Honorable Muslims!
Our sublime religion Islam commands that we earn our income through halal and legitimate ways. It considers sacred any effort, work, or sweat expended in this manner. It forbids any affair or business in which Allah’s pleasure is not sought, the border between halal and haram is not adhered to, and falsehoods, deceptions, and injustices are committed.
Dear Believers!
As in every sphere of life, there is a code of ethics in business life as well. At the heart of Islamic commerce and business, ethics are righteousness and integrity, awareness of halal-haram, and respect for hard work and labor. It requires the protection of human dignity and public rights, and not endangering life safety.
What falls upon superiors and employers is to provide a peaceful workplace. They should pay in full the wage for the work done, in line with the commandment of the Messenger of Allah (saw),
أَعْطُوا الأَجِيرَ أَجْرَهُ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَجِفَّ عَرَقُهُ “Give the worker his wages before his sweat dries.”1
Dear Muslims!
Let us fully embrace the perspicuous religion of Islam’s life-giving principles in our work life. Let us do our jobs and trades with integrity, and put hard work in pursuit of halal earnings. Let us add barakah and peace to our life through our labor and halal gains. Let us not forget that those who observe the pleasure of Allah (SWT) and adhere to the commerce and business ethics will both ensure halal earning and be able to obtain the approval of our Lord (SWT).
I would like to conclude this Friday’s khutbah with the meaning of the verse I have recited at the beginning: “And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives. And that his effort is going to be seen. Then he will be recompensed for it with the fullest recompense.”2
[1] Ibn Majah, Ruhun, 4.
[2] Najm, 53/39-41.
FRIDAY KHUTBA OF TOKYO CAMII “BUSINESS ETHICS”(PDF)