BY SUMAYYAH MEEHAN

The headscarf, or hijab, is just a small piece of fabric but the controversy that often surrounds it is immeasurable. Muslim women who wear the hijab are often socially stigmatised, in non-Muslim and sometimes even Muslim countries, as being mindless drones who are under the thumbs of their domineering husbands.

This could not be further from the truth. The reason Muslim women wear the hijab is because Allah commands us to do so.

"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful" (Quran 33:59)

The hijab, and the outer cloak or abaya, fulfills the requirement of modesty in Islam that applies not only to women but men as well. By wearing the hijab a woman is actually liberated and not oppressed. Think about all of the ads on TV and the trailers for this summer's hottest movies. They all include ads with women dressed scantily with bulging bosoms and voluptuous bodies and hair, the things that make a woman a woman, right?

However, these are also the things that turn thinking and living souls into nothing more than sexual objects — glorified 'eye candy' for men. The hijab removes sexuality from the equation. When a woman is dressed modestly and her hair is properly covered, she can only be seen for what she truly is, which is an intelligent woman with ideas and a voice of her own. She is not a piece of meat to be drooled over and defamed.

It's surprising that Islam is consistently slammed in the popular media as being anti-women when in fact Islam is the pioneer of true feminism. Islam raised women up out of the wilderness of Arabia over 1400 years ago when Allah Almighty chose Muhammad, peace be upon him, as His Final Messenger. During this time, women were bought, sold and often traded as commodities. Women were inherited when their husbands died which meant that their own sons could do with them as they pleased. Women also had zero rights in the marriage.

She was not entitled to hold property and her husband could divorce her at his whim without compensating her. He could also simply throw her out of the home, not divorcing her, which meant she would spend the rest of her life in limbo unable to remarry. And she had no voice in her society either. Women were not even allowed to seek an education. All of this changed when the Quran was revealed to the Last Prophet and women were given their rightful voices. With the advent of Islam, women were able to vote, seek a divorce and receive alimony, get an education and have her own property amongst other things.

The debate over the hijab will rage on regardless of the true nature in which it is worn in obedience to Allah Almighty and for self-preservation. I have often had conversations with my own family who simply do not understand it calling the hijab a 'towel' that I wear on my head. However, it is very interesting to note that the command for women to wear the hijab can also be found in the Bible as well as the other books of Allah.  This verse can be found in the Bible: "But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled disgraces her head-it is one and the same thing as having her head shaved. For if a woman will not veil herself, then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or to be shaved, she should wear a veil." (Corinthian 11:5-6)

The majority of Christians ignore this command. However, some Catholics do wear a simple lace veil on their heads when they attend Mass.

All women have the right to wear what they choose even if it is not the hijab because Allah is the One and Only judge. Allah alone will judge between humans on the Day of Judgment and we will all receive recompense for our deeds dependant upon whether they were good or bad. It would be unfitting for anyone to slander another just because she chooses to reveal her body, however it would also be unfitting for others to judge women who wear the hijab simply because she chooses modesty in obedience to Allah.

Muslim women are often ridiculed for wearing Islamic clothes or 'garb' as is the popular term in the media. What other piece of clothing screams, "I am a Muslim!' more so than the hijab? Quite often this makes Muslim women unwanted targets of ridicule and contempt, however there is a stern warning in the Quran for those who would poke fun at the expense of Muslims living their lives in accordance with Allah's Divine Decree:

"Was it Allah, and His Signs and His Messenger you were mocking? Make no excuse, you have disbelieved after you had believed. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others among you because they were sinners."(Quran 65:66)

The hijab is not meant to be restrictive in anyway. Quite the contrary, it gives the woman wearing it more freedom of movement than any other piece of clothing she could buy in the trendiest boutique.

Sumayyah Meehan is a Kuwait-based American writer who embraced Islam. She can be reached at  abidhjs@msn.com

Source: Email

Written by a Revert Sister  
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One of the most difficult decisions many Muslim sisters face is the decision to start wearing hijab. This is certainly true for reverts, but may also be true for sisters whose families or even whose cultures are not particularly observant. As a revert myself, I have been through the whole thing. I would like to offer some advice that I hope inshaAllah will be helpful to sisters who are considering wearing hijab but find that something is holding them back.

The first step is to learn about hijab. There is so much information out there. Many Muslim sisters who will assist you in this regard.

