My Sister's Keeper 2007

These answers are taken from Islam QA. They are followed by information given by myself and other sisters on how to work from your home and still take care of your home duties.

This first answer is part of an article from Islam QA. I chose not to use the whole article because the beginning discussed "fiances." This was not relevant to our topic so it was left out.

Answer 1

The woman’s role which befits her and is appropriate for her is for her to stay in her house and take care of the house and look after her husband and children, if Allaah blesses them with children. This is important work that is not insignificant. With regard to working outside the house, this does not suit women’s nature in principle, but if she needs to do that then she may do the kind of job that is most closely suited to her nature, whilst adhering to Allaah’s commands to cover herself, lower her gaze and not mix with men in a haraam way, etc.

Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

It is well known that for a woman to go out and work in men's fields leads to blameworthy mixing and her being alone with them. This is a very serious matter that leads to bitter consequences. It goes against the texts of Islam that command women to stay in their houses and do the work that suits the nature that Allaah has given them, which keeps them away from mixing with men.

The sound evidence clearly indicates that it is forbidden to mix with non-mahram women and to look at them, and it forbids the means that lead to falling into that which Allaah has forbidden. There is a great deal of clear evidence that definitively shows that the mixing which leads to bad consequences is forbidden. For example, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, and perform As‑Salaah (Iqamat‑as‑Salaah), and give Zakaah and obey Allaah and His Messenger. Allaah wishes only to remove Ar‑Rijs (evil deeds and sins) from you, O members of the family (of the Prophet), and to purify you with a thorough purification.

And remember (O you the members of the Prophet’s family, the Graces of your Lord), that which is recited in your houses of the Verses of Allaah and Al‑Hikmah (i.e. Prophet’s Sunnah legal ways, so give your thanks to Allaah and glorify His Praises for this Qur’aan and the Sunnah). Verily, Allaah is Ever Most Courteous, Well‑Acquainted with all things”

[al-Ahzaab 33:33-34]

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”

[al-Ahzaab 33:59]

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts). That is purer for them. Verily, Allaah is All‑Aware of what they do.

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers…”

[al-Noor 24:30-31]

The Prophet [an error occurred while processing this directive] (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Beware of entering upon women” – meaning non-mahram women. It was said, “O Messenger of Allaah, what do you think about the in-laws?” He said, “The in-law is death.” The Messenger [an error occurred while processing this directive] (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also forbade being alone with a non-mahram woman under any circumstances, and said, “The third one present is the Shaytaan.” And he forbade women to travel except with a mahram, so as to ward off the means that may lead to evil and to close the door to sin, and to protect both parties from the snares of the Shaytaan. Hence it was narrated in a saheeh report that he said, “Beware of this world and beware of women, for the first fitnah (trial) that befell the Children of Israel had to do with women.” And he [an error occurred while processing this directive] (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I am not leaving behind me in my ummah any fitnah that is more harmful for men than women.”

Thus the verses and ahaadeeth clearly state that it is obligatory to keep away from the mixing that leads to evil, disintegration of families and the destruction of societies. When we look at the situation of women in some Muslim countries we will see that they have lost their dignity because of their going out of their homes and having to work in fields that are not theirs. Wise people in these countries and in the west have said that it is essential for women to go back to their natural position for which Allaah has prepared them physically and mentally, but it is too late (for them).

In the fields of work that women can do in their homes and in teaching and other suitable fields, there are plenty of jobs which mean that they have no need to work in men's fields.

From al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz wa Muwaafaqatuhu al-Thaabitah, no. 22.

Shaykh Muhammad al-Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen said:

The fields of work that are open to women are those in which women specialize, such as girls’ education, whether this is a administrative or technical work; or working in her home sewing clothes for women, and so on. With regard to working in fields in which men specialize, it is not permissible for women to work in these fields because that requires mixing with men, which is a great fitnah (trial, temptation) that we must beware of. It should be noted that it is proven that the Prophet [an error occurred while processing this directive] (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I am not leaving behind me in my ummah any fitnah that is more harmful for men than women.”

So men should keep their wives away from the things that lead to fitnah, by all means possible.

Fataawa al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, 2/981.

