I Got it Covered! :)

[Ummati]

It's All Good

What do you see when you look at me
Do you see someone limited, or someone free
All some people can do is just look and stare
Simply because they can't see my hair

Others think I am controlled and uneducated
They think that I am limited and un-liberated
They are so thankful that they are not me
Because they would like to remain 'free'

Well free isn't exactly the word I would've used
Describing women who are cheated on and abused
They think that I do not have opinions or voice
They think that being hooded isn't my choice

They think that the hood makes me look caged
That my husband or dad are totally outraged
All they can do is look at me in fear
And in my eye there is a tear

Not because I have been stared at or made fun of
But because people are ignoring the one up above
On the day of judgment they will be the fools
Because they were too ashamed to play by their own rules

Maybe the guys won't think I am a cutie
But at least I am filled with more inner beauty
See I have declined from being a guy's toy
Because I won't let myself be controlled by a boy

Real men are able to appreciate my mind
And aren't busy looking at my behind
The smart ones are attracted by my tranquility
In the back of their mind they wish they were me

We have the strength to do what we think is right
Even if it means putting up a life long fight
So when people ask you how you feel about that hood
Just sum it up by saying 'baby its all good'

Attachments:

[Ummati]

Assalaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wabarakaathu.

As a teenager, I remember my father reprimanding me if I did not have a scarf on when I left the house. Being a typical teenager, with no thoughts of accountability, it did not take me long to realise that I can wear it when I leave the house but there was nothing compelling me to keep it on. And so it carried on. I would wear my scarf when I left the house and if I was not with my father, I took it off. Oblivious, or rather consciously blocking the verse, “...and whatsoever good ye do, lo! ALLAH is aware of it...” Noble Quran, Surah 2, Verse 215) from my mind. But I always knew at the back of my mind and in my heart that I would like to wear the hijaab someday, just not then! ‘When I get married’, was that someday.

Well, ’someday’ eventually dawned on me. I got proposed and married within three months. Trousseau shopping was rushed, and then to complicate things, a little voice reminded me “You're getting married-time for that scarf". Subhaan'ALLAH, I now not only had to go out and get clothes, I needed scarves to match. I was also consciously more careful with my choice of clothes. I made sure that they were long sleeved and that my tops were longer as I knew that wearing a scarf with short sleeves or short tops were defeating the purpose of hijaab.

For my wedding I wore an eastern outfit and had my hair covered, though not fully. I now wish I had covered it fully. The most beautiful brides I remember now are those with their hair (and necks) fully covered, with no part of their body showing. There is a noor emanating from these brides that goes beyond physical beauty. For myself, it was the day after my wedding that the true test began. The fact that my husband approved of my hijaab made it much easier for me as did the fact that I had a dear friend and cousin -in-law who was already wearing a scarf. I was not the only one among my peers that was doing it. At times though, I must admit, it was very difficult for me. Although I did not wear revealing clothes before, I was very fashion conscious – latest fashion trends, hair always done up and make-up applied. Now, I often felt ‘old fashioned'. Comments by those close to me to that effect hurt more than you can imagine. I was constantly reminded about my dressing in the past and more often than not was asked “What happened to you?” not in a complimentary way, I might add. Often my husband was blamed or given credit for my adopting the hijaab, depending on which way people looked at it. These comments made me stronger and I did not ever consider taking it off. I persevered and Alhamdulillah a few years later, also with my husband’s consent, I started wearing an Abaya. I've emphasised my husband’s approval because sadly many sisters fight their own jihad with regards to their husband disapproval of their hijaab. Some only wear it when their husbands are not with them; some have to endure their husbands open contempt of it or even verbal abuse. Here I must add, that we must remember not to judge anyone especially those that outwardly seem to be regressing with regards to their hijaab, after having adopted it. We have no idea what their circumstances are, rather we should make dua for them and seek ALLAHS protection from that happening to us.

Today as a mother of three daughters, I realise that my father’s demands all those years ago were a result of love and concern for me and not ‘to make my life difficult’ as I believed his intentions to be. I often wonder if my decision would have come sooner had I been encouraged by my parents to start wearing the hijaab as a pre-teen. Alhamdulillah this realisation has made it possible for me to be conscious of my daughters dressing. My eldest is now thirteen years old, and has been in hijaab before she became baaligh, Subhaan’ALLAH. To this end I must give credit to her Muallimah at that time, which made my job effortless. May ALLAH reward her with the best of rewards and continue to use her to inspire our daughters, Ameen.

Dear Sisters, to those of you that have a sincere desire to wear hijaab and are thinking about it, May ALLAH make it easy for you to please Him. Remember ALLAH says in a Hadith Qudsi, “...And whosoever comes to me walking I will go to him running....” (Muslim, Ibn Majah and Ahmad). That is ALLAH’s promise dear sisters that is all it takes. Take the plunge and put it on! Everything to lose and the pleasure of ALLAH to gain. HE will make it easy for you. Do not be like me and wait for that ‘someday, one day, Insha’ALLAH...’ I had no guarantee that I would live to see ‘someday’ and neither do you. May ALLAH fill the hearts of those standing in your way with understanding. Subhaan’ALLAH, some of my greatest critics are now wearing the hijaab!

May ALLAH guide us and all those that have a sincere desire to adopt hijaab to follow HIS commands and make it easy for us and them. May ALLAH guide all our actions with sincerity and the best of intentions and accept our little steps towards HIM. Just as HE has made our outward dressing in conformity to HIS commands, May HE change the conditions of our hearts and improve our character.

I thank ALLAH for granting me the ability to realise that true pleasure and sweetness of Imaan comes with pleasing HIM alone. I have learnt by experience that fulfilling the Rights of ALLAH and pleasing HIM, has a ripple effect of pleasing those around you that matter, in my case, my husband and parents. May ALLAH bless them. Ameen

Wassalaamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakaathu.



By: NPV
Durban, KZN, South Africa

Attachments:

[Ummati]

SO, WHEN I WEAR HIJAB......


1.
I please Allah.
I am obeying the commands of my Lord when I wear the Hijaab and I can expect great rewards in return.

2.
It is Allah's protection of my natural beauty.
I am too precious to be "on display" for each man to see.

3.
It is Allah's preservation of my chastity.

4.
Allah purifies my heart and mind through the Hijaab.

5.
Allah beautifies my inner and outer countenance with hijaab.
Outwardly, my Hijaab reflects innocence, purity, modesty, shyness, serenity, contentment and obedience to my Lord.
Inwardly I cultivate the same.

6.
Allah defines my femininity through the Hijaab.
I am a woman who respects her womanhood.
Allah wants me to be respected by others,
and for me to respect myself.

7.
Allah raises my dignity through the Hijaab.
When a strange man looks at me,
he respects me because
he sees that I respect myself.

8.
Allah protects my honour 100% through my Hijaab.
Men do not gaze at me in a sensual way,
they do not approach me in a sensual way,
and neither do they speak to me in a sensual way. Rather, a man holds me in high esteem
and that is just by one glance at me!

9.
Allah gives me nobility through the Hijaab.

10
Allah defines my role as a Muslim woman through the Hijaab. I am someone with important duties.

11.
Allah expresses my independence
through the Hijaab.
I am stating clearly that
I am an obedient servant of the Greatest Master.
I will obey no one else and
follow no other way.
I am not a slave to any man,
nor a slave to any nation.
I'm free and independent from
all man-made systems.

12.
My Hijaab gives me
unique confidence

13.

Allah wants others to treat me - a Muslim woman- with kindness.
And the Hijaab brings about the best treatment of people towards me.




And So i Wear Hijab

Attachments:

[Maria]

[Anonymous]

Ever wondered how a gem is kept?

In a beautifully adorned velvet case. Secured from all threats in a safe

Now think what status God has given you?

But out of ignorance and sheer stubbornness we reject many things that are for our own good.

Think before its too late; act before it gets over!!
May Allah guide us all to the righteous path

[Ummati]

Dear Little Auntie,

I am turning sixteen in a few months and I’ve really started thinking about hijab. I know it’s fardh, but there are 3 things standing in my way to wearing it.

I’m worried that:

1. The hijab would make it harder for me to get married. I know that sounds so stupid, but deep down inside, it’s one of the major reasons I haven’t put it on yet.

2. The hijab will stand in my way of getting a job. I’ve always been an A+ student, but I know that when it comes to the workforce, it’s not only our grades that matter. Looking different may really affect my chances of getting a good job.

3. Most of all, I’m worried of how non-Muslims and some Muslims will react. You know, the discrimination, the “verbal abuse,” the “stare,” the “looks,” the “questions.”

The thing is, I am a really shy girl. I don’ think I would be able to handle all that. Besides, I don’t want to put it on and then just take it off. So I don’t know. A friend of mine suggested that I wait until I get married, but…

Please tell me what to do.

- The non veiled wanna be veiled Muslimah

Dear Non-veiled wanna be Veiled Muslimah,

First off, sista! Congrats on “almost turning 16.” May Allah bless you with many more years to draw nearer and nearer to Him! Ameen, Ya Rabb. You know, you’re really the cutest thing ever! Because you admitted the three major reasons most of us girls are wary of hijab. I know, many of us won’t admit it, but those three reasons are the Mount Everests standing in our way of putting it on. But because you took the big step and admitted to yourself the things you’re afraid of, you’ve made it all that easier to deal with. Now we just have to tackle these little fears one by one, okay?

So let’s get right into it… Wouldn’t wearing hijab make it harder for you to find a man?

I think the question you need to ask yourself is, “What kind of man do I want to marry? What kind of father do I want for my children?” (Alright, those are 2 questions, but it’s ok… more to come, t0o.) Yes, there are some men who will be put off by hijab, but are these really the kind of men you want to marry? Do you want to marry a person who looks for his spouse by the style of her hair and her looks? Do you want to marry a person who isn’t strong enough in his faith to be looking for women who are strong enough in their faith to wear hijab?

The truth is, I would be worried if you did marry someone who didn’t even want you to wear hijab or who didn’t consider you for marriage simply because you wore hijab. How can we choose someone who doesn’t want what’s best for us? Is that person really going to protect us and care for us? Remember, marriage is half our deen, right? We want someone who will help us in the deen, not someone who will take us away from the deen.

The other thing to consider is that wearing hijaab can also make it easier to get married! When you wear hijab, you are clearly saying ” I am Muslim”… Women in your communities (those wonderful aunties) will be able to say “Hey, I know this girl, she’s definitely a Muslim, because she wear hijaab and she’s…” It’s easier to gain a positive reputation in your community and sisters will be sure to mention you, insha’Allah, when they hear brothers saying they are looking for wives. This isn’t against my non-hijabi sisters who don’t wear hijab. But this is the truth. Girls who wear hijab are more often than not recommended for marriage…

In fact, I’m not married, but it was only when I put the niqab on that I got any proposals, at all. (Much to my family’s shock!).

Well, what about point 2, Wouldn’t the hijab prevent you from getting a job?

I’m not going to take a burnt piece of cake and tell you that’s chocolate icing on the bottom. I’m going to be straight with you. The hijab may and it may not prevent you from getting a job.

