GUIDELINES ON WOMEN WORKING OUTSIDE THE HOME

Question:

I am a 20-year-old girl studying engineering. I work during the summer in a stationary store; in order to pay my college fees, am I sinful? I wear niqab, and sometimes feel that no religious man proposes to me for this reason.

Answer:

Praise be to Allah.

Firstly:

The basic principle is that a woman should remain at home, and not go out except for necessary purposes.

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance”

[al-Ahzaab 33:33].

Although this is addressed to the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), it also applies to the believing women. It is only addressed to the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) because of their honour and status with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and because they are examples for the believing women.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Woman is ‘awrah, and if she goes out, the shaytaan raises his hopes (of misguiding her). She is never closer to Allah than when she stays in her house.” Narrated by Ibn Hibbaan and Ibn Khuzaymah; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Shaheehah, no. 2688.

And he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said concerning a woman’s prayer in the mosque: “Their houses are better for them.” Narrated by Abu Dawood (567) and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood. For more information please see the answer to question no. 6742.

Secondly: It is permissible for a woman to go out of her house for work, but that is subject to certain conditions. If they are met, it is permissible for her to go out.

They are: -

That she needs to work in order to acquire the money she needs, as in your case.-

The work should be suited to the nature of woman, such as medicine, nursing, teaching, sewing, and so on.-

The work should be in a place that is only for women, and there should be no mixing with non-mahram men.-

Whilst at work she should observe complete shar’i hijab.-

Her work should not lead to her travelling without a mahram.-

Her going out to work should not involve committing any haraam action, such as being alone with the driver, or wearing perfume where non-mahrams can smell it.-

That should not lead to her neglecting things that are more essential for her, such as looking after her house, husband and children.

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen said: The field in which a woman works should be only for women, such as if she works in teaching girls, whether in administration or technical support, or she works at home as a seamstress sewing clothes for women and so on. As for working in fields that are for men, this is not permissible for her because it requires her to mix with men, which is a great fitnah (source of temptation and trouble) and should be avoided. It should be noted that it is proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I have not left behind me any fitnah that is more harmful to men than women; the fitnah of the Children of Israel had to do with women.” So the man should keep his family away from places of fitnah and its causes in all circumstances. End quote.

Fataawa al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah (2/981)

If these conditions are met in your work, then there is nothing wrong with you doing it in sha Allah .

We ask Allah to grant you a righteous husband, for He is able to do that.

And Allah knows best.

MUST A MUSLIM WOMAN BE DRESSED IN BLACK?

In the first place, it should be noted that there are certain requirements for a Muslim woman’s dress. These are:

1) It must cover the whole body with the exception of her face and hands.

2) It must not be tight or transparent.

3) It must not delineate the parts of the body, especially those parts that are sexually attractive.

4) It must not be a dress that is usually worn by men.

There is no specific significance for the black color to say that the dress should be black. In some cultures, certain colors are reserved for men; in such a case, a woman should not wear those colors while in that cultural setting.

Elaborating on this issue, Sheikh Muhmmad Saleh Al-Munajjid, a prominent Muslim scholar and Saudi lecturer, issues the following fatwa:

It is not one of the conditions pertaining to the Muslim woman’s dress that it should be black. A woman may wear whatever she wants, so long as she does not wear a color that is only for men [according to the custom of the country], and she does not wear a garment that is an adornment in itself, that is, decorated and adorned in such a way that it attracts the gaze of men, because of the general meaning of the verse: ‘and not to show off their adornment…’ (An-Nur 24:31)

This general meaning includes the outer garment, if it is decorated. Abu Dawud narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Do not prevent the female slaves of Allah from attending the mosques of Allah, but let them go out unadorned.’

In the Fatwas of the Standing Committee for Fatwa and Research in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia we read:

It is not permissible for a woman to go out in a decorated garment that attracts people’s gaze, because this is something that tempts men.

The dress of the Muslim woman need not only be black. It is permissible for her to wear any color of clothing so long as it covers her `awrah (the parts of the body that have to be covered), does not resemble men’s clothing, and is not so tight as to show the shape of her limbs or so thin as to show what is beneath it, and does not provoke temptation.

It is not a must for women to wear black. They may wear other colors that are worn only by women, do not attract attention, and do not provoke desire.

Many women choose to wear black, not because it is obligatory, but because it is farthest removed from being an adornment. There are reports that indicate that the women of the Companions used to wear black. Abu Dawud narrated that Umm Salamah said: ‘When the words ‘and to draw their veils all over juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms [one interpretation of the meaning])’ (An-Nur: 31) were revealed, the women of the Ansar (Helpers) went out looking as if there were crows on their heads because of their garments.’

