Question:
Salaam, I was once speaking to a brother who told me that the ‘Ulama speak about certain criterion one should look at when deciding upon what career path he or she will take. I wanted to ask you, what should every Muslim and Muslimah look at when deciding on a career path? Barakallau fik.
Answer:
As-Salamu `Alaykum,
Muslims cannot simply enter into careers without considering their Muslim identity. Careers in banking and insurance may have a negative effect, in terms of witnessing and trading in illegal contracts from the Islamic viewpoint. Careers that do not allow appropriate dress, for example for Muslim women, or careers that involve socialising and free mixing, for example sales and marketing, all pose a potential problem for the practising Muslim man and woman.
Hence Muslims embarking on career choices must think through the effects of their chosen career paths, in terms of their Islamic identity. They must remember that life, whether living in the Muslim world or in the West, has the same purpose for all Muslims. That is to remain obedient to the commands and prohibitions of Allah (SWT) and to maintain and excel in the Islamic identity.
Imam Senad Agic, Ph.D.
Head Imam (IABNA)
The Islamic Association of Bosniaks in North America