The question though is, do you have trust in Allah? Do you think that He is the Compassionate? Do you think that He is the Razzaq (the One – and the Only One – who gives sustenance to all)? If so, what are you worried about? Again, I’m not saying that you will definitely get the job – let’s be real, there is definitely discrimination in the workforce. But one thing you should never doubt is that you will never not get the “rizq” (the sustenance) that was meant to be yours – and you’ll never get rizq that wasn’t meant to be yours, especially if you’re doing the opposite of what Allah asks.

The other fundamental thing you have to realize is that Allah is the Most Merciful and that He would never punish a person who tried to come closer to Him! It would be unfair if Allah were to reward your act of obedience (putting the hijab on) by not letting you get “something good for you”. Allah is never unfair.

So let’s say you don’t end up getting the “dream job” you wanted, and the only reason you can conclude is because you put on the hijab. Well, the logical thing we can conclude is that this “dream job” wasn’t actually good for you. Maybe not good for your akhirah, maybe not good for your dunya, maybe not good for both! Maybe Allah won’t give you that “dream job” because He’s saving you from something. Maybe if you did get that particular job, something bad could have happened to you… Maybe He’s got something even greater waiting for you…

We don’t know. But what we do know is that we actually don’t know what’s good for us and what’s not. Allah does.

I also want to remind you, sis, that you already do have a job. You are a “khalifa” and you are also a servant of Allah. Remember, Allah said He created us to worship Him. That’s our primary job right there. Do you really want to compromise that job’s rewards (being a servant of Allah) with a salary from this dunya?

Okay, fine, but what about the “stares” and “looks” and stuff? How does a person deal with that?

You’re going to, as the Penguins say in Madagascar (the movie, not the country – I don’t think there really are penguins in Madagascar, and if there were, I don’t speak Penguin), just “Smile and wave.”

When you put the hijab on, you become an ambassador for Islam. With diplomacy, respect and kindness, you answer back all those people who treat you rudely or discriminate, and you just step back and see how amazed they will be. You may just end up inspiring someone to become Muslim. I know a lady who inspired a man to read up on Islam when she put the hijab on. That man ended up converting… can you imagine how many good deeds she has stored up because of that? Masha’Allah.

I don’t want you to think that I’m naïve enough, though, to imagine that it’s going to be easy. It’s not. But when you arm yourself with the knowledge of who Allah is, the realization that you are never alone, and you fill your heart with love for Him, wearing the hijab won’t seem as difficult. When you read the stories of the sahabah, the Prophet’s Companions, and what they had to endure, you’ll realize that a few “stares,” maybe even some “go back to your home country” comments, are really nothing.

Remember, Sumayyah? A woman? Who decided to choose Islam and refused to give up on it… she was the very first martyr of Islam.

That’s how tough it was back then. It was a matter of life and death. Just imagine being able to meet her in paradise and telling her how you too chose, like her, to stick to Allah’s way, to stick to wearing the hijab – despite the obstacles that stood in your way. Imagine meeting Khadijah radiya Allahu anha and telling her your story.

Can you really imagine it? Close your eyes…

And get ready to take that little step. That’s all that’s needed. Yes, shaitan does this little trick and he tells us, “Don’t put it on because you know you’re just going to take it off…” Just tell him, “ No, I am not. Once I start wearing the hijab” – which, I’m sure you know, habibti, is more than just a head band or thing on top of the head – “it’ll become a part of me, and just like how I don’t leave the house without my shoes, shirt, skirt, etc., I’m not going to leave the house anymore without my scarf and loose clothes, inshaAllah.”

You can do it, sis. You’re an A+ student, right? How about being an A+ servant? Not by simply putting a scarf over your head, but by putting Allah’s commands over your own desires and worries. Trust in Him, Believe in Him. And you can do it.

I believe in
You.

Your Little Auntie

from: dearlittleauntie.blogspot.com

Attachments:

[Maria]

GARMENTS FOR MANKIND :

O children of adam! we have revealed unto u raiment to conceal your shame, n splendid vesture , but the raiment of restrain from evil, that is best. This is of the revelations of Allah , that they remember.

ay adam ki aulaad! hum ne tumhare liye libaas paida kia jo k tumharay badan ko b chupata hai aur maujab zeenat b hai.aur taqwa ka libaas is se barh kar hai.

7:26

[Maria]

VEILING FOR MEN:

Tell the believing man to lower their gaze n be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is aware what they do.

(24:30)

VEILING FOR WOMEN:

And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze n guard their modesty ; that they shouldnt display their beauty n ornaments except what (most ordinarily) appear there of. That they should draw their veils over their bosoms, n not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons, their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons or their women,or the slaves whom their right hand possess or male servants free of physical needs , or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they shouldnt strike their feet in order to draw attraction to their hidden ornaments . And O ye believers! Turn ye all together towards Allah , that ye may attain Bliss.

(24:31)

[Ummati]

Okay, this is going to be quite a long post- but I really want to just put this up here for anyone who's in the 'To wear or not to wear' stage or needs a boost



Praise be to Allaah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah
As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu

Spare a moment to read this through. And ask yourself, are you from among them?




Why don't I wear Hijab?


1. I am not yet convinced of the necessity of the Hijab..

We then ask this sister two questions.

One: Is she truly convinced of the correctness of the religion of Islam?
The natural answer is: Yes she is convinced for she responds "Laa ilaaha illallah!" (There is no god but Allah), meaning she is convinced of the aqeedah, and then she says: "Muhammadun rasoolullah!" (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah), meaning by that that she is convinced of its legislation or law (sharee'ah). Therefore, she is convinced of Islam as a belief system and a law by which one governs and rules their life.

Two: Is the hijaab then a part of Islamic Law (sharee'ah) and an obligation?
If this sister is honest and sincere in her intention and has looked into the issue as one who truly wants to know the truth her answer could only be: Yes. For Allah ta'aala, Whose deity (Uloohiyyah) she believes in has commanded wearing hijaab in His Book (Al-Qur'aan) and the nobleýprophet ('alaihi salaat wa salaam)whose message she believes in has commanded wearing the hijaab in his sunnah.

What do we call a person who says they believe in and are content with the correctness of Islam but who nonetheless does not do what Allah or His Messenger have ordered? Certainly they can in no way be described as those whom Allah speaks of in this aayah: The only saying of the faithful believers when they are called to Allah and His Messenger to judge between them is that they say 'we hear and obey' and such are the successful.
[Soorah An-Noor 24:51]

In summary: If this sister is convinced of Islam, how then can she not be convinced of its orders?


2. I am convinced of the Islamic dress but my mother prevents me from wearing it and if I disobey her I will go to Hell..

The one who has answered this excuse is the most noble of Allah's creation, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) in concise and comprehensive words of wisdom: There is no obedience to the created in the disobedience of Allah.[Ahmed]

The status of parents in Islam, especially the mother, is a high and elevated one. Indeed Allah ta'aala has combined it with the greatest of matters, worshipping Him and His tawheed, in many aayaat.
He stated: Worship Allah and join none with Him and do good to parents.[Soorah An-Nisaa 4:36]

Obedience to parents is not limited except in one aspect, and that is if they order to disobedience of Allah.
Allah says : But if they strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not.
[Soorah Luqmaan 31:15]
The lack of obedience to them in sinfulness does not prevent being good to them and kind treatment of them. Allah said afterward in the same aayah: But behave with them in the world kindly.

In summary: How can you obey your mother and disobey Allah Who created you and your mother?


3. My position does not allow me to substitute my dress for the Islamic dress..

This sister is either one or the other of two types: She is sincere and honest, or she is a slippery liar who desires to make a showy display of her "hijaab" clamoring with colors to be "in line with the times" and expensive.
We will begin with an answer to the honest and sincere sister. Are you unaware my dear sister, that it is not permissible for the Muslim woman to leave her home in any instance unless her clothing meets the conditions of Islamic hijaab (Hijaab shar'ee) and it is a duty of every Muslim woman to know what they are? If you have taken the time and effort to learn so many matters of this world how then can you be neglectful of learning those matters which will save you from the punishment of Allah and His anger after death!!? Does Allah not say: Ask the people of remembrance (i.e. knowledgeable scholars) if you do not know. [Soorah An-Nahl 16:43]. Learn therefore, the requirements of proper hijaab.

If you must go out, then do not do so without the correct hijaab, seeking the pleasure of Allah and the degradation of Shaitaan. That is because the corruption brought about by your going out adorned and "beautified" is far greater than the matter which you deem necessary to go out for.

My dear sister if you are really truthful in your intention and correctly determined you will find a thousands hands of good assisting you and Allah will make the matter easy for you! Is He not the One Who says:And whoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty) and He will provide him from sources he never could imagine [Soorah At-Talaaq 65:2-3]

With regards to the 'slippery' one we say: Honor and position is something determined by Allah ta'aala and it is not due to embellishment of clothing and show of colors and keeping up with the trendsetters. It is rather due to obedience to Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) and holding to the pure law of Allah and correct Islamic hijaab. Listen to the words of Allah: Indeed, the most honorable amongst you are those who are the most pious. [Soorah Al-Hujuraat 49:35]

In summary: Do things in the way of seeking Allah's pleasure and entering His Jannah and give less value to the high priced and costly objects and wealth of this world.


4. It is so hot in my country and I can't stand it. How will it be if I wore Hijab..

Allah gives an example by saying: Say: The Fire of Hell is more intense in heat if they only understand. [Soorah At-Taubah 9:81]

How can you compare the heat of your land to the heat of the Hellfire?

Know, my sister, that Shaitaan has trapped you in one of his feeble ropes to drag you from the heat of this world to the heat of the Hellfire. Free yourself from his net and view the heat of the sun as a favor and not an affliction especially in that it reminds you of the intensity of the punishment of Allah which is many times greater than the heat you now feel. Return to the order of Allah and sacrifice this worldly comfort in the way of following the path of salvation from the Hellfire about which Allah says: They will neither feel coolness nor have any drink except that of boiling water and the discharge of dirty wounds.[Soorah An-Naba' 78:24-25]

In summary: The Jannah is surrounded by hardships and toil, while Hellfire is surrounded by temptations, lusts and desires.



5. I'm afraid that if I wear the Hijab,I will put it off at a later time because I have seen so many others do so..

To her I say: If everyone was to apply your logic then they would have left the Deen in its entirety! They would have left off salaat because some would be afraid of leaving it later. They would have left fasting in Ramadhan because so many are afraid of not doing it later. etc. Haven't you seen how Shaitaan has trapped you in his snare again and blocked you from guidance?

Allah taaala loves continuous obedience even if it be small or recommended. How about something that is an absolute obligation like wearing hijaab?! The prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: The most beloved deed with Allah is the consistent one though it be little. Why haven't you sought out the causes leading those people to leave off the hijaab so that you can avoid them and work to keep away from them? Why haven't you sought out reasons and causes to affirm truth and guidance until you can hold firm to them?