Deciding to wear Hijab

This is where the difficulties usually come in. For many sisters, it truly is a jihad. I remember very vividly how scared I was the first day I put on the headscarf and went out into public. As long as you are just wearing the modest clothes, nobody has to know that you are a Muslim. Once you complete your hijab with the headscarf, you are suddenly announcing to everyone who sees you that "I am a Muslim". Here is some advice based on my own experiences.
 
Wear it for the sake of Allah SWT

Various statements are made about why you should wear hijab, such as for modesty or for protection, but the real reason that we wear hijab is that Allah SWT has commanded it. Whenever anyone asks you, why do you dress like that, that's the only answer you need to give them.

Allah SWT is the source of everything we have, our existence, our life, our capability, even our goodness. If He ever stopped sustaining us, we would vanish in that instant. If He ever took away what he gives us, we would never have even a speck of it. If we worked for millions of years, we could never repay Him for all that He has given us. And yet He does give it to us, and all He asks in return is that we do our best to obey what He has commanded us. Surely wearing hijab is a very small thing that you can do for Him compared to what He does for you!

Wear it for the hope of Jannah

Allah SWT makes tests for us in this world. He makes things difficult for us. He wants to see if we will remember Him, if we will have faith in Him, and if we will trust in Him. These qualities are what is meant by "sabr".

Allah SWT does not lose the work of anyone, ever (see Surah Ali Imran ayah 195). Even if it seems like nobody is paying attention to you or notices or appreciates good things that you do, Allah SWT has seen them, and He will not forget them. Even when it seems like the whole world is against you, Allah SWT is always there for you when you turn to Him. Remember this.
 
Allah SWT always wants the best for us and in His wisdom He knows why each thing that happens to us is in fact best for us. When it seems like everything is going wrong and life is just one disaster after another, it is easy to forget this and to become bitter and sceptical. Yet we must remember always to have faith that Allah SWT knows best why He has willed this for us, and we must always ask Him only "Make me pleased with what You have willed for me".
 
This world we live in, although it seems at times to be the only real thing, is actually fleeting compared to the Hereafter, which is better and more abiding. The trials of this world will seem as fleeting as a nightmare when seen from the Hereafter, and the pleasures of this world will also seem as fleeting as a dream when seen from the Hereafter. It's our happiness in the Hereafter that we should be most worried about attaining, because it is what will last forever; and it's our suffering in the Hereafter that we should be most worried about avoiding, because it also will last forever.
 
Allah SWT has promised Jannah to those who remain steadfast in their faith in Him and who trust in Him. The more difficult it is for you to have sabr, the greater the reward for it. So what will it be? Ease in this world, and perhaps the eternal sufferings in Hell? Or difficulty in this world, and inshallah the eternal bliss of Jannah? Let's face it, the old cliches are true: there's no such thing as a free lunch and you can almost never have your cake and eat it too. We've all got to face difficulties some time. Better by far that they be in the world than in the Hereafter.
 
So that's what you should set your mind to. Yes, it's difficult to wear hijab. You may be rejected by your family or your friends, you may face harassment and persecution or be fired from your job. These are very scary thoughts. But if you have sabr and keep trusting in Allah SWT, I swear to you sister, this is the path to Jannah, and when you look back on the Day of Qiyamah you will know that it was worth it and have no regrets.
 
Wear it today and trust in Allah SWT for tomorrow

What do I mean by that? What I mean is that you should take it one day at a time, or even one outing at a time. Sometimes the future seems to stretch on forever and ever and you don't think you can make it that long. You want to give up before you even begin.
 
So sometimes the best thing to do is to keep you mind focused on what is immediately at hand. Allah SWT will take care of the future. If you have to go out to the market, then concentrate on being able to wear hijab just for this activity and on getting through it. If you do get through it and nothing bad happened, then give thanks to Allah SWT for making it easy for you, and turn your mind to your next outing.
 
Or if you have to go out to school or work, then concentrate on being able to wear hijab just for this one day and on getting through it. And give thanks to Allah SWT when you have made it, and turn your mind to the next day.

Eventually the outings will turn into days and the days into weeks, and the weeks into months. One day you will realize that you have been wearing hijab for quite a long time and it isn't really as bad as you feared, and Allah SWT helped you get through it. Don't be ashamed. Sometimes it is like this. The most important thing is to have sabr and keep your trust in Allah SWT always.

