Question:
Are women allowed to work?
Answer:
Bismihi Ta’ala
Respected Sister
Assalaamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa baraakatuhu
Women are allowed to work, provided no laws of sharee‘ah are broken in the process. In particular, the laws of hijaab must not be flouted in any way, such as intermingling with non-mahrams (strange men), etc.
Having said this, it is necessary to understand that in the light of the sharee‘ah a woman’s work is at home. The Quraan Majeed clearly addresses the women: “Remain firmly within your homes” (s33, v33). Therefore without necessity she should not emerge from her home.
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had also apportioned all the work relating to out of the home to Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and the work indoors to Sayyidah Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha). (See: Musannaf Ibni Abi Shaybah vol. 15 pg. 36) Such a home can function smoothly and the crucial aspect of the proper upbringing and nurturing of the children can be fulfilled. (For a detailed article on this aspect follow this link)
Therefore, if due to dire circumstances a woman has to also engage in earning a living, as far as possible she should do so in a manner that does not require her to venture outdoors, such as through some home industry. If it is totally unavoidable, the laws of sharee‘ah with regards to hijaab, etc, must nevertheless be upheld at all times, otherwise there is fear of one falling into great fitnah. May Allah Ta‘ala save us all.
Was Salaam
Uswatul Muslimah Panel of Ulama