Among these causes is much supplication to Allah (du'aa) to make the heart firm upon the Deen as did the prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam). Also is making salaat and having mindfulness of it as Allah stated:And seek helpin patience and the prayer and truly it is extremely heavy except for the true believers in Allah who obey Allah with full submission and believe in His promise of Jannah and in His warnings (Al-Khaashi'oon).[Soorah Al-Baqarah 2:45]
Other causes to put one upon guidance and truth is adherence to the laws of Islam and one of them is indeed wearing the hijaab.

Allah says: If they had done what they were told, it would have been better for them and would have strengthened their faith. [Soorah Al-Baqarah 2:66]

In summary: If you hold tight to the causes of guidance and taste the sweetness of faith you will not neglect the orders of Allah after having held to them.


6. If I wear the Hijab, then no one will marry me. So, I'm going to put it off till then..

Any husband, who desires that you be uncovered and adorned in public in defiance of and in disobedience to Allah, is not a worthy husband in the first place. He is a husband who has no feeling to protect what Allah has made inviolable, most notably yourself, and he will not help you in any way to enter Al-Jannah or escape from the Hellfire. A home which is founded upon disobedience to Allah and provocation of His anger is fitting that He decree misery and hardship for it in this life and in the Hereafter.

As Allah stated: But whosoever turns away from My reminder (i.e. neither believes in the Qur'aan nor acts upon its teachings) verily for him is a life of hardship and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.
[Soorah Ta Ha 20:124]

Marriage is a favor and blessing from Allah to whom He give whom He wills. How many women who wear hijaab (mutahajibah) are in fact married while many who don't aren't? If you were to say that '..my being made-up and uncovered is a means to reach a pure end, namely marriage', a pure goal or end is not attained through impure and corrupt means in Islam. If the goal is honorable then it must necessarily be achieved by pure and clean method. We say the rule in Islam is: The means are according to the rules of the intended goals.

In summary: There is no blessing in a marriage established upon sinfulness and corruption.


7. I dont wear hijaab based on what Allah says:
And proclaim the grace of your Rabb [Soorah Ad-Dhuhaa 93:11]
How can I cover what Allah has blessed me with of silky soft hair and captivating beauty?

So.this sister of ours adheres to the Book of Allah and its commands as long as they coincide with her personal desires and understanding! She leaves behind those matters when they don't please her. If this was not the case, then why doesn't she follow the aayah:And do not show off their adornment except only that which is apparent
[Soorah An-Noor 24:31]

And the statement of Allah subhaanah:Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks all over their bodies
[Soorah Al-Ahzaab 33:59]

With this statement my sister you have now made a shari'ah (law) for yourself of what Allah ta'aala has strictly forbidden, namely beautification (at-tabarruj) and uncovering (as-sufoor), and the reason: Your lack of wanting to adhere to the order. The greatest blessing or favor that Allah has bestowed upon us is that of Eemaan (faith) and hidaayah (guidance) and among them is the Islamic hijaab. Why then do you not manifest and talk about this greatest of blessings given to you?

In summary: Is there a greater blessing and favor upon the woman than guidance and hijaab?


8. I know that hijaab is obligatory (waajib), but I will wear it when Allah guides me to do so..

We ask this sister on what plans or steps she will undertake until she accepts this divine guidance? We know that Allah has in His wisdom made a cause or means for everything. That is why the sick take medicine to regain health, and the traveler rides a vehicle or an animal to reach his destination, and other limitless examples.

Has this sister of ours seriously endeavored to seek true guidance and exerted the proper means to get it such as: Supplicating Allah sincerely as He stated: Guide us to the Straight Path. [Soorah Al-Faatihah 1:6];

Keeping company with the righteous good sisters - for they are among the best to assist her to guidance and to continue to point her to it until Allah guides her and increases her guidance and inspires her to further guidance and taqwaa. She would then adhere to the orders of Allah and wear the hijaab that the believing women are commanded to wear.

In summary: If this sister was really serious about seeking guidance she would have exerted herself by the proper means to get it.


9. Its not time for that yet. I'm still too young for wearing hijaab.
I'll do it when I get older and after I make Hajj!

The Angel of Death my sister, is visiting and waiting at your door for the order of Allah ta'aala to open it on you at any moment in your life. Allah said: When their term comes, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it and hour (or a moment). [Soorah Al-An'aam 7:34].

Death my sister doesn't discriminate between the young or the old and it may come while you are in this state of great sinfulness disobedience, fighting against the Lord of Honor with your uncovering and shameless adornment. My sister, you should race to obedience along with those others who race to answer the call of Allah tabaaraka wa ta'aala:Race with one another in hastening towards forgiveness from your Lord and Paradise the width whereof is as the width of the heavens and the earth. [Soorah Al-Hadeed 57:21]

Sister, don't forget Allah or He will forget you by turning His mercy away from you in this life and the next. You are forgetting your own soul by not fulfilling the right of your soul to obey Allah and proper worship of Him. Allah stated about the hypocrites (Al-Munaafiqoon): And be not like those who forgot Allah and He caused them to forget their own selves. [Soorah Al-Hashr 59:19]

My sister wear the hijaab in your young age in opposition to the sinful deed because Allah is intense in punishment and will ask you on the Day of Resurrection about your youth and every moment of your life.

In summary: Stop presuming some future expectation in your life will indeed occur!! How can you guarantee your own life until tomorrow?


10. I am afraid that if I wear Islamic clothing that I'll be labeled as belonging to some group or another and I hate partisanship..