Wear it and spite the shaytan

My dear sister, the worries and fears in your mind are the whisperings of the shaytan. He wants to talk you out of obeying Allah SWT.
 
It is very easy to keep going around in circles in your mind and to dwell on all the things that could go wrong. I know that I myself have a tendency to do this, I put it off and I dither and I wait for "the perfect time". If I let myself, I would never do anything at all!
 
So the thing you have to remember is that you do not need to be perfect in iman to wear hijab. If perfection were a qualification, where is the sister who could wear it??

You must also not fall into the trap of thinking that you should wait until all your worries and fears have disappeared. They never will! Trust me on this, sister.
 
True courage is going ahead to do what's right even though you are still nervous and scared. So don't listen to the shaytan. Ignore the worries and fears he whispers into your mind. Tell him that you will not let him keep you from obeying Allah SWT and you will not let him rule your life.

Make the decision to wear it

Once you have come to know in your heart that you must wear hijab, then you have to set a day and
 
JUST DO IT !!
 
This is the only way. Set a day and when that day comes, you have to do it. Don't back down. Don't give up. Do it.

Offer salat al-istikhara. Make du'a. Make lots of du'a. Do not stop making du'a. Ask Allah SWT to give you strength. Ask Him to make it easy for you. Ask Him to help you. He will, I swear it to you. He is always there for you when you turn to Him. Remember how much He has given you, how everything that you have, even your very existence, is due to Him. Remember that He deserves this from you. Remember the promise of Jannah. Remember that remaining patient and faithful through difficulty now may lead to Jannah, inshallah. Even if bad things happen, keep these thoughts in your mind. Don't worry about tomorrow. Just concentrate on getting through today, and leave tomorrow to Allah SWT until it gets here.
 
That's how you do it.

Final Words of Encouragement

I have been wearing hijab since September 1999. I do not regret it. I have never for one instant regretted it. I do not regret it even one iota. InshaAllah, you will discover that you feel the same. Even within a few months I came to feel that I would not be properly dressed if I went out not wearing hijab. This is when you know that you have made it!
 
Never feel that you are alone, or that you are the only one who is scared and worried and nervous. Just about every other sister who has travelled down this road has gone through the same things. I know I have. Your sisters are here for you. We have been where you are. We are encouraging you and cheering you on. We know what it takes because we had to find that in ourselves too. We are praying for your success just as we prayed for our own.
 
Come and join us.
 
Allah does not burden a soul except what it can bear. For it is what it has earned, and upon it is what it has made due. "Our Lord and Sustainer, do not condemn us if we forget or do wrong. Our Lord and Sustainer, do not put a burden on us like the burden You put on those who were before us. Our Lord and Sustainer, do not put a burden on us that we cannot endure. And blot out (our sins) and forgive us, and be gentle to us. You are our Protector. So help us against the rejectors." (Surah al-Baqarat ayah 286)

Source: www.idealmuslimah.com

*SWT: Subhana Wa Ta'ala

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"O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go abroad). That will be better, so that they may be recognised and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful." (33:59)

"And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! Turn ye all together towards Allah that ye may attain Bliss." (24:31)

By: Maryam

As most people do, I turned to Allah and Islam during the hard times of my life. It's a sad fact of life. When times are happy and life is good, no one feels obliged to turn towards his or her Deen (religion). It's all about living the moment.

After I had turned towards Allah, I approached a friend in a very casual manner, trying to encourage her to also turn towards Islam. Her reply chilled my blood. "Right now, my life is good, I'm happy and I don't need any change."

I thought to myself, better bite your tongue. I wanted to shake her and say, "Would you really want some tragic event to happen before waking up to Islam?" Obviously no one in his or her right mind would want to do so, but subconsciously, I feel everyone does.

I was no exception to that. I was on the brink of depression, as a result of a series of events that happened. Now looking back at it, it wasn't much, but being a teenager who had lost her sense of identity and purpose in life, it was the monster of all crises.

I had been separated from my best friends, snatched up away from my life and replaced in a place I had once called home. It was hard, and I was suffering. I used to find comfort, lying awake at night and staring at the stars, amazed at the fact that these were the same stars I stared at when I lived on the other side of the world.

My family, Alhamdulillah (All Praise be to Allah), had all changed towards Islam in the past years. No one forced me to wear Hijab, and I didn't simply because I thought I wasn't ready. They did, however, expect me to dress modestly and most importantly offer my daily prayers.

