A wife’s work outside the home

Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta

A wife’s work outside the home

Question

Is there any scholarly contention on the issue of a wife’s work outside the home?

Answer

The matter is based on balancing interests and harms and is subject to the customs and traditions of each country. It must be noted that over the course of Islamic history, women did not encounter any problems related to this issue. They pledged allegiance to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and engaged in jihad with him. Over the ages, they participated in the cultural, political, social, and intellectual scene. Lady Aisha even spoke out against what she deemed to be objectionable while Shifa Bint ‘Abdullah held the post of market supervisor during the caliphate of Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (may God be pleased with him). The hadith scholar, Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani mentioned that he learnt Prophetic traditions from fifty two women. In the Quran, God mentions the story of the queen of Sheba who led her people to success by her belief in the [prophethood of] our master Soliman (peace be upon him). And God Almighty knows best.
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