Islam established these principles more than fourteen centuries ago. Respecting
workers is not only a social obligation, but an act of faith. Hazrat Muhammad
(pbuh) said: “The best among you is the one who is best to his servants”
(Abu Dawud). This Hadith is a powerful reminder that human dignity must be
respected in all circumstances.
Therefore, the celebration of 1st
May is not merely a recognition of workers’ rights for one day. Islam has shown
that this respect and recognition must exist every day and every moment, where
a worker respects his employer and an employer respects his worker, without
depriving him of his rights. Islam has already proclaimed that a worker is a
brother; he deserves justice, compassion, and guidance. He also deserves
respect, for this is a divine obligation and a path to eternal blessing. Thus,
respecting workers’ rights is not just a slogan, but a Sunnah of the Holy
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and a commandment of Allah, our Creator. Whoever practises
this with Taqwa (fear of Allah) receives blessings in this world and
eternal reward in the Hereafter. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of 01 May 2026~ 12 Dhu'l Qaddah 1447 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.