Finding a Job While Wearing Niqab

It really depends on where you're living, the type of environment you're trying to find work in, the industry type. If you're going to work where you meet lots of people, then most likely it will be hard for you to find a job wearing niqab (unless you live in Arab country and are an Arab. For example, in UAE I've seen UAE national women working in government owned establishments wearing niqab in such sections like customer service, reception, etc.). On the other hand if you are going to be working with computers or accounting record, then it won't be so difficult to get job in niqab. If you work in a school then there are more chances to get a job wearing a niqab even in administration roles (in Muslim countries at least).

One of my friends from USA worked as programmer while wearing niqab. So yes it's possible to get job wearing niqab in USA.

format_quote Originally Posted by UmmuShaheed

Asalamu Alaykum Wr Wb

Let me start off with saying Ramadan Kareem My Dear Brothers and Sisters!

I was wondering if there was anyone here who works while wearing a niqab? (sisters)
If yes, Whats your profession?

What are your thoughts on applying for jobs while wearing a niqab? Do you think your more likely not to get it because your face is covered?

(Of course brothers can add their insight)
Jazakallahu Khayr

Asalamu Alaykum Wr Wb

I work as a teacher and there are many practising sisters who work alongside me while observing niqab so inshaa'Allah wearing niqab at work is not an issue that should worry you too much (depending on where you apply to work of course).

There are plenty of admin jobs, teaching jobs in Islamic schools and tutoring jobs available that specifically require sisters to teach sisters that you might want to look into. There are also many Islamic institutes/organisations that look to employ brothers and sisters that you might want to look at. Unfortunately I can't direct you to any specific places because I don't know where you're from but I'm sure you'll be able to find something if you look around your locality.

As for working for non-Muslims, it might be better to look for jobs that don't require you to show your face (i.e. retail jobs and stuff is probably not a good idea). Working at warehouses, stock rooms, administrator or somewhere in the back-end will probably be a lot easier as these places just want someone to get the job done.

I've seen sisters who wear niqab working in all sorts of professions so inshaa'Allah just be sure to highlight your skills and strengths as much as you can to increase your chances of finding work. Also remember that it's not niqab that will sometimes prevent you from landing a good job but it's how you portray your skills and how you can help the company you've applied to work for to progress. Remember that anyone can maintain the status quo in a business but all businesses look for employees who can add to their company and help them grow and progress.

I hope this helps.

format_quote Originally Posted by UmmuShaheed

Asalamu Alaykum Wr Wb

Let me start off with saying Ramadan Kareem My Dear Brothers and Sisters!

I was wondering if there was anyone here who works while wearing a niqab? (sisters)
If yes, Whats your profession?

What are your thoughts on applying for jobs while wearing a niqab? Do you think your more likely not to get it because your face is covered?

(Of course brothers can add their insight)
Jazakallahu Khayr

Asalamu Alaykum Wr Wb

sister,

When we perform any action solely for the sake of seeking Allah (subhanawataála)s pleasure, and when the goal becomes Al-aakhirah (and not this dunya), then the answers to these questions become so much easier. SubhanAllah.

We should always remember, that obedience to Allah Taa'la comes before the obedience/ desires of mankind.
And that any disobedience to Allah Taa'la is just going to distance us further away from Him.

No doubt, the path of those who choose to walk the road 'less travelled', and who are willing to forsake anything and everything in this dunya - seeking Allahs pleasure, will be a path that will be more difficult than others.

There will certainly be periods of doubt and uneasiness that may creep into your thoughts from time to time.
There will be people who will criticize, mock and try to discourage you from following the true path (including fellow muslims).
You may be stared at.
And you may even be rejected for job interviews and promotions at work.

The question to ask is: does it really matter?

The difficulties that lie on the path leading to Allah azza wajjal, will only make the rewards that much greater in shaa Allah.

And the sweetness of imaan that one experiences, from knowing that they have chosen ALLAH over and above this dunya, wipes away any pain from our worldly and temporary losses.

So, do not worry about the reactions of the creation to your niqaab.
In shaa Allah, worry about the reaction of your Creator, should you chose His creation over Him.

My sister, our rizq/ sustenance has been decreed by Allah (subhanawataála).
Our duty is to strive in obedience to Allah, to make the necessary efforts and then to trust in His plan in all things.

If you are turned away from a job - it may be such that your niqaab was an influencing factor.
But, it is likely that the job did not belong to you in any case (with/ without the niqaab).
The only difference is, gaining Allah (subhanawata'la)s pleasure/ displeasure at that point in time, and at all times.

May Allah (subhanawataála) guide us towards all that is beloved to Him and keep us steadfast in His deen.
Ameen

format_quote Originally Posted by ~Zaria~

sister,

When we perform any action solely for the sake of seeking Allah (subhanawataála)s pleasure, and when the goal becomes Al-aakhirah (and not this dunya), then the answers to these questions become so much easier. SubhanAllah.

