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ุจูุณู’ู…ู ูฑู„ู„ูŽู‘ูฐู‡ู ูฑู„ุฑูŽู‘ุญู’ู…ูŽูฐู†ู ูฑู„ุฑูŽู‘ุญููŠู…ู Thursday, 16 April 2026 Al Khamees, 28 Shawwฤl 1447 AH
Hadith of the Day: ุฅูู†ูŽู‘ ุงู„ู„ูŽู‘ู‡ูŽ ุฌูŽู…ููŠู„ูŒ ูŠูุญูุจูู‘ ุงู„ู’ุฌูŽู…ูŽุงู„ูŽ "Allah is beautiful and loves beauty." — Muslim
Miscellaneous | Apr 15, 2026 | 1 min read

Refusing service for modesty reasons?

Question

In my country, after you finish university you have to do a compulsory one year service to the country. In that one year, you will be posted to camps for like 2 months and in the camps, the uniforms are white shorts for men and women with a white shirt and the other one is a green trouser. I am a niqabi and I can't wear abaya and niqab over the uniform and there is free mixing. Is it okay if I pay someone to take my place or I lie so I don't go for the service ?

Islamic Ruling & Answer

Verified

In such a situation, where maintaining proper modesty during the service is not possible, there is free mixing with non-mahram men, and a dress code is enforced that goes against Islamic guidelines, the principle is that no unlawful (haram) act becomes obligatory. Therefore, giving priority to the pleasure of Allah, it is permissible to refuse such service, even if it results in not receiving the degree or facing worldly loss.

However, it is not permissible to adopt wrong methods to avoid it. Thus, paying someone to take your place or lying to escape are both impermissible, as they involve deception and breach of trust.

Therefore, you should first formally request the concerned institution or university for a religious exemption or flexibility in the dress code, and suggest a modest alternative (such as shalwar kameez with hijab/niqab). In many places, such religious accommodations are granted. Do not compromise on your faith; first pursue lawful and official options, and if that is not possible, it is permissible to leave the serviceโ€”but lying and deception are not allowed under any circumstances.

Answered by

Mufti Tosif Qasmi

April 15, 2026