Early leave after one has completed their work duties

[ummtaalib]

Q.Mufti Saheb, I am currently employed as a doctor at a private hospital. My working hours are from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. If I finish my work early, can I leave before 4:00 PM?

 

(Question published as received)

 

 

A. In an Ijaarah (employment) contract, an employee is employed in accordance to the terms and conditions of the contract. Hence, if the terms and conditions of the contract as a doctor was to work from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and one arrives later than 9:30 AM or leaves earlier than 4:00 PM, it will be considered as a breach of contract.

 

However, if the terms and conditions of the contract is to complete an allotted amount of duties of the day after which one can leave or the person has an agreement with his employer which allows early leave, it will be permissible to leave before time.

 

It is best for one to clarify this matter with one’s employer.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

 

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

 

Confirmation: 

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

 

(Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh) 

 

Fatwa Department

Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)