Question

Salaams
I have a question I would like to ask regarding females working:
I am a muslim, female student Speech and Langauge Therapist with the option to work in the NHS sectors of community, hospital or prison environments etc or become private
It is mostly a job based around meeting clients on a one-to-one basis and work can be done with adults and children of both genders

Is this permissible in Islam as a unmarried women? What reasons would make it permissible/impermissible to work? Is it something forbidden or wrong to do?

Please explain with as much detail as possible. Much appreciated

Jazakallah

Answer

In order for a role to be permissible the employment cannot require the worker to violate principles of shari’ah. Some principles relevant to the employment mentioned in the question are as follows:

1. Seclusion (khalwah). It is not permissible for a woman, whether married or not married, to be in seclusion with a man who is not her mahram (unmarriageable kin). If she is secluded with such a person in a manner where no other person can enter on to them or see them then this will not be permissible.

2. The nakedness (‘awrah) must be covered. For a woman this will be her entire body excluding her hands, face and feet.

3. The person must be able to carry out their religious duties such as performing salat on time.

These are some factors which have to be taken in to consideration and is not an exhaustive list.

Answered by:
Ifta Research Fellow

Checked & Approved by:
Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
Mufti Zubair Patel