ANSWERED: Are women allowed to work?

[Ansari]

:salam:

Are women allowed to work in an environment if it contains free-mixing of women and men and speaking to men? Are there any exceptions regarding education, nursing and other typical woman jobs? We know that most traditional scholars dont look very positive at these issues and even disallow mixed education for women...

a very soft view:


EMPLOYMENT

With regard to the woman's right to seek employment, it should be stated first that Islam regards her role in society as a mother and a wife as her most sacred and essential one. Neither maids nor baby sitters can possibly take the mother's place as the educator of an upright, complex-free, and carefully reared child. Such a noble and vital role, which largely shapes the future of nations, cannot be regarded as "idleness." This may explain why a married woman must secure her husband's consent if she wishes to work, unless her right to work was mutually agreed to as a condition at the time of marriage.

However, there is no decree in Islam that forbids women from seeking employment whenever there is a necessity for it, especially in positions which fit her nature best and in which society needs her most. Examples of these professions are: nursing, teaching (especially children), medicine, and social and charitable work. Moreover, there is no restriction on benefiting from women's talent in any field. Some early jurists, such as Abu Hanifah and Al-Tabari, uphold that a qualified Muslim woman may be appointed to the position of a judge. Other jurists hold different opinions. Yet, no jurist is able to point to an explicit text in the Quran or Sunnah that categorically excludes women from any lawful type of employment except for the headship of the state, which is discussed in the following chapter. Omar, the second Caliph after the Prophet (P), appointed a woman (Um Al-Shifaa' bint Abdullah) as the marketplace supervisor, a position that is equivalent in our world to "director of the consumer protection department."

In countries where Muslims are a numerical minority, some Muslim women, while recognizing the importance of their role as mothers, may be forced to seek employment in order to survive. This is especially true in the case of divorcees and widows and in the absence of the Islamic financial security measures outlined above.

http://www.soundvision.com/Info/gender/equity4.asp

[suhayl]

Are women allowed to work in an environment if it contains free-mixing of women and men and speaking to men?

Where there is a chance of Iman being lost or seriously weakened then such environments should be avoided. Like we avoid the nightclubs, pubs etc then should we not avoid such places of employment too?

However there are exceptions as Ulema may point out.

I believe it is an open ended question, meaning that lots can be elaborated.

Sorry I have moved this into the Islamic Q/A section.

Jazakallah Khair

[eat-halal guy]

:salam:

The following is a q&a from SunniPath. Although the answer is brief, I think we must pay particular attention to the conditions attached and honestly think about how they apply to us with an open mind (paying special attention the word "need" and what it entails):


SunniPath:


Q. What are the rulings in regards to women working outside of the home? Is it okay for them to deal with male colleagues, clients, and / or customers if it is strictly business and an un-enclosed environment? If not, then what advice can be given for Muslimahs seeking employment, as there are practically no jobs or professions in which such situations would not be encountered, even in Muslim owned/run organizations and businesses?



Walaikum assalam,

In general, if one can maintain the Islamic limits and manners of social interaction, then such work would be in itself permitted. So one couldn't get into khalwa situations, or shake hands with persons of the opposite gender, or wear clothing that defines the form of one's awra (nakedness), or such haram matters.

As for interaction with persons of the other gender, the ruling for this according to the traditional fuqaha is that it is disliked unless there is a genuine need (whether worldly, such as work, or next-worldly, such as Islamic instruction), and no fear of fitna, and such interaction is kept to the reasonable minimum needed, because interaction with persons of the other gender is an exception based on need and such exceptions are only allowed to the extent needed, not more.



http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/Questions/qa00001359.aspx


However, due to circumstances in the age we live in, some scholars offer a stricter opinion:


Ask-Imam.com:


According to the Shari’ah, the Qur’aan and Ahaadith, the woman’s place is at home. It is the responsibility of the husband to support his wife and fulfil all her needs. If a woman does not have any financial support, then only she may seek employment. In such a situation, she must adhere to the laws of Hijaab.

The concept of females working merely for economic independency has no basis in the Shari’ah. In fact, it is a root of many evils. It is this economic independency in a woman that gives her the courage to break her marital home. Consider the marital breakdown in the US (4-5) due to woman independency. If she was dependant, or her husband, she would exercise restraint and maintain her marriage. That is best in the interest of her family, husband and children. It does not mean that a woman should be dependant on men merely to maintain her marriage.

We have merely expressed the wisdom of a female being dependant. This also does not mean a female cannot be rich. She may earn an income but without violating the laws of the Shari’ah. Firstly, a wife must get the consent of her husband to work. If the husband refuses, she cannot work.

She must adhere to the laws of Hijaab. Any violation of the laws of Hijaab even with the consent of the husband is not permissible. that includes working in an environment of males, females mixing. Not talking to the opposite gender is not sufficient grounds for permissibility. The form and shape of a female must be concealed from a male. Segregation of sexes is an integral part of Deen. That maintains a healthy and pure mind. A mind contaminated with the different forms and shapes of woman is death to spirituality. It leads to funtasising of the opposite gender which is a strong and motivating cause for every form of illicit relationship.

If your wife wants to work, you may consider any form of home industry or alternatively she may have some skills to offer to woman. There are many woman who require services in the form of guidance and counseling. Your wife should consider undertaking a course of studying about a Muslim woman’s role and assist other woman. There is a great need for such counseling and guidance, especially in the US. That will be a great contribution from her side. She may also charge a fee for her time.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best


http://www.islam.tc/ask-imam/view.php?q=8666


As always, when in doubt, it's better to avoid.


Allah knows best.