Forfeiting one's holiday if it is not taken in a certain time

Q: I am working for a Muslim family in their warehouse for more than 5 years. I have never been on holiday nor been paid for working in the holiday. When I asked them they told me that my 5 year holidays were gone (as per the law in our country). I know that by Allah, no right can be lost.

Note: Over these 5 years I thought I don't have a right of holiday as I work a few hours a week. No one from this family told me that I have a right for holiday. 

A: The holiday structure is with an understanding and agreement between the employer and employee. The holidays must be taken in a certain time in a certain manner. If it is not taken within that time then you forfeit that right.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)