Can I Work as a Software Engineer in a Mixed Office Environment?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
I work as a software engineer in an office. Is it haram to work like that? I don’t talk to men unless necessary, and most of the time, I need to sit at the table and work, except for some meetings where I will have to interact with men sometimes. Or else I avoid talking as much as possible. I observe hijab, too.
Please reply soon. I worked hard for this job, and I have some ambitions, but I don’t want to break any Islamic law and commit a sin. Please tell me if I can work like that. I’m deeply worried about this.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
Working as a software engineer is permissible as long as the work in itself is permissible that does not involve prohibited practices like usury, alcohol, gambling, etc. However, a Muslim woman working in a mixed office environment is disliked, as one will have to be cautious all the time despite observing rules of gender interaction like you are doing, ma sha’ Allah.
So, as long as you work around your role as a single female Muslim or as a wife and mother, fulfilling these roles first and working secondarily, then it is okay.
As a female Software engineer, in the future, it would be better to find a job working from home after gaining work experience. Many jobs are available now where you can work from home in this field.
Bear in Mind Three Things
On the whole, from beginning to starting to work and moving forward, one has to bear in mind that the work is permissible, environmentally safe, and Islamically acceptable. A Muslim male and female can study and work observing these three things.
Finally, it is essential to remember that Allah is the ultimate provider and sustainer, and all blessings come from Him. Therefore, we should always seek His guidance and blessings in all our pursuits and strive to use our skills and talents to improve society and benefit all of Allah’s creation.
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction, in sha’ Allah.
Related:
- Provision and Work: A Reader
- Can a Muslim woman have a career? Islam FAQ. [Video]
- Should Women Work?
- Is It Permissible to Work as a Software Engineer for a Mainstream Tech or Media Company?
- Gender Interaction Archives
- Do I Have to Cook and Clean for My Husband if I Work Too?
- How Does One Perform The Prayer Of Need (Salat al-Haja)?
Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersGuidance?
I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.