My aunt used to take me to these classes held nearby, and I went when I could. I was in pain and I didn't quite understand why. And it happened so that the particular topic at that class I had attended was on why pain and suffering happens. The teacher said that we are put through hard times as a test, to see how we cope with it. To see if we will turn towards Siratul Mustaqeem (the Straight Path), or away from it.

It was that day that I learned that every bit of pain we endure, both emotional and physical, alleviates us from our punishments in the hereafter. It was then that I started truly understanding the ways of Allah, how everything that happens has a purpose and that I was supposed to learn from that.

It's been almost two and a half years since that period of my life. It took me a year and a half to actually start changing. I knew Islam, but I did not practice it the way a Muslim is supposed to. I thought I was happy, but deep down inside I knew that I was not.

I was a hypocrite, and as much as I tried denying it, I could not. It sank in and I accepted it and prayed that I find the right way. My conscience was not dead, but I had muted it. Before, I used to get the urge to start Hijab, yet I used to fight it. I performed Umra and I prayed continuously that the next time my conscience spoke to me, I would not only listen to it, but I would amplify it so that I could not ignore it.

Last Ramadan, late one night, Hijab got on my conscience and would not go away. I told myself that I was not ready, that there were many strings attached that I may not be able to fulfil, but with the right words from supportive friends I told myself that if I didn't start now, I would never start. And I believed that 200%. So I no longer had any excuse for not doing Hijab. So Allhumdulilah, I finally put on my Hijab on December 31st, 1999 at the age of 18, and have been wearing it ever since.

After a month or so, I realized that Hijab was not as big a deal as I had thought. It was not difficult in the least. To this day there has never been a moment that I regretted Hijab, and for that I am so grateful, Alhamdulillah. I immediately found many friends who also wear Hijab. These friends and my family were the greatest strength for my new found Iman (faith).

I occupied myself with more Masjid-oriented activities and attended more classes to increase my knowledge of our religion. I am grateful that I put my foot down and decided to start Hijab then, because had I not, who knows how long it would have taken for me to start.

How do I remember Allah and His magnificent ways?

When I step outside and marvel at the beauty of nature. When I stop to play with a baby and see how perplexing, yet perfect, the precious cycle of life is. When I go out and people stop to say As-Salaam-Wa-Alaikum to me. When I study the Qur'an and the Hadeeth of our beautiful Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and how perfectly and completely it incorporates our lives and faith. When I pass by my fellow sisters in Islam adorned proudly and confidently in their Hijabs. Everything reminds me of Allah, and I can feel my love for Him, our Prophet, and our religion grow by the day.

Source: www.missionislam.com

A True Story 

By Humaira 

This is the story of Ali and Amina who were happily married together, blessed with an eight year old daughter named Hiba and a five year old son, Danish.

One evening, Amina and Ali had come home after some shopping for their children. They bought their daughter Hiba, a beautiful pair of pants and a few skirts. As Hiba was no more a three year old baby her father said, “Hiba wear these skirts only at home not outside.”

“OK baba.” She agreed.

 Ali soon left for a business trip, and returned with some beautiful skin tight jeans in different colours for his daughter. Everyone was happy. However, his wife Amina did not like those jeans for their daughter. When her husband and son were not around, and Hiba was wearing the same jeans she approached her: "Hiba I don’t like you wearing these pants in front of your father, brother and grandfather”

“Why?” asked Hiba .

“It is too tight and the shape of your legs is distinctly visible.” Amina explained.

“Yes, mama it is.” She said. But she continued to wear those jeans.

One day Amina’s son Danish fell ill. So his dad took him to the doctor. Amina and her daughter Hiba stayed back home. This time, Amina was committed that she will do something about her daughter’s tight pants. She went to her room, put on her own tight denim pants and a short shirt exactly like what her daughter Hiba was wearing. Hiba looked at her mom in astonishment.

“O mama look what are you wearing?” She was surprised.

“I am wearing what you are wearing.” Said her mom.

“Yes mama” said Hiba.

Amina began to go towards the room of the grandfather. Hiba screamed out panicking, “Mama where are you going?”

“To your grandfather`s room." Amina said as if she didn’t know anything.

“No mama... please do not go in there”. Hiba stood right in front of her mother stopping her.

“Why?” asked her mother.