This is to be understood as meaning that those clothes were black in color.

Allah Almighty knows best.

IF HEART IS CLEAN, WHY COVER THE HEAD?

First of all, we would like to confirm that a sound and sincere heart is the most important thing a Muslim must strive to have, as only God knows the real intentions of each person, and it is only a sound and pure heart which Allah accepts on the Day of Judgment.

Allah the Almighty says in the Quran what means:

And abase me not on the day when they are raised. The day when wealth and sons avail not (any man). Save him who bringeth unto Allah a whole heart.} (Al-Shuaraa, 26:87-89)

Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Deeds (their correctness and rewards) depend upon intentions, and every person gets but what he has intended.“(Al-Bukhari)

Performing good deeds is the believer’s way of proving their dedication to God. It is inexcusable for a person to insist that he or she is a good person but engages in activities that are explicitly prohibited in the Quran.

Performing good deeds should also be done for the sake of Allah, and not to demonstrate some air of superiority in his/her relation to others or for worldly recognition. Though it may be tempting to do the same to please another human being for example, a believer’s intentions should be tailored to please God only.

So, a Muslim woman who is only fulfilling the criteria of Islamic clothes is observing hijab in a limited sense. Hijab of the clothes should be accompanied by controlling one’s actions, eyes, heart, thoughts, and intentions. Therefore, the hypocritical use of hijab is not a good example of Muslim conduct.

Furthermore, Islam means “submission to Allah” and we trust that what He orders us to do is for our own good. We have to learn to obey, even when we don’t see the wisdom in His commands. We have to always remember that He created us and knows better than any of us what is good for us. To think otherwise would be arrogant and tantamount to making ourselves equal to Him.

Allah says in the Quran:

{Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands fathers, or their sons or their husbands’ sons, or their brothers or their brothers’ sons or sisters’ sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigor, or children who know naught of women’s nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed.} (An-Nur 24:30–31)

In response to your comment “it is unfair that a woman has to cover her head just because of man”, it’s important here to draw attention to the fact that the order to lower the gaze was given to men first. Many men conveniently forget that.

Yes, people may stare at a Muslim woman in hijabbecause she looks different from them. But better to be stared at for being different than for exposing some flesh for the sake of fashion.

Yes, she may get treated differently, but so what? If we are ill-treated or persecuted, so were the first Muslims. Don’t we get rewarded for being patient in the face of persecution for the sake of Allah? And if people treat a Muslim woman with a bit more respect for wearing hijab, what’s wrong with that.

The assumption that this command from God to Muslim women to wear hijab is regarded as an insult to non-Muslim women, and that it accuses them of not having self respect seems to be the furthest from the truth.

Hijab is a type of uniform prescribed in the Quran to cover all the head and body except for the face and the two hands, and is neither tight nor transparent, is only decreed on Muslim women for logical reasons. Therefore, we see no point in non-Muslin women getting offended or insulted by this decree which was not directed to them.

So, our advice to you all dear sisters is that you should pray to Allah to strengthen your faith and to help you obey Him. Be proud to be a Muslimah and proud to walk on the straight path.

WHAT THE HIJAB IS..

An act of Obedience to The Creator

An act of Honor & Dignity

An act of Belief & Faith

An act of Modesty

An act of Purity

An act of Bashfulness

An act of Righteousness

A Shield

What the Hijab is NOT..

It is NOT something new. Muslim women follow the example of righteous women in the past such as Mary, the mother of Jesus (a.s)

It is NOT a symbol of oppression

It is NOT a means to restrict a woman's freedom to express her views and opinion, or to have an education and a career

It is NOT an act of defiance, confrontation or protest to non-Muslims

It is NOT a portable prison.

The hijab is a Muslimah's shield from the evil world.

ALHUMDULILLAH

SIX CRITERIA FOR HIJAAB

Six criteria for Hijaab. According to Qur’an and Sunnah there are basically six criteria for observing hijaab:

1► Extent: The first criterion is the extent of the body that should be covered. This is different for men and women. The extent of covering obligatory on the male is to cover the body at least from the navel to the knees. For women, the extent of covering obligatory is to cover the complete body except the face and the hands up to the wrists. If they wish to, they can cover even these parts of the body. Some scholars of Islam insist that the face and the hands are part of the obligatory extent of ‘hijaab’ All the remaining five criteria are the same for men and women.

2► The clothes worn should be loose and should not reveal the figure.

3► The clothes worn should not be transparent or translucent such that one can see through them.

4► The clothes worn should not be so glamorous as to attract the opposite sex.

