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Fatwa CenterWearing Hijab causes problems in hiring selection
Question
I'm a Muslim who lives in Virginia (USA), and I wear Hijab. I'm faced with the problem of being hired for work. I have passed every test for jobs that I have interviewed for and also the interviews. However, I am denied employment despite being qualified for the position offered. No reason is ever given for the denial. I can only guess the reason is I'm wearing a veil. I want to know if I can remove the veil at the time of the interview and till I'm hired, then wear it as usual after that to see whether being a Muslim and wearing a veil was the problem or not?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
It is an obligation on a woman to wear the Hijab. This is a matter that was confirmed by the Book of Allaah, the Sunnah of the Prophet and the consensus of the scholars 
. Therefore it is not permissible for a woman to take it off or misuse it. It is also not permissible for anyone to order her or oblige her to do so. However, if a woman is harmed because of wearing Hijab, then she can, in this case, take off a part of this Hijab just enough (the minimum that will allow her) to prevent the harm. Allaah Says (what means): {But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allaah is Forgiving and Merciful.}[Quran 2:173]
Allaah further Says (what means): {…while He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except under compulsion of necessity?…} [Quran 6:119]
It should be noted that the harm that permits us to abandon an obligation or commit what is forbidden is such that causes the death of a person, or the amputation of a limb from his/her body, or being subjected to a hardship that makes life very difficult, like the suspension of the necessary means of provision, etc.
As regards a harm which could be borne and which does not affect the body or limbs, then this does not allow to abandon an obligation or to commit a sin. Rather, it is an obligtion to be patient with this harm and to bear it. By abiding by religion one is likely to be subjected to harm by the wrongdoers, and this is what is happening.
Based on this, you should know that it is not permissible for you to take off the Hijab for the reasons which you mentioned in the question because that is not a necessity that allows you to abandon the Hijab.
Allaah Says (what means): {And whoever fears Allaah—He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect.} [Quran 65:2-3]
Allaah Knows best.
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