Islam not only grants workers their rights but also upholds the rights of employers, recognizing their investment, leadership, and the need for a structured work environment.
1. Right to Set Terms of Employment
(a) Employers are allowed to define job roles, hours, expectations, and compensation, as long as they are clear and agreed upon by both parties.
(b) Transparency in contracts is essential in Islam.
2. Right to Honest and Productive Work
(a) Employees must fulfill their duties with sincerity and excellence (Ihsan).
3. Authority in Business DecisionsQur’an (28:26): “The most suitable person to employ is one who is both capable and trustworthy.”
(a) The employer has the right to make decisions for the good of the business, as long as they are just and ethical.
4. Right to Profit and Growth
(a) Islam recognizes the right of employers to earn profit from their risk and effort, but not at the expense of justice.
5. No Oppression or Injustice
(a) Employers must not underpay, delay wages, or treat workers unfairly.
(b) The Prophet ﷺ warned that any oppression toward a laborer will be a cause for divine accountability.
6. Encouraged to Show Kindness
(a) Employers are urged to treat employees with mercy, provide bonuses or extra help if possible, and not to overwork them.
(b) The Prophet ﷺ treated his own servant Anas (RA) with great kindness and never rebuked him.
Islamic Principles Behind Labour Ethics:
(a) Justice (Adl): Balance in the rights and duties of both parties
(b) Trust (Amanah): Employment is a mutual trust that must be fulfilled
(c) Compassion (Rahmah): A core value in managing people
(d) Accountability (Hisab): Both employers and employees will be accountable to Allah for how they fulfilled their roles
Islam promotes a just and ethical labour system where employees are respected and protected, and employers are allowed fair returns — all within a framework of mercy, fairness, and accountability to Allah.