On Eid, Join a Union

The last day of Ramadan falls on International Workers Day. 

This is entirely fitting. The most orthodox scriptural sources promise rights for the worker, and demand fair, equitable treatment for labour. Moreover, the basis of Islam is justice. Justice includes equity, but is not limited to it. Justice also involves the absence of oppression, the absence of exploitation. 

The story of capitalism is one of class struggle. Everywhere, humanity is in chains - forced to work in order to live, in work that alienates their human spirit, suffocates their divine spark, and extracts their labour in order to enrich the owners of capital. People are weighed down by debt, by excessive rents and parasitic landlords, while the state - pared back and underfunded as it is - subsidizes corporations who pay starvation wages.

The cause of the workers is the cause of Muslims everywhere - in many cases they are one and the same. It should be recognised that in this age of capitalist oppression, it is a duty to join a trade union, and fight collectively for better pay and conditions, and eventually to join together in establishing a more just, socialist system which aligns better with Islamic values. 

The Muslim bourgeoisie, the pious bosses and small business owners, should, with immediacy, move to pay Living Wages to their staff and to encourage their unionisation. For Muslims everywhere, as consumers, their buying power should be used in places where workers rights are secure and decent wages are paid. Look for a halal certificate and a ‘Living Wage employer’ sticker. 

Of course, a useful role could be played by the spiritual leaders of Muslim communities. Fatawa ruling on the importance of fair wages and workers’ rights would be helpful. In Britain, many of our imams are overworked and underpaid themselves. Perhaps the first step would be the formation of a UK Imams Union and collective bargaining. When it is the 1st of May and the 30th of Ramadan, perhaps today is the time to do it. 

Martyn Rush.