Is it permissible to work for the governments of disbelievers if the work does not involve anything forbidden, taking into account the necessity of communicating with women at work, and is it permissible to remain in this job until another one is found?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Firstly, it is permissible for a Muslim to work as an employee or a hired laborer for a non-Muslim, provided that the work is permissible according to Islamic law. Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, worked as a hired laborer for a Jew.
Secondly, jurists have permitted looking at a woman's face without lust during financial transactions, though it is disliked for a young woman due to fear of temptation, except when there is a need and no lust.
It is preferable to choose work that keeps one away from mixing (between genders) and forbidden acts, as it is safer for one's religion and further from temptation.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/22642
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 22642
- 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