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 the business life as well. At the heart of Islamic commerce and business ethics are righteousness and integrity, awareness of halal-haram, and respect to hard work and labor. It requires protection of human dignity and public rights, and not endangering life safety.
Dear Muslims!
Some of us are workers, some are employers, others are farmers, and some are merchants; we all have an impact on each other's lives with the efforts and sacrifices we make. We are all obligated to equip ourselves with Islam's commerce and business ethics, irrespective of the nature of the work we do. 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] They should establish a brotherly, merciful, warm and sincere relationship with their employees. They should offer them opportunities necessary for their needs such as worship and rest. They should protect the health and life of their employees, and take all precautions concerning occupational safety.
Dear Believers!
Commerce and business life lay certain responsibilities on employees and subordinates, too. Employees and subordinates should work properly and do their job well in accordance with the advice of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). They should work efficiently and provide high-quality work. They should protect their workplace, tools, and equipment as they would their own property, and obey all occupational safety regulations. They should not endanger their own lives or the lives of their coworkers.
Dear Muslims!
Let us fully embrace 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 earning. 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]
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[1] Ibn Majah, Ruhun, 4.
[2] Najm, 53/39-41.
General Directorate of Religious Services