Labor and social security: Theory and practice

This chapter offers a comparative analysis of the social security concepts in the conventional and under the umbrella of an ethical and moral system. It discusses Muslim countries’ present practices and policies toward social security, especially their labor markets. The modern concept of social security has initiated different programs like old-age pension schemes, unemployment benefit programs, sickness benefits, death grants, disability allowances, and family allowances. The social security system is in-built in the Islamic system. This is a belief of Muslims that this divine system is revealed by Allah, there is no doubt in its perfection, and it is error-free. In an Islamic system, the foundation of social security is based on the optimal philosophy of morality. The teachings of the Qur’an cover three basic moral dimensions, that is, Tawheed, Risalah, and Akhirah. Under the umbrella of the Islamic state, the social security system serves the Muslims and has the same obligations toward the non-Muslim citizens.