.I do not work in a retail place. My job is a respectable office job involving social work but I do not meet the public. The people I come in contact with are my co-workers (80% women & 20% men). Is it sinful for to work at such a place? Please help. Jazakallah.
Respected Brother-in-Islam
Assalaamu Álaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuhu
Kindly refer Hijaab at www.jamiat.org.za/isinfo/hijaab.html and ‘When Women Emerge’ at www.jamiat.org.za/isinfo/w_emerge.html
If you have no source of income and have to support yourself and your dependants, then you should try to confine your services to females only. If you are compelled to communicate with males then you will be excused. However, you should not be in isolation with any strange male. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘When a strange male and female are in isolation, then third is Shaytaan.’ Furthermore, when communicating with a male, lower your gaze and limit the discussion to the need. Free mixing and ‘merry’ discussion with strange males are prohibited.
And Allah Taãla Knows Best.
Was salaam
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.