Women working in an environment wherein there is no Purdah
Category:
Character & Morals
According to Madhhab:
Hanafi
Reference:
1441-014
Question:
I
am currently working for a construction company for more than a year as a
project coordinator. My position requires me to talk to male colleagues and
clients on daily basis. We are two females working in the company. But right
now the company is facing some financial crises and my boss has decided to let
go of one of us, he has decided to keep me in the company as I have been
working with them for one year. Since, I work for Saudi (its their family
business) they have given me my own room and separate bathroom, they all speak
to me only when they have work and nothing else they maintain their distance
while talking and have always respected me.
My question is: is it permissible for me to work in an environment where only
male works.
am currently working for a construction company for more than a year as a
project coordinator. My position requires me to talk to male colleagues and
clients on daily basis. We are two females working in the company. But right
now the company is facing some financial crises and my boss has decided to let
go of one of us, he has decided to keep me in the company as I have been
working with them for one year. Since, I work for Saudi (its their family
business) they have given me my own room and separate bathroom, they all speak
to me only when they have work and nothing else they maintain their distance
while talking and have always respected me.
My question is: is it permissible for me to work in an environment where only
male works.
Answer:
Islam is a complete way of life, wherein Allah Ta'aala and Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam have stated certain limits and restrictions for men and women, and everyone is obliged to follow and practice them.
Allah Ta'aala pronounces in the Holy Quran that women are the adornment and beauty of their homes:
وَقَرْنَ فِِ بيُُوتِكُنَّ وَلََ تَبََجَّْنَ تَبََجَُّ الَْْاهِلِيَّةِ الُْْولََ )الَحزاب آية ٣٣ )
Remain in your homes and (when it is absolutely necessary to leave your homes, be properly dressed, and ) do not make display of yourselves as was the practice of (women during) the former period of ignorance ( during the period before the Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam came to people, when women walked about without adequately covering their bodies).
Consequently, it is understood that women are obliged to remain confined to their homes and should not display themselves to strange men; besides this, they should not venture out without a valid reason.
Furthermore, Allah Ta'aala states in the Holy Quran that the responsibility of women is upon men:
الرجال قومون على النساء )النساء الآية ٣٤ )
Men are the protectors and maintainers of women.
Therefore, it is the responsibility of the men (father, husband, son, brother, uncle etc.) to maintain and provide for the women. However, in the absence of responsible people, she is permitted to earn a livelihood with the proviso that Sharee commandments are upheld and not violated. In your case there will be violation of Shar’i Law because of the many occasions that you will be alone with strange men and interacting with them on a continuous basis. If you are in need of the finances and there is nobody to support you, you should start looking for another suitable job and you can continue working there in the meanwhile observing strict hijab in the meanwhile.
In a nutshell, women are not permitted to work where they have to encounter and interact with strange men; therefore, we advise you to refrain from such jobs. However, in the event of need,you are permitted to work as long as the boundaries of Shariah are not violated i.e. Hijab, seclusion with strange men, etc... (Shaami Vol. 6 Pg. 368)
AND ALLAH TA'AALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST
ANSWERED BY: MOHSIN KHAN
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
Islamic Date: ١٤ مح رم ١٤٤١
English Date: 14 September 2019