Friday, December 27, 2013

Cultivating one's Character


 CULTIVATING ONE'S CHARACTER

'A believer plants a palm tree and fears that thorns will grow'

We have to constantly search our behavior to insure its consistency with that of the believers. 

While walking in the market not so long ago, I happened to see a group of foreign Muslim sisters heading my way. Needless to say I was very happy, because it is not often that I run across other Muslim women when out and about.

From the manners of giving the salams, I greeted them first. To my dismay, they all looked at me from the top of my khimar-clad head to where my Abaya (outer garment) pooled around my feet with a look of total disgust, and walked away without uttering a word in response. I was so hurt and shocked that all I could do was stand there with my mouth wide open behind my niqab.

It never ceases to amaze me how many of us claim to follow the Qur'an and Sunnah, yet our actions are in total contradiction to what we say we believe. It was part of the manners of those who lived with the Prophet, Sal-lallahu alayhe wasallam, that they would constantly search their thoughts, hearts and behaviors, to make sure they were consistent with those of the believers, and to discard those things which were characteristic of the hypocrites.

For Allah Ta'ala says, "They say, 'We believe in Allah and in the apostle, and we obey:' but even after that, some of them turn away: they are not (really) believers." [24:47]

Along with this, Allah Ta'ala paints for us a complete picture of the believers when He says, "Those who turn (to Allah) in repentance; that serve Him, and praise Him; that wander in devotion to the cause of Allah; that bow down and prostrate themselves (in salah); that enjoin good and forbid evil; and observe the limits set by Allah - so proclaim the good tidings to the believers." [9:112]

Also, Yahya ibn Muadh, rahimahullah, talked about the believers possessing the following characteristics in one of his essays:

"It is to be full of modesty, and to be harmless too. To be full of goodness and not to be corrupt. For the tongue to be truthful, for the words to be little and to be plentiful in good actions. To have little slip-ups and not be excessive. To be good to one's relatives, building closeness between them. To be dignified and grateful, and to be full of contentment if Allah restricted some provision. To be forbearing and friendly to his brothers, and to be compassionate and chaste. Not to curse, swear, insult, backbite, nor to gossip. Not to be hasty, envious, hateful, arrogant, or vain, neither to lean towards worldliness or to extend long hopes and wishes. Not to sleep too much, nor to be absent-minded, nor to show off nor be hypocritical. Not to be selfish, but to be soft and cheerful and not servile. Loving for the sake of Allah, being pleased for His sake and being angry only for His sake. His provision is taqwa, and his worries are what will happen to him in the Afterlife. His friends remind him, his beloved is His Protector and Master, and his struggle is for the Hereafter."

How many of us possess these qualities? How many of us are striving to cultivate these characteristics within ourselves? How can we profess to be true believers when we don't even spread the salams, and protect each other from harm and hurt? We're not, for the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, said, "By Allah, he does not believe. By Allah, he does not believe. By Allah, he does not believe." He was asked, "Whom, O Messenger of Allah?" He said, "The one who does not safeguard his neighbor from his harms." (Bukhari)

Allah Ta'ala also says about the believers that, "The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular salah, practices regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His Mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise. [9:71]

As Muslims, we must remember that Islam is not a religion based on theories, but it is something that is alive and practical, and must be implemented into practice in every aspect of our lives. Since we are striving to achieve true success, our attitudes should be as Allah Ta'ala says, "The answer of the believers when summoned to Allah and His Messenger, in order that He may judge between them, is no other than this: they say, 'We hear and we obey;' it is such as these that will attain felicity." [24:51]

As it was the practice of those who came before us, let us then too search our hearts, souls, thoughts and actions on a daily basis in order to cultivate the character of a believer, and stamp out any weeds of hypocrisy before they can gain root. Let us remember what Fudayl ibn Iyadh, rahimahullah, said, "A believer plants a palm tree and fears that thorns will grow. The hypocrites plant thorns expecting ripe dates to grow."

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Story Time!


Story Time!
In the name of Allah, Most Kind, Most Merciful,

We relate unto thee the most beautiful of stories, by revealing to thee this (portion of the) Qur'an, though before this, thou too was among those who knew it not. (Qur’an:Surah Yusuf, Verse 3)

Thus commences Allah Ta’ala with the telling of the story of The Prophet  Yusuf (Peace be upon him), piquing our interest, attuning our ears and softening our hearts to accept its guidance.

For ages human beings have been telling stories; to remember, to inspire, to teach and to entertain. History and fables, folklore and news, myth and legends - they all add meaning and dimension to our lives.

