Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim
Unquantifiable glory be to Almighty Allah (SubhanaHu Wa Ta 'ala (SWT)) on the favour of living to witness yet another Jum'at, a new month and of course first Jum'at in the first months of Hajj, 1446 AH. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon the noble Messenger Muhammad (SAW) and all deserving followers of his path till the Day of reckonning. Fellow readers, another World International Day for Workers' is here for recognition of several contributions to the turning around of human civilization in the stretch of manpower imput. As characteristics of Labour Day, this year's celebration is directed towards 'Excellence of give and take between employers of labour and the hired workers.'
Before long, what informs 'Labour Day' and at what strectch can it be contextualized? International Labour Day began as labour struggle before Capitalism to reduce working daily hours to eight in the United States of America and Canada. Its first attempt was greeted by declaration of 1st Monday in September as work-free day. This was sequel to Haymarket Riot 1886, Socialists 1889 five years later, just before the then US President Grover Cleveland signed into Law the 1st day of May.
Customarily, May Day commenced as a pagan festival but was soon replaced by Modern Labour Movement. The Soviet Union fell in line with possible attempt to unifying workers for encouragement in Europe and US against Capitalism. The German factor came up in 1933 after the creation of Nazi Party. The US history of Political actions between 1866 and 1873 being instrumental to placing working conditions under legislative reformation than collective bargaining. Metamorphosing into National Labour Union through the 77 Delegates Convention in Baltimore 1866, the eight hour daily working condition was achieved even though the Party collapsed in 1873. Through this process, it became forceful symbol of solidarity, social justice and struggle for workers rights.
May Day Celebration soon became spectacular occasion with specific themes on annual basis. Such themes as 'Social Justice and Decent Work', 'Safety and Health of Workers', 'Digitalization and the Future Work' and, 'Gender Equality at Work' were evident in the struggle. Workers Aspirations are usually vented to authorities with mosaic demands for welfare and fair conditions of work part of which include but not limited to regularization and avoidance of casual and odd jobs. The other parties involved often come out in response to various promises the laxity of which to a large extent result mostly in exploitation of workers. The Nigeria case of perennial struggle and annual rallies by workers could be said to be at the instance of empty promises, heigjtened feelings and traumatized emotion due to galloping inflation far from workers living wages and conditions of service.
Alas, the main tool in the hand of workers to press in their demands remains strike actions which is more recurrent in most sectors ofvthe economy. More often, Employers usued to throw in towel to workers demand to avoid or minimise loses. Despite that there are rules and regulations guiding engagements from both sides, these rules are hardly respected mostly by the Employers of labour. While Entrepreneur is in business to maximize gain, the Employees must satisfy all righteousness in terms of conditions attached to the work signed for. Also, while the main reward between both parties appears material reward in form of wages several other incentives can be underground from the former to the latter. Till date, casual work still persists in some of the sectors.
Islam places premium on working for material reward for a living and sustenance. Within the confine of employee-employer frame, lots of empathy, honesty, love, mutual respect, sincerity, trust and ability to mobilize in search of livelihood, addressing minds to accountability is important. This would enable both parties avoid oppression and disloyalty.
Allah (SWT) in the holy Qur'an says: "It is He Who has made the earth manageable for you, so traverse you through its tracts and enjoy of the sustenance which He furnishes, but unto Him is the resurrection."
Taking the above Ayah and its intricacies with other information in Islam into cognizance, prioritizing the 'work for a living syndrome' is very essential. This is against perpetually relying on others for sustenance like begging and religious dealership among others which brings a Believer to disrepute. The noble Messenger (SAW) was reported having said: "No one had ever eaten a food better than the proceed of his sweat. For Prophet Dawud (AS) was recognized for eating from the proceed of his handiwork." This provision is self-explanatory.
In the same token, against what transpire in most environments it was also reported that the holy Messenger (SAW) said: "Give a hired labour his wages before his sweat dries off." This provision rules out cheating and oppression of the less-privileged and employees. The Biblical account on this aspect state clearly that: 'Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight, (Leviticus 19:3). This boils down to the overall motive of social relationship which is honesty and sincerity. Mention must be made that there should be less pressure from Employer of labour or else he supports in reducing the burden, just as the Employee should be diligent and honest. This is the central theme of Hadith of the noble Messenger which says: 'Surely your brothers under your care, Allah put them for your trial. You should feed him out of your food and your drinks. On no account should you bother him than what he could handle and incase it happens, you should support him (to reduce the task on him).' This is an indication for most Bosses and Employers in the habit of using the hired labour to the extreme but sideline their own children. Experiences show that most maids or Employees under such conditions ofter emerge more better and successful in life eandeavours than the master children. A great instance is distressed statement saying: 'Suitors prefere our maids than our girl children.'
To this end, another Prophetic Hadith provides for balance and equity between both parties. It says 'لا ضرر ولا ضرار' meaning: 'Where there is no injury there is no requital'. Of course, contentment should be the watchword for both Employer and Employee. 'It is better to have a little honestly earned than to have a large income, dishonestly earned (Proverbs 16:8)'. Maximizing or magnifying profits in the hands of an Entrepreneur to the deride of due rights of Employees and others, signals being on the verge of destruction. Qur'an 83:1-6 captures this better.
In contra-distinction to this, the noble Messenger Muhammad (SAW) maintained that: 'لان ياتي احدكم حبله فياتي بحزمة الحطب على ظهره خير له من ان يسءل الناس اعطوه او منعوه meaning: 'For any of you to take his rope heading to the bush to fetch firewood carried on back is better for him than asking help from people whether they gave him or was denied.'
This Hadith bears relevance on revered dignity of labour. As opposed to loafing around unnecessarily or relying on collecting 'Tributes' from others in its ovation in this part of the clime, being laborious is respected in Islam.
From the above narratives some points must be factored if relationship between Employer and Employee must be cordial for the progress at both end. These include but not limited to: I. Dedicating one day for Labour celebration whereby workers conditions are reviewed for better appears a step in the right direction. II. Honesty required should cut across both parties of Employer and Employees. III. Also, honesty is complimentary to the immediate and remote success of both parties. IV. Dignity of labour removes shame of begging and disrespect and it must be embraced by all and sundry. V. Human circle waxes stronger with all hands being on deck as against being less productive. VI. Above all, bearing in mind that it is only Allah (SWT) that draws line between Employer of labour and the Employee and that it takes the glory of Allah to cross the barrier from poverty to affluence and becoming Employer is rather a privilege. VII. Finally, fear of Allah is more than required for both parties to tread cautiously for posterity sake.
Drawing the curtain here, another edition would bear on other topical issues in the next editions, In Sha'a Allah. Till then, thanks for your usual connection and remain exceedingly blessed.
DR. RAZAQ BOLAWAYE UTHMAN, IMAM & MISSIONER ANSAR-UD-DEEN SOCIETY OF NIGERIA IPAJA BRANCH LAGOS STATE NIGERIA. © 2025
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