Question:

It is only the doings of a wali of Allah to lower one’s gaze when working with non-hijabi women in this era. This predicament is present when working in these bazars, where scores of Christian women roam. Will such women not be considered from the group of men based on the following reference:

“Hijabi women should observe hijab in front of non-hijabi women in the same manner as hijab is observed in front on non-mahram men.” (Most likely, it is Hazrat Hakimul Ummah’s Fatwa.)

Answer:

To intentionally look without any need is not permissible. As for the gazes which happen to fall while trading and bargaining, if one does not have any bad thoughts in their heart then that is forgiven. However, if there are bad thoughts in the heart then that is also not permissible.

Nonetheless, continue to do your work in cases of need and refrain from looking at non-mahram women as much as possible.

And Allah knows best.

(Hazrat Mufti) Muhammad Taqi Usmani (May Allah preserve him)

Fatawa Usmani Vol.4 Pg.402-403