The persistent violations of the rights of labourers in Pakistan has become a common feature. As a part of the Muslim ummah, I believe that this issue needs to be addressed as our religion does not support any of this. Labour means physically doing something with your own hands and body while dignity of labour refers to the respect of the labourers.
In our country people look down to those who do physical labour however, our biggest inspiration
Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), helped in the construction of Masjid-Al-Nabawi by doing most of the
labour himself. It is worth mentioning that working with own hands to earn an honest living is as respectful as doing any other job. Every Halal Job is respectful whether its mopping a floor or owning it.
Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of treating every work with justice and compassion. Our
Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) used to help his wives out, milk goats, bring firewood and help in cooking.
As his followers we should do the same however, our ground is far from this ideal. In Islam, labour is
not associated with or to the category of occupation. It is when anybody is working in a halal manner.
Allah has commanded us to work with our own hands and earn a honest living as he will benefit from it
and have self-respect. We should keep in mind that Allah loves the sweat on the brow of a
hardworking labourer.
Islam places immense importance on the rights of workers. There are a number of rights of these
workers which we violate such as
- paying just wages entitled to their compensation and paying them before their sweat dries.
- Workers should not be over-burdened and clear and fair contracts should be
established. - Most importantly workers should be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their
profession.
Unfortunately, domestic and manual labourers in Pakistan often face severe right violations. We need to understand that we all are made from the same mud and we will return with same mud as well. No one is different from one another and respect is important to all.
The labourers in Pakistan are paid minimum wages or not paid at all however Allah has commanded us
that,
“Deliver trust to those entitled to them and judge between people with justice.”
Furthermore, workers are given enduring hours of work with limited access to resources. Moreover, they are played with their respect as people look down to them. It is suggested to improve prevailing situation to shift focus on the fact that if Prophet Muhammad (SAW) could do labour, his followers shouldn’t have a problem doing it either. It is also important to encourage ethical practices and awareness meetings in mosques where it is explain how our Prophets did Labour and how others should do it as well. As society it is also recommended to advocate our voices for the dignity of labour. Surely, there is nothing sweeter than enjoying the fruits of your own labour.
LABOUR RIGHTS MATTER!
Emaan Khalid Qazi
