Work Ethics of Muslim Women Facing Challenges in the Pandemic Era: Adaptation of the Story of Two Madyan Girls

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) was contagious and a pandemic was declared in early first quarter of 2020. The effect of the rapid infection caused the Malaysian government to impose a Movement Control Order (PKP) throughout the country. After a year, the current conditions left a negative effect on the people, especially involving the economic sector, so that many lost their livelihood. This situation encourages some women to help out in earning a living to ease the burden of the family. However, the difficulty of sexual harassment, depression, excessive workload, childcare problems are becoming more serious among female workers owing to the new normative work culture. The question is, what is the solution that can be put forward to curb the crisis? Thus, this investigation seeks to identify and highlight ethics for working women, adapted from the story of two Madyan girls recorded in surah al-Qasas (28 23-25). Based on the study of this story, this study found that the ethics of women in career and economic activities can be summarized into 8M, namely mas'uliah (responsibility);muru'ah (maintaining self-esteem);ma'rifah (having knowledge);maharah (having skills);ma'manah (keeping safe);muhadathah (communication), muwanah (teamwork);and mushawarah (consultation). The work ethics outlined are able to provide a positive impact in meeting some of the conditions and good practices in the career or working world.