Assalamu Alaikum,
First off, I'd like to start off this post with gratitude to Allah (swt) for letting us all be granted with yet another Ramadan. (The Shaytaan's locked up! Yaaayyy!!)All throughout the year, we wait patiently for a month in which we feel the utmost humility to Allah (swt). What many don't know is that we shouldn't wait for Ramadan to help us increase our worship; but we should increase our worship in all times of life.
There is no excuse for a living person to not worship his lord at his utmost capabilities. While Allah (swt) has blessed us with life, we should make the best of it. I want you all to do something special this Ramadan. Actually I DARE you all to do it. Set yourself a certain goal for Ramadan; something tough and occasionally done, and complete it. Then continue on it after Ramadan. My goal for instance is to pray 20 Raka'ahs Taraweeh every night of Ramadan, and to read the Qura'n three time or just one time and finish two surahs, to give a lot of Sadaqah, to make a positive difference in someone's life, and to help my ummah. For you, this may be nothing, but again we all have different capabilities. Then if you have completed Ramadan with your goal accomplished, leave me a comment and let me know your success story, though it is between you and Allah (swt).
Ramadan: (wikipedia.org) Ramadan or Ramadhan or Ramazan (Arabic: رمضان) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Wow! Wikipedia has no clue of the essence this one month can have!
Ramadan is Shaytaan-free, prayerful, almost sinless, and duaa' packed. But here's the catch.
Did you know that almost all new music CDs come right before Ramadan?
Did you know that TV programs have the best ideas around Ramadan?
Did you know that almost half the Muslim population is led astray by these two things?
Did you know that the Shaytaan is actually smart (in leading us astray)?
Did you know he gives people these supposedly 'awesome' ideas before he gets locked up so that people would do more sins in Ramadan?
Did you know that the Shaytaan got Adam out of Jannah? And he will aim to get us out too?
Did you know that we should destroy his plans and show him who really is better than the other?
Then ignore him. Do all duaa's against him. Don't let him get to you Ever. Don't watch a lot of TV (preferably none at all). Don't listen to music. Don't follow the Shaytaan and the way of the disbelievers.
Get Jannah. Aim high. Enjoy Ramadan. Make duaa' for me!
-Veiled Knight
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
The message on the Keffiyeh
Assalamu Alaikum,
When I wear anything Black, White and Gray (escpecially when it has red on it too!), I don't wear just because it's the style, or becuase it matches my outfit; but I wear it because it has a meaning. To most people, wearing a Keffiyeh signifies supporting Palestine. But to me, each color has a meaning.
Black: The darkness of the time we're in right now
White: The promise of our pure future (Victory! Jannah!!)
Gray: The haziness of our Black-and-White past
Red: The blood shed during our Black moments
The Keffiyeh is a promising article of clothing that I'm proud to treasure in my wardrobe!!
P.S. Sorry I haven't written for looong!!
-Veiled Knight
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Hayaa'
Assalamu Alaikum,
Today, I decided to write about something our Ummah needs greatly. This 'something' is called, Hayaa'. Hayaa' literally means self shame, modesty or morality. The scholars have explained Hayaa' to be a condition within ourselves that prevents us from committing any action that Allah (swt) has prohibited us from doing. When a woman wears her hijab, it's an act of Hayaa'. The niqab is an even bigger branch of modesty.
It is really sad that nowadays, Muslim women and men mingle freely, and talk to each other about unimportant topics. Those of us who choose not to do that and have an increased amount of Hayaa' are made fun of, ignored, and labeled as 'unsocial' or 'hermits'. The right way for a woman to be properly modest is for her to only talk freely with Mahram men (men who a woman is not allowed to marry, i.e father, brother, uncle, grandpa). At the masjid, I find girls wearing makeup and laughing loudly; their voices very teenagerish and attractive. I see boys turning to look at them, their eyes blinking from the amount of accessories the girls wear. SubhanAllah! I sometimes feel really sorry for the boys in our Ummah. They fall into big amounts of Fitnah, and some girls add to it more.
A woman should not look a man in his eyes, chat him up, wear attractive clothing, or stare at him [let's rephrase that: look at him except if by accident].
And to our dear brothers out there, be satisfied with your mother, sister, wife, and daughters. The women out there are not to be looked at. Remember that Allah sees your every move, and that he judges you based on your actions.
-Veiled Knight
Today, I decided to write about something our Ummah needs greatly. This 'something' is called, Hayaa'. Hayaa' literally means self shame, modesty or morality. The scholars have explained Hayaa' to be a condition within ourselves that prevents us from committing any action that Allah (swt) has prohibited us from doing. When a woman wears her hijab, it's an act of Hayaa'. The niqab is an even bigger branch of modesty.
