THE CHANGING NATURE OF WORK AND TECHNOLOGICAL JOB

DISPLACEMENT: AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

INTRODUCTION

Concerns about technology led disruptions are far from new, Economist John Maynard Keynes
warned in 1931 of widespread unemployment due to technology.1 Technology has changed and
is changing the nature of the work we do. Some jobs are disappearing because machine can do
them faster and more efficiently. While this is progress, there is also the harsh reality of job
displacements leading to economic hardship and a sense of lost purpose which poses a
significant challenge to individuals and communities alike.

However, this changing nature of work presents a unique challenge to Muslims, Islam provides a
framework for navigating this challenge. Work in Islam transcends financial gain, the Quran
encourages dignity of labour and various Islamic traditions encourages dignity of labour,
diligence, and the pursuit of excellence in one’s work. Islam encourages adaptability and
continuous learning. In the present technological disruption, the need to upskill becomes
paramount.

Beyond individual responsibility, Islam emphasizes the importance of community and social
responsibility. The Quran and Hadith are replete with verses emphasizing the duty of care to one
another.

THE CHANGING NATURE OF WORK AND TECHNOLOGICAL DISPLACEMENT

Technological progress is having a profound impact on what constitutes work. This

technological progress eliminates job in some, while presenting opportunities in others. The
changing nature of work has disrupted markets. Adjustment to this loss will be especially
challenging because new jobs will require significant higher level of human capital.

Automation can lead to different types of job displacement, it can result in complete job loss
where tasks are fully automated and human workers are no longer needed. It can also be partial
where employees still have a role to play but with reduced responsibilities. On one hand,
automation can lead to efficiency and economic growth on the other, it can lead to
1
The World Bank, ‘World Development Report 2019: The Changing Nature of Work’ (25 February 2018),
https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/wdr2019 accessed 17 March 2024.
unemployment and income inequality if not managed effectively. Technology advancements can
also create new opportunities and improve the quality of work by eliminating monotony and
danger at work places.2

Studies suggest that introducing one additional robot per 1,000 workers may lead to a decrease in
the employment rate of 0.18 to 0.34 percentage points.( You might want to refer to such study
perhaps using a footnote)In the United States, JP Morgan, the country’s largest bank, laid off
many loan officers and lawyers after they switched to using machines to review loan
applications.3

An Australian company called Fastbrick Robotics created a robot that can lay 1,000 standard
bricks in just one hour. This robot can do the same amount of work in an hour that two human
bricklayers could do in a day. Swedish agricultural leader DeLaval is deploying their latest
advancements in cow milking robots, transforming dairy farm operations.4

As automation and robotics become more sophisticated, their reach is expanding beyond just
manual labor. Tasks requiring precision and repetition, like legal research and inventory
management, are at risk of being replaced by technology. This is because these tasks are often
rule-based and predictable, making them ideal for automation.5

The impact goes further, with even non-routine tasks becoming susceptible. However, human
workers remain irreplaceable in fields that demand social intelligence and creativity, such as
education, entertainment, tourism, and politics.6Examples of technological advancement
impacting jobs abound in various industries including:

2
Service Automation Framework, ‘Unraveling the impact of Automation: Separating fact from fiction on job
loss’( 17 October 2023), available at https://www.serviceautomation.org/unraveling-the-impact-of-automation-
separating-fact-from-fiction-on-job-loss/#:~:text=Automation%20can%20lead%20to%20different,role%20but
%20with%20reduced%20responsibilities Accessed 18 March 2024.
3
The World Bank, 'World Development Report 2019: The Changing Nature of Work' (25 February 2018),
<https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/wdr2019> accessed 17 March 2024.

4
The World Bank, ‘World Development Report 2019: The Changing Nature of Work’ (25 February 2018),
https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/wdr2019 accessed 17 March 2024.
5
Chia-Chia Chang, MPH, MBA, and Naomi Swanson, PhD and Sara L. Tamers, PhD, MPH, ‘The Role of Technological
Job Displacement in the Future of Work’ NIOSH Science Blog (15 February 2022), available at
https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2022/02/15/tjd-fow/#:~:text=The%20future%20of%20work
%20holds,and%20fundamentally%20change%20entire%20industries. Accessed on 18 March 2024.
6
The World Bank, ‘World Development Report 2019: The Changing Nature of Work’ (25 February 2018),
https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/wdr2019 accessed 17 March 2024.
Manufacturing and Logistics: Packing line operators face a high (98%) chance of automation.
Similarly, the logistics sector will be heavily affected, with self-driving vehicles potentially
replacing 95% of truck and bus drivers by 2040.

