SAEDNEWS: In Islam, there are certain professions considered forbidden for women, such as working as a beautician or performing as a singer. However, these roles may be permissible under specific conditions that align with Islamic guidelines.
Islam provides guidance on women’s employment and the division of responsibilities between men and women. Certain jobs are considered haram (forbidden) or makruh (disliked) and should ideally not be pursued as a primary source of income.
Among the highest acts of worship in Islam is earning a halal (permissible) livelihood. Such workers are referred to as Habib Allah (“beloved of God”). Conversely, pursuing forbidden income is prohibited and those who engage in it are described as waging war against God, as with usurers mentioned in the Qur’an.
In early Islamic history, many women were economically active. The Imams did not discourage them; rather, they often encouraged women to continue working, emphasizing that their work must remain halal.
Home-based work falls into two categories:
Housekeeping – chores such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, or child care.
Economic activities – e.g., carpet weaving, sewing, handicrafts, writing, or private teaching.
Household duties are not obligatory for women in Islam, and no one can compel them to perform these tasks.
Income from beauty work (hairdressing, makeup, etc.) can be halal or haram, depending on the context:
Tadlis al-Mashatah (Deceptive Beautification):
If a hairdresser deliberately conceals a woman’s flaws to make her appear more attractive for marriage, this is considered tadlis al-mashatah, and the payment is haram.
If the hairdresser acts without intent and the woman herself plans deception, the payment is permissible.
Tabarruj (Excessive Display):
In Qur’anic terms, tabarruj refers to a woman revealing her beauty publicly.
If a hairdresser styles a woman for tabarruj, the act of beautification is haram, and thus the payment is also haram.
Accepting Payment:
Hairdressers should avoid demanding more than their due, and ideally accept the payment offered without conditions.
Key Principle: Work itself can be permissible, but its context and purpose determine whether the income is halal or haram.
Singing for women is another area with religious considerations:
Some scholars consider singing (ghina) conditionally haram, particularly when it occurs alongside prohibited acts such as gender mixing or frivolous entertainment.
Others argue that the prohibition applies only when combined with such haram elements.
According to the majority of scholars, women cannot earn income from public singing unless it occurs in permissible settings, e.g., during a private wedding ceremony without men unrelated to the event.
Identify permissible work: Understand which tasks and activities are halal and haram.
Avoid deception and public display (tabarruj): Ensure your work does not promote deception or reveal beauty in impermissible contexts.
Accept fair compensation: Receive payment ethically without exploitation.
Context matters: Even a halal activity can become haram if it is associated with forbidden practices.
Example: A hairdresser or performer may earn halal income if they follow Islamic ethical guidelines, but the same work can become haram if intended for deception, excessive display, or participation in a prohibited event.
Islam encourages women’s economic activity and values work as a form of worship, provided it remains within ethical and religious boundaries. By understanding these principles, women can pursue meaningful careers while maintaining a halal livelihood.