We should always remember, that obedience to Allah Taa'la comes before the obedience/ desires of mankind.
And that any disobedience to Allah Taa'la is just going to distance us further away from Him.

No doubt, the path of those who choose to walk the road 'less travelled', and who are willing to forsake anything and everything in this dunya - seeking Allahs pleasure, will be a path that will be more difficult than others.

There will certainly be periods of doubt and uneasiness that may creep into your thoughts from time to time.
There will be people who will criticize, mock and try to discourage you from following the true path (including fellow muslims).
You may be stared at.
And you may even be rejected for job interviews and promotions at work.

The question to ask is: does it really matter?

The difficulties that lie on the path leading to Allah azza wajjal, will only make the rewards that much greater in shaa Allah.

And the sweetness of imaan that one experiences, from knowing that they have chosen ALLAH over and above this dunya, wipes away any pain from our worldly and temporary losses.

So, do not worry about the reactions of the creation to your niqaab.
In shaa Allah, worry about the reaction of your Creator, should you chose His creation over Him.

My sister, our rizq/ sustenance has been decreed by Allah (subhanawataála).
Our duty is to strive in obedience to Allah, to make the necessary efforts and then to trust in His plan in all things.

If you are turned away from a job - it may be such that your niqaab was an influencing factor.
But, it is likely that the job did not belong to you in any case (with/ without the niqaab).
The only difference is, gaining Allah (subhanawata'la)s pleasure/ displeasure at that point in time, and at all times.

May Allah (subhanawataála) guide us towards all that is beloved to Him and keep us steadfast in His deen.
Ameen

I started this thread in hopes of helping other sisters who might struggle with their niqab and working. Alhamdulilah I do wear a Niqab, and work. But when I speak to other sisters, this is an issue for them, your advice was great in tackling it from different views. May Allah grant you Jannahtul firdous.

format_quote Originally Posted by 'Abd-al Latif

I work as a teacher and there are many practising sisters who work alongside me while observing niqab so inshaa'Allah wearing niqab at work is not an issue that should worry you too much (depending on where you apply to work of course).

There are plenty of admin jobs, teaching jobs in Islamic schools and tutoring jobs available that specifically require sisters to teach sisters that you might want to look into. There are also many Islamic institutes/organisations that look to employ brothers and sisters that you might want to look at. Unfortunately I can't direct you to any specific places because I don't know where you're from but I'm sure you'll be able to find something if you look around your locality.

As for working for non-Muslims, it might be better to look for jobs that don't require you to show your face (i.e. retail jobs and stuff is probably not a good idea). Working at warehouses, stock rooms, administrator or somewhere in the back-end will probably be a lot easier as these places just want someone to get the job done.

I've seen sisters who wear niqab working in all sorts of professions so inshaa'Allah just be sure to highlight your skills and strengths as much as you can to increase your chances of finding work. Also remember that it's not niqab that will sometimes prevent you from landing a good job but it's how you portray your skills and how you can help the company you've applied to work for to progress. Remember that anyone can maintain the status quo in a business but all businesses look for employees who can add to their company and help them grow and progress.

I hope this helps.

Jazakallahu Khayr for your advice akhi, I pray it helps reaffirm the understanding to sisters who already wear niqab, and others who are considering it.

format_quote Originally Posted by Icy Maiden

Is a woman who wears a niqab better than the one who wears hijab? And is a woman who wears hijab better than the one who doesn't wear any head covering? If so, then this discussion has merit.

sister,

We should not allow our own acts of worship, be a means to judge those who may not have reached the same level of understanding/ observance in deen.

As soon as we do so, then we have immediately dropped lower than them and we are distancing ourselves from Allah as a result.

Allah (subhanawata'ala) is the best of judges in all matters, and He knows best how close His servants are to Him at present/ will become to Him in the future.

It may be such, that the woman who wears niqaab has very bad manners/ does not treat her parents well.
And the one who does not adorn any hijab engages in some act that is very pleasing to Allah, by which He forgives her, such that she may enter Jannah even before the niqaabi
(in other words, this discussion should not be about who appears to be 'better' in imaan).

We should try to gently encourage those around us to adopt the commands of Allah and His Nabi (sallalahu alaihi wasalam) and also to make duaa for them - that Allah guides them towards His true path.

As well as remember our own sins and weaknesses, and where we have come from - truly it is only through Allahs mercy that we may be able to practice some meager amounts of ibaadat.

There are so many women who were once in hijab/ niqaab, and now have discarded it.
And there are so many women who once did not have any clue about hijab.....and now find themselves in niqaab.
Hence the duaa found below (in my signature) is one that we should recite frequently in shaa Allah - that Allah keeps these weak hearts firmly attached to His deen.
Ameen

Salam alaykum

By the other words I could say that the best sister is that one who keeps Allah in hers heart. We can´t see what others have in they hearts, but Allah can. And that´s the most important.

