The superior-subordinate relationship in business life does not give a specific rank to the humans before Allah the Exalted (swt). What makes a person worthy in the presence of Allah (swt) is nothing but his iman, worship, morals, and taqwa (piety). The Prophet Muhammad (saw) warns us, “Allah does not look at your outward appearance and your wealth but He looks only at your hearts and your deeds.” [１]
Dear Muslims!
The Messenger of Allah (saw) qualifies the relation between workers and employers, and supervisors and public servants as “brotherhood relation”. Love and respect, compassion and mercy, and solidarity and cooperation are essential elements in the relationship between brothers.
Employers who heed the warnings of the Messenger of Allah (saw) observe the rights of their employees. They provide them with a peaceful working environment. They offer them opportunities necessary for their needs such as worship and rest. They pay the amount they deserve on time. They do not task them with duties that they cannot perform. They do not endanger their health and life. They see their employees as a trust and act by knowing that they are accountable to Allah (swt) for them.
Honorable Believers!
Business life also lays some responsibilities on employees. Muslims work properly in accordance with the advice of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). They protect their workplace, its properties, and materials as their own goods. They do not utilize the facilities of the workplace to satisfy personal needs. They know that when they do not deliver an efficient and a high-quality job this will result in undeserved earning.
Dear Muslims!
The Almighty Allah (swt) states in the Holy Qur’an, “It was We who created man, and We know what dark suggestions his soul makes to him: for We are nearer to him than (his) jugular vein. Behold, two (guardian angels) appointed to learn (his doings) learn (and note them), one sitting on the right and one on the left.” [２]
In accordance with this warning of Allah (swt), we need the awareness of servitude in our business life as well as in every area of our lives. Let us all work to produce and earn in halal way. As handicraftsmen and craftsmen, let us not only teach the profession to our apprentices, journeymen, and masters. Let us teach them virtue, honesty, loyalty, and the value of elbow grease and halal earnings at the same time. Let us promote modesty and good morals. Thus, let us hand the business ethics based on Islamic brotherhood and prophetic wisdom down to our generations.
[１] Muslim, Birr, 34.
[２] Qaf, 50/16-17.
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FRIDAY KHUTBA OF TOKYO CAMİİ “THE BARAKAH OF BUSINESS LIFE: WORK ETHICS“.(PDF)