Hello,

Hello,

I am a Muslim woman and my Religion is Islam. It does not oppress me rather I feel happy, protected and honoured as a Muslim woman and follower of Islam.

Islam means submission, humbling oneself, and obeying commands and heeding prohibitions without objection, sincerely worshipping Allah alone, believing what He tells us and having faith in Him.

For religious reasons, I am searching for a role that does not involve mixing with men (in person or web meetings but email, message & call are fine). If anybody has any information (networks, job openings ect) that could help me in my search it would be appreciated.

Update (please read not too long)-

For any future comments I would advise you do not comment with any of the following 3. I am only saying this due to a notable number of responses although I have seen numerous positive ones.

1. Telling me it's not possible or realistic. I did not clarify this before (my mistake) but I will do it now. To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims.

2. Telling me I have ocd or social anxiety. Its for religious reasons and if you want to learn about the harm please read the following article

https://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

3. Telling me it's allowed and I just need to wear the appropriate attire and be professional. If you read the article above it completely dismantles what I just mentioned in the previous sentence.

Thank you.

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48 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    Have you tried getting advice from tools like chatgpt? I believe if you type in this question it might give you some suggestions on where to look. Good luck to you!

  2. Sumeya Hussein

    Thank you, yes AI is a good tool that could help. Thanks.

    May God bless you.

  3. Rebecca Shalloe

    Have you considered becoming a dental nurse?

    There are more female than male dental graduates these days and many all-woman practices. I can't help but notice how many of my dental nurse colleagues are Muslim. If you think this role would suit your attributes it's a great career. Due to the shortage dental nurses get to pick and choose who they work for rather than the employer picking and choosing who they would like to hire.

  4. Anonymous

    Really?

  5. Sumeya Hussein

    Yes really

    Due to the high amount of negative responses (not yours) which I wasnt expecting i want to clarify the following although your comment wasn't.

    Hello,

    To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims.

    Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harm

    https://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  6. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello Rebecca,

    Thank you for the advice.

    I am not qualified in that field so unfortunately that wouldn't work and I am not personally Interested in that. I now I can't be picky given my need but yeah.

    Due to the high amount of negative responses (not yours) which I wasnt expecting i want to clarify the following although your comment was very positive and appreciated

    Hello,

    To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims.

    Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harm

    https://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  7. Anonymous

    Convent? Oh, that’s probably not going to work, but you never know! Move to a city that has a large Muslim population that may have busienssss like health spas etc that cater to an all female clientele. Good luck and I’d be interested I what you find.

  8. Sumeya Hussein

    Nice I intend to move to a مُسْلِم country and will do so once i have the means God willing. Thanks. I live in a muslim majority area but Muslim only businesses i havent seen them very visible in my job search.

    Due to the high amount of negative responses (not yours) which I wasnt expecting i want to clarify the following although your comment was generally positive and appreciated. Hello,To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims.Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harmhttps://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  9. Barbara

    That’s an excellent idea!

  10. Sumeya Hussein

    Thanks!

    Due to the high amount of negative responses (not yours) which I wasnt expecting i want to clarify the following although your comment was very positive and appreciated

    Hello,

    To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims.

    Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harm

    https://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  11. Anonymous

    Look into nonprofits that cater to women and children. Your contact with men will be greatly reduced. Also, consider remote work that you can do from home and will allow you to avoid contact with men.

  12. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello, thanks appreciated I'll take this into account.Due to the high amount of negative responses (not yours) which I wasnt expecting i want to clarify the following although your comment was very positive and appreciated Hello,To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims. Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harmhttps://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  13. Anonymous

    It seems unrealistic.

  14. Anonymous

    You can still wear religious attire. My family are muslim aswell. Men are also people. It seems more like social anxiety.

  15. Anonymous

    And OCD.

  16. Anonymous

    You are there for the purposes of work.

  17. Anonymous

    It is your choice.

  18. Sumeya Hussein

    Exactly. Thanks.

    Due to the high amount of negative responses (not yours) which I wasnt expecting i want to clarify the following although your comment was very positive and appreciated

    Hello,

    To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims.

    Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harm

    https://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  19. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello,

    To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims.

    Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harm

    https://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  20. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello,

    Consider being respectful in your comment. Very religiously insensitive. 

    To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims.

    Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harm

    https://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  21. Sumeya Hussein

    Greetings, Respectfully this is an ignorant comment. I am sure you know that women and men are separated in prayer, in Islamic lessons and that free mixing is not allowed. It's not social anxiety and I advise you to read the following from Islamqa.info to learn about the prohibition and the harm of free mixing. I kindly advise you only speak with knowledge I was commenting to receive advice not to be told that I may have social anxiety. Anyways please read. Hello,To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims.Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harmhttps://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  22. Sumeya Hussein

    Anythings possible with the help of God.