We retain information better if we can make a picture of it in our minds and we learn a lesson faster if we have examples that impress us of its relevance. A well-told story is the surest way to make an impact.

Indeed the teachings of  the Deen of Islam, as presented by the Prophets of Allah, were often reinforced within parables or narratives and many admonishments were illustrated by referencing the lives of the previous peoples.

The Quran comprises of affirmations of Allah's sovereignty, warnings and glad tidings, laws and punishments, and the life after death. A good portion of the Quran too, comprises of parables and very many stories of the peoples gone by. These are, as Allah reminds us so many times, so that we may take heed.

The traditions of The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) too, are often a retelling of the events in his (pbuh) own life as well as that of his noble companions. Truly he (pbuh) was the greatest teacher and guide.

And while bearing in mind that all stories are not true, it wouldn’t be right to shun a good story just because it isn't fact. If we can acquire good morals from it, then as long as it is clear that it is just a story and not fact, we may certainly enjoy it.

We should, however, completely avoid listening to or the telling of tales, if while doing so, we oppose the teachings of Quran and Sunnah.

People of all ages relish a fine tale; this article is actually about telling stories to our children, for surely no one delights in a tale quite like a child.

Story time is an important tool to use when educating a young child. It is instrumental in shaping an inquisitive, imaginative* and healthy mind.

 

Story time can cover a range of different learning areas or subjects, such as literacy; history (Islamic & secular); science; adāb(etiquette); social studies and more.

 

At story time, various methods should be used to ascertain that the child understands, retains and above all enjoys the experience. For example:

·         dramatic voices,

·         play acting the story,

·         dress up,

·         reading from picture books

·         doing crafts based on the story

·         and also telling a story orally so as to stimulate the child’s imagination.

 

With young children there is a constant need for repetition; so that they may retain it, to enhance their recognition of detail and because they never lose that feeling of wonder. Our interaction with them facilitates the experience of wonder and amazement and so the same stories will have to be repeated again and again. We should resist the urge to dumb down the stories too much. By all means use simple words but don’t be afraid to introduce new and big words as a child’s capacity for language is at its strongest during the early, formative years.

 

As people become more work orientated and spend less time with their children, quality time being shared between the story teller and the child provides an excellent opportunity for bonding, development of safe and secure attachment and love.

 

What kinds of stories should we tell?

 

Borrow character building story books from the kiddies section at the library (always making sure to steer clear from books that have negative elements that oppose the values of Islam(dīn).

 

Regale them with the true stories from the Qur’an, or of the Ambiya (AS), or of the pious companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and the early followers of Islam.

For example:

·         The spider which spun its web to shield the Prophet (SAW) in the cave.

·         Prophet Sulayman (AS) and the ants (his ability to understand animals).

·         Prophet Yunus (AS) and the whale.

·         The army of elephants and the army of birds.

·         Prophet Yusuf’s (AS) true dreams.

·         The animals on the ark.

·         Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and the many instances in his life, make for many enthralling stories. (especially during the Hajj period)

·         Prophet Musa (AS) and his staff which changed into a snake.

·         Prophet Isa (AS) breathing life into a bird of clay and his other miracles.

·         Prophet Dawud (AS)and the giant.

 

These and so many more are true stories of the great paragons of Islam, whom we can encourage little ones to emulate as real life heroes. What an exciting way to encourage love for Allah (SWT), His Prophets (AS) and our religion!

 

Children respond more favourably when stories include characters from the animal and insect world. It adds colour and fun to the lessons we wish to impart. Reflect for a moment to the stories of Hans Anderson and the brothers Grimm, and how enchanting we as children found their stories with their animated animals teaching common sense and good morals.

 

At times the story in its entirety need not be told. Nor should we try, in the beginning, to make the child understand the morals or reasons behind the story. Rather we could just tell them sections of the story that will grab their imagination and interest. At a later stage, perhaps when the child is a bit older, he/she will recognize the little story when we place it in context with the whole story and they will be able to draw on the morals of the stories as we begin to inculcate it in a manner easy for them to grasp.

 

For example, the Hijrah(Migration) of our beloved Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is a huge turning point in the history of Islam, yet the reasons for it, how it was accomplished and all the different personalities involved would make for a long and confusing story to tell a little child. Instead, if we pick out the juicy bits for our little ones such as the spider and the cave, this would be far more palatable for the young mind of a child and also very wondrous and interesting as it incorporates a spider, which all kids find fascinating, as well as containing elements of danger; and Allah, by using the spider, coming to the rescue adding a good (happy) ending to the story.

