6. Rights to the Laborers

Islam has defined a set of rules and regulations on labor and the labor force. An employer, according to Islamic teachings, must establish kind relationships with his employees and labor work force. Such a relationship must be based on equality, goodwill and brotherhood of Islam. This is based on the Hadith of Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):“ Your workers are your brethren. The Almighty Allah placed them under you [for your services]. Whosoever has one [of his brethren] under him [working for him] must feed him of what he eats, clothe him of what he clothes himself and do not assign them to do what they cannot do. If you do, then help them”[70].

Furthermore, Islam upholds the honor and the dignity of the workers. Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said:“ The best [or most pure] of income is that which results from honest [and sincere] labor”[71].

Moreover, Islam requires an employer to declare the wages to the worker before the worker embarks on the required work [72].

Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has assured the rights of the worker and his wages he is going to receive. Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said:“ I am the adversary of three [types of] people on the Day of Judgement. …and a man who employs a worker but does not pay him his [full] wages” [73].

In fact, Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has instructed employers to pay the wages of his worker before his sweat dries out [74]. Moreover, Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) orders employers not to assign their workers what they are unable to do. If they do assign them, however, they should either help them physically, or support them financially, with over time, per se.
7. Rights to the Employers

Islam equally requires workers to maintain good relation with their employer. Islam requires workers to fulfil their duties towards their employer to the best of their abilities and talents. Workers must not neglect, or harm, their employer or his work in any way. Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said:“ the Almighty Allah likes a worker to be perfect in his work”[75].
8. Rights towards Other Creatures

All pet animals kept must be well fed, decently cared for and kindly treated. Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said:“ A woman was made to enter the fire of Hell because of a cat. She locked the cat until the cat died. The woman did not feed the cat, or offered it water to drink and neither permitted her to roam around eating what it can find”[76].

All animals must be well treated according to Islamic teachings. Load-carrying animals must not be over-loaded in such a manner that they cannot bear the load. Animals must not be tortured, hurt or beaten for any reason. Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said:“ the Almighty Allah curses a person who burns an animal for marking”[77].

Islam prohibits people to set an animal a live target, causing the poor and innocent animal to be tortured. It is reported that Ibn Omar (may Allah be pleased with him) passed by a group of the Korishites young-men who set a bird as an aiming target. Ibn Omar (may Allah be pleased with him) asked about the person who did so. Then commented, 'May Allah curse the person who set this bird as an aiming target.' In that, Ibn Omar (may Allah be pleased with him) referred to the Hadith of Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):“ May Allah curse a person who sets a living being as an aiming target”[78]. Islam condemns people who mutilate animals after killing them [for no justifiable reason] [79].

Islam also forbids frightening animals or harming them. This is based on the Hadith reported by Ibn Masoud (may Allah be pleased with him), 'We were in a group in the company of Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) went away to answer the call of nature. While he was away, we noticed a female bird, along with two little birds of hers. We took the two little birds. The mother bird hovered over Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). When Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)returned back, he noticed what we had done. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) asked:“ Who was the one who abducted the two little birds of this mother bird causing her to be sad and mournful? Return the two little birds to their mother”[80].

Islam, furthermore, commands to ease the slaughtering of a live animal, which is slaughtered for eating. In fact, Islamic teachings prevent a Muslim slaughterer to sharpen his knife before the sight of the animal to be slaughtered, or while other animals are watching. Furthermore, animals, which are to be killed, must not be broken by the neck or even skinned before they die completely. However, Islam dictates that some harmful animals and/or insects are to be killed. This is so because the human being comes in the first place among all other creatures. Man's life in the Sight of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala)is sacred and significant. Man is the most honorable creation in the Sight of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala). Therefore, if the animals' rights are important in the Sight of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala), the rights of the human being in His Sight are more important. As pointed out earlier, man is the crown of the creation. The Almighty Allah states in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura Isra (The Night Journey) 17:70 the meaning of which is translated as:“ We have honored the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favors, above a great part of Our Creation”.

