The ‘Abaya is not fard, covering everything save your hands and face is. As some scholars noted, “A woman can were a two piece, three piece or four piece outfit and as long as it is lose (doesn’t show her shape), isn’t transparent and not worn to pull the opposite gender, it is fine.”

Suhaib

“But to conclude, you definitely shouldn’t sacrifice your job because of the abaya.”

You definitely should keep your job so that your father can get the necessary treatment. As long as you are observing the limits that Islam has set, you are fine.

Your family definitely takes more precedence then a dress code. The shariah came not to impose a burden on people, but rather, to remove difficulty and bring about ease.

As far as hypocrisy goes, know that this feeling of hypocrisy is a sign of Imaan. The reason being is that Abu Bakr (R) felt the same way. Whenever he was in front of the Prophet, he was enlightened and always on top of his game. However, when he wasn’t near the Prophet, it was the opposite. And because of this, he thought that he was a hypocrite. However, when the Prophet (S) heard this, he told Abu Bakr that this is a sign of Imaan. (If anyone knows the exact story, please feel free to say it).

As far as other people criticizing you, know that their criticism is nothing compared to the criticism of Allah (SWT). Thus, worry about what Allah (SWT) will say to you and not what these people have to say. Being judgmental is a huge problem that exists in the Muslim Ummah. People judge without understanding the reality of the situation. And because of this, so many Muslims, namely youth, have left the masjid. and have gone to do things that go against Allah (SWT).

But to conclude, you shouldn’t definitely not sacrifice your job because of the abaya. Your parents take priority over it. As long as you are observing the limits of the dress code you are fine. Don’t fall into the mindset that not wearing an abaya will lead you to the hell fire. Its good that you are wearing an abaya, but it is not mandatory. You won’t be punished for not wearing it. You will be punished, however, if parts of your body is exposed.

Allahu alam
Assalamu Alaykum

I pray your father’s getting better. I can’t offer much advice, but don’t let people get you down. What you’ve done for your family seems pretty awesome, and may Allah reward you for it. Like your namesake, stay sincere in your actions. I follow the opinion that sisters can wear forms of dress other than the abaya which are still compatible with Islam, however I support every sister who wants to wear the abaya etc. So look for windows in your workplace, or create opportunities where you could wear the abaya, this might take time, especially if your new to the workplace. Also, as mentioned in the article – talk to your colleagues or manager about the fact that you want to wear the abaya- I know that sometimes non-muslims can be a bit weirded out when sisters rock up in an abaya (there are too many other connotations attached to it), so talk to them about it, you’d be amazed at how much people respect the hijaab etc, once they understand the reasons for it, and the meaning it holds to the people who adhere to it.

On a more practical note- wearing a blazer with an abaya can sometimes work, it can look professional, and you still feel comfortable.

But honestly sis – I have too much respect for what you’ve done so far for your family. May Allah bless you, and continue to give you the strength to be a pillar to your loved ones, and a example to other. If I’ve said anything wrong please correct me. If I have said anything to offend, please forgive me .
Your sister.

This might be a bit controversial but something I have been struggling with it for about a year and half. In 2006, after doing some research, I started wearing Abaya all the time as I believes that was the proper dress code for sisters. I worked full time in a corporate setting for about 12 months with Abaya and blazer. Due to some issues, I left that job in 2008.

About three weeks after leaving that job, my father became seriously ill. He was diagnosed with a nodule in his lungs so we had to get alot of medical tests done for him. He didn’t have insurance and bills were just piling up with basically no source of income @ home. My parents were panicking and I had an interview scheduled which paid a really good salary. I wore suit (loose pants & blazer up to my knees) to interview and alhamdulillah I got the job.

The work setting is very business-like and there is no way , I can wear Abaya there. I feel like a big hypocrite as I wear abaya everywhere except work. Numerous times, I have used this against myself, preventing myself from doing more good deeds. I always find myself accusing of lack of Tawakkul, lack of Imaan which led me to compromise what I believed.

It is so easy for people to come and criticize others of being low in Imaan or not having Hayaa but what are we to do? What should I do now? Leave my job and get a lesser paying job where I can wear Abaya? How will we cover my father’s medical bills? My siblings college tuition? I will drive myself insane thinking about this all the time.

Note: the Arabic instructs washing of the face and the hands up to the elbows, and the Masah of the head and the feet. There is no verb between ‘head’ and ‘feet’. Personally, having made wudu in dozens of mosques, and enduring the smelly footbaths as the last stop before prayer (peeyuu! talking about getting out of the mood!), I feel that prayer is a more spiritual experience when I am not thinking about how I just walked on the water that just came off 15 other dudes’ feet. If I can wipe, I’ll do it. If I’m at home enjoying the cleanliness of my own bathroom, I’ll wash. But my intention is to please Allah and to keep myself as clean as possible, and no to track foot water into the prayer area. I know that other imams have cited the example of the Prophet (SAW) in stating the need to wash the feet, but I feel that if Allah wanted us to wash everytime, He would have told us more clearly. Allah knows best.