This article highlights the mistreatment of domestic and manual laborers in Pakistan despite Islam’s emphasis on fair wages, just treatment, and safe working conditions. It outlines Islamic teachings on workers’ rights, citing the Qur’an and Hadith. The article also discusses the harsh realities faced by laborers, including low pay, long hours, and unsafe work spaces.
by Aiman Mustafa
Violations of the rights of domestic and manual labour in Pakistan is a critical subject. Where on one hand human rights are being defied and on other hand Islamic teachings are not followed by not giving due respect to labourer. Islam places great emphasis on the dignity of labour and protection of worker’s rights. Islamic teachings ensure that every person that works in an Islamic state is treated with equal rights, fair treatment and appropriate payment and the same working conditions no matter how easy or
hard the job is. Islam teaches us to be fair and just towards every segment of society regardless of cast, creed, nature of job they do.
Islam teaches us that no work is unworthy of appreciation. People working on jobs that are considered small yet hard and the people who are laborers deserve the same treatment as anyone else. Workers should receive fair and just wages based on their labor and effort. Favoritism is another key point at workplace that needs attention, where people are treated by employers on base of favoritism.
There should be safe working conditions and environment for every living soul who works. No matter how difficult or how easy the job may be there should be risk free working areas. The importance of fair
wages and just treatment is deeply embedded in Islamic teachings, as emphasized in the Qur’an and Hadith. The prophet Muhammmad (PBUH) said that:
“Your servants are your brothers whom Allah has placed under your authority. So if one has his brother under his authority, he should feed him with the same food he eats, clothe him with the same clothes
you wear, and not burden him beyond his capacity.”
Regardless of wealth, social status, or background, every worker deserves dignity and respect in their labor. Workers should not be treated on biases. In Pakistan, many domestic and manual laborers face mistreatment despite all the rights granted to them in Islam. They often receive low wages, work in dangerous conditions that can lead to serious harm or even death, and endure excessively long hours that impact their health. Many domestic workers, not only verbal, but also face physical abuse in domestic labour.
Even though Islam STRICTLY forbids this, it still occurs in Pakistan. To solve this issue the government of Pakistan should make sure that every one enjoys same treatment, same wages, same working conditions which are considered safe. Companies and employers should be encouraged, or even required, to follow fair labor standards and law designed to protect labourer in Pakistan.
Most importantly, society must shift its mindset to recognize that every job, no matter how small, deserves respect and fair treatment. It is pertinent to highlights the mistreatment of domestic and manual
laborers in Pakistan. Despite Islam’s emphasis on fair wages, just treatment, and safe working conditions, Labourer unfortunately are in deplorable conditions.
