Fixing the time and work of a domestic worker

2 weeks ago By user2

Q: Please advise with regard to the following aspects in connection with domestic helpers: 

1. Is it necessary to fix the daily/weekly times of work, or is it okay to have a casual arrangement, such as starting and finishing on flexible times, but getting the work completed? 

2. If there is an occasion or family function, the helpers are automatically expected and required to assist with all the set up and clean up etc. This can go up to late in the evening, even after 10 pm. Is this acceptable as part of the "understanding" between the parties that such events will come and the helpers will be required to work? 

3. The helper does not work on Sundays. If any occasion or family function falls on a Sunday, does the helper have to be separately remunerated for the Sunday work? 

4. Almost every few months, we have guests who stay for a few days. Sometimes, it is an entire family. This obviously increases the workload of the helper in many aspects, such as cleaning, washing and ironing of clothes, etc. Does this have to be separately remunerated? 

5. If in the past the worker was made to work overtime without any remuneration, or was given extra tasks which took more than the normal time, out of negligence and without realising that this was not correct in terms of shariah, how does one now make amends for this? 

If any helper worked in this manner and has left and there is no trace of the person, how does one make amends? 

6. Some helpers grudgingly accept a lesser amount than the general norm or what they are happy to work for, due to desperately wanting a job. How do I ascertain if the wage being paid is fair and I am not exploiting the helper in any way? Is there a way to determine what is fair and what is exploitation? 

7. Can salary be deducted for damage caused by the helper due to negligence or lack of due attention while engaging in the tasks? 

8. Any general advice with regard to employment and treatment of the domestic helpers will be much appreciated.

Moving one saff back for an Aalim to stand in the first saff for salaah

2 weeks ago By user2

Q: When we are in the masjid and iqaamah has already started, sometimes a person in the first row moves back to make space if another learned Maulana arrives, even though there are already a few learned Ulama present in the first row. 

Should we move from our place to give space to a Maulana at that time, or should we remain focused and avoid movement so we can prepare ourselves to stand before Allah? What is the correct adab according to the sunnah?

Clause stating that if the buyer defaults on an installment, the entire outstanding balance becomes immediately due

3 weeks ago By user2

Q: If a person purchases an item on a payment plan, agreeing to pay the price in fixed monthly installments over a set period, and the contract includes a clause stating that if the buyer defaults on any single installment, then the entire outstanding balance becomes immediately due and payable. Is such a condition valid and permissible?

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