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Guidelines on women working outside the home

Started by bamalli, February 14, 2008, 12:26:39 PM

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Dan-Borno

Muhsin, you have to be extra careful on passing
fatwas which tends to term some one as kafir.
Just a word of caution.
"My mama always used to tell me: 'If you can't find somethin' to live for, you best find somethin' to die for" - Tupak

Bee

Muhsin,the last thing i would want to do in my life is teach and nursing is totally off the list! You brought an example between joining the force and teaching or nursing,had it been you are trying to point out which of these the hausa woman will go for,then i might agree with you that she will difinitely go for nursing or teaching after all,our culture still rules in many ways but the issue on ground is religion not culture.You mentioned the force.Why did you not compare professions like architecturing,engineering,law,accounting,banking,etc with the sewing,teaching,and nursing?you fully know that even in the military,you find very few of our hausa men(because they are lazy) talkless of hausa women.I just need you or anybody to point out a profession which you think suits a woman in our present day world.
Born To Bee Great

Muhsin

Quote from: Muhsin on February 22, 2008, 12:28:47 PM
King,

I don't feel am conerned by her request even a little. As I said earlier, its very simple understanding these jobs. And I gave few examples...am now only waiting for her response.

And about Gaddafi; as everybody knows, that guy is extremely enigmatic in all he does, his being muslim notwithstanding. There are even romours, I call it so because am not sure, that he's a Qur'aniyun, meaning he only believes in Qur'an and believes nothing that comes from Hadith (sunnah of the prophet), figh, and everything apart from Qur'an. This belief, is seen by many scholars as completely wrong and its followers plainly or rather impliedly kafir (unbelievers). So forget him.

DB,
read above very well. And thanks for your words.

Bee,
Sorry I don't have a darn time to respond to you.
Get to know [and remember] Allah in prosperity & He will know  [and remember] you in adversity.

gogannaka

I
Quote from: Muhsin on February 20, 2008, 04:32:49 PM
Gogannaka,

This is a real complexe issue. And I'll advise you to have a good re-think on it. Kada ka zama irin mutanen nan da they always prepare simple fatwas while Islam isn't that so simply. Dole akwai wajajen da sai an tsaurara wani wjaen kuma tubus-tubus ne.

For instance, there's one popular scholar in Kano who has a very large number of fans because he always, I mean always, preaches on simplicity, flexibility and excuseness of Islam. And which is not, as already been preached by other class (good) ulamas. Am not saying he isn't such good but he's sincerely speaking too soft in ALL his fatwas.

Allah ya sa mu dace, amin.

Muhsin,thanks for the advice.
I still stand by my points on how the Ulama's treat women as inferior.It is wrong.
I believe the scholar you are referring to is Mallam Ibrahim Khalil (daga kai sai bid'ah is his nick name). His being soft when issuing out fatwas does not imply yana maida halal haram and vice versa.

The prophet has said that Islam is a simple religion,it is only the people that make it tough/hard.
I'd like to ask if you don't believe in simplicity.
Simplicity is easier sticked to than toughness. I'll give you an example.
There's a friend of mine that was so loose religiously( so so loose). At a point he decided to repent and follow the religion diligently. He now visited a friend who gave him an audio compilation of a book translated by one of the 'Good tough' malamai you mentioned.
The guy heard just 2 or three cassetes and returned them back to the owner.His reason was that when he heard the tapes he felt he had no chance of entering Al-jannah and that he was like thrown out of Islam(gani yake kamar ya kafirta)and it was the 'tough' fatwas he heard that discouraged him(aske gemu haramun,barin wando ya taba kasa haramun,fitsari a tsaye kafirci,jin kida haramun etc)...that was how he continued with his nigga life status untill he got some tapes from the 'simpler' preacher.Alhamdulillah now he is very religious.

As Dr Ahmad said sometime during one of his karatu:'Duk Zafin ka a addini wataran sai ka sauko domin zafi yana a wahalar riko'

That said,lets talk of the issue being discussed in the thread.
Women can be engineers,architects surveyors,doctors,enterprenuers,farmers,judges,lawyers,teachers,administrators etc....you name them.
The Prophet's first wife,Nana Khadija was a wealthy businesss woman.
Asma' bint Abu Bakr used to farm and transport the produce herself.
During Umar's regime a woman was appointed the administrator of madinah's market.
The list goes on.