Question 2

I am a muslim woman raised with basic Islamic teachings but overall in a more Western way - educated abroad in a European university, and worked thereafter in a large multinational following what is traditionally known as the "career path". This way of life has been encouraged by the parents and the lifestyle under which I have been raised. Furtheremore as my parents are no longer working I have become the financial support for the family. I am currently living alone at 31 years in a Western country where there are no Arabs or Mulsims around. And due to my Islamic upbriging find myself islolated from my surroundings as I have no interest in going to parties, bars, dating etc....
My choices are 2. To return home under the parents umbrella and settle for any work to keep me busy and if lucky find a husband. This will however mean sacrificing income at least for the short term which will be difficult for the family as well as sacrificing a very good position at the company I am in. Or alternately continue in this career path hoping that someday I will meet a good muslim man who can help me live a more mulsim way of life.
What is the isalmic point of view in such instances.

Answer 2 :

Praise be to Allaah.

The choice facing our sister is a choice between what is right and what is wrong, between what is halaal and what is haraam.

Hence we can only advise our sister to protect the best thing that she possesses, which is her religion and chastity, and to stay with her family so as to protect herself and be among those who will protect her. Perhaps Allaah will make it easy for her to find work that is acceptable according to sharee’ah, and a righteous husband. We give her the glad tidings of the hadeeth of the Prophet (SAW) (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “Whoever gives up something for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will compensate him with something better than that.” (Classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani – may Allaah have mercy on him – in Hijaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah).

How many brothers and sisters have left their work– even when they were earning lots of money – leaving for the sake of Allaah after learning that the environment they were in went against Islamic rulings, then Allaah opened many ways for them and gave them a bountiful provision, and guided their hearts to something better than they had been following before.

We also want to remind our sister about her parents, and tell her that staying with them and taking care of them is much better than being apart from them. She should not pay attention to their wishes that she should do work that is not acceptable according to sharee’ah. Many people are keen for worldly things, and they do not pay attention to the forbidden and objectionable things that may surround the work their daughters and sons do.

Striving for the purpose of this transient world at the expense of one’s religion is not something that we accept for our sisters or daughters, or for the sister who is asking this question.

You should not pay any attention to the fact that this is an international company or that the salary is tempting. That does not mean anything if it also brings the wrath of Allaah. It is bad enough that you are with non-mahram men at work, let alone that you are in a country where there are no Muslims. Moreover, you may have to travel without a mahram to the kuffaar countries and stay among them. You may be living in a house on your own, which poses a danger to your religious commitment, your person and your honour, as is quite obvious. The Islamic texts indicate that it is haraam for women to mix with men, to travel without a mahram and to settle among the kuffaar.

Your idea of isolating yourself of which you speak may not last for long, because of the many temptations and the lack of help and support. The path of evil starts with one step, and if a person follows it, it may be difficult for him to think of himself and his Hereafter. By the Grace of Allaah towards you, you are seeking advice and knowledge of the Islamic rulings, so do not feel any regrets about this world. Simple things are sufficient for the one who is content with what Allaah gives him; it is greed that destroys taqwa and robs people of their common sense.

There is nothing to stop you from looking for work that is acceptable according to sharee’ah, especially since some companies now employ people at home, letting them do their work via the Internet. This may be a suitable alternative, especially for Muslim women.

We ask Allaah to guide you to that which will be beneficial for you, and to protect your religious commitment, for He is the One Who is the Guardian of that and is Able to do that. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com)

My Information

Given these two sets of evidence, it seems that the better place for a woman to work is in her home. This avoids mixing, temptation, marital distrust and every other evil that can come from mixing. In the articles it talks about doing work like teaching girls and such. If this is done outside of the home, it is acceptable because the woman will be dealing with other women.

Do not confuse "having to work" and "wanting to work" outside of the home. I have not yet found evidence that wanting to work outside of the home and mix and talk with men when it is not a necessity is acceptable. Even if it was a need, precautions must still be taken to guard yourself from temptation.

So How Does A Muslimah Find a Work At Home Job? Right Here!

I have been officially working from my home for a couple of years now and I like doing it. I work when I want to, I have no contact with any of my customers except by email and by phone. I get extra money when I need or want it and I am still at home with my husband and kids. Did I forget to say that I also homeschool and have a couple of web sites (like this one for instance)? I totally set my own hours and can stop and start when I feel like it.

What I want you to do is explore your options before you just start leaving the house to go find work. Give it some thought.

If you want to sign up with a home business that I and other sisters are a part of, go to:

http://www.westathome.com

I highly recommend it for men and women who want or need extra money.

Click here to start working from home today!

Another opportunity that a sister made me aware of is health related. You can learn about it by clicking one of the links below.

http://www.healthydestiny.com

Please pass this information on to ANYONE who may be interested in working from home.