LABOR EXPLOITATION FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF HADITH: A STUDY ON THE PROHIBITION OF OPPRESSION IN EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS

Abstract

This study discusses labor exploitation from the perspective of hadith, focusing on the prohibition of oppression in employment relations. Labor exploitation is a serious issue in the modern world of work because it is related to the abuse of power by employers toward workers. This exploitation may take the form of delayed wage payment, inadequate wages, excessive workload, unilateral deduction of workers’ rights, and the absence of basic protection for workers. From an Islamic perspective, employment relations must be built upon justice, trustworthiness, responsibility, and respect for human dignity. This study uses a qualitative approach with a library research method. The main data of this study consist of hadiths of Prophet Muhammad SAW related to wage payment, the prohibition of withholding workers’ rights, the prohibition of oppression, and the prohibition of burdening workers beyond their capacity. The findings show that hadith provides a strong ethical foundation for rejecting labor exploitation. The hadith concerning the obligation to pay workers before their sweat dries emphasizes the importance of fulfilling workers’ economic rights on time. The hadith concerning the warning against those who employ workers but do not pay their wages shows that withholding workers’ rights is a form of oppression. In addition, the hadith prohibiting the burdening of workers beyond their capacity affirms that Islam rejects exploitative employment relations. Therefore, hadith values can serve as an important foundation for building employment relations that are fair, humane, responsible, and free from oppression.