Enter with Reason.. and Exit with Emotion

Abdullah A. Ali - DAMMAM

Translated By: Batool Alharthi

The truth is, this title reflects a valuable lesson I learned from a friend I recently met amidst the hustle and bustle of our lives. Our conversation that day revolved around dealing with people we trust when signing employment contracts.

The idea was that some of us, when offered a job by someone we trust, rush to sign the contract and start working without finalizing all the financial details. Both parties might rely on vague assurances like, "We won't disagree, we'll settle this later." Later, when it’s time to settle accounts, disputes arise, possibly leading to accusations and arguments over even the simplest rights that one might be embarrassed to mention. At best, one party feels wronged by the other.

What should happen is the opposite. We should be clear from the start when signing contracts, no matter how much we trust the other person's integrity and morals. We should sign the contract with clarity, detailing all the responsibilities and the benefits we will receive for our work. Then, if we decide to leave the job, we can maintain the emotional bond of brotherhood and affection. We can be forgiving and may even waive some of our rights, like a day off or other minor matters that shouldn't interfere with relationships between friends.

This approach is not wrong. In fact, we can find a good example in the lives of the Ansar, may God be pleased with them. In significant matters such as believing in the message, the Ansar sat with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) while he presented his call to them. They believed in him and asked him to move to them so they could support him and establish the Islamic state. One of them stood up and asked, "O Messenger of Allah, what will we get in return?" meaning, what will we gain for this support and protection, and for cutting ties with our families? The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, "Paradise." They said, "We accept, and by Allah, we will not retract or resign." Thus, clarity from the beginning leads to lasting affection.

Financial dealings (including jobs) reveal people's true natures and morals. Being clear from the start is the most effective way to close the door on the devil and block all entrances he might use to spoil the affection between us and those we love.

An employee has the right to ask the employer (even if he is a dear colleague, or a brother and relative) about the job benefits, salary, job security, health insurance, and other financial matters. Asking about these things does not mean bargaining over quality or desiring worldly gains for the sake of worldly gains.

The employer also has the right to refuse when the employee requests benefits beyond the job's level, or when the demands are unreasonable or unacceptable, without hurting each other or spoiling the affection between them, or causing misunderstandings.

Two factors impose this methodology on us:

1. The high and constantly rising cost of living imposes a minimum standard we must seek in employment for a suitable livelihood that makes us feel secure.

2. The employer will be keen to reduce expenses, viewing it from a commercial perspective that is sometimes accurate and sometimes not. Therefore, knowing all the details is necessary for the employee to start work feeling secure and aware of all the surrounding circumstances, whether he is fully convinced or at least agrees to them, even if his conviction is not strong.

No party should agree to the other's demands, whether the employee or the employer, unless convinced. Courtesy and shyness in these matters will show their negative effects sooner or later. The Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying, "The buyer and the seller have the option (of canceling the bargain) as long as they have not separated," is a subtle educational indication of agreement between all parties. If they agree and separate, each must adhere to the word they gave, whether it is a religious commitment by contract or a customary commitment by word.

So, let me conclude by emphasizing:

- The necessity of clarity when signing contracts.

- Demanding rights is not bargaining over quality but a natural right for both the employee and the employer to feel secure, whether in job security or the continuity of the business.

- Considering the employee's situation is essential to ensure his continuity and excellence in his work.

- Offering good faith to those we deal with; the basis for accepting them is competence, and it is better to maintain this perspective.

- Clarity from the start is a sign of competence and desire to work, not an indication of evading duties.

 

**Note:**

I wrote and published this article over twenty years ago.