Participation of Women in Profession, Industry, and Craft
In none of the flourishing periods of Islam have various occupational and industrial fields been reserved only for men. Muslim women have played a significant role in professions and handicrafts during times of Islamic prosperity. They engaged in trade, learned various skills as needed, improved the land through agriculture, and oversaw many existing handicrafts.
Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, narrated from Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, that a woman from the Ansar said to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace: “O Messenger of Allah! Shall I prepare something for you to sit on? I have a son who is a carpenter.” The Holy Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, responded: “You yourself know.” Thus, she built a pulpit for the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.
Ibn Majah also narrated in his book Sunan that Hazrat Zainab, the wife of Abdullah bin Masoud, may Allah be pleased with him, was skilled in handicrafts. She said to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace: “I am a woman engaged in handicrafts and I sell them. I have nothing for myself, nor do my husband and children.” She asked the Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, about their sustenance. The Holy Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, replied: “There are two rewards for you in this good deed.”
Ibn Saad narrated in the book “Al-Tabaqat” that Abdullah ibn Rabi’ah, during the caliphate of Hazrat Umar Farooq, may Allah be pleased with him, sent perfume from Yemen to his mother, Rabi Bint Mu’ooz. She sold the perfumes through a system of deferred sales, meaning she received payment only after the buyers’ rights had been met by the Muslim guardian. In this way, Abdullah’s mother provided for herself through her work.
A famous Sahabi woman named Umm Sharik opened her house to guests. Both immigrants and non-immigrants visited her home. Her role involved renting her house and operating as an inn for travelers.