Asalamu Alaikum sis IcyMaiden,
Regardless, I believe this discussion can benefit some sisters, thus giving it merit .
The hijab, or niqab doesn't make a person, their iman makes them who they are. People can judge others by what they wear regardless no one truly knows the status of another persons Iman.
Our hearts constantly change, we can wake up a Muslim, and go to sleep a non-believer.
May Allah forgive us, and strengthen our hearts on the right path.
Asalamu Alakum .

format_quote Originally Posted by UmmuShaheed

Jazakallahu Khayr for your advice akhi, I pray it helps reaffirm the understanding to sisters who already wear niqab, and others who are considering it.

All niqabi sisters need to focus on their skills and strengths and need to try to avoid feeling self-conscious about their niqab, albeit how easy it is to feel that way.

The employer primarily looks to purchase your abilities in order to add value to their business and organisation and so you need to sell yourself by promoting your skills, enthusiasm and effort to an employer.

If it doesn't work out for a particular job that you wanted then try and try again and don't feel disheartened. The word is full of opportunities.

format_quote Originally Posted by Icy Maiden

If what matters most is the faith in one's heart, then it doesn't matter what one wears. Common sense and logic says that finding a job while wearing a niqab is going to be very difficult especially in a country like the US. If so, why would any sister insist on wearing the niqab under those circumstances unless of course she believes the niqab is a demonstration of how great her faith is.In which case, her faith is nullified. People who have true faith in their hearts don't have the attitude of "See how great my faith is! I refuse to take off my niqab!"

When a woman wears a niqaab/ hijaab (or any other action), the intent should not be, to demonstrate to others 'how great her faith is'.

Whatever action we perform, our intention should only be to seek the pleasure of Allah.Those who refuse to remove their niqaabs, do so because they have certainty in their hearts that this is a command from Allah and His Nabi (sallalahu alaihi wasalam)

In shaa Allah, you may find the following article to be of benefit to you, in terms of understanding the importance of the niqaab in Islam

http://www.islamicboard.com/clarific...art-islam.html

format_quote Originally Posted by Icy Maiden

Is a woman who wears a niqab better than the one who wears hijab? And is a woman who wears hijab better than the one who doesn't wear any head covering? If so, then this discussion has merit.

This is about those who choose to wear niqaab. It is not about one woman better than the other. There is no us vs them mentality here, we are all sisters in Islam, some to choose to wear hijaab, some wear hijaab while in their heart also wanting to wear niqaab, and some choose to wear niqaab, as they believe that the evidence for that is stronger. But they do not look down on those that don't wear it, though may encourage them to do so.

Common sense and logic says that finding a job while wearing a niqab is going to be very difficult especially in a country like the US. If so, why would any sister insist on wearing the niqab under those circumstances unless of course she believes the niqab is a demonstration of how great her faith is.

No, it is not a demonstration of how great is her faith is. It is not for show. Those who wear it, feel the evidence for it is stronger. It is impossible to wear niqaab without others seeing it. That doesn't mean that they are doing it for show. That means any expression of faith in public, is for show, be that hijaab, beard or anything else. This is a misunderstanding on your part.

In which case, her faith is nullified. People who have true faith in their hearts don't have the attitude of "See how great my faith is! I refuse to take off my niqab!"

You personally cannot nullify anyone's faith on the basis that a sister of yours in Islam wears the niqaab and we seek Allahs refuge from having such thoughts. You cannot decide who has true faith in their heart and who doesn't, only Allah can. Even if niqaab is optional, you cannot nullify one's faith for following an optional act, rather there is more reward. As for intention, the place of the intention is in the heart. And the only knower of what is in the hearts is Allah. If the intention is to show off, He will know it, if the intention is to please him, He will know it. We need to be very careful about what we say about our fellow Muslims and the status of their faith, lest we are taken to task for that ourselves. Are we associating ourselves with Allah as Knower of what's in the hearts?

format_quote Originally Posted by Icy Maiden

If what matters most is the faith in one's heart, then it doesn't matter what one wears.

It does matter what one wears because faith is not confined to the heart. Emaan (belief) in Allah means to have sincere faith in the heart and then made apparent through speech and actions. All three (faith in the heart, speech and actions) are an absolute requirement to have complete faith.

The command to observe the veil for women is in Qur'an. Therefore, those women who observe the veil (including the face veil) are observing the commands of Allah and are manifesting their faith via actions.

No one claims to love their mother without showing it through actions such as gifts, hugs and other means of affection. To tell her that you love her is the smallest thing you can do for her.

Do you disagree?

Then why should the love and obedience to Allah be confined to the heart?

Faith confined to the heart is the most shallow and insincere form of belief.