Office Jobs: Even white-collar jobs aren’t immune. AI platforms like IBM Watson can handle
complex tasks like tax filing with incredible speed and accuracy. Paralegals are also facing job
displacement as advanced legal research services such as Lexis Nexis, Thomas Reuters become
commonplace.

Service Industry: Robots are making inroads into the service industry as well. Restaurants in
China are using robots to take orders and deliver food, demonstrating the potential for
automation in this sector.

Agriculture: Even agriculture, long considered a manual labor field, is not exempt. As countries
adopt automation technologies, agricultural jobs are likely to be impacted in the future. 7

Automation is transforming jobs, not eliminating them. While routine tasks become automated,
new opportunities arise. (You might employ this" It is significant to know that automation
transforms jobs and does not eliminate them. This is because while routine tasks become
automated, it gives room for new opportunities"). ( This is because you're trying to to correct
a misconception which many have fallen into, it has to be in a forbidding tone)

As automation takes over repetitive tasks, workers will need to develop new skills to manage and
oversee these systems. This “upskilling” is crucial to stay relevant and effective. Automation
shifts job roles and responsibilities to align with technology. The new nature of work is creating
new opportunities in areas like; Design, implementation, maintenance of automated systems and
development of the very technologies driving automation (programming, data science, AI).The
demand for technical skills is skyrocketing.8 Industries like IT and technology are creating new
jobs in fields like robotics, data science, and AI. In India alone, the IT sector is the largest private

7
The World Bank, 'World Development Report 2019: The Changing Nature of Work' (25 February 2018),
<https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/wdr2019> accessed 17 March 2024.
8
Service Automation Framework, ‘Unraveling the impact of Automation: Separating fact from fiction on job
loss’( 17 October 2023), available at https://www.serviceautomation.org/unraveling-the-impact-of-automation-
separating-fact-from-fiction-on-job-loss/#:~:text=Automation%20can%20lead%20to%20different,role%20but
%20with%20reduced%20responsibilities Accessed 18 March 2024.
sector employer contributing 77 GDP. In 2016, Canada technology industry supports 488,000
professionals.9

To thrive in this changing landscape, both employers and workers need to prioritize acquiring
these technical skills. Learning to program, troubleshoot, and operate computers and software
will be crucial for the future workforce.10 Therefore, (mine) automation creates new
opportunities, not just job losses. Upskilling is crucial for workers to adapt. New jobs are
emerging in technical fields.Both employers and workers need to prioritize technical skills.

THE ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

Islam offers a framework for navigating this changing landscape. In Islam, work is about more
than just making money. It’s a duty for everyone who is able to find work and support
themselves and their families through honest means. Begging is discouraged (considered haram)
as long as a person has the capacity to earn a living.11

Allah mentions in the Qur’an, “And We have made the day for livelihood” (Qur’an, 78:11).In
another ayah, “And We have established you on earth and provided you a means of livelihood
thereon. Little are you grateful” (Qur’an, 7:10). “It is He who made the earth tame for you – so
walk among its slopes and eat of His provision – and to Him is the resurrection.” [Al-Mulk,
15].These(mine) verses reflect the Islamic view of work being a noble act and a way to fulfill
one’s responsibilities. Almighty Allah established humanity on Earth and provided the resources
and opportunities for people to earn a living.

