Is it permissible to continue working in the elderly care unit of a hospital in Paris, which requires exposing the 'awrah (private parts) for cleaning and wearing an apron that covers the arms to the elbows, knowing that I wear a hijab and am committed to my faith?

A Muslim is not permitted to look at the 'awrah (private parts) of another person, except for a married couple, based on the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "A man should not look at the 'awrah of another man, nor should a woman look at the 'awrah of another woman." The prohibition for a woman to see the 'awrah of men is even stronger due to the potential for fitna (temptation/strife).

Similarly, a woman is not permitted to remove her hijab on the pretext of laws that prohibit its wearing, as hijab is a divine obligation. If a job conflicts with the hijab, then that job becomes unlawful (haram), and a Muslim woman must safeguard her religion, for Allah is the Provider.