Islam established the rights of workers over 1400 years ago - long before trade unions first started showing signs in 18th century Europe. The rights to fair wages, and good treatment of workers have been heavily stressed in the Quran and the sayings of Prophet Muhamamd (salallahu alayhi wa sallam).
Allah says in the Qur'an:
Give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the people the things that are their due; and do no mischief on the earth after it has been set in order.} (Al-A`raf 7:85)
Prophet Muhammad said, "Allah said, 'I will be an opponent to three types of people on the Day of Resurrection: one who makes a covenant in My name but proves treacherous;one who sells a free person and eats his price; and one who employs a worker and takes full work from him but does not pay him for his labor'" (Al-Bukhari).
Unfortunately due to consumer demand for low prices, and the greed of the manufacturers workers are subjected to exploitation in the worst possible ways. Some people argue, saying these people would suffer more if they didn't have jobs. This isn't a valid argument - for a muslim especially. It is our belief that Allah is the Provider and Sustainer, and it is not for us to prevent evil from fear that it will lead to something worse.
The Noble Qur'an - Al-Tauba 9:71
The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practise regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.
On the authority of Abu Sa`id (radhiallahu `anhu) that the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, "Whoever sees something evil should change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot do even that, then in his heart. That is the weakest degree of faith."
Then will we not help to stop it? Insha Allah by raising awareness and cutting back on unnecessary purchases/boycotting, we can put pressure on manufacturers to take notice that the world is demanding that workers be given fair wages and basic rights as human beings. At the moment they have neither. We should ask ourselves if our children really need so many toys? Is this what they really want? How many of us have seen children with hordes of toys they never play with? Do we really need a lot of anything? Do we really? If we are really honest with ourselves, we will see that the answer is no. Please think carefully and help end the suffering of people who are too afraid and oppressed to raise a voice for their rights. Please...
Santa's Workshop
to be continued insha Allah...