SEMESTER PROJECT

[ISLAMIC STUDIES (HUM -112)]

[ASSIGNMENT 03]

Submitted By:

 Rida Masood (SP24-ELC-088)

 Ramaisa Farooq (SP24-ELC-087)
 Muhammad Shaheer Sohail (SP24-ELC-069)
 Ummais Khizar (SP24-ELC-108)
 Muhammad Shameer Lodhi (SP24-ELC-070)

Instructor: Mam Anam Sultana.

  Table of Contents

Abstract and Introduction ………………………………………….. Page03

Relation to main theme…………….…………………………….... Page 04

Findings and discussions …………………………………………… Page 04

Discrimination on the basis of caste/creed and color………………....page05

Discrimination the basis of gender and religion ……………………...Page06

Discrimination the basis of disability………………………………..Page 07

 Title: Workplace Discrimination and Employee Welfare.

Abstract: This project explores the current social dilemmas being faced at workplaces all
around the world and proposes its solution in the light of Islamic teachings. It explicitly
examines the complex problem of discrimination and its kinds. The findings and discussion
section highlights how biased behavior in terms of gender, region, religion, physical appearance,
and age, in any workplace, undermines both economic growth and social cohesion it also
examines the widespread impact of prejudice on people and communities around the world. Fair
treatment and inclusivity are salient features of Islam. Drawing references and examples from the
Quran and Hadith, this report provides us with some tactics to promote diversity and improve
work place wellbeing. The conclusion underscores the importance of aligning workplace ethics
with Islamic principles and the need for continuous evaluation and adaptation to ensure long-
term success in rectifying ethical challenges.

Introduction: “Discrimination is the unfair or prejudicial treatment of people and groups

based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or sexual orientation”

Modern societies worldwide are plagued by this insidious problem. Its origins are deeply
ingrained in human history. Discrimination erodes the core values of justice and equality and
tarnishes the fabric of workplaces through covert biases and overt actions of prejudice. The main
topic of “Current Ethical dilemmas at workplace and their Solutions in the Light of Islamic
Teachings" encompasses a broad range of ethical challenges faced in the workplace.
Discrimination, being a significant ethical dilemma, is directly related to this main topic. Islam
lays a strong focus on treating every person with dignity because Allah has made all people
worthy and dignified. This entails showing respect to coworkers and colleagues in the
workplace, irrespective of their status, race, and gender. Acknowledging their link to Allah,
people are prompted to protect the rights and respect of others, promoting an inclusive, diverse
and respectful community.
Islamic teachings uphold the dignity and honor of all individuals, in light of the horrible, tragic
and inhumane treatment of workers all around the globe, to all Muslim employers, Islam
demands that they treat their workers humanely and fairly, and provide them with a safe and
secure workplace. Discrimination among individuals violates the principles of respect, fairness
and dignity that are crucial in a professional setting. We can investigate the ethical dimensions of
this problem and look for advice from Islamic principles, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad,
the Quran, and the Hadith by looking at workplace discrimination and employee welfare through
the prism of Islamic teachings.

The Quran and Hadith contain teachings that specifically address the importance of employee
welfare while denouncing discrimination or mistreatment of any form. As The Qur'an says:

The messenger of Allah, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was also a fervent supporter of equality,
justice, and fairness for all. Abu Nadrah reported: The Messenger of Allah(‫ )ﷺ‬said:

“O people, your Lord is one and your father Adam is one. There is no favor of an Arab over a
foreigner, nor a foreigner over an Arab, and neither white skin over black skin nor black skin
over white skin, except by righteousness. Have I not delivered the message?” They said, “The
Messenger of Allah has delivered the message” (Musnad Aḥmad: 23489; 22978)

Islamic teachings highlight the importance of showing fairness towards others, just as Allah
shows fairness and equality to His creation. This means, in the workplace maintaining an attitude
of fairness and justice is integral.

 How is this issue related to main theme?

Through connecting the subject of workplace discrimination and employee welfare to the
primary theme, this report seeks to offer perspectives and suggestions grounded in Islamic
teachings. Islamic beliefs can help create a more inclusive, courteous, diverse and moral
workplace by providing a distinctive viewpoint on handling workplace discrimination. The goal
is to create an atmosphere where workers feel equal, respected, safe, and are treated with dignity,
all of which contribute to a morally and positively charged work environment.
Findings and Discussion: The concept of fairness is woven into the very fabric of
Islam, the emphasis on fairness and respect for all humanity paints a clear picture of a just and
equitable workplace.
In a perfect world, employers would place the highest priority on credentials and talent. The
reality, however, frequently falls short, with prejudice continuing to exist on the basis of things
like gender, color, or religion. Islam has a distinctive viewpoint on this matter since it places a
strong emphasis on justice and fairness. We can investigate how Islamic values can be
implemented to establish a more ethical and equitable work environment that fosters respect for
all individuals, regardless of background, by studying the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH). Discrimination takes many forms, each targeting individuals based on
inherent characteristics

