Online Desk: Sovereignty and ownership of wealth belongs to Allah. Humans are only custodians of these resources. In Islamic ideals, owners and workers are all brothers. Their mutual relationship is filled with respect, affection, cordiality and loyalty. It is the principle of Islam that both the worker and the owner play a responsible role in fulfilling their respective duties.
Islam has ordered the workers to be fair and responsible just as the owner should be compassionate towards the workers. The following are the seven characteristics of an ideal worker in the eyes of Islam:
Protection of office assets- The assets of the state, institution or office are entrusted to the employees. It is the responsibility of the staff to protect these resources. Because he will have to answer for these assets in the hereafter. Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said, all of you are responsible. Each will be asked for his subject. (Sahih Bukhari: 5188)
Protecting privacy- The success and failure of every organization depends on some of its own policies and strategies. Islam instructed the workers to keep these strategies and policies secret for the sake of the organization. Especially when it involves the security of society and the state. Will not divulge secrets except for absolute integrity and overall welfare.
Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said, if a person looks around after speaking, his words will be considered as a deposit (for the listener). (Sunan Tirmidhi: 1959)
Be kind to colleagues – Islam also considers it a charity to speak with a smile to maintain good relations. So at workplace everyone should talk to everyone with a smiling face, this is the policy of Islam. On the authority of Abu Zar (RA), Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) said, It is a charity for you to appear before your brother with a smiling face. (Sunan Tirmidhi: 1956)
Regard the responsibility as a trust – In the eyes of Islamic Shari’ah, the responsibility entrusted to the appointed person is a sacred trust for him. According to the contract, the person is obliged to perform the duty that is permitted by the Shari’ah and it is the religious duty of the believer.
The guidance of Islam is that the believer of Allah should regard the duty as a trust and preserve it. Allah says, surely the best as your laborer is the strong, faithful. (Surah Qasas: 26)
Balancing Relationships- An important issue in the workplace is maintaining relationship balance. Narrated by Abu Huraira (R.A.), Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.) said, Do not show excess of love to your friend. Maybe one day he will be your enemy. Do not show extreme hostility even with your enemy. Maybe he will be your friend one day. (Sunan Tirmidhi: 1997)
Purity of intention – Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said, surely the reward of deeds depends on the intention. (Sahih Bukhari: 1) He also said, surely Allah does not look at your bodies and your shape, rather He looks at your hearts and deeds. (Bukhari: 5114) So the believer will have pure intentions in every act he does. Only then can he expect recompense in the Hereafter.
Acting fully – When a believer undertakes a duty, he does it with full care and attention. In no way can negligence or work be left incomplete. Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said, Allah likes that when one of you does something he does it properly. (Sahihul Jame: 1880)
May Almighty Allah grant the owners and workers to be aware of their duties by creating a beautiful workplace by properly fulfilling their responsibilities. Amen.