Surely after suffering comes enjoyment

Dan-Borno

good one 'aboki', the earlier we come to realise this situation
the better for all of us.  the effect of not allowing women to
participate in other fields from the north is now affecting us
seriously.

during the 2005 hajj operation, there was a report that some
'takari' women are trying to smuggle some substance into the
plane, and as usual, security was beefed up and screening of
the women became very tough.  however, due to the scarcity
of women security, the exercise became very slow thereby
delaying flights from taking off.

so, if you are saying that this job belongs to woman, this one
belongs to man, we will end up confusing the aims of living
together.

so ladies, count my support.
"My mama always used to tell me: 'If you can't find somethin' to live for, you best find somethin' to die for" - Tupak

Muhsin

I believe with King, who mentioned ealier I was conerned by Bee's question but its not by her, actually, rather Gogannaka and DB's words, altogether. Any way, I still think the matter is solveable, understandable and well explanatory when taking a second look or at what I have to say now. Wish am gonna be understood.

Due to lack of time, I will like to talk in Hausa. My spoonful English couldn't allow me to express what I got to say as short and precise as I hope to. So here it goes...

Wai me yasa duk wannan kiraye-kiraye akan mata bazasu iya so-so jobs ba. The main reason are these two; Kadan ne zasu iya kiyaye abu guda biyu. 1- Mingling with males and 2- dressing decently at their work station and situation.

GGNK, I have read your good example about Aishe and Asma'u (RAHuma). Yes, I do believe with you they did such works but WALLAHI ba irin yadda matanmu sukeyi sukayi ba. 1st; they did cover their body head to toe. And they didn't completely mingle with any non-mahra male in all their walks of business. Don Allah, do you think nowadys women can do that? Be frank, pls!

Am now at Beirut Road en route from bank. There I saw one woman, wearing very tight sket and a shirt and she's married, I know that. She's a marketer there. Wallahi summa tallahi idan kaga abunda wannan matar takeyi a bankin nan...ta bahaushe kare ma bazai ciba. And I know if you ask her why, she'll reply that she's doing her work.

Remeber the saying of the prophet; kullukum raa'in, wa kullukum mas'uulun an ra iyyatihi. Ka bar matar ka ta tafi can wai aiki, kuma taje tana doing sleathy things, don Allah me zaka cewa Allah a ranar lahira?

Allah ya sa mu dace.

Get to know [and remember] Allah in prosperity & He will know  [and remember] you in adversity.

gogannaka

Muhsin are you confirming to me that during those days the female folk didn't interrect with anyone who is their non-mahram? I doubt if that is possible considering the fact that they were business people.

You should know that there are a lot of women that work and still they do not subject themselves to any kind of evil.

A wannan marrar tamu Muhsin, you can't specify which work a woman can or cannot do.
I would rather you enlighten them on the acceptable ethics of work in Islam.
Surely after suffering comes enjoyment

Bee

Born To Bee Great

Muhsin

Allah yasa mu dace. Hold on your views and let me hold on mine because it obviosly seems no body will agree with other.

My prayer always; ihdinassiradal mustaqeem.
Get to know [and remember] Allah in prosperity & He will know  [and remember] you in adversity.