My sisters in Islam, there are only two parties in Islam, and they are both mentioned by Allah Almighty in His Noble Book. The first party is the party of Allah (hizbullah) that He gives victory to because of their obedience to His commands and staying away from what He has forbidden. The second party is the party of the accursed Shaitaan (hizbush-Shaitaan) which disobeys the Most Merciful and increase corruption in the earth. When you hold tight to and adhere to the commands of Allah, and among them is wearing the hijaab - you then become a part of the successful party of Allah. When you beautify and display your charms you are riding in the boat of Shaitaan and his friends and partners from among the hypocrites and the disbelievers and none worse could there be as friends.

Don't you see how you are running from Allah and to the Shaitaan, trading filth for good? Run instead my sister to Allah and follow His way: So flee to Allah (from His Torment to His mercy). Verily I (Muhammad) am a plain Warner to you from Him.[Soorah Adh-Dhaariyaat 51:50]

The hijaab is a high form of worship that is not subject to the opinions of people and their orientations and choices because the one who legislated it is the Most Wise Creator.

In summary: In the way of seeking the pleasure of Allah and in hope of His Mercy and success in His Jannah and throw the statements of the devils among people and jinn against the wall! Hold tight to the legislation of Allah by your molars and follow the example of the striving and knowledgeable Mothers of the Believers and the female companions (radiallahu 'anhum ajma'een).


Conclusion

Your body is on display in the market of Shaitaan seducing the hearts of men. The hairstyles, the tight clothing showing every detail of your figure, the short dresses showing off your legs and feet, the showy, decorative and fragrant clothing all angers the Merciful and pleases the Shaitaan. Every day that passes while you are in this condition, distances you further from Allah and brings you closer to Shaitaan. Each day curses and anger are directed toward you from the heavens until you repent. Every day brings you closer to the grave and the Angel of Death is ready to capture your soul.

Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Hellfire and admitted to Al-Jannah, is indeed successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing).[Soorah Aale 'Imraan 3:185]

Get on the train of repentance my sister, before it passes by your station. Deeply consider my sister, what is happening today before tomorrow comes.

Think about it, my sister - Now, before it is too late !




We All LOVE Islam

But We Create Our Own Rules On How To Follow Islam.

Do We Really LIVE Islam

[Ummati]

I hope you don’t mind but I’m about to rant, LOL.

I’m a non-hijabi girl. There I said it! So what? I don’t think it is fair how we are always painted as the ‘bad Muslimahs’. Don’t you think what matters more is what is in our hearts, not what’s on our heads?!! I believe purity comes from the inside and not the outside. I know a lot of hijabi girls who date, have boyfriends, are disrespectful to their parents, etc. I’m sick of people acting like hijabis are saints and we are sinners. It’s not fair and I’m not taking it anymore.

- Your fed up, NON-hijabi


Dear MFUNH (doesn’t it look cool? My Fed Up, Non-Hijabi),

Tell me about it. It seems like our Muslim community needs to be reminded of the saying 'Never judge a book by its front cover’, doesn’t it? I can tell you as a niqabi, I face a lot of stereotypes and a lot of harsh judgments. Muslims tell me that I am backward, the one ruining the image of Islam, the reason why we’re all stuck in the Middle Ages, etc. So I know how sucky judgments can be.

You are right that we should leave the judging to Allah. He SWT is the Only One with the exclusive rights to judge because He alone can tell what is in our hearts. He alone can unveil the action and see the intention behind it. (Yeah, choice of ‘unveil’ was intended. Pats herself on the back).

The truth is, as finite mortals, we are 'stuck' in this moment. We don't see what's going on in other people's lives or the trials they have/the journey they are on or what will happen next.

Also, as I said, as human beings, we have no idea of 'the future'. We cast judgments not knowing what is going to happen or who will actually end up being the 'better Muslim'. I remember another friend (let's call her Suzy) who used to have a friend (Amirah) who sorta laughed at the way Suzy would dress/said it 'looked funny' and wasn't proper hijab, etc. As the years progressed, it was Suzy who donned the niqab..! Subhan Allah!

Actually, your letter reminds me of at this verse:
O ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the (latter are better than the (former): 49:11

It also reminds me of this hadith:

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (Salah Allahoo alyhee wa salam) say:

The first of people against whom judgment will be pronounced on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who died a martyr. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favours and he will recognize them. [ The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I fought for you until I died a martyr. He will say: You have lied - you did but fight that it might be said [of you]: He is courageous. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man who has studied [religious] knowledge and has taught it and who used to recite the Quran. He will be brought and Allah will make known to his His favours and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I studied [religious] knowledge and I taught it and I recited the Quran for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but study [religious] knowledge that it might be said [of you]: He is learned. And you recited the Quran that it might be said [of you]: He is a reciter. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man whom Allah had made rich and to whom He had given all kinds of wealth. He will be brought and Allah will make known to his His favours and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I left no path [untrodden] in which You like money to be spent without spending in it for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but do so that it might be said [of you]: He is open-handed. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire.

It’s obvious from this hadith that the people around the Qur’an recitor, the martyr and the person who gave charity were deceived into thinking that these people were good, when in reality, they really weren’t doing these actions for good reasons. Allah though wasn’t deceived. He knew.

This is also definitely true with hijab, too. I know some people put on hijab and their heart isn’t really into it. They’re just wearing it because their parents tell them they have to, etc. And yes, I know hijabis who commit major 'sins', as well. So hijabis are definitely not saints... The truth is, hijabi or not...we're all sinners!

I guess you can tell then that I totally agree with you on the part about leaving the judging to Allah, but…about purity being on the inside…

I don’t think that purity really is only in the ‘inside’.



If you look in the Quran, you will find that the word faith is almost always coupled with the words good works/deeds:

103:3 unless he be of those who attain to faith, and do good works, and enjoin upon one another the keeping to truth, and enjoin upon one another patience in adversity.