Islam, in fact, emphasizes merciful treatment to animals. In fact, Islam regards kind treatment to animals and other helpless creatures as one of the cause expiating sins and be admitted to the Almighty's Jannah, Paradise. Furthermore, Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said:“ While a man[81] was on his way [crossing a desert] he suffered a tremendous thirst. In search for water, he found a well. He climbed down the well [with difficulty], drank his fill and came out. At the top of the well, the man noticed a stray dog, which was licking the dirt out of severe thirst. The man thought to himself: I believe this dog is suffering the same thirst I suffered [if not more]. Not finding any utensil to fill water with for the crying thirsty dog, the man took off his shoe, climbed down the well again, filled his shoe with water, holding the shoe by his teeth, the man climbed up the well again. At the top of the well, the man offered the thirsty dog whatever water he could gather in his shoe. The Almighty Allah, looking down with Mercy at this man and what he did for the stray thirsty dog, He appreciated what the man had done of a good action and pardoned his sins. The Companions who were present with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) inquired, Oh Messenger of Allah! Are we rewarded for what we do for animals? He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied: Yes, indeed. There is a reward for [any good action] you do [to help] a living and breathing animal”[82].

As for plants and trees, Islam permits to benefit from the fruit of trees. However, Islam forbids cutting a tree, pulling it or even breaking their branches for no sound reason. If there is no need to cut off a tree, one should not cut it. On the contrary, Islam commands preserving trees, particularly in any reproduction process or activities and help increase growing more trees. This is based on the Hadith reported by Imam Ahmad that Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:“ If the Hour [the Day of Judgement] took place [and you recognize the Event], while a man is holding a palm-tree seedling [to plant in the dirt], let him, if he can, plant it [in the soil] before leaving this life”[83].

Moreover, Islam considers the act of planting useful plants and beneficial trees as one of the good deeds for which a man is blessed and rewarded for. This is based on the Hadith reported of Allah's Messenger(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):“ Never a Muslim plants a tree [or a plant] of which birds, human beings or even animals eat of, but a reward [good deed] is recorded [or given] to the planting person”[84].

Islam, furthermore, regulates certain rights, even for roadside and public passages. Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said:“ Avoid [at any cost] sitting on roadsides [or sidewalks]”. The Companions, who were present at the time, commented, 'Oh Messenger of Allah! Roadsides [sidewalks] are outlets for us where we can sit, enjoy and talk. We cannot avoid them. Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) upon hearing this comment replied:“ If you cannot avoid sitting on sidewalks, then, you must offer the sidewalks their due rights”. The Companions then inquired, 'Oh Messenger of Allah! What are the rights of the sidewalks?' Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied:“ You must lower your gaze [when a female crosses or passes by], you should avoid causing any harm to any one, you should return the greetings [if a passer-by greets you], you should enjoin good and forbid evil”[85].

In addition, Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said:“ Removing any harmful items of the road is a charitable act [which is rewarded and cherished by Allah]”[86].

Besides, Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have instructed:“ Avoid the two curse causing items. [acts, when done, cause a curse to be offered against the doer]”. The Companions, who were present at the time, inquired, 'Oh Messenger of Allah! What are these curse causing items?'Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied:“ These are, the person who answers the call of nature on the public passages [or pedestrians], and the person who answers the call of nature [urinates or relieves oneself] in shady places where people seek rest [and enjoyment]”[87].

However, if these rules or rights were not enforced, they would have remained ideals and dreams only in the minds of people. If there is no authority to enforce, they will remain only utopian ideals. Some persons are inclined to non-compliance of such commands. They need an authority to exert power. It is reported that Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:“ You should stop an ignorant person from doing evil. You should force such an ignorant person to enjoin good, or else, Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) shall soon expedite a speedy punishment against you”. The Almighty Allah therefore, in order to preserve and maintain such human rights in the Islamic society, has revealed unto His Messenger pertinent commandments. Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) commands not to exceed these limits. Furthermore, Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) set punishments and laws, which are known as Hudood (prescribed punishments) or capital punishment, or even impose a specific punishment in the Hereafter [in the next world] in terms of a severe torture in the Hellfire.

We will list below only a few of the commandments of "Do's" and "Don't" that Islam established:

Islam bans killing or murdering any human being. Islam categorizes such an act as 'one of the major sins in Islam'. This is based on the verse in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura Isra (The Night Journey) 17:33 the meaning of which is translated as:“ Nor take life, -which Allah has made sacred-, except for just cause. And, if anyone is slain wrongfully, We have given his heir authority (to demand Qisas or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the law)”.

