Improve Productivity

Islam does not condone laziness.

As Muslims we should strive hard and work generously and patiently (especially in things that affect our religion) in our places of work. By so doing, we will surely improve productivity by Allah’s will, wherever we may be. Every penny earned will surely be questioned by Allah (S.W.T) hence we should justify it by working diligently. Allah says:

“Woe to Al-mutaffifun (those who give less in measure and weight).” Ch83 V1

In Suratul Isra’i, Allah says:

“And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight. That is good (advantageous) and better in the end.” Ch17 V35

Similarly in Suratul Hud, Prophet Shuaib (A.S) admonishes the people of Madyan (Midian):

“And O my people! Give full measure and weight in justice and reduce not the things that are due to people, and do not commit mischief in the land, cause corruption.” Ch11 V85

From the verses above we see that Allah prohibits decreasing the rights of others. A salesman that uses a scale or a balance or any other means of measurement should do it correctly. This applies to any other worker whether a laborer, a government or private office worker, a driver, a tailor, an engineer, etc. If one does complete his shift at work he has indeed decreased the right of his employer hence he should not earn his complete pay/salary because it is supposed to be the pay for the fixed number of hours or days. Islam does not want any party to be cheated i.e. the employer or the employee. Just as the employee will not want his right to be infringed, the same should apply to the employer regardless of who the employer is, in as far as the terms and conditions of the job has been signed. To say that this is marvelous is indeed an understatement. Allah does not like the slightest injustice.

Another issue is sitting idle at work. Some people go to work and close at the required time but they end up gossiping the whole time. If one was to ask them what they benefit from such talks, you would hardly get an answer. Those who sit doing nothing are usually the same people who spend their time spreading rumours and falsehood. Even when there is no work at the work place we can discuss important issues and do more beneficial things to our work places and our lives. Backbiting itself is a great offence in Islam. Let us see what Allah says regarding backbiting in the Holy Qur’an:

“Woe to every slanderer and backbiter.” Ch104 V1

In Suratul Hujurat, Allah compares backbiting with the eating of a dead person’s meat to show us how bad it is:

“O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; Indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah. Verily Allah is the one who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful.” Ch49 V12