5► The clothes worn should not resemble that of the opposite sex.

6► The clothes worn should not resemble that of the unbelievers i.e. they should not wear clothes that are specifically identities or symbols of the unbelievers’ religions.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE VEIL

There are a number of healths and moral benefits that wearing the veil can Provide the moral duty of wearing the veil (Hagab) in Islam is an Often-discussed topic among Muslim women. However, little has been written About scientific reasons that the veil is beneficial for society. There Are, in fact, a number of health benefits that wearing the veil can Provide, as well as many behavioural science studies that suggest that the Veil is the best attire (clothes) for women.

Protecting the head is very important from a health perspective. Results Of medical tests show that 40-60% of body heat is lost through the head, So persons wearing head coverings during cold months are protected about Fifty-percent more than those who do not. Chinese & Muslim medical texts take this concept even further. In the Hua Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic on Internal Medicine), wind Is said to cause sudden changes within the body, & shaking, swaying, & Other movements that potentially upset the body's equilibrium; thus, Creating bad health.

These texts attribute the common cold to wind Elements entering the body & causing the typical symptoms of sneezing & a Runny nose. In the traditional Islamic medical texts of Al Jawziyya, we can find Numerous references to the "four elements" of fire, water, air, & earth, & How these affect the body in adverse ways. In particular, we are advised To stay away from drafts & to protect our heads in wind, breezes, drafts, & Cold weather.

All outdoor workers should wear some sort of head covering.

For this reason;Protecting the head is even more important in warm weather. V.G. Rocine, a prominent brain research specialist, has found that brain Phosphorus melts at 108 degrees; a temperature that can be easily reached If one stays under the hot sun for any length of time without a head Covering. When this happens, irreversible brain damage, memory loss & loss Of some brain functions can result. Although this example is extreme, Brain damage can still be measured in small degrees from frequent exposure To & overheating of the head. Bernard Jensen, a naturopath & chiropractor, States that this is because the brain runs on the mineral phosphorus, Which is very affected by heat.

Hygienic Purposes: all public should wear a veil or head covering Workers serving society to ensure cleanliness & purity. Workers in a Number of professions wears "veils" - nurses, fast food workers, and deli Counter workers, restaurant workers & servers, doctors, health care Providers, & many more. In fact, when we compare the number of workers who Cover their heads to the number who do not, we find that more people Probably cover their heads than do not.

Social Influence: Aside from personal & public health benefits of the Veil, it has numerous other benefits to society. In Analysing Visual Data, Ball & Smith discuss the acknowledgement of sociologists that visual Representations are influential in shaping people's views of the world & Their interpretations of life. Men use visual data to interpret there Relationships with the women around them.

Many studies have found that when a person tries to rewire there Instinctual perceptions, they are usually only rewired on the surface; Their original perceptions still exist on some level. Brain studies show That we exist in a world of constantly varying light variables that force The brain to perform what is called "lateral inhibition" consequently, it Provides us with a "steady" image as opposed to a "true" image of what we See.

Furthermore, lateral inhibition networks operate as part of the "Unconscious" brain; largely, without providing any information to the "Conscious" part of the brain about what they are doing. Therefore, the Brain can provide varying perceptions of the world without our even being Fully conscious of what it is processing.

Further studies cited in Encyclopaedia Britannica show that how a female Presents herself to society falls under the category of ritualised Behaviour through which animals provide specific information to other Animals, usually members of its own species. Virtually all-higher animals, Including humans, use displays to some extent to do this, & the best known Displays are visual ones.

Some biologists actually restrict the term Display to refer to visual signals or gestures. These visual signals, Which in animals can be simply a bright colour or plume, encourage Attraction. In humans, they are usually exhibited in ornamental hair, make Up, or clothing.

In our society, most of the time attractive hairstyles & clothing are Worn for the purpose of making the adorner more attractive (advertising & Television has institutionalised this reality). The ever changing Variations in fashion tend to affect the brain because it typically has Trouble constantly adjusting to changing shadows & forms in the world.

Reasonably then, through "lateral inhibition," the brain automatically Simplifies these images into the unconscious message that attractive hair & Clothing is meant to attract. Joining these two concepts together, we Can see how the human male could receive the signal of "attraction" from The brain before he has enough time to "block" it by "lowering his gaze." Having to re-form an image already processed by the lateral inhibition Network is a cause of stress for most people. Doing this day after day, After seeing many "displays," potentially causes a great cumulative stress On society. Having to re-form an image already processed by the lateral inhibition Network is a cause of stress for most people. Doing this day after day, After seeing many "displays," potentially causes a great cumulative stress On society.

Present day stresses arise from many things; among these are the vast Amounts of visual & physical input we are bombarded with in this "Information age" of personal freedom. The problem we face in this is that The body still continues to respond in the same fashion as during Primitive times, releasing large amounts of these hormones, which can be Very harmful. They can cause an increase in blood pressure, damage muscle Tissue, lead to infertility, inhibit growth, damage the hippocampus, & Suppress the immune system.

The two most effective solutions to this problem are, first, to convince The advertising industry, & society as a whole, to alter the presentation Of women to our males. The second & more viable way is to simply influence Women to dress modestly, which will help ensure that they do not send Inappropriate visual signals to men.

Female Psychological Balance: Last, but not least, covering the hair can Also have a beneficial effect on the female psyche as well. Studies of Women being interviewed for jobs show that there is a high correlation Between what they wear & their perceptions of how successful they will be In their interviews. There are many more examples of how what we wear can Influence how we act.

Wearing a veil can serve to remind women of their religious duties & Behavioural expectations.

It can also serve as a reminder to women that we are not only individuals, But also representatives & diplomats of our "Ummah."

JIHAD OF THE EYES

Start today!

As temperatures soar and sweat pours down our faces, it is essential to remember this: protect your eyes, and that does not mean wearing sunglasses, it means to lower our gaze - be careful of our glances.

In our culture today, as the temperature increases, so does the amount of exposed skin on people's bodies. Although this is very distressing and disturbing, it has become a fact of life. In fact, those of us, especially our sisters wearing Hijab, who cover to guard their modesty are seen as strange.

SOME ADVICE FROM THE QURAN AND SUNNAH

It is in this instance, surrounded by half-naked people, that we must have the courage to follow the command of Allah and His Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) and lower our gazes.

Allah says: "Do not go near fornication and adultery, it is an abomination and an evil way." (Quran 17:32).

This sin is so hateful in the sight of Our Lord, that He commanded us to not even go near it. Despite what anyone may say, looking upon that which one is not supposed to is going near adultery. For an illicit affair begins with a lustful glance. Allah wishes for us not to commit this ugly sin, and thus He commands us to lower our gazes:

"Tell the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make far greater purity for them; And Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And tell the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty." (Quran 24:30-31).

Lowering the gaze does not mean keeping our eyes constantly on the ground and not looking up at all. It is turning our faces away when we see a less-than-decently-dressed woman or man walking on the street in the middle of the day or at anytime.

THE ADULTERY OF THE EYES

The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) further explained to us Allah's command. Abu Hurayrah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, "(the adultery of the eyes is looking (at [that] which is not allowed)" (Bukhari, Muslim).

Also, on the authority of Jurayr (r.a.) who said, "I asked the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) about accidentally looking at something that is not allowed and he said, "Turn your eyes away." (Muslim).

In another Hadith on the authority of Abu Sa'eed, (r.a.) the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, "A man should not look at the Awrah of another man, and the woman should not look at the Awrah of another woman." (Muslim).

Thus, our Prophet (s.a.w.) even instructed us to lower our gaze when looking at members of the same gender in some cases.

LOWERING FOR THE OTHERS' NAKEDNESS

One common mistake is to think that lowering our gaze is only required upon encountering nakedness and indecency "in the flesh" or in person. Lowering our gaze must also be practiced when watching a film or television program replete with nakedness and intimate scenes of couples (actually, we should try to avoid watching such types of programs, period).

BEWARE OF THE BEACHES

Beware of the beaches, rivers, pools or anywhere else you'll find a plethora of bikini and swimming-trunk clad men and women.

Lowering your gaze there is virtually impossible. You may turn in one direction, thinking you're home-free, but soon enough you can't even look there.

The same holds true for parks and recreational facilities. While this doesn't mean never taking the kids out to enjoy the slides and seesaws or having barbecues there, it does mean perhaps having activities on days that are cooler, or at times when the sun is not as hot and intense (i.e. some time in the earlier morning or before Maghrib).

This way, the prime time for sunbathing has passed, and most people either leave or feel cool enough to put some more clothes on.

MAKE DUA

"Never underestimate the power of Dua." This holds true in all trying situations.

Sometimes, despite avoiding certain places where you are more likely to encounter an improperly dressed person, you may find someone walking on the street going to the beach or the park who decided to get ready for suntanning or swimming beforehand.

In these cases, lowering the gaze may be even harder. You weren't expecting it, so you didn't mentally prepare yourself.

If you feel overwhelmed, one suggested Dua to read is:"Aouzo billahis Sami 'il Aleem minash Shaytan ir Rajeem" (see Quran 41:36 for more information). A translation of this is: "I seek the refuge of Allah who is the Hearer and Who is the Knower from the Shaytan the accursed."

