What should a female questioner do regarding her mixed-gender work, which she is compelled to do to cover her study and family expenses, given the accidental physical annoyances that occur from her male colleague, the doctor, and the current unavailability of an alternative job?
The fundamental principle regarding women's work is that it should be in an environment where men and women do not intermingle. If a woman needs to work in a mixed environment, she must adhere to the Islamic legal guidelines, such as avoiding private seclusion () and suspicious mingling, and limiting interaction with men to what is absolutely necessary.
As for mingling that involves physical touching and contact, it is forbidden (). One must refrain from this by requesting not to shake hands or touch the head, or any other part, due to its unlawfulness. If it is not possible to adhere to the Islamic legal guidelines regarding speech, dress, seclusion, and touch, then it is impermissible to remain in that job. And whoever fears Allah and preserves her religion and chastity, Allah will provide for her and suffice her concerning what worries her.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/184718
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 184718
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy