Reassessing Night Work in Cultural Contexts: Toward Inclusive, Fair, and Sustainable Labor Practices (SDGs 5)

Abstract

Objective: The primary objective is to examine how Islamic teachings and cultural work ethics can guide fair and responsible labor practices aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework integrates Islamic ethical principles, cultural work values, and sustainability theories, emphasizing maslahah (public good) and adl (justice) as core values. Literature review: The literature review reveals that modern work culture increasingly normalizes night work, especially in service, healthcare, and hospitality sectors. However, from a Sharia perspective, maintaining balance between work, worship, and health is crucial. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using a qualitative approach, drawing on primary sources such as Qur’anic interpretations, Hadiths, and fiqh texts, alongside secondary sources including modern labor studies and sociological analyses. Results: The results indicate that night work poses moral, physical, and social challenges that must be ethically managed to uphold human dignity and well-being. Islamic ethics advocate moderation, fairness in compensation, and protection from exploitation, aligning with the SDGs’ call for sustainable and inclusive employment. Novelty: The study’s novelty lies in its interdisciplinary synthesis of Islamic jurisprudence, cultural ethics, and sustainability discourse—an area rarely explored comprehensively. Implications: The implications extend to policymakers, employers, and workers by offering an ethical framework for designing labor systems that respect both spiritual and social dimensions of human life. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of harmonizing contemporary work demands with Sharia values to promote equitable and sustainable labor practices globally.