Employment concerns forworking Muslim women – II: Working from home)a solution(

For single and married sisters who must work due to financial need,
this presents a perplexing dilemma on one hand the true economic need
is there, on another the tremendous temptation and tribulation. These
hardships have led some sisters in dire straights to turn totheir
local mosques for financial aid or in humiliation to the welfare
system; in most cases whatever assistance they do receive is never
enough to cover even the most modest living expenses. These options
can only offer short-term assistance and are not a solution to a
long-term need. One option that may work for most of us is working
from home.
Most of us are aware of the industriousness of the Prophet'swife,
Khadeejah. Shewas by all accounts, an astute businesswoman. Although
Khadeejahwas a wealthy woman, starting a home-based business today
does not require alarge investment. In fact, in most cases, a small
home-based endeavor may only require minimal funds to start-up. In
addition, most of us are also aware that Islam has blessed women and
permitted them to conduct business for themselves. There is no
question that it is permissible, but how we choose to carry out that
blessing is the key issue.
As Muslim women, we have certain obligations, such as our home and
family, which should always be our utmost priority. We must never lose
sight of the importance of those obligations; being good mothers and
wives is much more crucial to our life in the Hereafter than working
at another job will ever be. Raising our children to be trustworthy,
honest Muslims is a means for us to acquire our goal of
Jannah)Paradise(, and that is something that no monetary wealth can
ever accomplish no matter how great. Knowing this, we have a choice to
make, and protecting ourselves by working from the security of home
can make a world of difference to our family and more importantly, to
enable us to safeguard our religion.
The notion of working at home isnot something new. The "work-at-home"
idea has been echoed for years from scam artists and homemakers alike,
all trying to make some extra cash. However, with the advent of the
Internet, anew door has opened. Freelancing has become commonplace
today's job marketand employees are now telecommuting more than ever
before. Working from home can now be a reality instead of a dream for
Muslim women.
Excellent benefits:
The benefits and rewards of working from home are innumerable. You are
your own boss, and are therefore free to manage your own time. For
example, if your child needs attention or if you need to perform your
Prayer, it is your prerogative when to take a break; you will be on
your own time, not someone else's. If your financial situation
improves and there is not a need to work a great deal, the option to
take a vacation is yours. You will have the ability to deal with your
customers only via e-mail, eliminating face-to-face contact completely
and using the telephone altogether. What's more, you also get the
added benefit of deciding when to reply to that e-mail, when you have
thetime. Checks come to you, rather than you going to them. In other
words, the work can revolve around your life, rather than vice-versa.
One of the most beneficial aspects of working from home is that it can
be done by one person, or as a family venture. The effect of working
as a team can even bring the family closer together while
simultaneously benefiting it financially. Everyone from the young to
the old can participate in running a home-based business. It can also
be one of the most effective hands-on learning opportunities for
children. Running a home-based business incorporates various real-life
skills that children can discover such as marketing, advertising,
developing business concepts, math and teamwork.
Home business also provides a solid foundation to teach a child
Islamic work ethics. For Muslim women, it is a win-win situation. You
are able to be with your children, earn extra money from your home and
set a schedule that works best for yourself and your family.
Working from home is also a great way for sisters to band together and
develop an organized effort networking theirtalents. If you are
someone that has computer or business skills, you can donate your time
to teach other sisters that are in need of work so that they may
benefit their own families, and in turn you will be rewarded, Allaah
willing.
Our homes are a protection for us, but our homes can also be
profitable, not only Islamically but also economically. It is up to us
to be resourceful thinkers and find what each of us can do from our
home to help our families and ourselves, while preserving and
protecting our religion and chastity.
Final advice:
This was an attempt to give an alternative to substitute having to
indulge in an out-of-home working environment. However, if a sister is
forced to get into such an environment, then she must realize that
Hijaab, on its own, makes a statement telling she is a proud and
committed Muslim. This, if done sincerely, could repel much harm from
her.
The most important advice for sisters to remember is that no matter
where we are, or what we are doing, we should be persistent in
fulfilling Allaah's commands, be ever mindful of Him, and rely solely
upon His grace and assistance. If we are in a job where we feel that
our values are being compromised, the best option is to leave.
Allaah,Almighty, should always be our first priority, not money,
personalsatisfaction, or desire for prestigeor power. If things seem
too overwhelming or difficult, we should always turn to Allaah and ask
for his help and guidance.
The Prophetsaid:"Allaah the Almighty says:'I will be for My slave as
he thinks of Me. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he
makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and
if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of himin an
assembly better than it. Andif he draws near to Me a hand's span, I
draw near to him an arm's length; and if he draws near to Me an arm's
length, I draw near to him a fathom's length…"]Al-Bukhaari[
If you absolutely must work, thenmake sure that before you apply for
any job to perform the Istikhaarah Prayer and seek guidance from
Allaah and place the matter with Him – indeed Allaah is the Best
Disposer of affairs, and the Best to rely on. Let us rely upon Allaah
in all of our matters, whether personal, social, or professional.