2:25 But unto those who have attained to faith and do good works give the glad tiding that theirs shall be gardens through which running waters flow.


2:277 Verily, those who have attained to faith and do good works, and are constant in prayer, and dispense charity - they shall have their reward with their Sustainer, and no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve…
What can we understand from this? It’s not just enough to believe/ be ‘pure in the inside, we have to ‘do’. Our faith is our input, but our deeds are our output!

Allah SWT in fact, clearly says what is translated to mean:

Blessed is He in Whose hand is the Sovereignty, and, He is Able to do all things. (1) Who hath created life and death that He may try you which of you is best in conduct (best in deeds); and He is the Mighty, the Forgiving, (2)Surat Al Mulk.

He also says:
Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, We believe, and not be tried? (29:2)

Lets just think about this: is it really pure to pick and choose which ones of Allah’s Commandments we want to do? Does that really reflect trust in Allah, in His Promises, in His Wisdom?

Does that really demonstrate reliance on Allah? Does it show true servitude? And ultimately, does it really show a pure heart?


It’s like this. Let’s say there’s a girl named Sara. Sara prays but she also happens to be ‘dating’ a guy. On the other hand, Sara’s friend, Noor refuses to ‘date’ guys, but she gets a little lazy to pray her fajr prayer….

Which one of these is demonstrating ‘purity’? Can we really say? Or would it simply be best to say that neither Sara nor Noor should be choosing what to do/what not to do?

Basically, what I’m trying to say is that true purity comes from the inside and is manifested on the outside.

In fact, there is a hadith that says:

“…Truly every king has a sanctuary, and truly Allah's sanctuary is His prohibitions. Truly in the body there is a morsel of flesh which, if it be whole, all the body is whole and which, if it be diseased, all of it is diseased. Truly it is the heart."

You can think of it this way...as Muslims, we're supposed to submit our will to Allah, right? That means doing what He has commanded us to and in that way, drawing closer to Him. So 'obedience' and 'actions' must matter, right?

One final hadith, I promise!

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (RA), who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Allah SWT said:

Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war with him. My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him , and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him....


So yeah, I see that Islam is all about being a servant,
Not to people’s ‘judgments’,
But To the One and Only.


What do you think?



from: dearlittleauntie.blogspot.com

[Ummati]

I absolutely LOVED this article I read recently on www.igotitcovered.org.
[glow=red,2,300]
RESPECT REQUIRED[/glow]

I started wearing the headscarf, Hijab, when I was nine. I wasn’t forced into it, but rather decided to wear it one day as a silly stunt when I was dressing up for school. I had no idea what would follow and nobody warned me, but the event that did follow had an immediate and profound effect on me. That “silly stunt” also turned out to be a permanent part of my life and inshaAllah will continue to remain a permanent part of me.

Let me narrate the story which changed my views –and this was actually the story that helped me with my later conflict and struggle when I decided to step ahead and adorn the Abaya and then finally the Niqab.

Once, while hurriedly dressing up for school, my eyes caught a small hijab peeking from the closet. Suddenly in a daring mood, I grabbed it from my closet and quickly put it on. My mother was rather surprised to see my new dress up and congratulated me on my choice and soon I was on my way to school, unaware of what was in store for me.

I remained totally oblivious of the surprised glances from my teacher and other students until it was time for recess. It was then that the other students began to approach me asking about the new change. It was going well and most of my nine year old mates were rather interested in my new stunt, when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to find a senior girl standing with a frown on her face. I knew her as she lived close to my house and was aware of the fact that she was also from my home country. “You know how hideous you look?” she asked through her teeth. “Take that off… everybody is laughing at you.”

I was shocked at her words and looked around me but didn’t find anyone even looking my way. Everyone seemed to be totally fine with it, but then suddenly my friends jumped to my defense: “Don’t be mean!” they cried to the senior girl. “She is very brave to wear it to school and looks very pretty too! So stop bothering us or we’ll go and tell the teacher.” The girl shook her head, “You don’t understand. Look I am older and I know more. You look ridiculous so take it off NOW!” I was taken aback but her orders made me more defensive and I stubbornly refused, enraging her more. “Fine,” she huffed, “If you won’t take it off then I will!” Before I knew it she snatched at my Hijab, tearing it free from my head, and ran.

I ran after her screaming, my friends running after me, all in the vain pursuit of the girl; but she had already reached the big garbage bin in the middle of the school field, and threw my Hijab in. I stopped running and stared wide-eyed at the fate of my Hijab. Then I noticed many senior students were standing around laughing at me, quite amused at having witnessed the bullying of a nine year old. I lost my wits completely after being publicly humiliated and began to cry.

Immediately I had many sympathetic students around me consoling me, while my angry friends led me to the school building. Before I knew it, they were narrating the event to my dumbstruck teacher. He looked the most upset at my sobbing figure and immediately consoled me and took me to the principal’s office. I remember him arguing fiercely with the principal, “That isn’t right. It was her religious garment and we shouldn’t consider whether she wore it for fun or not. Those kids bullied her because of her religion and I want you to take a strict action.”

I was always a peace-loving kid and stayed out of complicated matters. I never enjoyed getting into fights and would refrain from conflict as much as I could. Only that day, I stared fearfully at the commotion caused in the principal’s office because of my case. I forgot about my Hijab at the bottom of the garbage bin, my disheveled hair on my face, concerned classmates peeking from the door of the office; moreover, I totally forgot to cry as I watched the rebellious kids from the senior class being made to stand in the principal’s office.