Various prophetic traditions reiterates the importance of work in Islam

(Authority?)“Indeed, Allah loves those who are employed. Whosoever strives hard to support
his family and dependents will receive a reward which is equal to he who fights for the cause of
Allah”, narrated by Musnad Ahmad.
9
The World Bank, ‘World Development Report 2019: The Changing Nature of Work’ (25 February 2018),
https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/wdr2019 accessed 17 March 2024.
10
Service Automation Framework, ‘Unraveling the impact of Automation: Separating fact from fiction on job
loss’( 17 October 2023), available at https://www.serviceautomation.org/unraveling-the-impact-of-automation-
separating-fact-from-fiction-on-job-loss/#:~:text=Automation%20can%20lead%20to%20different,role%20but
%20with%20reduced%20responsibilities Accessed 18 March 2024.

11
Islamic labour code, ‘Worker Responsibilities’ available at https://islamiclabourcode.org/worker-
responsibilities/#:~:text=Islam%20not%20only%20encourages%20people,employment%20like%20prostitution%2C
%20taking%20an accessed 17 March 2024.
"He who begs without need is like a person holding a burning coal in his hand”.12

One key advantage is achieving financial independence, a noble goal in Islam.13 This is reflected
in a saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “There is no food more enjoyable to a man than
what he has earned through his own labor.” The Prophet himself, following the example of
Prophet David (PBUH), worked with his own hands to earn his living.14

Work fosters self-reliance and dignity. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized this by
saying: “It is better for one of you to take a rope and gather firewood to sell, and Allah will save
your face from the Hellfire, than to beg from others who may or may not give.”15

Work is glorified in Islam such that it is a priority even when the final hour is close by. It could
be the last action a Muslim takes,16 The saying of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) “If the Final
Hour comes while you have a palm-cutting in your hands and it is possible to plant it before the
Hour comes, you should plant it.” Emphasizes this .17

Prophetic traditions encourages diligence, trustworthiness and the pursuit of excellence in one’s
work. Trustworthiness is key in Islamic work ethics. The Quran emphasizes fulfilling promises
and agreements . “O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray
your trusts while you know [the consequence]” (8:27)18Workers should use their power
responsibly and meet their targets. Whistleblowing against wrongdoing is supported.

Sincerity and honesty are also crucial. Workers should be truthful and avoid shirking duties.
Islamic jurists see “underweighting” in the Quran as neglecting work obligations. The Prophet

12
(Bayhaqi) (Sahih Muslim: 1041).

13
Heidi Mahmoud Kheyamy, 'The Importance Of Work In Islam' Nouracademy
(22 Oct 2018),available at <http://www.nouracademy.com/article/the-importance-of-work-in-islam> accessed 18
March 2024.
14
Sahih al-Bukhari 2072, Book 34, Hadith 25
15
Sahih al-Bukhari 1471, Book 24, Hadith 74
16
Heidi Mahmoud Kheyamy, ‘The Importance Of Work In Islam’ Nouracademy
(22 Oct 2018),available at http://www.nouracademy.com/article/the-importance-of-work-in-islam accessed 18
March 2024.
17
[Sahih (Al-Albani), Book 1, Hadith 479
18
Al-Anfal 8:27
‫َأ‬ ‫َأ‬ ‫َأ‬
‫َٰٓي ُّيَها ٱَّلِذيَن َءاَمُنو ۟ا اَل َتُخوُنو ۟ا ٱلَّلَه َوٱلَّر ُس وَل َوَتُخوُنٓو ۟ا َٰمَٰنِتُكْم َو نُتْم َتْعَلُموَن‬
(PBUH) linked religion to sincerity towards all, including employers and colleagues.
Transparency is essential. Workers should not misrepresent their abilities.

Workers are also encouraged to work with commitment (Ihsan) and a passion for improvement
(Itqan). Ihsan is defined in a hadith where the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said that it is “worshipping Allah as if
you see Him, for if you don’t see Him, then truly He sees you”19 Job displacement, therefore
strikes at the heart of this Islamic principle, potentially hindering an individual's ability to fulfill
a core purpose.

Thankfully, Islam espouses adaptability and continuous learning. Islam exhorts muslims to seek
knowledge “ even if it be in China “ and encourages continuous improvement. Workers are
advised to hone their skills and strive for mastery in their professions. The Prophet (PBUH)
emphasized the importance of doing a job well, It is narrated that Prophet said, “Allah blesses a
person who perfects his craft (and knows how to do his job right)”20 and “Allah likes a person to
learn precisely how to perform his work and does it right”.21 The Quran highlights worker
competency (12:54-5). Once expertise is achieved, sticking with a profession is considered
favorable.22

This relates to the current situation and the first of automation and technological disruption, the
ability to upscale acquiring new skills like coding data analysis or digital literacy becomes
paramount. Individuals are encouraged to undertake continuous learning to keep up with the

19

Hadith Jibril (Sahih al-Bukhari: 50).