    'And whoever fears Allāh - He will make for him a way out' - 65:2 (interpretation of the meaning)

    'And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allāh - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allāh will accomplish His purpose. Allāh has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.'- 65:3 (interpretation of the meaning)

    Hello,

    To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims.

    Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harm

    https://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  23. Anonymous

    You are fulfilling your responsibilities by working.

  24. Sumeya Hussein

    Hi, i am not sure what you mean by this. I am seeking to work due to need.

    Hello, due to the high amount of negative responses (not yours) which I wasnt expecting i want to clarify the following although your comment doesnt appear so.

    Hello,

    To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims.

    Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harm

    https://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  25. Anonymous

    There is no religious ban on working with the opposite gender.

  26. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello,

    To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied fore many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims. Also, that last point was inappropriate and patronising.

    Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harm

    https://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  27. Anonymous

    A good Muslim woman understands what is expected of her and how to navigate her way around a professional environment.

  28. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello,

    To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied fore many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified.

  29. Sumeya Hussein

    Respectfully its not about being a good or bad Muslim women. The Companions (May ٱللَّٰه be pleased with them) and the other righteous predecessors did not free mix. No doubt they are far better than me. Due to the high amount of negative responses (not yours) which I wasnt expecting i want to clarify the following

    Hello,To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims.Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harm

    https://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  30. MidwestMaven456

    It is illegal to not allow someone a job based not their sex, so you will have to work with both sexes. You cannot control who your supervisor, colleagues or clients are going to be, particularly at something like a shelter. Having worked at one, I know you will have police, doctors, referral agents etc. coming to work with the people there on a daily basis. To limit male contact in any field, be professional, do your job and do not socialize outside of the work.

  31. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello,

    It's not illegal when its women only work if its an occupational requirement (e.g. personal care to young girl or domestic abuse ect). The former option is a no go I just cannot bring myself to do that. The later requires experience in the field but there are women organisations that I can look into.

    Also to clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims.

    Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harm

    https://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  32. Anonymous

    I cannot imagine having to find a job that will not be around other genders, such as males. Maybe network within your own religious group and see where other women went to work. Perhaps a women's shelter would be fitting for you.

  33. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello,
    Thanks. I have tried finding for a network but to no success I will try again hopefully.

    Due to the high amount of negative responses (not yours) which I wasnt expecting i want to clarify the following although your comment was very positive and appreciated.

    Hello,

    To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims.

    Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harm

    https://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  34. Anonymous

    Good morning OP - yes, there will be negative comments as anything that eliminates one or interactions based on sex, gender, religious affiliation, etc. can touch on a lot of sensitive subjects. It is also illegal in the U.S. (not sure if you are here) to hire based on identifiers as mentioned. It is not illegal for you to seek those positions but it's very difficult being that no org or company can restrict hiring men. I would seek orgs that maybe only serve women, but as another poster wrote, there will be others you will have to interact with. I wish you the best!

  35. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello,

    I am aware that people may not agree with my views but that is no excuse to try and deter me from my mission. There were plenty of women who were non Muslim who gave me suggestions. With regards to you saying its difficult, it's not impossible and I hope the initial post I wrote (& edited) clarifies that. In the UK, it certain posts it is an occupational requirement for the post holder to be a woman e.g. domestic abuse, providing personal care to a women ect. Thanks anyway.

  36. Jackiek29

    I would look for positions in areas that draw more women than men. Social Services, cleaning, personal care assistants. There are many smaller community organizations headed by women. I do the accounting , including payroll for a nonprofit. I have been there 9+ years and we currently have one male staff member. Over the time I have worked here 3 male staff members is the highest number we have had at one time. We hire men however our applicant pool is mostly women

  37. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello,

    Thank you for the advice appreciated.

    The community women organisations sounds like a good fit I have looked into that but most are domestic abuse related which require qualifications but I won't give up God willing.

    Due to the high amount of negative responses (not yours) which I wasnt expecting i want to clarify the following although your comment was very positive and appreciated

    Hello,

    To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims.

    Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harm

    https://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  38. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello, Such a kind comment God bless you. لا worries these comments wont affect my decision. It's not due to any trauma it's for religious reasons. I kindly request you read the following and the article at the end to understand moreHello,To clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied fore many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims.Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harm

    https://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  39. Sumeya Hussein

    Hi Elizabeth,Thank you for the advice helpful and i'll look into it. I have asked my local mosque but no response yet God willing I will get one but comments like yours have been greatly helpful I have gotten new ideas i am noting down.

    Due to the high amount of negative responses (not yours) which I wasnt expecting i want to clarify the following although your comment was very positive and appreciated.

    Hello, to clarify, I am talking about in person or online web calls. Talking via phone, message, email ect would be no issue. I have applied for many jobs that suit my religious criteria. Perhaps i should have clarified for non Muslims. Free mixing is not allowed in Islam I will mention this from an article. Read this to learn about the harmhttps://m.islamqa.info/en/answers/1200

  40. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello, what do you mean by strict interpretation? The evidences that free mixing is not allowed is in the link provided in the initial post.