abeeda

Salam I found this and thot I shld share


Employment concerns for working Muslim women – I: Islamic guidelines   
 


Before a Muslim woman seeks employment, she must carefully weigh all of her options and prepare herself for inevitable challenges.
Every day, many Muslim women cope with the challenge of working in a non-Muslim environment: a male employee offers his hand during introductions, other employees begin to discuss private aspects of their lives at lunch, an invitation is sent to all employees for a get-together at the local bar; someone makes a joke about Hijaab or Salaah. These are just a few of the many possible situations that a woman may face as she struggles to maintain not only her job, but, more importantly, her Muslim identity.
All women who have been exposed to the workplace at some point in their lives can fully grasp the myriad of reasons why working outside the home is an enormous problem, in particular for Muslim women. There are countless contrasts in the workplace to our Islamic value system.
There are valid reasons why laws were enacted for sexual harassment in the workplace in the United States, and that is because it happens, and often. Moreover, women should be aware that the laws can only do very little to discourage it, after that you are on your own.
What is the Islamic perspective in women and work? What guidelines should be followed if a woman works? What are some strategies that may be effective in helping her to maintain Islamic values and behavior?
Setting priorities:
The most important role for a woman is motherhood. This special role that Allaah, Almighty, has created for her, affords her honor and respect in Islam. Where does she fulfill this role? Naturally, in her home. Allaah, Almighty, Says (what means): "And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance..." [Quran 33: 33]
This does not mean that a woman is a prisoner in her home, but only that she should have a valid reason (meeting her basic needs) to go out, to avoid any tribulation, trial, or temptation that may result from mixing between men and women.
A woman should not work in a non-Muslim environment unless there is an extremelly compelling reason for her to do so. Allaah, Almighty, has not prohibited women from working, but He has provided numerous protections for women, that are primarily concerned with where, how, and with whom she associates. She should seriously consider the costs and benefits for herself, and the impact on her ability to fulfill her primary responsibilities, before taking on a job. There are many situations that may make it necessary for a woman to work, such as to meet the financial needs of the family or to fulfill the needs of the society (doctors, midwives, teachers).
There are several obvious guidelines that should be followed if a woman must work:
First, she must obtain consent from her guardian or husband (if married), who may offer a broader perspective on how her work may influence the family and its functioning.
Secondly, a woman must ensure that her home and children are properly cared for. Her husband may be of assistance in this area, or outside help may be employed.
Thirdly, care must be taken to choose employment that is appropriate and fits with her skills. Obviously, any work that deals with forbidden activities, services, or products would not be allowed but there is a world of possibilities available.
Forthly, any job that prevents her from fulfilling any of her Islamic obligations, like Hijaab or Prayer for example, is not an option to be considered.
Fifthly, while at the job, a woman must maintain her inwardly and outwardly modesty and chastity.
There is an immense and growing need for Muslim women in various medical fields, in education, in helping professions such as social work, counseling, psychology, psychiatry, and childcare. With the growth of technology and communications capabilities, there are unlimited opportunities for women to do some type of work or business from home (such as secretarial and typing; writing, editing, publishing; computer work, etc.). This would be an ideal situation that would eliminate many of the concerns that may arise for working women.
Maintaining an Islamic foundation:
This common concern for women who work outside the home must be taken very seriously. Women need to be careful that the job they choose does not lead them to transgress the limits of Islam.
Fedwa is a successful computer programmer at a major University who understands the risks of working in a non-Muslim environment. She knows that if she is not cautious, others may begin to negatively influence her. When she first began working, she would attend luncheons with other employees, but soon discovered that much of the time was spent on idle talk and conversation about forbidden activities (e.g. boyfriends, drinking). She decided that the best precaution for her would be to avoid these luncheons completely, so that a bond would not be established between herself and her co-workers. This type of influence could be so subtle, that a sister may not even be aware that she has fallen into the trap. Listening to inappropriate conversations on a regular basis may lead a sister to become desensitized and thereby forgetful about appropriate etiquette.
Another sister, Layla, echoed the same concerns. Layla is a Dental Claims Clerk at a major HMO who also decided to stop sitting with her co-workers during lunch. She and three other Muslim sisters at the same company have devised a creative way to preserve their identity while socializing at the same time. Each Friday, the sisters pray Thuhr (noon prayer) together in a conference room, followed by lunch. During lunchtime, they study about Islam in a private halaqah (Islamic study circle).
Layla also discussed her struggle with wearing Hijaab. When she first became Muslim, she considered not wearing Hijaab to job interviews for fear that potential employers would react negatively, preventing her from being considered. This rationale carries a strong message. After more consideration, she realized that Allaah would be the only One Who could assist her in finding a job, and if she did not wear it, she would not receive Allaah's help. She wore the Hijaab and found a job. She felt that the Hijaab was a barrier in only one of her interviews. Since that time, Allaah, Almighty, has strengthened her faith. Her advice to other Muslim sisters is to be open and honest about religious beliefs and practices, and to incorporate this into conversations.
Sources: Al-Jumuah magazine   
 
