Reality of May 1 (May Day) An Islamic Perspective
Introduction
May 1 is celebrated around the world as “May Day” or “Labor Day.” The purpose of this day is to recognize the struggle of workers and the importance of their rights. May Day has historical significance in the Western world, especially in the United States and Europe. On this day, workers fought to improve their working hours, wages, and general conditions. However, Islam provided clear instructions about protecting the rights of workers and taking care of their self-respect fourteen hundred years ago.
In this blog, we will look at the reality of May 1 from an Islamic perspective and learn what instructions Islam has regarding the rights of workers, their good treatment, and the timely payment of wages. In addition, we will also shed light on the question of whether there is any Shariah status in celebrating May 1 or not. Reality of May 1 (May Day) An Islamic Perspective
History of May Day
On May 1, 1886, workers in Chicago, USA, protested to limit working hours to 8 hours. Conflicts broke out between the police and the workers during this protest, resulting in several worker deaths and numerous injuries. After this tragedy, May 1 was recognized as International Workers’ Day.
The purpose of this day was to remember the struggle of workers and raise a voice for their rights. In 1889, the International Socialist Congress decided to celebrate this day regularly as “May Day” or “Labor Day.” Since then, this day has been celebrated all over the world as one of struggle and rights for workers. Reality of May 1 (May Day) An Islamic Perspective
Workers’ rights in Islam
Islam has placed great emphasis on the rights of workers. The Quran and Hadith have repeatedly emphasized treating workers fairly, paying them their wages on time, and taking care of their self-respect. Islamic society has made efforts to foster an atmosphere of social justice, equality, and love and respect for workers. Reality of May 1 (May Day) An Islamic Perspective
1. Timely payment of wages
Timely payment of wages is given immense importance in Islam. In a hadith, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Pay the worker his wages before his sweat dries.” (Ibn Majah)
The meaning of this hadith is that whoever employs a worker should pay his wages immediately so that the worker does not face financial difficulties. Neglecting or delaying the rights of any human being is strictly prohibited in Islam. The Quran and Hadith have repeatedly emphasized that whatever right is due to someone should be paid immediately, and any kind of delay or negligence should be avoided. Reality of May 1 (May Day) An Islamic Perspective
2. Justice to the worker
Islam instructs treating everyone justly, whether they are employees or not. Allah Almighty says:
“And be just among people.” (Quran, Surah Al-Ma’idah: 8)
Justice for workers means that they should be given a fair wage for their hard work and treated equally in all matters. Islam prohibits paying individuals more or less than their hard work. A worker should receive the full price for his hour of work. Reality of May 1 (May Day) An Islamic Perspective
3. Self-respect of the worker
Islam has paid special attention to the self-respect of workers. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Your brothers are under your control; Allah has placed them under your control, so whoever has a brother under his control should feed him with what he eats and clothe him with what he wears.” (Bukhari)
This hadith teaches us that we should treat workers well and consider them our equals. If we choose the best food and clothing for ourselves, we should provide the same facilities for our workers. Islamic society respects workers not only financially but also morally and humanly. Reality of May 1 (May Day) An Islamic Perspective
4. Protection of workers’ rights
Islam has provided a complete system for the protection of workers’ rights. The person who employs a worker is responsible for paying his wages on time, improving his working conditions, and taking care of his health and safety.
Islam also emphasizes the need for reasonable working hours and the avoidance of unnecessary work. Furthermore, Islam mandates that workers receive compensation commensurate with their labor. Majah. Reality of May 1 (May Day) An Islamic Perspective
Is it permissible to celebrate May 1?
Now the question arises whether it is permissible to celebrate May 1 as a special day regarding workers’ rights. There is no religious reason for celebrating this day, because in Islam only two Eids (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) are allowed to be celebrated as days of joy.
As a Muslim, you should know which festivals are allowed in Islam and which are not. You cannot celebrate any non-Islamic festival or day because they are part of a nation’s culture, and this (May 1) is a Jewish festival. Reality of May 1 (May Day) An Islamic Perspective
Conclusion
The rights of workers have been given immense importance in Islam. Islam orders us to give workers their rights, to treat them with justice, and to protect their self-respect. Instead of celebrating any particular day, we should follow Islamic teachings and improve our social and economic role.
If we follow the principles of lami and treat workers well, it will not only improve our social system, but we will also be able to achieve the pleasure and happiness of Allah in our hereafter. Reality of May 1 (May Day) An Islamic Perspective (END)
May Allah Almighty grant us the ability to care for the rights of workers and follow the teachings of Islam. Amen!