Islam prohibits any acts of aggression against the honor, the dignity and the privacy of people. In fact, such acts of aggression are also known as major sins in Islam. The Almighty Allah states in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura Isra (The Night Journey) 17:32 the meaning of which is translated as:“ Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is a shameful (deed) and an evil, opening the road (to other evils)”.

Islam, further, bans all types of actions that are categorized as shameful acts, or a mean to promote indecencies in a society. Therefore, all acts that lead to such indecent acts are also banned according to Islam. The Almighty Allah states in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura An'am (The Cattle) 6:151 the meaning of which is translated as:“ Say: Come, I will rehearse what Allah has (really) prohibited you from: join not anything as equal with Him; be good to your parents; kill not your children on a plea of want -We provide sustenance for you and for them- come not nigh to shameful deeds, whether open or secret; take not life, which Allah has made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus does He command you, that you may learn wisdom”.

Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala)prohibits all types of aggression against the wealth and properties of others. Therefore, all forms of theft and cheating or else are banned in Islam. This is based on the Hadith of Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):“ Whosoever, cheats us is not one of us”[88].

Usury is also banned in Islam. The Almighty Allah states in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura Baqarah (The Cow) 2:275 the meaning of which is translated as:“ That is because they say: Trade is like usury, but Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury”.

Furthermore, Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) forbids all kinds of deception and betrayals. The Almighty Allah states in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura Anfal (War Booties) 7:27 the meaning of which is translated as:“ Oh you that believe! Betray not the trust of Allah and the Messenger, nor misappropriate knowingly things entrusted to you”.

Additionally, Islam controls monopoly. This is based on the Hadith of Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):“ None monopolizes but a wrong doer”[89].

Islam, further, bans all types of bribery and kickbacks. This is based on the Hadith of Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):“ May Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) curse both the payer of bribe and receiver its” [90].

Similar prohibitions are imposed on the devious and illegal means through which money is taken. The Almighty Allah states in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura al-Baqarah (The Cow) 2:188 the meaning of which is translated as:“ And do not eat up your property among yourselves for vanities, nor use it as bait for the judges, with intent that you may eat up wrongfully and knowingly a little of (other) people's property”.

Islam, further, condemns the abuse of power, position and authority to obtain personal gains. In fact, Islam empowers the ruler to reclaim all assets taken through abusive means and deposited to the Islamic treasury. This is based on the Hadith of Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):“ Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told a man called Ibn-ul-Lutbiyyah, who was assigned as Zakah collector, when the collector divided the Zakah income into two sections, one for the Islamic treasury and the other [claimed] for him as gifts and presents, which were offered and given to him [the collector]. Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) became very upset upon hearing this from the collector. Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stood up on the pulpit and praised the Almighty Allah [in a due form], then said, 'I assign some of you to perform duties that Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) entrusted me with. Then, the assignee comes back saying, This [section] is yours and this section [of the Zakah collected] was given as a gift to me. Why not such a person [Zakah collector] sits in his father's or mother's home and [wait and] see if people will offer him any gift or presents? By Allah! In Whose Hand my soul is, if a person [the Zakah collector] gets any item of the collected Zakah will bring it, on his neck [and shoulders] on the Day of Judgement”[91].

Islam prohibits all forms of intoxicants that affect the minds or brains of users. This is based on the verse in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura al-Maidah (The Table) 5:90 the meaning of which is translated as:“ Oh you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination of Satan's handiwork: eschew such (abomination), that you may prosper”.

Islam further prohibits all types of injuries to any person or animal such as beating and other vices such as backbiting, tattle-telling, false testimony, etc. This is based on the verse in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura al-Ahzab (The Confederates) 33:58 the meaning of which is translated as:“ And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly, bear (on themselves) a calumny and a glaring sin”.

In addition, Islam upholds the dignity and honor of others. As such, it despises slandering them. The Almighty Allah states in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura Hujurat (The Chambers) 48:12 the meaning of which is translated as:“ Oh you who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: and spy not on each other , nor speak ill of each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, you would abhor it. However, fear Allah: for Allah is Oft-Returning, Most-Merciful”.

In addition, the Almighty Allah states in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura al-Noor (The Light) 24:27-28 the meaning of which is translated as:“ If you find none in the house, enter not until permission is given to you: if you are asked to go back, go back: that makes for greater purity for yourselves: and Allah knows well all that you do”.

