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What are the limits of ghīrah (protective jealousy) concerning one's wife, and is she permitted to work in a mixed-gender charity organization or go out to distribute Eid gifts?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Jealousy (غيرة) is a commendable human instinct, and there is no good in one who is not jealous. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Do you marvel at Sa'd's jealousy? Indeed, I am more jealous than him, and Allah is more jealous than me." And jealousy has manners, among them: that it should not be without suspicion. The jealousy that Allah loves is jealousy arising from suspicion, and the jealousy that Allah dislikes is jealousy without suspicion. And among them: not to excessively deny and monitor a woman, as this might lead her to be accused. So, jealousy is desirable when there is suspicion and when it is moderate. As for a woman working in a mixed environment, it is permissible when there is a need, along with adherence to Sharia regulations, such as wearing the hijab, not being alone with non-mahram men, and not speaking to them without necessity.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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