I watched in shock as the parents of those kids were called and the principal dealt with them. She warned them that this act would be filed under discrimination on the basis of religion and severe consequences would follow. The kids were put under detention and their sport classes were taken away from them. My principal made sure she had each and everyone of them who laughed at me to apologize before they left for their classes.

I was still dumbfounded. This was not the reaction I was expecting here in the West, where I had heard that Muslims were the target of discrimination, especially those who chose to wear their Islamic symbols publicly. Smiling at my confused face, my teacher explained, “When you choose to step out with your religious symbols, then expect silly people to make fun of you. But if you respect your own identity then you will be amazed to see that from somewhere in the crowd, someone will respect you and your religion even if they are not from your religion. While most people are treating Muslims and their identity unjustly, there are some who still respect those brave Muslims who, despite the oppression, continue to stick to their beliefs.” And then allowing me to leave the office, he offered me one parting advice, “Don’t give up.”

That senior girl was quite badly in trouble after that and refused to talk to me, but I didn’t care. What saddened me most was that she was, I am ashamed to say, my sister in Islam; she was from my home country, yet she was still against my Hijab while strangers were by my side.

It was after pondering over the events of that day that I came to realize, if I respect something about myself then others are bound to respect me the same way, though they may initially try not to. I have received opposition in many decisions in the matter of religion, but in those decisions that I put my foot down firmly and declared, ‘Do whatever you wish, I won’t change my mind,’ I ended up earning respect from the very people who were against me in the beginning.

That is one thing the Muslims of today are not doing, which is respecting their religion and standing up for it in a civil manner. It is because we are not respecting our religion ourselves that we become more susceptible to lack of respect from others, and consequently we are not able to properly defend our religion either. Most of the time we have no proof to back us up when we try to defend our religion from the accusations of the enemies of Islam, hence we remain helpless.

But why? Why don’t most of us have proofs? The answer to that again is simple: even though we are Muslims we have little or no knowledge of our own religion. We finish our lives by chasing the knowledge of this world, the knowledge of science or literature (which, don’t get me wrong is important too) but fail to ever step out to acquire the knowledge of our religion. What does that show about us? Simple… we don’t respect our religion as we should. So if we don’t respect it ourselves then why do we complain and accuse the West and media for not doing it? Are we any better?

By Amna Hasan


And Fada Mahdi's story:

Reminds me of my fight with Hijab, I was terrified of wearing it. I was afraid of how people would take it, how they would treat me.

I spent my entire middle school and high school years fighting my parents against wearing Hijab. All I knew is I was the only Muslim in school, nothing I did had precedence and I wasn't exactly the brave type.

Also, I didn't understand Hijab...I just knew we wear it, end of story.

But Alhamdulilah I'm 21 now and gave in to wearing Hijab 5 years ago. Just recently I really began to understand the idea of Hijab beyond the cloth on my head.

I have always worked in my parents store, dealing with lower income people. Most of them are drug users, uneducated, prison time, not exactly gentleman that I would come in on a daily basis. I would get hit on and harassed constantly by customers. I even began wearing a wedding ring to avoid these guys. That stopped them a bit from bothering me but the disrespectful comments kept coming, all the while I was wearing hijab. But, like I said...I wore Hijab on my head not the whole concept. I soon began to notice that when I wore shirts and dresses that covered my jeans down to my knees, and wore something lose on top...The Harassment stopped. The Disrespect stopped. The constant nagging for my phone number and lude comments..STOPPED.

It was almost an epiphany of my life.

It of course seems so obvious, cover and be respected, but the media and fashion, etc constantly cramming the idea of tighter is better definitely infected my mind. So now, my clothes consist of dresses that I wear as shirts with jeans underneath and an top over that. I have literally gone nearly a year now without a lude comment or harassment. No more fake wedding ring, no more making up stories about how I'm engaged or married. The most I get these days is the occasional respectful compliment with a kind smile.

My point is, you are right on every level. Whether it be clothing, hijab, religion, ...Respect yourself and people respect you. Instead of getting hit on, I get asked about Islam now.. Brings joy to my heart. Our religion get so much bad media these days, I want to be a good addition...a reason for people to see the news and say"The girl in that store is really sweet and nice and SHE IS A MUSLIM...Hmm"

You never know how many of those people will go home and research Islam and possibly stop by in a few years and mention how you inspired them to look beyond MEDIA ISLAM, and find REAL ISLAM. Alhamdulilah, I have a lot of improving to do, as we all do. Inshallah we will all be granted patient and wisdom and show the world what our religion really is.

[peace]

An interesting article and discussion on hijab:

www.suhaibwebb.com/personaldvlpt/taking-off-the-hijab/

[Ummati]

Apr 25, 2011 5:21:28 GMT 5 peace said:

An interesting article and discussion on hijab:

www.suhaibwebb.com/personaldvlpt/taking-off-the-hijab/

Jazakillah khair for sharing.

Masha Allah its an amazing article.

And such a profound question is addressed:

I understand that hijab is required, and I’ve been wearing it for some time now but I feel like putting it on might have been a mistake. I don’t feel like it’s made me become a better Muslim, and I feel almost like I’m deceiving people because they look at me as an example even though I’m still struggling with a lot of things. Also, if I take it off, is it really something Allah will punish me for? It seems like such a petty thing. Isn’t the most important thing having a clean heart?

Definitely worth reading!

[iLoveAllah]

A non-Muslim guy asked a Muslim: Why do your girls cover up their body and hair?

The Muslim guy smiled and got 2 sweets, he opened the first one and kept the other one closed. He threw them both on the dusty floor and asked the non-muslim: If I asked you to take one of the sweets which one will you choose?

The non-Muslim replied: The covered one.

Then the Muslim said that's how we treat and see our women.

[affinity]