“Mama these are not good clothes. ” Hiba said.

“Why? Why?” asked mother.

“Mama Ummmmm... these are not respectable” She said.

“So now you know what it means to dress and look respectable.” Amina laughed heartily and said to her daughter in a friendly and relieved tone, "Look dear, this is the same thing that I feel when you wear tight jeans in front of others”

“What should I do then?” Asked Hiba.

 “You should wear a nice long top that covers your jeans at least till your knees.” Amina replied.

"Ok Mama...” affirmed Hiba.

Amina immediately changed her clothes back to the usual ones and sat on the computer to work while Hiba continued to play with her toys and games .

Amina happened to glance at Hiba after a few minutes had elapsed when she exclaimed, “Alhamdulillah!”

Hiba was wearing a nice long top over her pants.

“Why did you not listen to me before?” Her mom curiously asked.

“ I did not understand what you were saying before?” Hiba replied.

Amina was so happy; she gave her daughter a warm hug and thanked Allah for helping her daughter understand the beauty of modesty in dressing...

Conclusion:

Time is running out! There is a certain age in which children can be convinced and taught about Islam easily. But after they enter their teens, the task often becomes harder and harder, and eventually impossible.

It’s high time Mothers realize the importance of caring for and spending their precious time and energy with their children, finding ways to correct them and explain to them things, in the best way possible based on their age, level of understanding and maturity.

Narrated Abu Masud Uqba: The Prophet said, "One of the sayings of the prophets which the people have got, is. 'If you do not feel ashamed, then do whatever you like." (Al-Bukhari)

By Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood

“Every religion has its characteristic, and the characteristic of Islam is modesty.”

This statement made some 1400 years ago by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is just as relevant today as it was then. The Prophet lived in turbulent times, when slavery, debauchery, drunkenness and sexual abuse was rife; when poor women could be maltreated without redress and wealthy women could live totally without morals if they wished, without much criticism.

When the Prophet was a teenage boy he was one of the founder members of a society of “Knights of Justice” created by his uncle, determined to bring protection and fair dealing to the weak and insecure. He, and those of like mind, were loved and admired for their nobility, years before the revelation of Islam. The revelations, when they came, encouraged and exhorted them to show others that compassion, generosity, courage, modesty and patient faith were the right way to live.

Modesty is such a ‘quiet’ characteristic, that perhaps nobody thinks about it very much.

Modesty is such a ‘quiet’ characteristic, that perhaps nobody thinks about it very much. What are modest people like? They are self-effacing, and humble; they do not wish to draw too much attention to themselves. They feel embarrassed when they are given praise, and genuinely do not really feel they have done all that much to deserve it, for everything they do is no more than their duty and their delight, in serving God. They would hate to be picked out for praise above their fellows, or pushed forward into the limelight, shown off, or made to perform ‘party pieces’ for the applause of others.

Modesty also implies a personal and physical shyness and reticence, as opposed to a wish to flaunt themselves for their physical charms. In this day and age, when it seems to be taken for granted that young women wish to walk down the streets of town wearing garments that cover little more than their underwear does, and when everything seems geared up to a lifestyle that encourages females to make themselves as sexually attractive as possible, and to feel failures if they are not turning heads, women who are not like that, and do not wish to be, are regarded by some as being rather odd.

It is an unfortunate sort of discrimination, for in actual fact very large numbers of girls and women are naturally modest, and do not wish to flaunt themselves at all, and feel no sense of distress or loss if they are not arousing male desires or interested glances. Wearing hijab, or becoming a ‘covered lady’, is one of the odd problems facing girls and women who convert to Islam and who then decide to alter their style of clothing, and/or wear a head-veil.

Ironically, genuinely shy and modest women can feel really uneasy and ‘forced into the arena of public scrutiny’ when they change old habits; putting on hijab can cause people who know you to stare, or wonder why you suddenly think yourself to be ‘better’ or ‘more holy’ than them, or to bring out remarks about how well they know what you are really like; or to wonder why you are seeking to ‘dress up in fancy dress’, or pretending to be an Arab or a Pakistani or whatever. Muslim women who take the further step of covering their faces often face a similar reaction from Muslim women who don’t.

Modest behavior implies the genuine desire to do good for no reason other than to please Allah, seeking no reward, or thanks, or public notice.

