Answer: My advice to everyone considering a career is to always work backwards.
Start by identifying the career you want and asking yourself, first and foremost, if it is permissible in Islam. For instance, if you aim to become a pharmacist, consider whether aspects of the job may involve impermissible actions. Would you be interacting inappropriately with non-mahram men? Would there be physical contact with non-mahram men? Would the work environment compromise your hijab, your ability to pray, or your overall religious commitment? If so, then such a job is not an option.
However, if the career path includes permissible opportunities—jobs that don’t involve compromising your hijab, working with non-mahram men inappropriately, or neglecting your religious duties—then you can work backwards to determine what is needed to pursue that career.
If, after evaluating the situation, you realise you cannot maintain your high standard of religious practice while continuing in a particular field of study or career, it is undoubtedly better to make a change.
Some may worry about financial concerns, thinking about jobs and family. While it’s true that certain professions, like a pharmacist, might earn more than, for example, an Islamic teacher, your rizq (provision) is with Allah. The barakah (blessings) in your rizq holds greater value than the quantity of rizq itself. When Allah puts goodness into something, it far outweighs any financial advantage.
My sincere advice is to seek a career that earns the pleasure of Allah. Financial stability also comes from Allah, so prioritising a career aligned with Islamic values is key.
Do you have to be an Islamic teacher? No, there are other permissible careers that you can pursue while earning the pleasure of Allah. However, an Islamic teaching career is highly readable.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ وَعَلَّمَهُ
"The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it." (Sahih al-Bukhari 5027)
The Prophet ﷺ also said:
مَنْ يُرِدْ اللَّهُ بِهِ خَيْرًا يُفَقِّهْهُ فِي الدِّينِ
"To whomever Allah wills goodness, He grants him understanding of the religion." (Sahih al-Bukhari 71)
These are compelling reasons to consider an Islamic career, but there are other paths you can take, too.
The main point is to work backwards. Ensure the career you are pursuing is entirely permissible, keeps you away from Allah’s anger, and helps you earn His pleasure. And Allah knows best.
— Answered by Ustadh Muhammad Tim Humble
