What is the ruling on a female pharmacist who is compelled by financial need for her expenses, and who works in an environment where there is frequent mixing of genders, and who fears not having a provider for her in the future given the difficult living conditions?

The mixing of men and women at work has negative effects and clear corruptions, including: Prohibited gazing, as Allah Almighty says: ﴿Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof﴾.

Prohibited touching and shaking hands, as stated in the Hadith: «For one of you to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle is better for him than to touch a woman who is not lawful for him.»

Prohibited seclusion, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: «No man is alone with a woman but the third of them is Satan.»

And the attachment of hearts and the infatuation of each with the other, and what results from that in terms of the destruction of families and the ruin of homes.

It is not appropriate for a woman to work in a mixed environment as long as her expenses are covered. She can seek unmixed work such as teaching girls and children, or working from home such as translation and typing. If a woman is compelled to work in a mixed environment due to the absence of a provider and the unavailability of an alternative, then it is permissible for her to do so, with the necessity of minimizing corruptions as much as possible.