Taking off hijab for work purposes

Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta

Taking off hijab for work purposes

Question

I live in Switzerland. I wear a veil (free throat, i.e. Spanish style). However, I will probably have to take remove it if I want to get a chance to work. I need work urgently because my husband, from who I am separated, is not supporting our daughter and myself.
Can I take off the veil as long as I live here in Switzerland?

Answer

Hijab is obligatory upon adult Muslim women. It is impermissible to refrain from wearing the hijab except when there is a necessity. In this case, if, as you say, you are in dire need of this work that requires you to remove the hijab and you cannot find another job that allows you to continue wearing, you will not be blameworthy for taking it off.
You should remove the hijab only during the working hours and wear it once more after work or upon finding a new job that allows you to wear it.
And God Almighty knows best.

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