Assalamu alaikum sisters,

I am newly converted (and so happy!) I work for a well known department store in a small town & think there may be trouble when I go back to work in a few days...

I have seen hijabs in the uniform cupboard; however I am concerned as we all wear trousers & fitted shirts & don't know if this will be suitable for me. Also we have tests each month called 'mystery shoppers' who are people sent in pretending to be real customers. They rate us on our customer service style & we get into loads of trouble if we fail on anythingThe main thing that I am concerned about is that we have to maintain eye-contact with all the customers. I know that I should not look males directly in the eyes, especially during Ramadan.

Any advice would be gratefully appreciated, thank-you!

Walaikum salam warahmatullah

You could try and talk to your employers and see what they say.  If they say no you cannot wear hijab or maybe a loose fitting skirt or jilbab you could argue your case with these discrimination laws.  Some employers might be adamant that you cannot work on the check-out for example but can offer you an alternative maybe in the office.

If things really get uncomfortable you could leave the job and I am sre Allah will reward you with something better than it, especially with Ramadhan around the corner because the du'a of the fasting person is answered inshallah.  Sometimes we think there is no way out of situations but if you put your trust in Allah things will surely work for you.

Do you have any skills you can use to work from home?  With the internet ever expanding you will see that a lot of people are beginning to earn a living without even leaving their houses and I think this is a better option for Muslims considering the society we are living in.

I hope this helps

Umm Hussain

I was offered full-time hours a few weeks ago & was waiting to sign the contract this week.

In the meantime I asked personnel if they could supply me with a hijab & more modest work-wear.

Suddenly my full-time job has evaporated in to thin-air. Funny that!

Subhanallah!

This reminds me of me 3 years ago. I was working as an intern peacefullt in my Niqaab with no previous hassle until the head of hospital- who was on leave when i was employed- saw me. Days letter, i got a letter summarily relieving me of my post due to 'security reasons'.

I had a choice of suing for discrimnation, but i complained to Allaah alone. Now, years later, i'm a fully-registered liscenced and practising physician awaiting a slot for my residency programme.

My point, 'Whoever puts his trust in Allaah, He will make a way out for him, and provide for him from whence he did not expect. And whoever puts His trust in Allaah, He will suffice him. Verily, Allaah will complete Matters!'

Believe me, Sis- 7 yrs in Niqab as a medical personel - Allaah's promise is true,forever!