This is not something that male Muslims know very much about. There is no equivalent requirement for a man as regards his clothing, or head-covering, or face-covering. I suppose something similar would be for a convert man to feel it was a good thing required by Allah to turn up at the office or go to the garage or factory in an Arab long white dress, and put a bag over his head.

Yet there are rules in Islam for male modesty. I have winced in horror on a plane coming home from Damascus in which all the male passengers were Muslims, except a couple of western tourists, who wore shirts open to the waist (sweat, chest-hair and all), and shorts, and were quite oblivious to (or not bothered by) the reaction of distaste from those all around them. In fact, male Muslims are also expected to dress modestly, in clean clothing that covers them and does not emphasize their sexuality.

Needless to say, it is not only modest clothing that is required, but also modest behavior-not the Dickensian Uriah-Heepish sort of crawling humility-but the genuine desire to do good for no reason other than to please Allah, seeking no reward, or thanks, or public notice. The cover-up clothing of Muslim women is not intended as a punishment or an endurance test, but as a wish to appear graceful and feminine without encouraging any sexual advances. ‘Covered ladies’ are not necessarily innocent youngsters, virgins about to be sacrificed in marriage, but may be mothers of half a dozen children, perhaps married several times.

Modesty also implies simplicity, and lack of desire for ostentation.

There is no false modesty intended. But they are giving certain specific messages: firstly, that their faith is Islam and they have chosen to submit to the will of God in every aspect of their lives; and secondly, that they wish to be appreciated for their characters and good deeds, and not for whether or not they happen to be pretty or slim or sexy.

Modesty also implies simplicity, and lack of desire for ostentation. A woman could be completely covered, but in some gaudy material, shrieking color, and also dripping with jewellery, gold and pearls. That’s one sort of ostentation. Or she might be the only woman in her community who chooses to be head to toe in black-that might well be genuine piety, but it could also be a form of ostentation too. Allah will judge the lady not on her clothes at all, but on her motives, her niyyah, and the quality of her life and what she does with it.

Of course, the covered clothing can be quite a sacrifice-notably when the temperature soars and one must find garments in pure cotton, and not wear short sleeves, and if wearing the veil one must remember that a large amount of body-heat escapes through the head, and one can end up feeling quite faint and uncomfortable.

There is always a lot of controversy about the extent of a woman’s hijab in Islam. Some women cover absolutely everything, others interpret it to mean ‘modest dress according to the society in which one lives’ and even dispense with the head-veil. Hijab certainly means that a woman should not be showing her cleavage, or wearing a garment that is transparent and reveals her underwear, or one that is tight and clinging. My husband, coming from Pakistan, was horrified to note that old ladies in the UK brazenly went round showing their legs to all and sundry-to him, any skirt above the ankle was a mini-skirt.

The values of modesty and genuine humility are God-given, and those who possess those characteristics are blessed indeed.

The compulsory aspect of hijab to a Muslim woman is modesty-how this is interpreted in clothing styles is not compulsory at all, and is left to the piety and taste of the individual. Modesty and simplicity, and trust in Allah go hand in hand. I had a friend in Jordan a few years ago, a straightforward Muslim man who had asked me to bring him the present of a pair of denim jeans from the UK. When I also gave him a shirt to go with it, he was almost offended. What did I bring him a shirt for? He already had two. He promptly gave one shirt away to someone less fortunate than himself. I will never forget the lesson of his attitude. It was one of my key experiences in bringing me into Islam.

I learned another lesson from him, too. A button came off, and I volunteered to sew it on for him. This earned a small rebuke, for it would deprive of employment the poor man down the street who earned his living by such things as sewing on buttons. One cannot help but compare the practice of Islam on that very simple and modest level to the fanaticism and squabbles and outright corruption that have marred the beauty of Islam in more comfortable and affluent surroundings.

A truly simple-living person makes nonsense of the ephemeral wealth-and-status-seeking ambitions of those who do not realize there is more to life than just this level of existence.

Modesty goes hand in hand with value. When men and women are modest, they are in fact valuable people, and without any thought of self-aggrandizement, realize their value. The values of modesty and genuine humility are God-given, and those who possess those characteristics are blessed indeed. Moreover, they are lights shining in the darkness, giving an example of hope and goodness to others.

A truly modest person makes the raucous pomposity and arrogance of others show up; a truly simple-living person makes nonsense of the ephemeral wealth-and-status-seeking ambitions of those who do not realize there is more to life than just this level of existence. A truly pure person reveals the tawdriness of lust and lasciviousness and the selfish dangers of unbridled sexuality.