  41. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello, Yes that's a good idea thank you. I appreciate your comment people have different religions and cultural practices. I am not going to impose my way of life on others nor do I want others to impose their way of life on me or expect me to compromise on my beliefs. Exactly as long as it does harm others. Apparently when it comes to Islam it is a different story but yeah. I truly believe there is a lot of misunderstanding and ignorance when it comes to Islam especially given the media propaganda and also people speaking without knowledge just today I noticed a comment about me following a 'stricter interpretation' (which is complete bogus i already provided a link in the initial post with the evidence) Thanks for the advice completely agree we should be respectful of others, accept and tolerate their choices. God bless you.

  42. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello, Thank you for the comment. I have applied for numerous roles that did not mention anything about attending meetings (not all jobs entail meetings!). If its a women only organisation I have no problems attending meetings. Thanks for the suggestions and respectfully the truth is not measured by the people. I am not following a 'stricter interpretation'. Did you read the link in the initial post which explains that free mixing is not allowed? It is from a trustworthy site that is line with Qur'an and Sunnah. I will continue searching I did mention in the initial post I have applied for numerous jobs that meet the religious criteria. Although, I have been unsuccessful. However, there are many people who do not care about free mixing yet still struggle to find work. Comprising on my religion is not an option for me. Thank you for the comment.

  43. Anonymous

    get a job in a muslim country please. if you can not adapt to non-muslim culture than don't move to non-muslim countries.

  44. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello, I was born in a non muslim country I plan to move God willing when financially able. In the meantime, I plan to try to hold onto my deen (religion).

  45. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello, there were plenty of respectful (who I am assuming are) non muslim women who have read my post and responded with their suggestions. If you do not have any positive advice or suggestions to give, respectfully I ask you to remain silent. Free mixing is not allowed full stop. This is Qur'an and Sunnah. Islamqa.info is the only Islamic question & answer site I trust. If you are able to provide me with a trustworthy Islamic site that strictly follows Qur'an and Sunnah you are welcome. There may be a concession which you can read about below but a concession does mean its permissible.

    Islamqa.info-
    We have previously explained the prohibition on free mixing and the negative consequences that result from it, in the answer to question no. 1200 , where we stated that it is obligatory for the Muslim to avoid studying and working in mixed environments. Study or teaching in mixed schools.

    But in the countries where the people are faced with the problem of mixing in most fields of life , especially educational centres and workplaces , to the extent that it has become extremely difficult for the Muslim to protect himself from that, a concession is granted to them that is not granted to others whom Allah has protected from such problems.

    What appears to be the case, and Allah knows best, is that in such countries where this problem (free mixing) is widespread, a concession may be granted allowing the people to study and work in mixed environments, such as is not granted to others, as stated above.

    Conditions of studying or working in mixed schools

    Nonetheless, the following are some conditions that have be met: One should first of all strive hard to look for a place in which there is no mixing, as much as possible. One should adhere to the Islamic rulings such as lowering the gaze, and not talking and engaging in conversation more than is necessary for the purpose of work or study.

  46. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello, there were plenty of respectful (who I am assuming are) non muslim women who have read my post and responded with their suggestions. If you do not have any positive advice or suggestions to give, respectfully I ask you to remain silent. Free mixing is not allowed full stop. This is Qur'an and Sunnah. Islamqa.info is the only Islamic question & answer site I trust. If you are able to provide me with a trustworthy Islamic site that strictly follows Qur'an and Sunnah you are welcome. There may be a concession which you can read about below but a concession does mean its permissible.

    Islamqa.info-

    We have previously explained the prohibition on free mixing and the negative consequences that result from it, in the answer to question no. 1200 , where we stated that it is obligatory for the Muslim to avoid studying and working in mixed environments. Study or teaching in mixed schools.

    But in the countries where the people are faced with the problem of mixing in most fields of life , especially educational centres and workplaces , to the extent that it has become extremely difficult for the Muslim to protect himself from that, a concession is granted to them that is not granted to others whom Allah has protected from such problems.

    What appears to be the case, and Allah knows best, is that in such countries where this problem (free mixing) is widespread, a concession may be granted allowing the people to study and work in mixed environments, such as is not granted to others, as stated above.

    Conditions of studying or working in mixed schools

    Nonetheless, the following are some conditions that have be met: One should first of all strive hard to look for a place in which there is no mixing, as much as possible. One should adhere to the Islamic rulings such as lowering the gaze, and not talking and engaging in conversation more than is necessary for the purpose of work or study.

  47. Sumeya Hussein

    Thank you. I hope so to.

  48. Sumeya Hussein

    Hello Aliza,

    Thank you for your message. I intend to look into it!

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