Employment concerns for working Muslim women – I: Islamic guidelines   
 


Before a Muslim woman seeks employment, she must carefully weigh all of her options and prepare herself for inevitable challenges.
Every day, many Muslim women cope with the challenge of working in a non-Muslim environment: a male employee offers his hand during introductions, other employees begin to discuss private aspects of their lives at lunch, an invitation is sent to all employees for a get-together at the local bar; someone makes a joke about Hijaab or Salaah. These are just a few of the many possible situations that a woman may face as she struggles to maintain not only her job, but, more importantly, her Muslim identity.
All women who have been exposed to the workplace at some point in their lives can fully grasp the myriad of reasons why working outside the home is an enormous problem, in particular for Muslim women. There are countless contrasts in the workplace to our Islamic value system.
There are valid reasons why laws were enacted for sexual harassment in the workplace in the United States, and that is because it happens, and often. Moreover, women should be aware that the laws can only do very little to discourage it, after that you are on your own.
What is the Islamic perspective in women and work? What guidelines should be followed if a woman works? What are some strategies that may be effective in helping her to maintain Islamic values and behavior?
Setting priorities:
The most important role for a woman is motherhood. This special role that Allaah, Almighty, has created for her, affords her honor and respect in Islam. Where does she fulfill this role? Naturally, in her home. Allaah, Almighty, Says (what means): "And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance..." [Quran 33: 33]
This does not mean that a woman is a prisoner in her home, but only that she should have a valid reason (meeting her basic needs) to go out, to avoid any tribulation, trial, or temptation that may result from mixing between men and women.
A woman should not work in a non-Muslim environment unless there is an extremelly compelling reason for her to do so. Allaah, Almighty, has not prohibited women from working, but He has provided numerous protections for women, that are primarily concerned with where, how, and with whom she associates. She should seriously consider the costs and benefits for herself, and the impact on her ability to fulfill her primary responsibilities, before taking on a job. There are many situations that may make it necessary for a woman to work, such as to meet the financial needs of the family or to fulfill the needs of the society (doctors, midwives, teachers).
There are several obvious guidelines that should be followed if a woman must work:
First, she must obtain consent from her guardian or husband (if married), who may offer a broader perspective on how her work may influence the family and its functioning.
Secondly, a woman must ensure that her home and children are properly cared for. Her husband may be of assistance in this area, or outside help may be employed.
Thirdly, care must be taken to choose employment that is appropriate and fits with her skills. Obviously, any work that deals with forbidden activities, services, or products would not be allowed but there is a world of possibilities available.
Forthly, any job that prevents her from fulfilling any of her Islamic obligations, like Hijaab or Prayer for example, is not an option to be considered.
Fifthly, while at the job, a woman must maintain her inwardly and outwardly modesty and chastity.
There is an immense and growing need for Muslim women in various medical fields, in education, in helping professions such as social work, counseling, psychology, psychiatry, and childcare. With the growth of technology and communications capabilities, there are unlimited opportunities for women to do some type of work or business from home (such as secretarial and typing; writing, editing, publishing; computer work, etc.). This would be an ideal situation that would eliminate many of the concerns that may arise for working women.
Maintaining an Islamic foundation:
This common concern for women who work outside the home must be taken very seriously. Women need to be careful that the job they choose does not lead them to transgress the limits of Islam.
Fedwa is a successful computer programmer at a major University who understands the risks of working in a non-Muslim environment. She knows that if she is not cautious, others may begin to negatively influence her. When she first began working, she would attend luncheons with other employees, but soon discovered that much of the time was spent on idle talk and conversation about forbidden activities (e.g. boyfriends, drinking). She decided that the best precaution for her would be to avoid these luncheons completely, so that a bond would not be established between herself and her co-workers. This type of influence could be so subtle, that a sister may not even be aware that she has fallen into the trap. Listening to inappropriate conversations on a regular basis may lead a sister to become desensitized and thereby forgetful about appropriate etiquette.
Another sister, Layla, echoed the same concerns. Layla is a Dental Claims Clerk at a major HMO who also decided to stop sitting with her co-workers during lunch. She and three other Muslim sisters at the same company have devised a creative way to preserve their identity while socializing at the same time. Each Friday, the sisters pray Thuhr (noon prayer) together in a conference room, followed by lunch. During lunchtime, they study about Islam in a private halaqah (Islamic study circle).
Layla also discussed her struggle with wearing Hijaab. When she first became Muslim, she considered not wearing Hijaab to job interviews for fear that potential employers would react negatively, preventing her from being considered. This rationale carries a strong message. After more consideration, she realized that Allaah would be the only One Who could assist her in finding a job, and if she did not wear it, she would not receive Allaah's help. She wore the Hijaab and found a job. She felt that the Hijaab was a barrier in only one of her interviews. Since that time, Allaah, Almighty, has strengthened her faith. Her advice to other Muslim sisters is to be open and honest about religious beliefs and practices, and to incorporate this into conversations.
Sources: Al-Jumuah magazine