is hired for a specified period during which his employer alone is entitled to the full benefit of his services, with no one else sharing in them. A shared laborer, by contrast, is someone whose benefit lies in the actual work he performs and who is not exclusive to any single client; rather, he accepts assignments from several people at the same time.

A private laborer is not liable for accidental damage caused by his hand—such as if the tool he is using breaks—because he is acting as the owner’s deputy. Like an authorized agent, he bears no liability unless he oversteps the limits or is negligent; in that case, he must make good whatever is lost.

The shared laborer, on the other hand, is liable for any loss that occurs through his action, for he earns only by virtue of his labor; consequently, his work is itself under guarantee, and whatever arises from something guaranteed is likewise guaranteed.

The laborer’s wage becomes due by virtue of the contract, yet he may not demand it until he has delivered the work he owes, the benefit has been realized, or the leased item has been handed over and the agreed period has elapsed without impediment. A wage is a counter-value and is not deserved until its counterpart has been received; the worker is paid only after he has completed his task or what legally stands in its place.

Moreover, the laborer must execute the work proficiently and bring it to completion; it is forbidden for him to cheat or betray in the job. He is also required to remain at work throughout the period for which he was hired, allowing none of it to pass without working, and to fear Allah while discharging his duty.

As for the hirer, he must pay the laborer his full wage as soon as the work is finished, in light of the Prophet’s words, peace and blessings be upon him: “Give the laborer his wage before his sweat dries.”