Should the sister accept a suitor who stipulated that she quit her job and Ph.D., preferring to form a family, or should she reject him, hoping for someone who accepts her work?
It is more appropriate for the sister to accept the suitor's condition to forgo pursuing a doctorate and dedicate herself to the affairs of her home and family. This is because a woman's primary role is to manage her home, care for her family, raise her children, and be a good wife to her husband. She is not obligated to provide for herself. The exegetes have inferred this from the Almighty's saying: "So let him not expel you both from Paradise, lest you suffer" (Taha: 117). Thus, a woman's adherence to her home is the اصل (foundational principle), as the Almighty says: "And abide in your homes" (Al-Ahzab: 33). And the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "And a woman is a guardian in her husband's house and is responsible for her charge" (narrated by Al-Bukhari, 853). A woman's going out to work or to acquire degrees often comes at the expense of her happiness, social stability, and the care of her home and children.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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