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.

She looks so stunning - Really proud of this Hijaabi

A hijabi on the red carpet

She is the wife of an Australian foot ball player- she looks a billion times better then Hollywood Celebs!

Rouba Houli shows off her faith...Marsha'Allah

Rouba Houli, the 20-year-old wife of Richmond midfielder Bachar Houli. She seemed an island of serene glamour in a sea of fake-tan and bedazzle.

She was wearing a hijab and that, in modern Australia, means she is one brave lady.

The hijab is a protective garment, a sanctuary. In Australia it can often seem the opposite - a liability for the women who choose to wear it, because it exposes them to the curious and often hostile glances of others.

Rather than disappearing into the tranquility of an interior space, an Australian woman in a veil is actually more exposed to the judgment of strangers.

That's tough. These women know that they'll be stared and sneered at, and they don't give a stuff: they've made a choice to wear their faith on their faces, and anyone who doesn't get it can just keep walking.

I've always found the veil challenging as a concept. It's one of those facets of modern Australia that really test our boundaries: I might like to think of Australia as a rich and tolerant multicultural society, but does that really mean anything beyond 'I like lamb jalfrezi?' When it comes to it, am I really tolerant?

Earlier this year I was in a Turkish seaside village, enjoying a lazy honeymoon day with my husband. I was wearing a summer dress - knee-length, high-necked and sleeveless and sandals with a big floppy hat, plus a wide silk scarf flung over my shoulders to keep the sun away.

As I walked along, a big tourist bus wheezed and fizzed to a halt and disgorged dozens of Turkish holidaymakers, all laughing and talking and crowding onto the footpath around me.

I was suddenly in a crowd - and I was the only woman not wearing a hijab and neck-to-ankle gown.

My modest summer dress suddenly felt skimpy and revealing.

I felt half-naked, highly conscious of the glances of the men and deeply annoyed.

This is the part I'm not proud of.

My instinctive reaction - even though I have spent plenty of time in Muslim countries and have never had a problem in dressing modestly to suit the environment - was to feel not friendly or curious, but rather irritated by the veiled women around me.

"Why are they making me feel exposed like this?" I fumed to myself. "Whose side are they on? Why do I suddenly feel like I'm in a bikini?"

See why I'm not proud of this? My honest reaction was deeply unpleasant. With the extraordinary presumption of an Australian abroad, I only really cared about these women to the extent that their choice of clothing reflected upon me. It's all about me.

Those Turkish women couldn't have cared less, I imagine, what I was wearing. They barely noticed me, bustling off to the souvenir shops.

Until the bus-doors opened, I'd been perfectly confident in my outfit. Now, I felt as though I'd let myself down by wearing too few clothes. And I hated it. I pulled my big scarf down around my arms and kept walking, trying to suppress the surging irritation.

A few days later, in the heat of midday Istanbul, sitting in the grounds of an old palace, I gazed at a group of women in full-length black robes. I couldn't help the irritated thought crackling through my head: "Come on, girls. Why are you wearing all that gear? Whom are you protecting? How is this helping the rest of us?"

That's not a sentiment to be proud of. It's something I - and many other western women, whether we call ourselves feminists or not - simply have to deal with.

It's about stopping the constant judgment of other women's choices.

In the past few months, I've been thinking a lot about those feelings. I interviewed another impressive Muslim-Australian woman, Arwa El Masri, for a story published this week. Arwa decided at 23 to begin wearing a veil because she likes the unequivocal signal it sends: I am a woman of faith, and I want to keep some things private and intimate.

No man ever told her to wear a veil. Despite the stares, she has never regretted her choice.

If I'm a real feminist, isn't my job to accept her version of liberation to support the choices of other women? That means letting go of the idea that a veil is a man-made confinement, and giving up on my own need to judge.

I'd like to be as serene as those women; as proud of my clothes as veiled women are of theirs. I'd like to hold my head high and be confident about what I think is right, without the fear or the defensiveness.

Veiled women feel that fear and do it anyway. That's real feminism!!!

by: Claire Harvey

Muslims find Islamic ways to be fashionable

Muslims find Islamic ways to be fashionable

Models strutted down runways in winter in wide-leg pants, bulky jackets, long cardigans and the ever-so controversial keffiyah-like scarves, sometimes wrapped around their heads or trailing off their shoulders. Months later, spring and summer fashions have held on to stylized neck scarves and looser clothing, fitting into the lifestyle of modest women looking for a fashionably-refined appearance.

Muslim women vary in how they dress, depending on liberal or conservative mindsets, geographic location, family, age – the list goes on.

But there’s no holding back or even altering looks to fit into a more modest outfit when you can walk into a mosque or wedding wearing a long, flowing Marciano maxi dress under a Marc Jacobs knee-length coat topped with a Chloe head scarf.

If your budget permits, of course. If not, trends always hit more affordable stores even before models can step off the runway.

Moniza Bhaghani, owner of Hidaaya Books and Clothing in Diamond Bar, Calif., sells the Rebirth of Chic brand of inexpensive Western clothing with a Muslim twist. She offers long skirts and tops, scarves of different materials from cotton to shiny metallics, and tunics that younger people like to wear with jeans. Bhaghani said she noticed the latest blouses have shorter, puffy sleeves, so she took the style and made it more Muslim-friendly by adding long sleeves and a higher collar.

“Sometimes it’s hard to find the right Islamic-type blouse in North America to sell in the store, so it has to be ordered overseas,” Bhaghani, a Muslim convert who is half Latina, said. She also tries to incorporate local fabrics and designs, though, to keep it Western-themed.

“I talk to customers about what they would like and keep in mind that things have to be a length in which women can pray.”