 

Later as the child progresses in learning, the whole picture, as well as all the life lessons it contains, will gradually unfold, thereby making it possible for him/her to take full benefit of the story. The benefits of story telling are immeasurable, from development of imagination and creativity, to transmitting value and morals. This practice has gone on since time in memoriam and it is a valuable tool for us to continue, If Allah so wills it.

 
*Good imagination and an inquiring mind are essential in a scholar as it encourages one to find innovative solutions to problems as well as to question the best manner to do all things. As long as this is not contrary to Islam(dīn )it will actually be in conformance to Allah’s (SWA) commands to ‘ponder’ and reflect’.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

How Scores will be Settled on the Day of Resurrection


How Scores will be Settled on the Day of Resurrection

 

"....The man turned away and started to weep..."

 


When the Day of Resurrection comes, a man's wealth and capital will be his hasanaat (good deeds). If he had done wrong to any people, they will take from his hasanaat to the extent that he mistreated them. If he does not have any hasanaat, or if his hasanaat run out, then some of their sayi`aat (bad deeds) will be taken and added to his burden.

Bukhari narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Whoever wronged his brother with regard to his honour or any other matter, should seek his forgiveness today, before there are no longer any dinars, or dirhams; and if he has any righteous deeds, they will be taken from him, in accordance with the wrong he did; and if he has no hasanaat, some of the sayi`aat of his counterpart will be taken and added to his burden. [Bukhari: Kitaab al-Mazaalim, Baab man kaanat lahu mazlamah `inda rajul, Fath al-Baari, 5/101]

This person whose hasanaat are taken from him by the people, and then has their sayi`aat placed on his own back, is the one who is bankrupt, as the Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) called him.

Muslim narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Do you know who is the one who is bankrupt?" They said, "The bankrupt is the one who has no money and no possessions." He said, "Among my ummah, the one who is bankrupt is the one who will come on the Day of Resurrection with prayer and fasting and zakah (to his credit), but he will come having insulted this one, slandered that one, consumed the wealth of this one and shed the blood of that one, and beaten that one. So they will all be given some of his hasanaat, and when his hasanaat run out, before judgement is passed, some of their sins will be taken and cast onto him, then he will be cast into the Fire." [Muslim: 4/1998, hadith no. 2581.]

If a debtor died when he still owed money to people, they will take from his hasanaat whatever is in accordance with what he owes them. In Sunan ibn Maajah it is narrated with a saheeh isnaad that Ibn 'Umar (radhiallahu `anhu) stated: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Whoever dies owing a dinar or a dirham, it will be paid from his hasanaat, for then there will be no dinars or dirhams. [Saheeh al-Jaami' as-Sagheer, 5/537, hadith no. 6432.]

If people wronged one another, the score will be settled between them. If they mistreated one another equally, then there will be no score to settle. If one of them is still owed something by the other, he will take what he is entitled to.

In Sunan at-Tirmidhi it is narrated that 'Aa'ishah said: "A man came and sat in front of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), and said, 'O Messenger of Allah, I have two slaves who tell me lies, betray and disobey me, and I insult them and beat them. What is my position with regard to them?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: 'On the Day of Resurrection, their betrayal, disobedience and lying will be measured against your punishment of them. If your punishment is commensurate with their wrongs, then there will be no score to settle. If your punishment of them was less than their sins deserved, then this will count in your favour. If your punishment of them was more than their sins deserved, then the score will be settled against you.' The man turned away and started to weep. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said to him, 'Have you not read the words of Allah?' -

“And We shall set up Balances of justice on the Day of Resurrection, then none will be dealt with unjustly in anything. And if there be the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it. And Sufficient are We to take account.” (Qur'an 21: 47).’” [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/66, hadith no. 5561. It is also narrated in Saheeh al-Jaami`, 6/327, hadith no. 7895, where it attributed to Ahmad and Tirmidhi.]

Because zulm (oppression) is such a serious matter, it is better for those who fear that Day to give up oppression and avoid it. The Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) has told us that oppression will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection.

Bukhari and Muslim narrated from 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar that the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said:"Oppression (zulm) will be darkness (zulumaat) on the Day of Resurrection." [Bukhari: Kitaab al-Mazaalim, Baab az-Zulm Zulumaat Yawm al-Qiyaamah, Fath al-Baari, 51100; Muslim, 4/1969, hadith no. 2579.]

Muslim narrated from Jaabir ibn 'Abdullah that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said:"Beware of oppression (zulm), for oppression will be darkness (zulumaat) on the Day of Resurrection." [Muslim: 4/1969, hadith no. 2578.]

Friday, December 13, 2013

R.I.P.


 

R.I.P.

