Oppression of a Laborer

Oppression of a Laborer

Mubashir worked in a factory and was the sole breadwinner of his household. The responsibility of supporting his wife, children, and elderly parents rested entirely on his shoulders. For fifteen long years, he had worked tirelessly in the same factory for a very low salary. Despite his dedication and loyalty, his financial condition never improved, and his basic rights as a worker were consistently ignored.

One day, gathering courage, Mubashir approached the factory owner and spoke respectfully. He said that he had been working in the factory for fifteen years, yet he had never been granted his legal rights. These included permanent employment status, salary increments, and other basic benefits that workers are entitled to receive. He explained that in this era of rising inflation, it had become extremely difficult to manage household expenses on such a small income. With humility, he requested a salary increase.

The factory owner responded harshly and without sympathy. He said, “If you want to work, then work. If not, leave the factory. I can easily find many other skilled workers.” His tone made it clear that Mubashir’s years of service meant nothing to him.

Mubashir replied calmly, “I am only asking for my rightful dues.” This statement angered the factory owner even more. Without hesitation, the management dismissed Mubashir from his job and told him that they no longer needed his services.

Hearing this, Mubashir was deeply saddened and shocked. With tears in his eyes, he pleaded, “Please do not treat me unjustly. I am a poor man. There is no one else in my home who earns. I have young children. Have mercy on me.” Despite his desperate request, the factory owners showed no compassion. They forcefully pushed him out of the factory gates.

As Mubashir left, crying, he said to the factory owners, “You are oppressing me. I am poor and powerless, and I cannot fight you. But as I leave, I place my case in the court of Allah.” With these words, Mubashir walked away, carrying the weight of despair, uncertainty, and injustice on his heart.

Days passed, and Mubashir struggled to find work. Meanwhile, fate took an unexpected turn. Just a few days later, news spread that the factory where Mubashir had worked had caught fire due to a short circuit. The flames were intense and uncontrollable. The entire factory was reduced to ashes within hours, resulting in massive financial losses for the owner.

No one knew whether the factory owners felt regret or shame that day. Perhaps they realized that if they had not oppressed a helpless worker, they might not have faced such a severe loss. Or perhaps they remained blind to their wrongdoing. Only Allah knows what passed through their hearts at that moment.

This incident serves as a powerful reminder that injustice never goes unanswered. The cries of the oppressed reach Allah, even when the world turns a deaf ear. Wealth, power, and authority do not last forever, but accountability does. Those who exploit the poor and deny them their rights may appear strong for a time, but divine justice is inevitable.

Mubashir’s story reflects the harsh reality faced by countless laborers who dedicate their lives to their work, only to be discarded when they demand fairness. It reminds us that true success lies not in exploiting others, but in treating them with dignity, justice, and compassion.

This story teaches us that denying people their rightful dues is a grave injustice that never goes unanswered. Power and wealth may silence the oppressed temporarily, but the cry of a wronged person reaches Allah without barriers. Fair treatment, compassion, and respect for labor are essential, because true success lies in justice, not exploitation.