Bhaghani added that she likes to provide traditional Arab embroidery and bead styles because they are so similar to Latin styles, bringing the cultures together.

When she has items in her store shipped from overseas, Bhaghani will tell manufacturers beforehand about American trends to fit with the changes.

“Sometimes colors used overseas are not in fashion here, so I send them a palette using magazines and tell them to find the closest match,” she said.

She added that she keeps prices reasonably low, with scarves starting under $7 but that still have the same material and quality of high-end department stores selling the same items for double because of a designer name.

“With the economy the way it is, I have to keep it affordable,” she said, adding that many college-aged women come to her store and she wants to make sure they can shop there easily.

For a little more money, one can find Muslim-friendly clothes in department stores and boutiques as well. A noteworthy southern California blog called Hijabulous by blogger Aellaboudy holds hundreds of posted pictures from stores, boutiques and designers offering Islamic-friendly fashions. The blogger posts her favorites, which this season include long-sleeve thermal and cotton tees from Jaloux in Victoria Gardens Mall, scarves and sweaters from H&M, tops from Express and Zara, and even an Ed Hardy scarf that could be used as a silky hijab.

For college students Narmeen and Abeer Minhas of Binghamton, New York, who both wear hijab, staying fashion forward while maintaining their Muslim appearance in society is not only important but also fun.

“I kind of think it adds to the fun when you are more limited in your options,” 20-year-old Abeer Minhas said. “For example, if I see a top that I absolutely love but is a little too revealing for me, its fun to see how you can add layers to make your own personal fashion statement even more effective.”

The two sisters recently traveled to the Middle East and found the clothing trends there very influential.

“Anyone from the Middle East has a distinct style in which they take western fashions and adapt them toward their Islamic interests,” Abeer Minhas said. “I absolutely love how you can be modest and fashionable at the same time. When we traveled to Turkey, my sister and I were just awestruck at how beautiful the clothes were and how they covered every inch of your body.”

Dental student Narmeen Minhas, 22, pointed out that western companies in Muslim countries make more “modest” clothing to coincide with their local customers’ needs. In Dubai, for example, the summer wear at trendy retailer Mango, though usually tiny tanks and short shorts, included long shirts, dresses and skirts in summer-friendly materials.

Narmeen Minhas added that she loves dresses, so she uses them in layering.

“I bought some really cute dresses - knee length, sleeveless - that I’m going to wear under jeans and a white long shirt and boots,” she said. “I think that you can adapt any style to be modest and trendy.”

Muslims have noticed the need for providing people like the Minhas sisters with hijab-friendly choices, some opening stores like Bhaghani’s to accommodate the growing fashion market.

Terry Cormier opened Al-Farah two years ago in Anaheim, Calif., after running a high-volume Muslim wear Web site of the same name.

“We had a Web site before then, and people kept showing up at our house thinking it was the store, so we just decided to open a store,” Cormier said.

Al-Farah manufactures its own clothing, getting it shipped from overseas, from countries like Egypt, Syria, Turkey and Jordan, Cormier said. She added that what is ordered depends on what the customers are looking for. In winter, for example, she said young women asked for pant suits and button-up dress shirts.

“Modern stuff for younger sisters is in good demand,” she said, pointing out that she receives a lot of business from the 30 and under crowd. “They want an American style with an Islamic identity.”

American and western looks in general have also adopted Middle Eastern traditional wear recently, from the keffiyahs sold at stores like Urban Outfitters to dresses and shoes using beading and large stones as accents, often found on Egyptian and South Asian clothing.

Screen print T-shirts at trendy boutiques have lately used images of Asian and Middle Eastern women, and brands have started using recent political turmoil and messages of peace in their clothing.

Young fashionistas, Muslim and non-Muslim, have incorporated such styles into their wardrobes, but fashion for some more conservative Muslim women takes on a completely different meaning.

An article in The New York Post last year reported on Muslim women wearing fashionable clothing underneath their long, flowing robes, with sometimes the only thing the public eye could see would be flashy stilettos, a wink of bright jewelry or a brightly-colored headscarf on top, often embossed with designer names.

The Minhas sisters do not wear the jilbab over their clothing, but they do appreciate how women in Muslim countries and here who bide by such coverage choices still manage to add their own flair.

“My basic point is I aspire to dress like Arab and Turkish hijabis,” Abeer Minhas said.

Videos of Dubai street style show young women in cute tops with matching head scarves, blinged out with jewelry, designer shades, high heels and big bags. The men look right out of New York, in distressed jeans, v-neck shirts and wool pea coats.

Muslim American men don’t look or dress any different from others, according to Las Vegas resident Zeeshan Malik.

“Those with a fashion sense dress like any other common person with style,” Malik, 22, said. “My cousins and I look at GQ and we wear whatever we like in the new trends.”

Malik said some subtle differences for more conservative men would be looser clothing, not really latching on to the recent tight, skinny-jean fad or extra tight muscle shirts.

He also said Muslim men often personalize their style with their facial hair, growing thin beards or goatees. “We like our beards – that’s one of our styles, and then we have our receding hairlines which we hate,” he joked.

For Narmeen Minhas, being Muslim adds another important dimension to how she dresses.

“I also think that hijabis should look nice, i.e., I coordinate matching scarves with my clothes, because we stand out as “Muslim,” and I think it’s important to defeat the rumors that Muslim women are suppressed and unhappy.”

It may be a simplified way of fixing a much more serious image problem in society today, but if Muslims can acclimate themselves into any society and show this physically, maybe they will be more approachable and open up communication to educate the masses on the real Islam. That’s all the Minhas sisters ask for, especially when wearing their religion on their sleeves, or in some cases, on their heads.

http://www.infocusnews.net/content/view/34432/135/

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