Q: I am a shy, introverted Muslim woman. I do not like being around many people, I like to keep to myself. I love staying at home, but my family wants me to work. I cannot find a job that suits both my personality and me as a Muslim woman. And I do not have a skill, like sewing, to make use of and work from home. What should I do? Is it wrong to want to stay at home and not be outside?
A: Shari’ah commands that women remain within the confines of their homes. Without a valid Shar’ee need, women should not leave their homes. The environment of the workplace is an anti-Islamic environment where intermingling of men and women freely take place and the laws of Shariah (in regard to hijaab, etc) are violated. It is not at all correct for women to be found in such environments. It is however permissible for women to earn a halaal livelihood while remaining within the confines of their homes.
You should start doing some work from home and Insha-Allah, with the help of Allah Ta’ala and trusting in Him, it will take on.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)