Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Assalamu Alaykum

I am thinking of becoming a hairdresser for muslim woman only. Is being a hairdresser just for muslim woman who wear hijab permitted in Islam?

If it is permitted, and I go to school for hairdressing, the schools for hairdressing that I looked for in toronto don`t have any islamic schools for hairdressing, so that would mean that I would have to go to a regular hairdressing school and then they would make me practice on woman who dont wear hijab and possibly men too. So what would I do in this situation? Please help me with this because I am confused at what I should do, thank you

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Answer:

Hair dresser profession

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Your Statement: I am thinking of becoming a hairdresser for muslim woman only.

Provided none of the laws of Shariah are violated, the cutting or dressing of the hair of any woman is absolutely permissible for a believing woman in Islam.

Your Question: Is being a hairdresser just for muslim woman who wear hijab permitted in Islam?

It is absolutely permissible for a believing woman to pursue a career in hair-dressing for womenfolk, regardless of whether those women are believers or non-believers, wear a hijaab or do not wear a hijaab.

Your Question: and then they would make me practice on woman who dont wear hijab and possibly men too. So what would I do in this situation?

There is absolutely no harm if a believing woman dresses the hair of womenfolk, regardless of whether they adorn the hijaab or not….but under absolutely no situation would a believing woman be allowed to touch a non-mehram male, leave alone dress their hair!

If you wish to pursue a career in women hair-dressing, you could talk to the school administrators and make it absolutely clear to them regarding your requirements, and make it known to them that you will not touch or dress the hair of non-mehram men. If the administrators agree to your request, pursue your career in your chosen field; and if for any reason the administrators do not agree, then find an alternate school or mode of learning. But under absolutely no situation would a believing woman who sincerely fears Allah and the Last Day would be allowed to touch a non-mehram man, leave alone dress his hair.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan