The Ideal Muslimah

The Ideal Muslimah

The ideal Muslimah… is not afraid to have her own personality, whether she is as wise as Khadijah, passionate as A’ishah, fierce as Hind, noble as Zaynab, or demure as Maymunah.

The ideal Muslimah… follows the sunnah of Khadijah and uses her financial savvy to benefit the Ummah… and doesn’t allow others to tell her that she’ll never get a man that way.

The ideal Muslimah… is loved, valued, and married for her taqwa and beauty of character, not some shallow, arbitrary cultural standards of physical beauty.

The ideal Muslimah… is not a doormat. She has the wisdom of Umm Salamah, the audacity of A’ishah, the intelligence of Hafsa, the ego of Zaynab, and the humour of Sauda.

The ideal Muslimah… is someone who may never have children, like A’ishah; someone who may have numerous daughters but no sons, like Khadijah; someone who has children from a previous marriage, like Umm Salamah. Her worth as a human, as a believer, does not lie in her fertility.

The ideal Muslimah… has the courage of Zaynab bint Ali when she fights for what she believes in and faces down oppression, even if it comes from fellow Muslims.

The ideal Muslimah… does not allow her intelligence to be belittled or disrespected, for Allah created her to be of those who think.
{And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth – all from Him. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.} (Qur’an 45:13)

The ideal Muslimah… is not kept locked away or helpless. She is a vibrant, contributing part of the Ummah and doesn’t let anyone tell her otherwise – because Allah told her so.
{The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those – Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.} (Qur’an 9:71)

The ideal Muslimah… is not perfect.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “I swear by Him in whose hand is my soul, if you were a people who did not commit sin, Allah would take you away and replace you with a people who would sin and then seek Allah’s forgiveness so He could forgive them.” [Sahīh Muslim (2687)]

The ideal Muslimah… makes mistakes and knows it, but loves her Lord and repents to Him constantly.
{Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.} (Qur’an 2:222)

The ideal Muslimah… is beloved to Allah, Who promised her paradise.
{Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.} (Qur’an 33:35)

Virtues of the Kalimah

Virtues of the Kalimah and reading it continously - Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali

It is the price to pay for the Gardens of Paradise (jannah).
He whose last words are laa ilaaha illallaah will enter the Gardens of Paradise.
It is salvation from the Hellfire.
It necessitates being forgiven.
It is the best of all good actions.
It wipes away sins.
It renews the faith (eemaan) that is planted in the heart.
It outweighs, on the scales, the records of sins.
It traverses all barriers until it reaches Allaah the Majestic.
It is a kalimah whose sayer Allaah declares truthful.
It is the best of what the Prophets have said.
It is the best form of remembrance, the best of all actions and the one that is multiplied the most [in reward].
It is equivalent to freeing slaves.
It is a protection against Shaytaan and from the terror of the gathering (al-hashr).
It is a distinguishing sign for the Believers when they emerge from their graves.

All eight gates of Paradise will be opened to its testifier and he may enter by any one he chooses. Even if its testifier enters the Hellfire due to falling short in fulfilling [some of] its rights, most definitely, that person will eventually be taken out from it.

Source: Kalimatul-Ikhlaas, Pages 54-66 by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali

Qur'aan: Witness the Miracle

Qur'aan: Witness the Miracle

By Khalid Baig

Night after night in Ramadan, the believers witness a unique spectacle at mosques around the world. They stand in special Taraweeh prayers in which the prayer leader will recite the entire Quran from memory. Those who have accomplished this extraordinary feat of memorizing all of the 6246 verses are not a handful of devotees but there are hundreds of thousands of them. Most, just like most Muslims in the world today, do not speak Arabic. Yet they have painstakingly learnt to pronounce each and every word of the Quran correctly. The phenomenon is not a result of some religious resurgence that would pass. From the very first day that the Quran was revealed, it was memorized. And the number of those who have memorized it has been increasing ever since. Memorization of Quran has been going on all through the centuries, all over the globe wherever Muslims are.

There are other religions that claim to possess the Word of God. There are none that can show a book that has commanded anything remotely comparable to this level of devotion. Quran is the most read and the only completely memorized book in the whole world. It is also the most studied book in the world. It has stimulated development of entire disciplines of knowledge dealing with its reading, writing, and interpretation.

Miraculous as it is, this is not the only unique aspect of the Quran.

Quran was the first book in the Arabic language. Yet fourteen centuries later, its language is as alive as it was when it was revealed. And there is no other example when the very first book in a language became any masterpiece let alone the eternal masterpiece that Quran is.

This Book is meant to command and guide humanity until the end of time. That the passage of fourteen centuries has not made the slightest dent in its language or literary beauty is only one evidence of that unique role; its contents have also been unassailable by the passage of time. It makes statements of scientific facts that science would discover centuries later but none that science could ever refute. It tells about ancient history, like the civilization of the 'Aad people in the Empty Quarter of the Arabian desert that no other historical sources, then or since, contain any information about. Yet, its veracity has only recently been verified by scientific discoveries. Above all, it provides a system of beliefs and a code of conduct for life which is as relevant, illuminating, and true today as it was fourteen centuries earlier and during all the centuries in between.

The believers know that this Book had to be above space and time because this is the Word of the Creator of space and time. And He has promised that it will always be above space and time. But those who are looking from the outside and are just curious may consider these additional facts:

 

• Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, did not go to any school, study from any teacher, or even learn how to read and write. He even had no interest in poetry, which was one of the most prized disciplines of his time. Yet suddenly at age forty, he began to recite this marvelous revelation.
• The style of Quran is very distinct from the words of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself, which also have been preserved in Hadith collections. His own sayings are embodiments of eloquence, but they have a different style. Moreover, they clearly are the words of a human being. Although never deviating from the truth, they do show human emotions and the effects of the circumstances in which they were said. Quran, on the other hand, never shows the slightest trace of these effects. It always speaks from above.
• It was revealed over a twenty-three year period and covers a very wide range of subjects yet it shows neither a gradual development of style nor any self- contradictions in the voluminous text.
• The twenty-three years of Prophetic life was not a period spent in isolation. He did not retire to a cave to produce this miraculous work. The Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, did spend long periods of time in quiet meditation in Cave Hira before becoming a Prophet. But after Prophethood was conferred upon him, his life was one of constant struggle with the pagans, and later the Jews, of Arabia who spared no effort to stop and persecute him. It was during this period of persecution, wars, campaigns, and solving problems associated with the bringing about of greatest civilizational revolution of all times --- an extremely busy and challenging period --- that Quranic Revelation was also received and compiled.
• The Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself was most deeply moved by the Book. He used to stand for hours in solitary midnight prayers reciting from the Book until his feet used to get swollen. How preposterous that one should attempt to attribute the Book to him. Has there ever been another example of somebody getting so moved by his own words?

This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all the evidence that proves Quran to be the Word of God. Scholars have written books expounding the miracle of miracles that Quran is. But even this small sampler may propel an inquiring mind to go and read the Book himself.

To read this Book with an open mind is to believe in it. Those who sincerely seek guidance will find their questions answered, their confusions removed, their problems solved in its pages. From the beginning until the end, every word in the Quran tells the reader that it is the Word of Allah. And those who ignore it do so at their own peril.

"And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed to Our servant, then produce a Sura like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true. But if you cannot - and of a surety you cannot - then fear the Fire whose fuel is men and stones which is prepared for those who reject Faith." [Al-Baqarah 2:23-24]

Ali (RA) – The eternal hero of a Muslim woman

Ali (RA) – The eternal hero of a Muslim woman

For me, he is the emblem of heroism. Of wisdom. Of passion. Of love of Allah.

He accepted Islam as a ten year old child, when very few were willing to risk their life. He grew up, literally, in the house of Allah’s beloved (saw). He resembled Rasool Ullah (saw) in mannerism and action. On the night of the migration from Makkah, he slept in the bed of the Prophet (saw) with the risk that the enemies may kill him in place of the Prophet (saw).

Our beloved (saw) trusted Ali (ra) with his treasure, his youngest daughter Fatima (ra). He was the Prophet’s (saw) kin.

While Rasool Ullah (saw) breathed his last on the chest of our mother Ayesha (ra), Ali (ra) was the one to bathe Rasool Ullah (saw) after his death.

Ali was a lion in the battlefield and most humble in private life. In worship, such was he that he told people to pull out an arrow lodged in his body during salaat (namaz) because when in the presence of his Rabb in prayer, he focussed on nothing else.

Ali (ra) is my hero, forever.

They are all my heroes: Abu Bakr (ra) and Umar ibn Al-Khattab (ra) and Uthman bin ‘Affan (ra) and Ali (ra). Each a sparkling gem warding away darkness and showing rays of light. Each with their own beautiful unique personalities. Each chosen by God for special work. Each guiding us in their own way.

Yet, with the mention of Ali (ra) the heart softens with the realization of how beloved he was to the Prophet (saw) of Allah. He is the father of Hasan (ra) and Hussain (ra), and the love of Fatima’s (ra) life.

These glimpses from ahadith and seerah remind me even more why Ali (ra) is who he is to me:

Abu Turaab

So many incidents are recorded about the beautiful way the Prophet (saw) used to solve disagreements between Ali and Fatima.

One such incident resulted in Ali getting the title Abu Turaab – “The man covered with dirt” – this title was one of the dearest to Ali. For once the Prophet went to visit his daughter Fatima & he did not find Ali home. He asked about him, so Fatima told her father that she had some argument with her husband so he left home angry in the afternoon without taking his usual nap. The Prophet told someone to go & look for Ali. He came back saying that he is in the mosque. The Prophet went to him to find him lying on the floor with his dress falling off his flank which was covered with dirt. The Prophet woke him up clearing the dirt off his body & addressing him with a smile: “Wake up you who is covered with dirt”.

The Prophet’s (saw) Kin

When the verse 3:61 was revealed to the Prophet (saw): “Now that you know the facts, say to them ‘Come, let us summon our sons and your sons, our women and your women and ourselves and yourselves and pray Allah and beseech Him to accurse those who intentionally assert falsehood’”; he summoned Ali, Fatima, Hassan and Hussain and said: “O God, & these are my kin”.

How can a believer not love Ali (ra)

Zirr reported: ‘Ali observed: By Him Who split up the seed and created something living, the Apostle (may peace and blessings be upon him) gave me a promise that No one but a believer would love me, and none but a hypocrite would nurse grudge against me.
Reference: Book 001, Number 0141: (Sahih Muslim)

The strength of Ali – in fighting the enemy and fighting anger

I love the incident where Ali (ra) was fighting with an infidel on a battlefield. Ali was about to thrust his sword into the other man’s heart when all of a sudden the infidel raised his head and spit at him. Ali immediately dropped his sword, took a deep breath, and walked away. The infidel was stunned. He ran after Ali and asked him why he was letting him go. “Because I’m very angry at you,” said Ali.
“Then why don’t you kill me?” the infidel asked. “I don’t understand.”

Ali explained, “When you spit in my face, I got very angry. My ego was provoked, yearning for revenge. If I kill you now, I’ll be following my ego. And that would be a huge mistake.”
So Ali set the man free. The infidel was so touched that he became Ali’s friend and follower, and in time he converted to Islam of his own free will.

He whom Allah and His Messenger (saw) love

Narrated Salama: Ali happened to stay behind the Prophet and (did not join him) during the battle of Khaibar for he was having eye trouble. Then he said, “How could I remain behind Allah’s Apostle?” So ‘Ali set out following the Prophet . When it was the eve of the day in the morning of which Allah helped (the Muslims) to conquer it, Allah’s Apostle said, “I will give the flag (to a man), or tomorrow a man whom Allah and His Apostle love will take the flag,” or said, “A man who loves Allah and His Apostle; and Allah will grant victory under his leadership.” Suddenly came ‘Ali whom we did not expect. The people said, “This is ‘Ali.” Allah’s Apostle gave him the flag and Allah granted victory under his leadership.
Reference: Volume 5, Book 57, Number 52: (Sahih Bukhari)

He was to the Prophet (saw) what Haroon (as) was to Musa (as)

Sa’d reported Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying to ‘Ali: Aren’t you satisfied with being unto me what Aaron was unto Moses?
Reference: Book 031, Number 5916: (Sahih Muslim)

For whosoever is Prophet (saw) Mawla, Ali is Mawla

Sayyidna Abu Sarihah (Radhi Allah) or Zayd ibn Arqam (Shu’bah is uncertain about it) said that Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) said: He for whom I am Mawla (friend, beloved, helper), Ali is Mawla
Reference: Sunan al Tirimdhi Hadith No. 3733 – Imam Abu Isa Tirimdhi (rah) said: This Hadith is “HASAN SAHIH”
Published at: http://www.mybitforchange.org/2013/ali-my-eternal-hero/

Original article can be found here --->: http://chaaidaani.wordpress.com/2013/07/30/ali-ra-the-eternal-hero-of-a-sunni-muslim-woman/#comment-2538

The Detrimental Effects of Rumours on the Individual and Society

As-Salaamu-Alaikum & Jummah Mubarak The below article strikes a chord deep within me. I've been a victim and faced dark times with incriminating treatment; idle talk and being made fun of all because... if you think children being bullied is bad, it comes nothing short of adults bullying adults! Allah save us from this Fitna, Aameen The Detrimental Effects of Rumours on the Individual and Society

By Sheikh Saud Al-Shuraim - 07 Rabiul Thaani 1435 His Eminence Sheikh Saud Al-Shuraim - May Allah protect him- delivered this Friday’s Khutbah titled The Detrimental Effects of Rumours on the Individual and Society. In his Khutbah, Sheikh Al- Shuraim addressed the adverse effects of rumours on the individual and society, warned against relaying unverified news, and explained that the onus is on the Muslims in general and on journalists and media corps in particular who have to corroborate the news before broadcasting them. Praise is due to Allah. We thank Him, seek His help and forgiveness, and to Him we return in repentance. We seek refuge in Almighty Allah from the evils of our souls and from our sinful deeds. He whom Allah guides is the rightly guided; he whom He leaves astray will find none to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worth worshipping except Almighty Allah with no associate, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger. "O you who believe! Fear Allah (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allah.." [al-Imran: 102] "O Mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over" [Al-Nisa: 1] "O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e. he will be saved from the Hell-fire and made to enter Paradise)" [Al-Aḥzab: 70-71] Now then, O people! Man is naturally predisposed to follow up news and to believe rumours and fish for them before they actually happen. At the same time, people are normally too impatient to verify these rumours meticulously, prudently and discerningly. This is the nature of the majority, except those very few whom Allah has blessed with His Mercy. "Man is created of haste ..." [Al-Anbiya’: 37] "And man invokes (Allah) for evil as he invokes (Allah) for good and man is ever hasty [i.e., if he is angry with somebody, he invokes (saying): "O Allah! Curse him, etc." and that one should not do, but one should be patient]" [Al-Iṣra’: 11] It is stipulated rationally and in accordance with sharia that impending events and public news relative to the fundamentals of the Ummah must be carefully and prudently scrutinised. One must not hasten to believe any piece of news until proven true, and until its stipulations met and impediments dissipated, through a cautious and noble soul that is well-behaved when it comes to managing crises, clear from any ridicule or contempt with respect to the personal rights, reputation and honour of others. Some take haste and impatience to grab and act upon rumours as a screen to conceal their ignominious failure and narrow-mindedness. This is nothing but an aberration that ties the heart to suspicion, and induces irrational judgment in times of crises. This kind of behaviour will bring nothing but shame and pain in lieu of safety and security. Man’s mind and discretion are couched in the prudence and authenticity inspired by his mind and intellect vis-à-vis the rights, honour, property and religion of others. Suffice it to remember that Allah has set remorse and regret as a consequence of succumbing to rumours, but alas! It would only be too late to roll back those hasty actions! "O you who believe! If a rebellious evil person comes to you with a news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful to what you have done." [Al-Ḥujurat: 6] Most rumours and news are motivated by curiosity. People are inquisitive by nature; for no apparent reason they are eager to know any piece of news and its implications. Some would even pay money to get that piece of news although they might get it gratis if only they waited for a few moments. This prudent wait might make a difference that only Allah knows. It is said, (Here, the Sheikh recites two lines of poetry from Tarafa’s Poem): The days will reveal to you the things that you knew not And the news will be brought to you effortlessly The news will be conveyed to you by someone to whom you sold nothing And to whom you have never given appointment willingly. However, not all random rumour reception and haphazard news circulation are motivated by curiosity. They might be geared up to create unrest and instability in order to realize dubious religious, economic, social, political, or intellectual purposes. They might seek to destabilize what is so firmly established and to scatter what is coherent. Such a subversive action may lead to disunity and lack of trust. People might even interject, “How can this be? It has been said …” A serious society would not tolerate such media whose curiosity breeds discord rather than concord; one that is harmful rather than useful and that is a wasteful of energy and efforts that may otherwise be exploited in construction and development. A society with such features is a lethargic society spending its leisure in fruitless inaction that breeds nothing but further vacuum. A society that preoccupies itself with gossip is incapable of building knowledge or sailing through tumultuous misfortunes. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Allah has disliked three things for you: chatter and prattle, wasting money and inquisitiveness.” [Narrated by Bukhari] Behold - May Allah protect you- how the hadith has aligned gossip, chatter and prattle, with inquisitiveness and squandering one’s money. This seems to imply that money squandering leads to bankruptcy; similarly inquisitiveness may lead to adversity and calamity; gossip leads to wasting time. This only creates an atmosphere of uneasiness and anxiety. May Allah bless Ibn Al-Jawzi’s soul who said, “I have seen many people who do not know the meaning of life. Some kill their time speaking about Sultans and prices going up or down, and the like. I knew then that Allah (May He be extolled) has not disclosed the honour of life and the value of vital times except to those whom He has guided to exploit them.” "But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient, and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of the happiness in the Hereafter i.e. Paradise and in this world of a high moral character)" [Fuṣṣilat: 35] Servants of Allah! Allah (Sublime be He) has taught us prudence and patience and not to take whatever we hear for granted without verification. If we do, calamitous outcomes may ensue that we might later regret such as confusion, groundless accusation, reversal of truth, incriminating the innocent, attributing false statements to people or misinterpreting their statements. Having heard that the Prophet (SAW) had divorced his wives, Al-Farūq (Omar Ibn Al-Khattab, May Allah be pleased with him) went to the mosque and found that people were discussing the story. He could not wait to ask the Prophet (SAW) about what happened. “Did you divorce your wives?” Omar enquired of the Prophet. “No! I did not” the Prophet (SAW) answered. Omar then stood at the door of the mosque and announced, “The Messenger of Allah (SAW) did not divorce his wives!” The following verse from of the Qur’an was revealed on that occasion, "When there comes to them some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they make it known (among the people), if only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly). Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah upon you, you would have followed Shaitân (Satan), save a few of you." [Al-Nisa’: 83] Our Lord (Sublime be He) and our Prophet (SAW) have taught us not to funnel what we hear into our ears without corroborating it first, and not to relay it randomly and freely. The first thing we need to do when we hear a piece of news is to verify it and to know if it is true or false. We need to look into the meaning of the news so that we do not take it out of context or assign to it additional value; needless to say that receiving unconfirmed news without proper evidence stigmatizes one with falsehood which may, in turn, lead to depravation. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Suffice it for a person to report all he hears to be counted as a liar!” It is all the more crucial and serious when the news concerns matters related to religion such as reporting what the Chosen One (SAW) has said or done; an example of this is sending news about the best deeds through communication sites and groups without confirming the authenticity of the news. The Prophet (SAW) has said: "Whoever tells lies about me intentionally, then (surely) let him take his seat in the Hell-fire.” That is what our religion ‒O servants of Allah‒ has taught us in this regard. So do rational people realize this, especially those who work in the media? This concerns media people in the first place since the media is a source of news, incidents, and rumours through which rational men judge the truthfulness and falseness (honesty and dishonesty) of these media sources. Also, on the individual level, man will be held accountable for whatever he says or writes; his straightforward utterances that may not otherwise be interpreted; he should not accuse anybody until enough evidence is presented. Allah (May He be extolled) said: [Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it). [Qaf: 18]. He also said: But verily, over you (are appointed angels in charge of mankind) to watch you (10) Kirâman (honourable) Kâtibîn writing down (your deeds) (11) They know all that you do]. [Al-Infiṭar: 10-12] May Allah bless you and me by the Glorious Qur'an and make its verses and wise sayings beneficial to you and me! This is what I have said. If it is correct, it is so thanks to Allah, but if it is wrong, it is my own fault and Satan’s. I ask Allah to forgive my sins, yours, and those of all Muslims, so ask Him for forgiveness, for He is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful!

Hijab is not a piece of cloth on your head

It’s a way of life.

Just because some of the sisters have their head covered, they think that the requirement of Hijaab is fulfilled. They don’t realize that wearing a Hijaab requires much more than just covering your head.

Actually, if you think about it, Hijaab is the way you talk…..the way you walk….the very way you carry yourself. In fact, Hijaab is an attitude in itself. Its a whole way of life.
Allaah says:

“And say to the believing women to lower their gazes, and to guard their private parts, and not to display their beauty (zeenah) except what is apparent of it, and to extend their headcoverings (khimars) to cover their bosoms (jaybs), and not to display their beauty except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers, or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their womenfolk, or what their right hands rule (slaves), or the followers from the men who do not feel sexual desire, or the small children to whom the nakedness of women is not apparent, and not to strike their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments. And turn in repentance to Allah together, O you believers, in order that you are successful.” (Surat-un-Nur: 31).

Here are some of the more common issues in light of this verse about the Hijaab.

Well, my head is covered. What more do you want?

If you look carefully at the ayah, it clearly states that the head covers (khumur) should be drawn over the neck slits (juyoob). Khumur is the plural of the Arabic word “khimar” which means a headcover. Juyoob is the plural of the Arabic word “jaiyb”, which refers to the neck slit (of the dress).
Yet, some sisters just cover their head with something, and think they are fulfilling the rights of Hijaab, although part of their hair or body is showing, or their whole neck and chest area are exposed. Actually, that was the way of the women of Jahilliyah.
Al-Qurtubi said: “Women in those days used to cover their heads with the khimar, throwing its ends upon their backs. This left the neck and the upper part of the chest bare, along with the ears. Then Allah commanded them to cover those parts with the khimar.”
So secure the scarf well around your face, covering your neck/chest area, and keep those half sleeves and capri pants for your Mahrams

Sorry.…tight jeans and short shirt just don’t cut it

You can’t wear tight jeans and a short shirt with a piece of cloth on your head and think this is Hijaab. Nor can you wear anything else that is tight, describing the shape of the body in any way, even if it is long. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“In later (generations) of my ummah there will be women who will be dressed but naked. On top of their heads (what looks) like camel humps. They will not enter into paradise or (even) get a smell of it.” (Muslim)

If it is see-through, its NOT Hijaab

You CANNOT use chiffon or other see through material to cover your hair and body. Everything should be covered and the color of the skin underneath should not be visible.
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) once received a thick garment as a gift. He gave it to Osamah b. Zayd, who in turn gave it to his wife. When asked by the Prophet why he did not wear it, Osamah indicated that he gave it to his wife.

The Prophet then said to Osamah “ask her to use a “gholalah” under it (the garment) for I fear that it (the garment) may describe the size of her bones.” (Ahmad, Abi-Dawood)

(The word gholalah in Arabic means a thick fabric worn under the dress to prevent it from describing the shape of the body).

The Hijaab shouldn’t attract attention

The dress should not be such that it attracts men’s attention to the woman’s beauty. Allaah clearly states “not to display their beauty (zeenah).” Yet, Subhaan Allaah, some Hijaabi sisters are dressed in such a way that they attract more attention to themselves than they would if they didn’t wear Hijaab!! How could such zeenah be concealed if the dress is designed in a way that it attracts men’s eyes to the woman? It beats the purpose of Hijaab.
Allaah tells us:

“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance…” [al-Ahzaab:32]

What about make-up and perfume???

Wearing make up is also part of the zeenah that Allaah orders us NOT to display. So if your head and body are appropriately covered yet you are wearing bright red lipstick or dark eyeliner such that people confuse between you and a raccoon….uh sorry, that’s not Hijaab. And keep those nice fragrances for the home, between you and your husband. That’s part of Hijaab too, even if you are going to the Masjid. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“Any woman who puts on perfume and passes by people so that they can smell her fragrance, is an adulteress.” (al-Nasaa’i, Tirmidhi: hasan by Albaani)

Tinkling Jewelry and Jingling bracelets

‘Loud’ and tinkling anything, be it jewelry, bracelets, clip-clopping shoes, little bells on clothes, you name it, if it jingles or makes noise, it is against the principles of Hijaab, because it attracts attention to the one wearing it. That is what is meant when Allaah orders us in the above verse…“not to strike their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments.”

No laughing, joking, or hanging out with non-Mahrams

Some sisters assume that since they are properly covered, its okay for them to sit around and talk, laugh, joke, etc. with the men, but that’s not right, even if he is ‘the Shaikh’.

Allaah says:”. . . then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner.” [al-Ahzaab:32]

So talk to them when there is a specific need, and in a manner that is not necessarily rude, yet it is polite but firm.

Staring at the brothers or ‘checking them out’ is NOT Hijaab

Allaah orders us to “lower your gaze” in the above verse. Why? Because a single ‘look’ can say more than a thousand words. So, even if you are properly covered, keep those eyes down, conduct yourself with ‘Hayaa’, and avoid ‘fitnah’.

‘Chatting’ on the internet/phone is not part of Hijaab, either

There is no such thing as “we’re just friends”. Talking to non-Mahrams is wrong even if it is through the internet or telephone. There are too many stories of illegal relationships, fornications, broken homes, extra-marital affairs and runaway brides to even mention. That is why in Islam anything that leads to haraam is also haraam. Allaah says:

“Do not (even) come close to fornication, for it is an indecency, and its way is evil.” (Surah Israa:32)

Be careful, even in the way you walk

Remember, you are not a runway model displaying the latest fashion. Walk with modesty and hayaa and you will be respected. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“There are two types of the people of Hell that I have not seen yet….women who are clothed yet naked, walking with an enticing gait…..” (Muslim).

Don’t shake hands with non-Mahrams. Its part of Hijaab

It is not permissible to shake hands with a non-Mahram, because the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“For one of you to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle is better for him than to touch a woman who is not permissible for him.” (at-Tabaraani saheeh by al-Albaani).

And no, it is not rude to refuse to shake hands with non-Muslims. Simply politely explain that its part of your religion and they are very understanding.

Stay away from the men’s areas

I see many sisters entering the Masjid from the men’s entrance, or standing idle in the hallways or where there is a chance of unnecessary mixing with the brothers. What for?
Don’t we have a separate entrance for ourselves? Why do you think Allaah ordained the Hijaab in the first place? To avoid fitnah, by reducing temptation and separating the genders.

“The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said to the women on his way out of the mosque when he saw men and women mixing together on their way home: ‘Give way (i.e., walk to the sides) as it is not appropriate for you to walk in the middle the road.’ Thereafter, women would walk so close to the wall that their dresses would get caught on it.” (Abu Dawood)

Hijaab is also to conceal your sister

Although some sisters wear the Hijaab themselves, they forget that they cannot talk about another sister and her beauty in front of their own husbands, brothers, etc. Remember, part of your Hijaab is to cover your sisters ‘awrah’ as well.
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“No woman should mix with a woman and describe her to her husband so that it is as if he can see her.” (Muslim)

May Allah guide us and bless us with the TRUE understanding of His Deen. Aameen.

World Hijab Day

On February 1st, women from all regions of the world celebrated World Hijab Day. But is it something praiseworthy or blameworthy in the religion? Celebrating world and national Days and events that promote universal values and morals are praiseworthy. It couldn’t be condemned or depicted as unlawful bid`ah (innovation in religion).
Dr. Wael Shihab, PhD in Islamic Studies, Al-Azhar University, and the Head of the Shari`ah Dept. of Onislam.net website, stated:
In fact, the core meaning of the prohibited bid'ah in Islam is to introduce or invent a devotional or ritual act of worship into religion with no backing from Shari`ah. It is not acceptable, for instance, for anybody to invent a new form of salah (prayer); it would be unlawful bid`ah. `Ibaddat (acts of worship and religious rituals) should be founded on correct Shari`ah proofs.

World Days and events—such as the World Hijab Day or Orphans Day—are mostly based on cultural and social considerations. They are not meant to introduce new religious rituals or devotional acts of worship.

Muslim communities may participate and promote World Days or events that have noble goals. This is considered as cooperation in goodness. Allah Almighty says,

“Help you one another unto righteousness and pious duty. Help not one another unto sin and transgression, but keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is severe in punishment.”

(Al-Ma’idah 5: 2)

The World Hijab Day aims at, among others, supporting Muslim women’s right of wearing hijab and raising awareness regarding its morals and merits.
It is absurd, therefore, for anyone to claim that it is bid`ah to promote such good goals of the World Hijab Day. It is a social event that aims at supporting universal values and morals.

May Allah accept your and our good deeds!  Allah Almighty knows best.

Mona Ebrahim releases humorous book about Hijab

Haute Hijab, 2 December 2013

 

Read about Muslim American feminist, Mona Ebrahim, who released a humorous book revealing why so many Muslim women choose to wear the hijab, viewing their choice as liberation rather than oppression.  We were able to read the entire book and absolutely loved it! Get your copy on Amazon, on www.101reasonshijab.com, and soon in bookstores nationwide!

 

1)  Tell us a little about yourself; where you're from, studies/profession, hobbies, etc.

 

I was born and raised in San Fernando Valley, California. I studied at UC Santa Cruz in Northern California and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Film, TV, and Video. I got married, lived in France for a bit (where I had my first child), and went back to the states. From then on I did so many things while raising my children, but never really had a “career.” Between trying to create a film co-op, doing graphic design, photography, videography, writing and teaching, I started a clothing retail and design company with my friend called Rebirth of Chic. We wanted to provide women with clothing that was totally modest, yet artsy and fashionable. Even though this aim was important to me, what I did with my photography meant even more to me.