Further, Islam prohibits all kinds of injustice done towards or against one's own soul. This is based on the verse in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura al-Nahl (The Bees), 16:90-91 the meaning of which is translated as:“ Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that you may receive admonition. Fulfil the Covenant of Allah when you have entered it, and break not your oaths after you have confirmed them: indeed, you have made Allah your surety; for Allah knows all that you do”.

In addition, in a Hadith Qudsi (Divine), Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala)says:“ Oh My slave servants! I have banned injustice for Myself. I have declared injustice unlawful among you [people]. Therefore, do not do [or cause] any act of injustice to one another”[92].

In fact, Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala)disapproves injustice done even to those who differ with Muslims in faith and religion. Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) has demanded Muslims to be kind and fair to non-Muslim residents in an Islamic society. The Almighty Allah states in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura al-Momtahanah 60:8 the meaning of which is translated as:“ Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loves those who are just”.

Islam forbids challenging the beliefs of non-Muslims, as this provokes other party to exchange reciprocal challenges. Consequently, this will produce animosity, hatred and dislike between them. This is based on the verse in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura al-An'am (The Cattle) 6:108 the meaning of which is translated as:“ Revile not you those whom they call upon besides Allah, lest they out of spite revile Allah in their ignorance”.

Instead, Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala)instructed Muslims to use a fair and well-matured dialogue with such people. This is based on the verse in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura al-Imran, 3:64 the meaning of which is translated as:“ Say: Oh People of the Book! Come to common terms as between us and you: that we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah. If then they turn back, say you: Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah's Will)”.

Islam, further, bans all type of social, political and moral corruption and mischief. This is based on the verse in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura al-A'raf (The Heights) 7:56 the meaning of which is translated as:“ Do no mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing (in your hearts): for the Mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good”.

Islam, also, disapproves the conversion of non-Muslims to Islam by force. The Almighty Allah states in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura Yunus, 10:99 the meaning of which is translated as:“ If it had been thy Lord's Will, they would all have believed, all who are on earth! Will you then compel mankind, against their will, to believe!”.

Of course, this does not mean that Muslims should not call others to join the Islamic monotheistic faith by delivering the Message of Allah to people. Nevertheless, Muslims call to Islam in a wise, kind and good manner in order to introduce Islam to people. Islam, in reality, has an international mission and it is neither regional nor ethnical call. Thus, Muslims are obliged to deliver the Message of monotheistic Islam to all people who are not Muslims, but never to compel them by force to join Islam. The real guidance is in the Hands of Allah I alone and not in the hands of people.

Islam commands people to run their government with consultation. In fact, consultation is one of the essential principles of Islam. Of course, the principle of consultation is operative in situations, which are characterized with the extinction of legal external sources, Qur'ân and Sunnah. This principle is established, Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) knows best, in order to let people feel and enjoy their legitimate and legal rights in the Islamic society. The Almighty Allah states in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura al-Shura (The Consultation) 42:38 the meaning of which is translated as:“ Who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation”.

In fact, Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala)emphasizes the importance of the application of the consultation principle in the Islamic society in order that it would become a model way of life. The Almighty Allah states in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura al-Imran, 3:159 the meaning of which is translated as:“ It is a part of the Mercy of Allah that you deal gently with them. Were you severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you: so pass over (their faults), and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)”.

Islam commands that all relative rights be given to their deserving people. Islam also calls for full justice among people. The Almighty Allah states in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura al-Nisa (The Women) 4:58 the meaning of which is translated as:“ Allah does command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due; and when you judge between man and man, that you judge with justice: verily how excellent is the teaching which He gives you! For Allah is He Who hears and sees all things”.

Islam commands people to assist an oppressed even with the use of force. This is based on the verse in the Glorious Qur'ân Sura al-Nisa (The Women) 4:75 the meaning of which is translated as:“ And why should you not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)? Men, women, and children, whose cry is: Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help!”.

In view of the fact that there are certain categories of people, as pointed out earlier, who will never be good without applying force against them, Islam establishes an executive system or authority. Such a system will assure that all individuals are enjoying their relative rights in the Islamic society. Moreover, this system will monitor and govern the execution of such rights and prevent any aggression in the Islamic society. Furthermore, this system has the right to apply appropriate punishment against aggressors and the violators of the laws in the Islamic society. The following chapters is a summary of the various Islamic systems, which are the components of overall executive system.