HIJAB IN THE WORKPLACE Q&A

HIJAB IN THE WORKPLACE Q&A
 
Q: What is hijab?
A: Rules regarding Muslim women s (and man s) attire are
derived from the Quran, Islam s revealed text, and the
traditions (hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
him). In the Quran, God states: Say to the believing men that
they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty...And say
to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and
guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty
and adornments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof;
that they should draw their viels over their bosoms and not
display their beauty except to their husbands, their
fathers...(a list of exceptions) Chapter 24, verses 30-31
 
In one tradition, the Prophet Muhammad is quoted as saying:
...If the woman reaches the age of puberty, no part of her
body should be seen but this --- and he pointed to his face
and hands.
 
From these and other references, the vast majority of Muslim
sscholars and jurists, past and present, have determined the
minimum requirements for hijab: 1) Clothing must the entire
body, with the exception of the face and the hands. 2) The
attire should not be form fitting, sheer or so eye-catching as
to attract undue attention or reveal the shape of the body. 3)
The clothing cannot be similar to male clothing or to the
distinctive clo thing worn by people of other faiths. 4)
Clothing must not suggest fame or status.
 
There are similar, yet less obvious requirements for a Muslim
male's attire. A must always be covered from the navel to the
knees. A Muslim man should similarily not wear tight, sheer,
revealing, or eye-catching clothing. The prohibitions against
wearing clothing of the opposite sex or distinctive clothing
of other faiths is also the same. In addition, a Muslim man is
prohibited from wearing silk clothing (except for medical
reasons) or gold jewelry. A Muslim woman man wear silk or
gold. (References: The Muslim Woman s Dress, Dr. Jamal
Badawi, Ta-Ha Publishers; Hijab in Islam, Maulana Wahiduddin
Khan, Al-Risala Books; The Islamic Ruling Regarding Women s
Dress, Abu Bilal Mustafa Al-Kanadi, Abul-Qasim Publishing)
 
Q: But aren t there Muslim women who do not wear hijab?
A: Yes, some Muslim women choose not to wear hijab. Some may
want to wear it but believe they cannot get a job wearing a
head scarf. Others may not be aware of the requirement or are
under the mistaken impression that wearing hijab is an
indication of inferior status.
 
Q: Why is hijab becoming an issue for personnel managers and
supervisors?
A: The Muslim community in American is growing rapidly. Growth
factors include conversions to Islam, immigration from Muslim
countries and typically high birth rates for Muslim families.
As the community grows, more Musli m women will enter the work
force. In many cases, these women wish both to work and to
maintain their religious convictions. It should be possible to
fulfill both goals.
 
Q: What issues do Muslim women face in the workplace?
A: Muslim women report that the issue of attire comes up most
often in the initial interview for a job. Some interviewers
will ask if the prospective employee plans to wear the scarf
to work. Others may inappropriately in quire about religious
practices or beliefs. Sometimes the prospective employee,
feeling pressure to earn a living, will take off the scarf for
the interview and then put it on when hired for the job.
 
Q: What can an employer reasonably require of a woman
wearing hijab?
A: An employer can ask that an employees attire not pose a
danger to that employee or to others. For example, a Muslim
woman who wears her hijab so that loose ends are exposed
should not be operating a drill press or simi lar machinery.
That employee could be asked to arrange her hijab so that the
loose ends are tucked in. An employer can ask that the hijab
be neat and clean and in a color that does not clash with a
company uniform.
 
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From cair1@IX.NETCOM.COMSat Nov 11 16:15:47 1995
 
Salaam alaykum
 
The following is a DRAFT Question and Answer (Q&A) to be
sent to the media along with a news release detailing two
cases of sisters being fired from their jobs because they
would not take of their hijab. Please take a look at it and
offer an comment, suggested changes, additions, etc.
 
Ibrahim Hooper
Council on American-Islamic Relations