In general, seek refuge in Allah. It has also been suggested to say "La hawla wa la Quwwata illa billah"(there is no power except with Allah). If we sincerely make Dua, Insha Allah, we can succeed in turning our eyes away.

LOWERING THE GAZE DOESN'T MEAN BEING ANTISOCIAL

But lowering our gaze does not mean being rude or antisocial. The Prophet used to present the message of Islam to people that had come for the yearly "Ukaz" festival, which did include unIslamic activities like drinking and gambling.

However, this requires faith, self-control and discipline. This must never be used as an opportunity to indulge in these sins.

THE GAZE IS A PART OF A MUSLIM'S CHARACTER

A Muslim is decent and pure. This means all of his or her body must be decent and pure. A natural consequence of this is lowering the gaze.

Allah tells us: "O you who believe! Do not follow Satan's footsteps: if any will follow the footsteps of Satan, he will command what is shameful and wrong..." (Quran: 24:21).

Looking at another man or woman in an indecent manner is following in Satan's footsteps. It all begins with a lustful glance. Such a glance leads to lustful talk and flirting, then meeting and we are all aware of what comes next.

Let us stop Satan in his tracks and lower our gaze.

Let us start today. Yes, it is very difficult and it takes discipline and faith.

Yet, whenever we struggle to please Allah, He will reward us several times over in this life and the next. It is truly a Jihad. But, it is a Jihad worth undertaking, and we will be all the better for it.

"HIJAAB FOR MAN"

A Great Reminder to All Of Our Brothers In ISLAM:

HIJAAB FOR MAN:

People Usually Only discuss ‘HIJAAB’ in the context of women.
However, in the Glorious Qur’an, ALLAH (swt) first mentions ‘Hijaab’ for Men
before ‘Hijaab’ for the Women.

Dear Brothers Where is your HIJAAB ???

-Why are Your Eyes always Roaming here and there ???

-Why are Your Clothing always Dragging On the Floor ???

-Have You Forgot that, HIJAAB was At First Made Fardh for YOU before Muslim Women ??

Your LORD Says : "Say to the Believing Men that they Should Lower their Gaze and Guard their Modesty: that will Make for Greater Purity for them, And ALLAH Is Well Acquainted with all that they Do." [al- Quran :24:30]

The Moment a Man Looks at a Woman and If any Brazen Or Unashamed thought Comes to his Mind, He should Lower his Gaze.

[MUST SHARE]

'' THE CAMEL HUMP HIJAB STYLE "

'' The Camel Hump Hijab Style.''

''BEWARE MY SISTERS IN ISLAM, AVOID WEARING MODERN WAYS OF HIJAB'S KEEP IT NICE, SIMPLE AND WELL COVERED.''

Many Muslimahs are taking this trend and forgetting that it is wrong for them to wear the Hijab in the camel hump style. The bigger you do the hump the more you look like an alien! Muslimahs that wear the camel hump style are cursed.

The Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam also stated,

“There will be in the last of my Ummah, scantily dressed women, the hair on the top of their heads like a camel’s hump. Curse them, for verily they are cursed.” [At-Tabarani and Sahih Muslim]

Abu Hurairah relates that the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam said,

“There are two categories among the inhabitants of Hell whom I have not encountered. The first are people who carry whips like the tails of cows and beat the people with them. The second are women, clothed yet naked, drawn to licentiousness and enticing others to it, their heads like the swaying humps of camels. They will neither enter Paradise nor even smell its fragrance, though its fragrance can be found to a great distance.” [Sahih Muslim]

Think about the way you dress. Is it to please others? Or is it to please Allah?

Islam, the name of our beautiful religion, simply means “submission” to Allah alone. He is aware of our intentions, which must be aimed to be done for Him, simply due to the fact that He is our Creator and He has ordered it. As is said in the Qur’an,

“And He is Allah, [the only deity] in the heavens and earth. He knows your secret and what you make public, and He knows that which you earn.” [6:3]

Allah clearly illustrates how a woman should wear it properly in the Qur’an,

“And say to the believing women to lower their gazes, and to guard their private parts, and not to expose their beauty except what is apparent of it, and to extend their headcovers to cover their chests, and not to display their beauty except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers, or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their womenfolk, or what their right hands rule (slaves), or from the men who have no physical desire, or the small children who are not aware of the private aspects of women, and not to stomp their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments (jewelry). And turn to Allah in repentance together, Oh Believers, so that you may succeed.” [24:31]

PLEASE SAVE YOURSELF FROM THE TORMENT OF THE HELLFIRE!!