Answer
In this counseling answer:
“So, the key is to remain patient when you start wearing the headscarf and have faith that in sha’ Allah, Allah (swt) will make it easy for you. I know it is not easy to follow Islam openly in many places of the world. The believers are tested in various ways. Just have faith and remain steadfast, In sha’Allah. You will be rewarded in this world as well as in the Hereafter, In sha’Allah. ”
Wa ‘Alaykum As-Salam Sister,
I understand that you are a Muslimah living in Italy who wants to start wearing the hijab and keep wearing it. You also mentioned that you tried wearing the hijab but did not have positive experiences with it. Furthermore, you have mentioned that you need to pursue a job to support yourself; however, you are afraid of not getting a job if you wear a headscarf.
First of all, head covering is an essential part of the clothing assigned to women in Islam. It is your right to be able to make the decision about wearing a headscarf freely and without burden. I am sorry that it is otherwise. It must be very hard for you to choose between having a decent job and the decision to start covering your head as your will to submit to Allah (swt).
I also understand that if you have strong desires to conform to the teachings of Islam, including wearing a headscarf, and are not able to do it because of your surroundings, it could lead to a continuous internal fight. It could leave you feeling guilty about not fulfilling your duties as a Muslim.
I would sincerely advise you to go ahead and start wearing the hijab, In sha’ Allah. May Allah (swt) make it easy for you.
In the Quran, Allah (swt) says:
“And whoever fears Allah, for him Allah brings forth a way out, and gives him provision (rizq) from where he does not even imagine…” (65:2-3)
SubhanAllah! So, the key is to remain patient when you start wearing the headscarf and have faith that in sha’ Allah, Allah (swt) will make it easy for you. I know it is not easy to follow Islam openly in many places of the world. The believers are tested in various ways. Just have faith and remain steadfast, In sha’Allah. You will be rewarded in this world as well as in the Hereafter, In sha’Allah.
I absolutely understand that you need a job to support yourself and your family at this point. Here are a few suggestions that would help you.
Network with other Muslims in the community
Try to network with other Muslims in your community and see if someone has a job opportunity. You could do this by going to social events in your community or going regularly to the community mosque and letting people know that you are available for a job and your reservations about not being able to find work because of your headscarf.
Go for jobs that don’t need an “appearance”
Another suggestion is to apply for a position that does not require you to be on the front. For instance, a job for a receptionist or a sales girl would mean that you conform to the “appearance” protocols of the jobs. Therefore, you could try out jobs like Social Media Manager, Research Assistant, Accountant, etc. These are jobs that do not require you to have a front face.
Network with friends as well as on social media
You might have made friends with the locals or people with different ethnicities in Italy. Or you might have friends who have friends in their close circle who are natives. It is important to understand that not everyone is racist and closed towards you just because of your religion, appearance, or values. Some exceptions are always there. Therefore, try to get there in the open, with the assistance of friends, acquaintances or anyone who you think could help you get a good job, despite what your religious values and appearance is, In sha’ Allah.
Utilize your friends, acquaintances, and friends of friends to help you find a good job despite your headscarf. I am sure lots of people will back you up and help you find a job that fits your appearance with a headscarf and your Islamic values.
Also, make your skills and work responsibilities are known out there in the social media profiles such as Facebook and LinkedIn.
The alternative of working from home
If you keep trying and are unable to get a job despite your efforts, do not lose hope. These days, there are a lot of opportunities to work from home. The world is now a global village and you can work remotely for any part of the world. There are several online platforms that could help you find your dream job, such as Up work, Freelancer, Fiverr, etc. Go through the jobs and see if you already have any skills that you could apply for such as writing, graphics, data entry, virtual assistance. If you do not already possess the skills, I suggest you could select some areas you would like to work on and learn them online, In sha’ Allah.
Besides online work – there are still other things you can do from home, for instance, tutoring Muslim kids. You could also try babysitting or turn any of your other interests into a potential business.
Don’t lose hope
Keep praying to Allah (swt) to help you remain steadfast in Islam and the teachings of Islam. Despite the problems you might face initially after starting to wear the hijab, it will get better with time, in sha’ Allah. The reward for practicing Islam in a country where you face such hardship will give a better reward in the next life as well.
Salam,
***
Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.
