Questioner: Is it permissible for a married woman to work in order to sustain herself?

Dr Sharof: Is it permissible for a married woman to work in order to make money for herself? Yes, there is no problem about it in as much as her husband cannot provide all her needs. From the rights of the men is to feed their wives. The one who is not capable of marrying should not try it. It is obligatory upon men to provide food, clothing, and shelter for their wives. If a woman will engage in working, it will be on the condition that her husband permits it and he is unable to provide all her needs. If her husband is providing all her needs and she still feels like working, there is no problem if her husband approves of it, and it will be on the condition that she adheres to the laws of Allaah. She must not do a work which has to do with mixing with strange men and she must be modesty dressed. There is no problem about it if she takes care of these obligations. Na’am.

Source: Q&A session of the tape, “The Concept of Nikaah”

Transcribed by Aboo Aaishah Al Odeomeey