May God bless us, and fill our hearts with love and compassion, and direct our lives along a path that will enable us to bring help, hope, serenity, shelter and peace to others, and a means of rescue and healing to those already hurt and damaged by callousness, cruelty and abuse. Amen.

source: www.readingislam.com

By Arjuman Khan 

Allah says in the Qur’an:

[It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allâh and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allâh and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error." (33:36).

ASSALAMALAIKUM

I am 32 years married to a loving husband Mehmood and with 2 lovely children, Alhamdulillah. As all women I am also busy with household chores, taking care of husband and kids. Oh I am so tired with all these tensions and worries of life.

I met 2 of my friends ‘X’ and ‘Y’ on internet after 10 long years, we started talking daily and sharing our lives. Both happily married Alhamdulillah. One friend told me to check the site [www.areweprepared.ca]. She asked me to read it. I SAID YES, and started reading, it went on and on to my surprise I was loving it and waiting daily for new posts. I was happy that I started understanding my religion better and clearing all my doubts. I was changing now, I loved my husband for the sake of ALLAH [SWT], took care of my kids and home for the sake of ALLAH[SWT],all work seems easy along with the dhikr of ALLAH[SWT]. Now I prayed five times sincerely. I wait for all adhan’s as this is the time when I spend direct contact with my Lord ALLAH, the Most Gracious Most Merciful.

Allah says:

[“Those who believed (in the oneness of Allah) and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (13:28)

All tensions and worries were gone as I know ALLAH [SWT] knows what’s best for me.

One day ‘Y’ asked me when are you going to start wearing hijab, I replied soon Insha Allah. She said do it now as only ALLAH [SWT] and no one knows when is our last breath. Allah says in the Qur’an:

[“Verily the knowledge of the Hour is with Allah (alone)” (31:34)

This was a statement which changed my life. She also told me that even if my family does not support me, I should not listen to them.

Prophet Mohammed (SAW) said: “There is no obedience to any creation in which the disobedience of the Creator is involved” (Sahih Ahmad)

We all as kids obey our parents, in school obey our teachers, at work obey our bosses, and after marriage obey our husbands. Just give it a thought; are we obeying our Creator, the Most Powerful and Superior ALLAH? For most of us the answer will be NO.

Allah says:

By Khadijah Sadiq

What is the first thing that comes to your mind about hijab and the person who wears it?

An extremist?

A religious symbol?

A bit to hard on yourself?

A religion being hard on girls depriving them of their right of freedom?

Some people just wonder what exactly it is. So let me explain my personal view about hijab.

Hijab for me is a sign of purity and the way to preserve our beauty and purity for only one man. We wait all our lives till we find that one guy which Allah the Almighty has chosen for us. What a beautiful and refreshing feeling! Allah has made things easy for us by blessing us with the gift of hijab and by helping us follow the steps of how we can secure our inner and outer beauty which prevents us from being harassed and manipulated by society.

Wearing hijab enables one to do anything one likes as it is a medium to move about in a respected circle. Allah has made things easier for us and that is why women are given a high rank due to the desires they control for the sake of Allah.

Allah says: “He has not laid upon you in religion any hardship.” (Al-Hajj: 78)

“Allah wishes to lighten the burden for you; for certainly man has been created weak!” (An-Nisa’: 28)

Muslim women observe hijab (covering the head and the body) because Allah has told them to do so.

“Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not annoyed.” (Al-Ahzab:59)

This clearly shows us that by wearing hijab we are given an identity. Just ask those who do not have an identity - they are like a soul without a shadow.

Hijab is not merely a dress that covers but more importantly, it is behavior, manners, speech and appearance in public. Dress is only one aspect of the total being and it also includes the hijab of the heart and the tongue which make you praise Allah, hands which make you give charity, feet which make you walk to the mosque, and above all intentions on which all your deeds depend.

If you wear hijab and do things which are prohibited then you will surely be deprived of your reward in the Hereafter. Let us just think on the bases that this world in temporary and the permanent world is yet to come, so why should we waste our time contemplating issues that Allah has made so clear and simple for us to follow?

May Allah make us understand the role we are to play in this world, the transient nature of life, and the blessings of Divine guidance.

Source: www.islamonline.net