Answer
Wa `alaykum As-Salamu waRahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
Working in women’s jeans manufacturing is not absolutely haram, but it is surrounded by doubt because such clothing often reveals the `awrah. Islam permits staying in such a job if needed, but encourages looking for a purer alternative that avoids doubtful matters.
Answering your question, Dr. Salah Al-Sawy, President of the Shari`ah Academy and the Secretary General for the Assembly of Muslim Jurists in America, states:
Doubt in the Nature of the Product and Shariah Guidelines
Your work in this field is not void of doubt. This is because these pants show the shape of the `awrah (i.e. parts of the body that must be covered) which violates one of the conditions of clothing for women in the Shari`ah.
Clothing Use in Permissible Private Settings
We don’t say it is impermissible in the absolute sense because these clothes can be worn inside the homes in front of the husband or mahram(s) or the likes – and isn’t a garment that is only worn in public.
The Principle of Avoiding the Doubtful in Islam
Whoever steers clear of the doubtful has safeguarded his religion and honor; therefore, we say remain in this work so long as you have a need for that, and keep your eyes open in search for an alternative that is purer and more devoid of doubt, allowing your eyes to sleep with relaxation and not a guilty conscience. If Allah eases that for you, then do not seek any alternative besides it, for there is nothing that equates safety in religion! May Allah increase you in cautiousness and success.
For further clarification, see these fatwas:
- Working for a Company of Interest-based Finance: OK?
- Can’t Find a Job Except in a Bank: What Should I Do?
- Is Working a Security Job if Owner Sells Forbidden Items Haram?
- Can I Accept Marriage Proposal from Relation Manager in a Bank?
- Is Working as Software Engineer in Banks Allowed in Islam?
- Working for Non-Islamic Banks: Permissible?Is It Permissible to Install Doors for Non-Islamic Banks?
Allah Almighty knows best.