دورِ حاضر میں گھریلو ملازمین کی ملازمت اور اجرت کے شرعی و قانونی اصول

THE SHARIAH AND LEGAL PRINCIPLES OF EMPLOYMENT AND WAGES FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS IN THE CONTEMPORARY ERA

Abstract

The issue of employment and wages for domestic workers has gained increasing relevance in contemporary societies due to their integral role in meeting household needs and facilitating daily life. Domestic workers form a significant segment of the informal labor sector, yet they are often vulnerable to exploitation, underpayment, and lack of legal protection. In this context, both Islamic jurisprudence and modern legal frameworks provide guiding principles to ensure justice, dignity, and fair treatment for this class of workers.From an Islamic perspective, labor relations are deeply rooted in justice, compassion, and the fulfillment of contractual obligations. The Qur’an emphasizes fairness in dealings and adherence to commitments, while the Prophetic tradition stresses timely and complete payment of wages. For example, the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), “Pay the worker his wage before his sweat dries,” underlines the immediacy and moral responsibility attached to wage payment. These teachings highlight that domestic workers, like all other laborers, deserve transparent agreements, humane treatment, and just remuneration without delay or exploitation.

On the legal front, contemporary states have introduced various labor laws and protective measures specifically addressing the rights of domestic workers. In Pakistan, provincial governments have enacted regulations to secure minimum wages, define working hours, establish provisions for rest and leave, and provide social security. These initiatives aim to institutionalize justice in line with international labor standards and to protect one of the most vulnerable categories of workers in society.Therefore, the discourse on domestic workers’ employment and wages is not confined to economics alone but extends to moral, religious, and legal obligations. The convergence of Shariah principles and statutory laws offers a holistic framework for safeguarding the rights of domestic workers, ensuring that justice and dignity prevail in both private households and broader society.