Understanding the reality of things grants us a better understanding of its application. The acronym R.I.P. is derived from the burial service of the Catholic Church. Wikipedia provides it definition as, “‘Rest in peace’ (Latin: Requiescat in pace) is a short epitaph or idiomatic expression wishing eternal rest and peace to someone who has died.”

In short, it is a prayer for the deceased. In Islam, praying for the deceased is exclusively for Muslims. This is established from the Quran and demonstrated practically by Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam in his relationship with his dear uncle Abu Talib. From the age of 8, Abu Talib fathered the orphaned Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam. In fact he loved him more than his own children. It was Abu Talib who stood in his father’s place at his first Nikah to Khadijah. It was Abu Talib who ceaselessly sheltered Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam from the attacks of the disbelievers. Yet at the time of his death, he refused Islam.

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam was naturally grieved by this and declared that he would continue seeking forgiveness for his uncle until Divine Prohibition forbade him the same. Shortly after Allah revealed the verse,

It is not right for the Prophet and those who have Imaan to ask forgiveness for the disbelievers - even if they are close relatives - after it has become clear to them they are the dwellers of the Fire (because of dying upon disbelief). (Al-Quran: Surah 9, Verse 113)

From the revelation of the verse neither did Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam nor did any Sahaabi Radhiyallahu Anhum pray for a non-Muslim after their demise.

There is a place and at times a necessity for condolences and sympathy for the bereaved, but there is no place in Islam for praying for deceased non-Muslims. Let us not confuse these issues.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Hijaab


Top Ten Excuses Of Muslim Women Who Don't Wear Hijaab And Their Obvious Weaknesses

 

"...How can I cover what Allah has blessed me with of silky soft hair and captivating beauty?..."

 
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, my sister - starting now.

All praise is due to Allah Ta'aala as is deserved by His Majesty and Great Power. I send prayers and ask for blessings upon His Noble Messenger who drew the path for us to the pleasure of Allah and His Jannah. This path is a straight one that is surrounded by virtue from all sides and attends to the best moral characteristics which are increased by the clothing of purity, concealment, and chastity. It is the path trod by the two halves of human society, namely the man and the woman, toward harmonious contentment and happiness in this life and the Hereafter.
This is precisely why the Protector, the blessed and above all imperfection, has made wearing hijaab an obligation upon the woman as a safeguard of her chastity and protection of her honor and sign of her faith (Eemaan). It is on account of this that societies (both Muslim and non-Muslim) that have distanced themselves from the way of Allah and deviated from His straight path, are ill societies in need of treatment that will lead them to recovery and happiness.
Among the pictures that point to the distance of society from that path and that make clear the level of its deviation and separation from it is the open spread of women not just uncovering their faces but enhancing and making a display of their beauty. We find that, regretfully, this is commonly manifested in Islamic (Muslim) society despite the fact Islamic clothing is also widespread (and available). So then, what are the reasons that have led to this digression?


We put this question to a varied group of women from whom we derived ten major excuses and upon examination and scrutiny, the frailty of the excuses became evident to us.

Stay with us dear Muslim sister in these few lines so that we can know through them the reasons for turning away from the hijaab and then discuss each:
Excuse One: I'm not yet convinced (of the necessity) of hijaab.

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 her 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 Divinity (Uloohiyyah) she believes in has commanded wearing hijaab in His Book (Al-Qur'aan); and the noble Prophet, ('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?

Excuse Two: I am convinced of Islamic dress but my mother prevents me from wearing it and if I disobey her I will go to the Fire.

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.

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 said: 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?
Excuse Three: My position does not allow me to substitute my dress for 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 so only with 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.
Excuse Four: It is so very hot in my country and I can't stand it. How could I take it if I wore the hijaab?

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 pus. [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.
Excuse Five: I'm afraid that if I wear the hijaab I will take it off at another 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 Ta'aala 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 help in 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 said: 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.

Excuse Six: If I wear the hijaab then nobody will marry me, so I'm going to leave it off until 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.
Excuse Seven: I don't 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?
Excuse Eight: 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.

Excuse Nine: It's 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 an 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 deeds 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?

Excuse Ten: I'm afraid that if I wear Islamic clothing that I'll be labeled as belonging to some group or another and I hate partisanship.

My sister 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).

In 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, and the showy, decorative and fragrant clothing all anger the Merciful and please 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!


For an Audio Lecture by Moulana Sulaiman Moola, on "Veil Yourself my Sister" click http://islaaminfo.co.za/index.php?option=com_weblinks&view=category&id=8&Itemid=11.

It is the 6th talk on the webpage.
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