Careers of Women
- Updated On Thursday, 11 September 2014
- Written by Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini
- Editor Kawther Rahmani
- Supervisor Sayyed Roohullah Musavi
- Published on Thursday, 10 February 2011
- Hits: 573 views
- Hits: Why should women have jobs and what is the best kind of job for them to have?
While it is indeed correct that earning the livelihood of the family is an obligatory deed of the man and that women are not Islamically (as per Islamic laws) responsible for this act, it must be said, however, that women, should also have some type of job. In Islam, idleness is both despised and reproached. Imam Sadiq (A) stated: "Almighty Allah hates too much sleep and too much rest." (1) Imam Sadiq (A) also stated: "Too much sleep wastes and ruins both one's worldly life and the religion (the life in the world Hereafter)." (2) " Lady Zahra (A) used to work at home." (3) Everyone, whether in need or not, should have some type of job. He should not waste his life by doing nothing. Indeed, he should work and offer his share in attempting to build a better world. If necessary, one should spend his earnings for his family and himself, but if it is not needed, then he should donate his earnings from work to those who need help. Idleness is tedious and more often causes mental and psychological disorders as well as moral corruption. The best job for married women is to take care of the house. Housekeeping, childcare, etc., are not only the best but also the most crucial and constructive kinds of jobs that women can do. A talented and hardworking housewife can turn her house into a heavenly place for her children and husband. This is a valuable and worthwhile job and should not be underestimated. The Prophet (S) stated: "A woman's jihad is when she attends to her husband (and takes care of him well)." (4) Umm-e-Salamah asked the Prophet (S): "How much reward is there for a woman's housework?" The Prophet (S) replied: "Any woman who tries to improve the neatness and cleanliness of the house by taking something from somewhere and placing it somewhere else would enjoy the grace of Allah, and whoever attracts the blessings of Allah would not be tormented by Allah's anger." Umm-e-Salamah said: "O The Prophet of God (S)! May my parents be sacrificed for you, please mention other rewards for women." The Prophet (S) of Allah stated: "When a woman becomes pregnant, Allah rewards her as much as He would reward someone who goes for jihad (holy war) with all his wealth and life. Then, when she delivers her baby, a call would reach her stating: "All your sins are forgiven. Start a new life again." Each time she feeds her baby with her milk Allah gives her a reward equal to that of freeing a slave for each feeding." (5) When not busy with their household chores, housewives should find something to do. They can read books, conduct research on something useful, and add to their knowledge and skills. They can write articles, even books. They can engage in drawing, painting, tailoring, knitting, sewing, and so forth. Consequently they can help their families economically and contribute to their society by making their achievements available to the public. Working prevents the development of many mental disorders. Imam Ali (A) stated: "Allah likes a pious person who is honestly engaged in doing a job." (6)
.....................................................................................
References (1) Usul al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 84. (2) Ibid. (3) Ibid., p. 86. (4) Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 103, p. 247. (5) Ibid., p. 251. (6) Usul al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 113.