 

I wanted to put out images of women who were modestly and Islamically dressed (not tight, see through, shows the shape, with hijab), yet were captivatingly beautiful, but not sexy. I wanted to show my fellow women you can find that beauty and elegance in yourself without having to be sexy and physically alluring. At the same time I delved deeper into my Islamic studies and taught and wrote. I hope to publish some of my writings soon.

2)  Tell us about the book, "101 Reasons Why I’m Glad I Wear Hijab"

 

101 Reasons Why I’m Glad I Wear Hijab, is a funny and refreshing look at what is often a serious, controversial, and misunderstood topic. Full of laughs and insight, it whisks the reader into the experience and life-view of this American Muslim author, and gives an understanding as to why so many women choose to wear hijab, even against odds like bans, family’s disapproval, and sometimes societal condemnation.

 

It is a fully illustrated, 80-page hardcover, coffee table book packed with 101 comic illustrations. Not just a one-time read, this book is one of those “conversational pieces” you leave on your coffee table, shelf, or open library to initiate a conversation in a social setting.

 

It’s a book you can share at your college or reading circles and have a discussion. It’s a book you’ll want to buy and donate to your local library to finally be a voice that shows the positive things about hijab women feel, instead of all of the countless silencing voices of women and Saudi princesses who run away from Islam, Muslims, and Islamic traditions only to be "liberated" by the West. These are true stories, but where is our story? Muslim women who chose to wear hijab rarely have one.

 

In the face of punitive comments by people like Ann Coulter, we rarely have a chance to talk back. So here are my reasons, not one, not two, but Ha! 101 Reasons!

 

"101 Reasons Why I’m Glad I Wear Hijab" is a fun, introspective, and creative book. Sometimes silly. When I first started wearing hijab I started noticing all sorts of benefits, and “Cool, Alhamdulillah!” things about wearing hijab.

 

So many things I didn’t expect. So I started writing them down; this was back in 1998, the end of my college career. It was a project I was always passionate about but never got around to finish. I had most of the reasons, about 75, in the first few years; and completed more than 101 reasons in 2009, when I picked it up again. I was so busy with my kids, work, and life that I had it on hold for a long time. From 2009 to now I went through finding illustrators, trying to do the publishing process on my own, and going back and forth with the illustrators, and editing. Finally I gave up and hired a publisher to help me wrap it up! Overall, I learned not to give up, to be patient, and know that everything will come into fruition when its appointed time comes.

 

3)  What was the motivation behind the book?

It started out as funny things I jotted down, and grew into “How many ‘silver linings’ can I come up with?” I know Allah has good reasons to prescribe the hijab, and I, myself, felt so many positive benefits; so why not share them with others? A third impetus might be that I know so many people want to ask me, “Why would you choose to wear that, honey? Don’t you know you are free here?” Or some Muslims might want to ask me, “Why would you choose to wear that, Sister? Don’t you know we are free here?” So, this is my chance to share my response!

 

4)  What has the response been, thus far?

A lot of people are excited and eager to read it. I get a lot of laughs from women who wear hijab, when I’ve read it to them. I hear a lot of “Oh my God, that’s so true!” and snickers. I know some of my reasons, some people won’t get unless they’ve been totally immersed into the American Culture as I have. Some of them are just for fun. Even a lot of my friends and family who don’t wear hijab “get” a lot of the reasons and laugh. And finally, my non-Muslim friends find it eye opening and amusing, and definitely intriguing.

 

5)  If you could give one piece of advice to someone struggling with hijab, what would it be?

 

Be positive.

If you think everyone is looking at you or hates you, they will. If you be yourself, be friendly and helpful, and a follower of the Prophet Muhammad’s (upon Him peace and blessings) persona and example, everyone will like you whether they want to or not. When I talk to people, people who I can feel have a preconceived notion about me, I can feel their image of me (as well as the hijab on my head) dissolve before my eyes.

 

Know you have a lot to offer the world, walk proudly, and people will respect you.

 

Finally, if you wear the hijab (or do anything) with the intention of pleasing and following God’s guidance, Allah will give you your due reward and put barakah in your life.

 

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Get your copy of "101 Reasons Why I'm Glad I Wear Hijab" on Amazon, on or www.101reasonshijab.com.

 http://www.hautehijab.com