َ ‫ َفِإْن َلْم َتُكْن َتَر اُه َفِإَّنُه َيَر اَك‬،‫اَل َما اِإلْحَس اُن َقاَل ” َأْن َتْعُبَد الَّلَه َكَأَّنَك َتَر اُه‬
20
Baihaqi, Shuab ul Iman (2/551).

‫إَّن اللَه يحُّب المؤمَن المحترَف‬

21
Baihaqi, Shuab ul Iman, (4/1867).

‫إَّن اللَه تعاَلى يحُّب إذا عِمل أحُدكم عماًل أن ُيتِقَنه‬

22
Sunan Ibn Majah: 2147
‫َأ‬
‫َمْن َصاَب ِمْن َش ْى ٍء َفْلَيْلَز ْمُه‬
changing market . If a factory job gets automated, a worker might learn computer skills to
operate these robot.

Beyond individual responsibility, Islam emphasizes the importance of community and social
responsibility. The Quran and hadiths are replete with verses and saying highlighting the duty of
care to one another. As technology displaces workers, islamic communities have a critical role to
play in supporting those facing hardships. This includes establishing charitable initiative zakat to
provide assistance during difficult transitions or organizing retraining programs to equip
individuals for new opportunities. By fostering a culture of compassion and support Islamic
communities can embody the blueprint of social justice enshrined in Islam.

Al- Baqarah (2:280)”But if you give from your rights, as charity, it then it is better for you if
only you knew”23

Al Taubah 9:10324

“Take, O Muhammed from your wealth a charity by which you qualify them and cause them to
increase and invoke Allah’s blessing upon them, indeed your invocations Are reassurance for
them to stop and Allah is hearing and knowing.

Al Hadid 57:1825

“Indeed the men who practice charity and the women who charity and those who have loaned
Allah a goodly loan, it will be multiplied for them and they will have a noble reward”

New technologies hold great potential, but Islam emphasizes the importance of using them
ethically. As artificial intelligence (AI) develops, we must ensure it doesn’t widen the gap
between genders or undermine human dignity. Islamic scholars can offer valuable guidance on
integrating technology ethically into workplaces, maximizing its benefits for society as a whole,
while upholding Islamic values.

23
‫َو ِإن َكا َن ُذو ُع ْس َر ٍة َف َن ِظ َر ٌة ِإ َل ٰى َم ْي َس َر ٍۚة َو َأن َت َص َّد ُقو۟ا َخ ْي ٌر َّل ُك ْۖم ِإن ُكن ُت ْم َت ْع َل ُمو َن‬
24

‫ُخ ْذ ِم ْن َأ ْم َٰو ِل ِه ْم َص َد َق ًة ُت َط ِّه ُر ُه ْم َو ُت َز ِّكي ِهم ِب َها َو َص ِّل َع َل ْي ِه ْۖم ِإ َّن َص َل ٰو َت َك َس َك ٌن َّل ُه ْۗم َوٱل َّل ُه َس ِمي ٌع َع ِلي ٌم‬

25
‫َأ‬ ‫َأ‬
‫ِإَّن ٱْلُمَّصِّدِقيَن َوٱْلُمَّصِّدَٰقِت َو ْقَر ُضو ۟ا ٱلَّلَه َقْر ًضا َحَس ًنا ُيَٰضَعُف َلُهْم َوَلُهْم ْج ٌر َكِريٌم‬
CONCLUSION

The evolving workplace presents both challenges and opportunities for Muslims. While
automation may displace some jobs, Islamic principles offer guidance for navigating this change.
By emphasizing continuous learning, adaptation, and strong community support, Muslims can
thrive in this new landscape. By embracing ethical technological advancements, they can ensure
everyone benefits from this economic transformation.