Fatwa ID: 07828

Written by Alimah Saniyahbint Asrar

Question:

Is it permissible to work and study in mixed environments since the UK is not a Muslim country and many people show their ‘awrah and it would be hard to find a job where the appropriate Shariah boundaries are honoured?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

In most places today, it is indeed challenging for Muslims to find workplaces or educational institutions where Shar’i boundaries are fully respected, as noted in your question. Many environments involve the interaction of men and women, and it’s common for people to expose their ‘Awrah. Given the widespread nature of such settings, it would be impractical to prohibit Muslims from working or studying altogether. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining one’s personal boundaries within these environments.

For instance, while working or studying in mixed-gender settings, a Muslim should avoid physical contact, such as handshakes, with members of the opposite gender. All interactions should remain strictly professional and relevant to work or studies. Additionally, it is essential to communicate one’s values clearly, such as abstaining from social gatherings where activities contrary to Islamic principles, like drinking, may take place. By setting these boundaries and holding firm to them, one can navigate these environments while upholding Islamic guidelines.

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Alimah Saniyahbint Asrar

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

References:

شرح مختصر الطحاوي للجصاص ٨/‏٥٣٨

وأيضا: قال الله تعالى: ﴿قل للمؤمنين يغضوا من أبصارهم﴾.

فغض البصر واجب عن كل عضو من أعضائها، إلا ما قام الدليل عليه، وهو ما بينه بقوله تعالى: ﴿ولا يبدين زينتهن إلا لبعولتهن أو ءابائهن

النهاية في شرح الهداية – السغناقي ٢٣/‏٩٢

: ﴿قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّواْ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ﴾ (٥) مُحْكَم، فنأخذُ بالْمُحْكَم فنقول: كلّ من كان من الرجال لا يحلّ لها أن تُبْدِي موضع الزينة الباطنة بين يديه، ولا يحلّ له أن ينظر إليها إلا أن يكون صغيرًا، فحينئذ لا بأس بذلك، كذا في «الذّخيرة» (٦).﴾.