This paper explores the ethical and legal responsibilities of employers who delay or deny wages despite having the financial means to pay, focusing on Islamic jurisprudence and ethical teachings. Using a qualitative doctrinal approach, it analyzes Qur’anic verses, prophetic traditions, classical tafs?r, and fiqh texts, alongside contemporary scholarly views. The findings reveal that wage denial constitutes a form of ?ulm (oppression) and a breach of am?nah (trust), directly violating the objectives of Islamic law (maq??id al-shar??ah) such as the protection of wealth, life, and workers’ rights. The paper highlights the lack of ethical integration in current corporate human resource practices and calls for a transformation grounded in Shariah-based principles. It proposes a practical governance model that includes Islamic payroll systems, ethical audits, and leadership accountability rooted in taqw? (God-consciousness), aiming to restore justice and dignity for workers.
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