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Her environment does not allow Islamic practices

Question

I use to practice Islam while back very strongly, al-hamdulillaah, but since I have moved to no community and must work, I miss my Hijaab and convictions I once held on to I just want to totally submit but my environment wont allow it and my husband wants me to work?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

The most precious thing that a Muslim has is his/her religion and being steadfast and righteous on the commandments of Allaah, as this is the means of success in this life and the Hereafter.

If someone's work leads to the person being negligent about his/her religion and being disobedient to his/her Lord, then it is not permissible for him/her to perform this type of work. Therefore, you have to leave this job which led you to abandon the Hijab and disobey Allaah. You have to explain to your husband that continuing to work in that place endangers your religion and your honour and dignity. If he agrees with your view, all perfect praise be to Allaah (Al-hamdulillaah) but if he insists that you continue in this job, then you do not have to obey him. The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "Obedience is in what is permissible (Islamicly)." [Al-Bukhari]

We remind you that it is incumbent on you to be steadfast on your religion even if that leads people to hate you. The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "Whoever seeks Allaah's pleasure by angering people, Allaah will suffice him from the people, and whoever seeks people's contentment by angering Allaah, Allaah will forsake him and leave his matters for the people." [At-Tirmithi]

Nevertheless, we remind you that Islam allows a woman to work within religious limits. However, we should note as well that a bad environment has a great effect on the religion of a Muslim and his/her conduct. Therefore, you have to leave this environment in order to be safe regarding your religion and to be able to remain steadfast on the obedience of your Lord. Lastly, we remind you that it is an obligation upon the husband to provide for his wife even if she is rich or able to earn her living through lawful incomes. So how can he oblige you to work in a prohibited way? Islam does not permit this and no sound and sane mind would allow this as well.

Allaah knows best.

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