On the occasion of 1 May Labour and Solidarity Day, Islamic scholar and ITTIHADUL ULEMA member Mullah Mehmet Ali Altun delivered a deeply resonant message on the central role of labour, dignity, and justice in Islam’s teachings.

Altun emphasized that Islam places a moral and spiritual imperative on fostering fair labour practices, framing the employer-employee relationship as a sacred bond of mutual trust and accountability rooted in divine principles.

“In our noble religion, Islam, labour transcends mere economic necessity—it is an act imbued with profound spiritual value,” Altun declared. He described the effort, sweat, and toil of workers as sacred, underscoring that honest work and halal earnings are among the most honorable forms of sustenance in Islam. “The sweat of the brow is not just a sign of effort; it is a testament to human dignity and a means of drawing closer to Allah through righteous endeavor,” he added, invoking the spiritual dimension of work as a form of worship when performed with sincerity.

Altun drew on Islamic texts to illustrate that labour is not a secondary aspect of life but a central pillar of faith. He referenced Quranic verses and hadiths that elevate the status of workers, such as the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) saying, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.” This principle, Altun explained, extends to ensuring that workers are treated with fairness and respect, as their contributions sustain families, communities, and societies.

“The foundations of Islamic trade and labour ethics are built on truthfulness, honesty, sensitivity to halal and haram, and an unwavering respect for human dignity,” he said. He stressed that all economic transactions and workplace relationships must be oriented toward earning Allah’s pleasure, ensuring justice for all parties involved—workers, employers, and consumers alike.

“Employers must never view their workers as mere tools for profit,” Altun cautioned. “They are fellow humans entrusted to their care by Allah, with rights protected by divine decree.” He urged employers to foster environments of trust, where workers are valued not only for their output but for their inherent worth as creations of Allah. In return, he called on employees to approach their roles with dedication, treating workplace resources—tools, materials, and time—as a sacred trust (amanah) to be handled with care, as if they were their own.

Quoting the Prophet Muhammad’s timeless directive, “Pay the worker his wage before his sweat dries,” Altun issued a stern reminder to employers of their religious obligations. He described delayed or withheld wages as not only economic injustices but also profound moral and spiritual transgressions. “To withhold a worker’s rightful earnings is to betray a trust from Allah and to risk divine displeasure,” he warned, citing Islamic teachings that emphasize prompt payment as a cornerstone of justice.

Beyond wages, Altun called on employers to create workplaces that reflect Islamic values. This includes ensuring occupational safety, providing adequate breaks for rest and worship, and fostering a culture of respect and compassion. “A Muslim employer should see their workers as brothers and sisters in faith, entrusted to them by Allah,” he said. “Their duty is to safeguard their employees’ physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, not merely to extract labour for profit.”

Altun also addressed modern workplace challenges, such as long hours, hazardous conditions, and lack of job security, which he said are incompatible with Islamic principles. “A workplace that disregards the health or dignity of its workers cannot claim to be aligned with Islam,” he asserted, urging employers to invest in safety measures and fair policies as acts of obedience to Allah.

Altun equally emphasized the responsibilities of workers, calling on them to embody sincerity and integrity in their roles. “Just as employers have duties, so do workers,” he said. “Employees must approach their tasks with diligence, treat their employer’s property with care, and avoid negligence or dishonesty.” He described workplaces as spaces of mutual accountability, where both parties are answerable to Allah for their conduct.

He encouraged workers to view their labour as an opportunity to earn halal sustenance and to contribute to their communities. “Every task, no matter how small, when done with the intention of pleasing Allah, becomes an act of worship,” Altun said, inspiring workers to find purpose and dignity in their daily efforts.

Altun highlighted the broader societal benefits of adhering to Islamic labour principles. “When employers and workers act with sincerity, justice, and devotion to Allah, their earnings are blessed, their homes find peace, and their communities thrive,” he said. He argued that workplaces grounded in Islamic ethics foster mutual respect, reduce conflict, and promote spiritual fulfillment, creating a ripple effect of harmony across society.

Conversely, he warned that neglecting these principles—through exploitation, unjust wages, or disregard for workers’ rights—leads to social corruption, resentment, and moral decay. “Unjust profit, deception, and negligence are not only forbidden in Islam; they are poison to the soul of a Muslim society,” Altun stated. He pointed to the erosion of trust and the rise of inequality as consequences of abandoning Islamic ethics in economic life.

Addressing the diverse roles within society, Altun called for a universal commitment to Islamic work ethics. “Some of us are workers, others employers; some are farmers, merchants, or artisans. Regardless of our profession, we must cling to the principles of Islam in our work,” he said. He urged all Muslims to pursue halal livelihoods, ensure their income is lawful, and approach their roles with justice and sincerity.

Altun redefined success in professional life, emphasizing that it is not measured solely by wealth or status but by the integrity of one’s efforts. “It is not enough to earn a living—we must deserve what we earn through our intentions, our hard work, and our fairness,” he said. He encouraged Muslims to on their daily work as a means of serving Allah and benefiting humanity.

In his concluding remarks, Altun framed the employer-worker relationship as a sacred dialogue rooted in the pursuit of Allah’s pleasure. “Employers must avoid arrogance or ingratitude and treat their workers with humility and brotherhood,” he advised. “Likewise, workers must safeguard their employer’s resources as a trust and perform their duties with excellence.”

“When both sides honor the limits set by Allah, they will find tranquility in this world and blessings in the hereafter,” Altun said. He suggested that such conduct could serve as an expiation for sins and a source of unforeseen rewards, both material and spiritual.

Altun’s address comes at a critical moment, as labour rights face growing challenges worldwide. Issues such as wage theft, unsafe working conditions, precarious employment, and modern forms of exploitation have sparked discontent among workers globally. In this context, Altun’s message serves as both a reminder of Islam’s timeless guidance and a call to action for Muslim employers and workers to embody divine justice in their professional lives.

He also addressed regional concerns, noting that economic pressures in Türkiye and the broader Muslim world have heightened the need for ethical labour practices. “In times of hardship, the temptation to cut corners or exploit others grows stronger, but this is precisely when we must hold fast to our faith,” he said, urging resilience in upholding Islamic values.

Altun’s vision extends beyond individual workplaces to the transformation of society as a whole. By rooting economic life in Islamic ethics, he envisions a world where wealth is earned honorably, the vulnerable are protected, and peace prevails in both business and community life. “Only by respecting the sweat of the brow, as our Prophet commanded, can we build a society that reflects the justice and mercy of Allah,” he concluded. (ILKHA)