Finding work as a veiled woman

Finding work as a veiled woman is really not easy.

Being a veiled woman is already difficult, so working with your veil on is even worse.

We were warned, we chose this life, and we are happy to live it every day. It's part of our jihad , so whatever happens, we do everything for Allah and for ourselves.

Solutions? We've been given some. Companies, lists, so-called " inclusive employers ." But often, it's too good to be true.

Despite all the " inclusion " or " non-discrimination " policies, if someone decides not to accept you because of your headscarf... they won't accept you. These are false policies , and there are hundreds of them.

There isn't really a miracle solution.

We search, we try, but there's always something wrong.

And it's not just the veil. There's also Islamophobia , of course, but sometimes it's just human: some managers prefer to recruit people who look like them — same color, same origin , same way of thinking — because they're afraid of not getting along with the other.

I can understand that, but when you run a business, you have to take a step towards diversity , towards what we call " inclusion ". It's not just a word, it's a value that you have to live by.

So you, a woman wearing a veil, apply, thinking, " Oh great, inclusive people! " But in reality, they don't want you. A polite little smile, then a cold stare when you turn your back…

In short, our daily life.

And I don't care about those who say we're " playing the victim ." We don't have to prove anything to anyone except Allah. We don't need pity.

We understood a long time ago that no one was going to come to our aid — in this world, you have to fight. Islam taught us this: we are made to face trials, every day.

What hurts me is seeing some Muslims “help” us by directing us towards jobs we don’t like, just to say they’ve found a solution.

Yes, I'm talking about these " clown jobs ," as I call them—without judgment, because we've all been there. But no, we don't want to do that our whole lives.

We have ambitions too.

We are not monsters.

We shouldn't accept things we hate just because we're different. What an injustice to be unable to do what we love, simply because we've chosen spiritual freedom.

So no, I don't want to be a cashier.

No, I don't want to carry heavy loads all my life.

Yes, I want to grow, to succeed, to do a job that I love.

Yes, I have the right to have dreams, like anyone else.

And above all, I have the right to work as a veiled woman and to practice the sport I love, because Islam has never forbidden me from doing any of that.

This endless job search, this weariness, these looks…

And then, there's always someone to say:

" You're a woman, you should just get married and stay home. "

But no one realizes that finding a man capable of supporting a woman is also a test , a sustenance that Allah grants to whomever He wills.

Wealth, stability, everything comes from Him.

So let's stop believing that a woman must necessarily be accompanied by a man to live.

Look around you: how many single mothers, how many women on their own, are raising their children? Let's be realistic , let's look for real solutions, not excuses.

This is not a feminist discourse.
It's just a matter of common sense.

Let's stop putting down our veiled sisters.

Let's stop believing that they "deserve" only small, dead-end jobs .

Our veiled sisters are intelligent, educated, and ambitious . They contribute to society. They deserve respectable professions, because women in Islam are respectable .

The solutions are not in the hands of the people.

They are not in the laws, nor in businesses.

They are with Allah.

No matter where you look for work — in salaried employment, entrepreneurship or with your husband — your sustenance will never be lacking, my sister.

And to those who have found a job with their veil, an honorable position: do not be proud.

Give thanks to Allah.

Don't forget where you come from.
Don't forget those who are still searching and who cry every night because they are struggling.

I see many sharing their success on social media — “ Look where I work, look how happy I am ” — Al Hamdoulilah, that’s beautiful, but when a sister asks you where you found it, answer her.

Don't be afraid that she'll take your place : you won't miss your destiny.

It is written, and Allah is just.

Help your sisters.

Help them regain their dignity and confidence.

Because our veiled sisters are exceptional women.

They deserve better than jobs that exhaust or humiliate them. And their future is bright. So don't cling to the Dunya, but stay true to your values.

Believe in yourself, and above all, believe in Allah. Because He is the only one who will give you what you truly deserve.

✨ With all my kindness and love , I encourage you to never give up, to believe in yourself and your worth, because Allah sees your efforts and He will never forget you.

— Lina An Noura, Author for your heart & for your faith. 🕊️🤍