Question: I’ve worked most of my married life but have always longed to study Islam. I’ve decided to study next year but my husband says I am unfair and impulsive. There will be pressure on him but I plan to sell things to supplement the income. Will I be rejecting sustenance by giving up my job?
Answer: Assalamu alaykum sister,
I want to congratulate you on your intention and plan to study Islam. We don’t have enough female scholars, let alone enough women who know the basics of their religion.
Your job
It is not rejecting your sustenance when you are leaving a job that involves interest. Rather it is choosing your Lord over something that He dislikes. It is obligatory for you to learn your religion correctly and not obligatory for you to contribute to household expenses. Rest assured that your sustenance (rizq) is guaranteed for you, and you don’t know whence it will come. Quitting a job does not at all mean a change in Allah’s provisions for you. I also commend that you’re taking the means to supplement by selling things from home.
Pressure on your husband
You may find that the pressure on your husband is correctly placed. Allowing him to solely take on the position of a breadwinner can be very beneficial for the family. The money will be treated more consciously and carefully. Spending wisely with a budget can still ensure a comfortable lifestyle. And most importantly, the self-respect and confidence that he will have will surely boost him up. Just be sure to constantly remind him what a wonderful job he is doing and thank him profusely for taking the stress off of your back.
Transitioning
The transition for the first year won’t be easy. Have a plan to live on a thought-out budget, be very organized in the home now that you will be home, and provide him with fresh homemade food often so that he can feel the tangible benefits of this transition. Instant pots and crock pots are key. Remember to still make time for him when he comes home despite your studies. Be patient in the beginning and make du`a that Allah put blessings (barakah) in everyone’s time and money.
See the following link for more excellent information:
Can a Husband Prevent His Wife From Working?
Reflections from the SeekersHub Retreat: “I Want to Study to be an Islamic Scholar”
May Allah rewards you for your intentions and give you success.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafseer and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.