Is It Permissible to Advance or Delay Wages?

Author: Saudi Fatwa Committee (Lajnah Al-Da'imah)

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Permissibility of Adjusting Wages Based on Agreement​

In Islamic jurisprudence, it is permissible to advance or delay the payment of wages based on the mutual agreement between the employer (Aajir) and the employee (Ajeer). This is rooted in the principle of honoring agreements and adhering to terms mutually established, provided they do not contravene Shariah.

Evidence from the Quran​

Allah says:
"O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts."
[Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1)]

This verse emphasizes the binding nature of agreements and contracts in Islam, including labor agreements.

Evidence from Hadith​

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"The conditions agreed upon by Muslims are binding, except for a condition that makes halal what is haram or haram what is halal."
[Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 5349]

This hadith confirms that agreements and conditions are to be respected as long as they align with Islamic principles.

Guidance from Fatawa​

Shaykh Ibn Baz (رحمه الله) explained in Majmoo' al-Fatawa wa al-Maqalat:

• It is permissible to agree upon an advanced payment of wages or a delay in payment if it is part of the contract between the employer and the worker.
• Both parties must honor the agreed terms to maintain justice and mutual trust.

Key Points​

1. Adherence to Agreements:
   Employers and employees must respect the terms of their agreement, as long as those terms do not violate Islamic rulings.
2. No Exploitation:
   Delays or advances in payment must not be used as a means to exploit or harm the employee or employer.
3. Islamic Principles:
   Any agreement that alters what is permissible (halal) or impermissible (haram) is invalid, even if agreed upon by both parties.
4. Mutual Consent:
   The permissibility of advancing or delaying wages depends entirely on mutual consent and clarity between both parties.