Most-asked question

Is it permissible for a woman to work?

147 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 6 South African Darul Iftas (AskImam, Mufti Online, Ibn Masood, MUBZ, Jamiat KZN, Azaadville). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“There are two issues regarding your wife working. One is the type of work. The other is her dressing. Your wife is a nurse. Her work is in a hospital. Her work as a nurse itself is permissible. However, her dressing code conflicts with Islamic dress code for females.”

AskImam — My wife works in an unconducive environment and refuses to resign from her job · 13 Oct 2019

“It is not right and is against the Islamic teachings for the husband to burden his wife to work and to take care of her own needs and requirements. Earning and providing for one's family is the obligation of the husband.”

Mufti Online — Husband burdening his wife to work and to take care of her own needs · 8 Sep 2024

“It is the sole responsibility of the husband to provide for his wife and children, furthermore considering your health condition, nurturing of the children and the unavoidable challenges that face one in the working environment it will be correct for you to refuse to continue with your job.”

Azaadville — A Husband Forcing His Wife To Go Out And Work · 15 Jun 2023

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. Muslim Woman Working Ibn Masood · 13 Aug 2025
  2. Does a Woman Need Permission from Her Husband to Work or Study? MUBZ · 13 May 2025
  3. Women Working – A Sign of the Day of Judgement Jamiat KZN · 6 Mar 2025
  4. Using Sayyidatuna Khadijah (radhiyallahu anha) being a businesswoman for women being allowed to go out and work Mufti Online · 27 Jan 2025
  5. A Husband Forcing His Wife To Go Out And Work Azaadville · 15 Jun 2023
  6. Women working and driving AskImam · 14 Oct 2019
  7. Female Working as an Air Hostess Ibn Masood · 15 Jul 2025
  8. Cost of Living – Wife Working MUBZ · 5 Sep 2024
  9. Woman working due to living with an abusive mother Mufti Online · 9 Sep 2024
  10. My wife works in an unconducive environment and refuses to resign from her job AskImam · 13 Oct 2019
  11. Females helping in the family business Ibn Masood · 10 May 2023
  12. Husband burdening his wife to work and to take care of her own needs Mufti Online · 8 Sep 2024
  13. Female moving to another country alone to take up a job offer AskImam · 20 Aug 2018
  14. Woman working Mufti Online · 29 Jul 2024
  15. Can men and women work together and mingle? AskImam · 28 Oct 2017

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