Is it permissible for a woman to go out to work with her husband's permission if the necessities of life for her and her children compel her to do so, in a mixed environment 80 km away from her home, while she is trying to find another job and observing general etiquette?
The mixing of men and women is forbidden due to the corrupting consequences that arise from it. It is not permissible to work in mixed-gender environments except out of necessity. The husband's permission does not make it permissible; rather, he must prevent his wife from doing so.
Allah has distributed roles: the woman's role is to raise her children and manage her home, and she is not obligated to earn a living. The man's role is to earn and provide.
There is no objection to a woman earning in her home or outside her home, provided the work suits her nature, with her husband's permission, without neglecting any rights, and while adhering to hijab and modesty, and avoiding mixing.
If a woman is compelled to work in a mixed-gender environment due to the absence of a provider and she cannot find any other work, it is permissible for her, provided she exercises caution and seeks another job.
If the workplace is outside the city, to the extent that it is considered travel, then she is not permitted to go unless accompanied by a mahram or her husband. If she cannot find one and is compelled, she should try to travel with a safe company and not be alone with a non-mahram man.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/34086