Types of Discrimination: Discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, ethnicity,

age, discrimination arising from disability discrimination resulting from differences in wealth
etc.
Some of these are explained below:

 CASTE/CREED:

Excluding or preferring workers or applicants on the basis of religion, caste, creed or nationality
is forbidden. Discrimination on the basis of refugee status is similarly prohibited. The
companions of the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬migrated several times in order to escape persecution, the
Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬also migrated to Medina in 622 AD. The Quran also supports migration to
protect one’s life and beliefs.
As Allah says in Quran:

“And those who believed afterwards, and left their homes (sacrificing) in the cause of
truth, and joined you in fighting (in defense against the aggressing enemies who initiated and
imposed war to jolt off the newly born system of social justice, peace and security), they are
(also) from amongst you. And (as for inheritance and affinity with blood relations) the relatives
have a higher claim on one another in the Book of Allah. Surely, Allah knows best everything”.
(08:75)

Foreign workers have the same rights as the local workers. This is evident in the Sunnah of the
Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬when he declared brotherhood among the migrants and locals and declared that
the rights of migrants and locals are the same. As Anas bin Malik (RA) reported that:

“The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬made a treaty (of brotherhood) between the Ansar and the
Quraish in my home.” (Sahih Bukhari: 6083)

 COLOR:
Quran forbids discrimination based on color, the following verse refers to the diversity of color
and language, implicitly prohibiting any discrimination on such grounds:
 “And of His signs (too) is the creation of the heavens and the earth and (also) the
diversity of your tongues and colors. Verily, in that are signs for the men of knowledge (and
research)” (30:22)
Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was also a really big advocate of treating everyone fairly
irrespective of their colors He said:

“O people, your Lord is one and your father Adam is one. There is no favor of an
Arab over a foreigner, nor a foreigner over an Arab, and neither white skin over black skin nor
black skin over white skin, except by righteousness. Have I not delivered the message?” They
said, “The Messenger of Allah has delivered the message” (Musnad Aḥmad: 23489; 22978)

This hadith implies that discrimination based on color in recruitment or workplace dealings is
not part of Islam. And that all workers must be treated fairly and respectfully.

 GENDER:
Discrimination on the basis of sex is highly discouraged in Islam. Women have the right to
choose a profession as female employment and labor force participation are not prohibited
anywhere in Islam the Quran prohibits discrimination in employment, allows for equal
remuneration for work of equal value for both, men and women, and refers to providing equal
opportunities for earning irrespective of gender, where women have access to similar jobs as
men. The Quran and Sunnah have not stopped women from being in employment. As Allah says
in Quran:

“Say:‘Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah that He has produced for His
servants and the good things from (His) provision?’ Say: ‘These are (permissible) for the
believers in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection, would be exclusively for them.’
This is how We make the messages clear for a people who understand”. (7:32)
The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬also said:

“Allah has prescribed certain obligations for you, so do not neglect them; He has
defined certain limits, so do not transgress them; He has prohibited certain things, so do not do
them; and He has kept silent concerning other things out of mercy for you and not because of
forgetfulness, so do not ask questions concerning them”. (Riyad as-Salihin: 1832; 40 Hadith
Nawawi: 30)

Similarly, if Allah and His Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬has not prohibited something (like working of
women), it is not banned today.

 RELIGION:
“O My servants who have believed! Surely, My earth is vast, so worship Me alone” (29:56)
This refers to workplace freedom for every worker to practice their religion without being
discriminated against. Moreover, while hiring workers, the only valid criterion is skill and
expertise, except in some instances, such as the teaching of religion in educational institutions. In
such a case, the faith of the worker can be used as an inherent requirement of the job.

One of the servants (mind it, not the slave) of the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬was a Jew boy. When he was
ill, the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬visited him.
As it is mentioned in Quran:
“And, (O Muslims,) do not abuse these (false gods) that these (polytheists) worship
besides Allah, lest these people should (also, in retaliation,) revile against Allah’s Glory
wrongfully due to ignorance. Thus, have We made the conduct of every sect (and faction) seem
attractive to (their own eyes, and they regard only that as truth). Then all have to return to their
Lord, and He will inform them of (the results of) their deeds which they used to do” (06:108)

In addition, the Quran mentions punishment for discrimination, based on religion, implying that
no worker should be prohibited from his/her religious obligations. Religious discrimination is not
permitted in the workplace.

Right to practice one’s religion in a workplace is protected and workers cannot be discriminated
against on the ground of their faith:

“They are those who were unjustly expelled from their homes simply because they said:
‘Our Lord is Allah.’ And had Allah not been repelling one (aggressive) class of human society by
the other (through defensive struggle), the cloisters (temples), synagogues, churches and
mosques (i.e., religious centres and places of worship of all religions) would have been ruined
where Allah’s Name is abundantly commemorated. And whoever helps (the Din [Religion] of)
Allah, Allah surely helps him. Allah is indeed All-Powerful, Ever-Dominant” (22:40)

We find in Seerah books that the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬allowed a delegation of Christians from
Najran to pray in the mosque, although the companions first tried to stop them.

 DISABILITY:
Islam treats all equally and does not allow discrimination on the basis of disability. The
Prophet’s (‫ )ﷺ‬behavior toward persons with disabilities must be followed as an example.
Abdullah ibn Umm Maktoum, a blind companion, was designated as the Leader of Madina
when the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬went away on military expeditions
Abdullah bin Umar (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (‫ )ﷺ‬had two Mu’adhdhins,
Bilal and ‘Abdullah b. Umm Maktum, who (latter) was blind. (Sahih Muslim: 380 a) Anas
(RA) narrated that:
“The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬appointed Ibn Umm Makthum as a governor of Medina (in his
absence) twice.”(Sunan Abi Dawud: 2931)
Anas (RA) further said that
“The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬appointed Ibn Umm Maktum as substitute to lead the people in
prayer in the Prophet’s (‫ )ﷺ‬absence, and he was blind” (Sunan Abi Dawud: 595)
The Quran refers to the speech disability of Musa (AS) in the following words:
“And my breast constricts (under such adverse circumstances) and my tongue does not
express (fluently), so send (Gabriel with revelation) to Harun ([Aaron] as well so that he
becomes my helper)”

Not only does Islamic prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability, but it also requires the
provision of reasonable accommodation in the working environment for persons with disabilities.

 Employee Welfare:
It is important to consider the limitations and stresses of workers and to not overburden them
with responsibilities, nor deal with them dishonestly, as it is prohibited in Islam.

The Quran says in Surah al-Mutaffifin:

“Woe to those who deal in fraud, those who, when they have to receive by measure from
men, exact full measure, but when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less
than due" (83: 1-4).

This has been further encouraged In Surah Al-Anaam, verse 152:

“You should use a full measure and a just balance. We charge one only with that much
responsibility that one can bear.”

We can infer from these verses how much unjust acts related to work and payment to
workers is frowned upon in Islan, making it Fard (obligatory) to treat employees fairly.

Furthermore, The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬has given emphasis to giving timely wages to employees
and treating them with respect, kindness, and as if they were of one kin in multiple Ahadis,
particularly in Fayd al-Qadir in Ibn-Majah:

“Give the worker his wages before his sweat dries"

As well as in Sahih al-Bukhari 2545| Book 49, Hadith 28, it says:

"Your employees are your brothers. Allah (‫ )ﷺ‬has placed them under your authority, so
whoever has a brother under dress him what his authority should feed him what he eats and
he wears. Do not burden them with work they cannot bear, and if you burden them, then help
them".

Taking the Hadis from Ibn-Majah, Fayd al-Qadir, metaphorically and applying it to a modern
workplace, like an office, we can assume The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬most likely meant to say to give
the workers their wages exactly after their work for the time has ended, so if an employee is
asked to work for four weeks, they must be paid their due amount immediately on the last day of
the fourth week. This would make it an “Ihsan”, or a display of excellence in religion.

Adding on, the Hadis in Sahih Bukhari 2545 can be considered to be telling the employer as to
how he should act and treat his employees, emulating each other’s manners in a way that one
may mistake the employer as one of the employees. Secondly, it tells to not over burden them,
and if the work is indeed much to bear for one person but it must be done, then assist the worker.
This can be carried out in modern day via helping a worker during their overtime, or at the very
least, paying them what’s due an hourly rate for their overtime.

Solutions and Recommendations: To address workplace discrimination and

enhance employee welfare in line with Islamic teachings, several solutions and recommendations
can be implemented:

 Implement educational programs: Offer workshops, seminars and ongoing discussions to

educate employees on Islamic principles of fairness, equality, and respect for diversity.
 Establish clear anti-discrimination policies: Set up explicit policies and procedures that
prohibit discrimination based on gender, race, religion, or disability.
 Ensure fair compensation and timely payment: Follow the teachings of Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) by providing fair wages and paying employees on time, aligning
with Islamic Principles.
 Foster inclusive and respectful workplace culture: Create an environment where everyone
feels valued, respected, and supported in their work, reflecting the timeless wisdom of
Islamic beliefs.