is exceedingly strict in this matter, and He reiterates it most emphatically where the weak are concerned—be they women, orphans, or the poor. In most cases the laborer is indeed a needy, vulnerable person, whereas the employer is affluent and powerful. For that reason Allah, exalted is He, urged it so forcefully, as in the divine hadith: “Allah said: There are three for whom I shall be the adversary…” and so forth. Likewise, through the tongue of His Messenger ﷺ He commanded: “Pay the worker his wages before his sweat has dried.” All of this testifies to Allah’s special solicitude for the weak and His vindication of their rights against the strong.