It is really sad that nowadays, Muslim women and men mingle freely, and talk to each other about unimportant topics. Those of us who choose not to do that and have an increased amount of Hayaa' are made fun of, ignored, and labeled as 'unsocial' or 'hermits'. The right way for a woman to be properly modest is for her to only talk freely with Mahram men (men who a woman is not allowed to marry, i.e father, brother, uncle, grandpa). At the masjid, I find girls wearing makeup and laughing loudly; their voices very teenagerish and attractive. I see boys turning to look at them, their eyes blinking from the amount of accessories the girls wear. SubhanAllah! I sometimes feel really sorry for the boys in our Ummah. They fall into big amounts of Fitnah, and some girls add to it more.
A woman should not look a man in his eyes, chat him up, wear attractive clothing, or stare at him [let's rephrase that: look at him except if by accident].
And to our dear brothers out there, be satisfied with your mother, sister, wife, and daughters. The women out there are not to be looked at. Remember that Allah sees your every move, and that he judges you based on your actions.
-Veiled Knight
Monday, July 27, 2009
'Halalifying' the Haram
Sometimes I'm passing by a non-Muslim, and I see them doing something haram. I usually get this weird feeling (I bet it's from the Shaytaan) that I can't do what they are doing. I mean, it is tempting, but it is for our own good. If it's something like listening to music, I sometimes want to join them. But then I remember: mUsIc IS HARAM!!! So I stop myself from that tempting urge to move to the beat.
Or maybe they are a bunch of dudes sitting and savoring a candy with gelatin in it. My stomach grumbles, "GeLaTiN is HARAM!".
When we go off to a beach somewhere, we see women showing off their tans, wearing extremely revealing bikinis. I stand not so close to them, wearing my hijab and Abayah. And guess what? They stare at ME! I mean, sometimes we are the more attractive ones in America! (Well technically it IS my fault for coming to a beach with "haram people"!) Well anyway, I can't swim because the men are there, staring at us, wondering why the pop I'm not wearing a swimming suit!
What makes me most comfortable living here in America, is that I know that I have stronger faith than what they think I have (hence, I am very humble.. :) ), my head is kept high, and that in Jannah Insha'Allah, we will do whatever we want to do! (The HaRaM will be HaLaL again!!)
-Veiled Knight
Or maybe they are a bunch of dudes sitting and savoring a candy with gelatin in it. My stomach grumbles, "GeLaTiN is HARAM!".
When we go off to a beach somewhere, we see women showing off their tans, wearing extremely revealing bikinis. I stand not so close to them, wearing my hijab and Abayah. And guess what? They stare at ME! I mean, sometimes we are the more attractive ones in America! (Well technically it IS my fault for coming to a beach with "haram people"!) Well anyway, I can't swim because the men are there, staring at us, wondering why the pop I'm not wearing a swimming suit!
What makes me most comfortable living here in America, is that I know that I have stronger faith than what they think I have (hence, I am very humble.. :) ), my head is kept high, and that in Jannah Insha'Allah, we will do whatever we want to do! (The HaRaM will be HaLaL again!!)
-Veiled Knight
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Tubing
Yesterday, all thanks to Allah (swt), we went tubing at a lake about 45 minutes away from our house. It was really exciting escpecially for me, since I have never ridden a rollercoaster in my life; forget about tubing and riding a boat at 56 mph! After that, we went swimming. Lately, I've decided that all those halalified swimsuits are not so halal anymore. They get tight in the water and--you know the rest.
SO i tried something new in the lake this time! (and i am bound not to try it again). I SWAM WITH MY ABAYA! yes I know, it was so fun. But I hadn't planned out that my Abaya would get all skin-tight and not serve it's purpose anymore! And I suffered from hypethermia (exaggerated) because I didn't have extra clothes planned out!
Yes, so I learned my lesson!
-Veiled Knight
SO i tried something new in the lake this time! (and i am bound not to try it again). I SWAM WITH MY ABAYA! yes I know, it was so fun. But I hadn't planned out that my Abaya would get all skin-tight and not serve it's purpose anymore! And I suffered from hypethermia (exaggerated) because I didn't have extra clothes planned out!
Yes, so I learned my lesson!
-Veiled Knight
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Apologize...
Assalamu Alaikum everyone, escpecially my dear followers,
I feel like I owe every single one of you something, like an apology. I apologize that I've been forgetting to put Bismillah and Assalamu Alaikum a whole lot (actually all the time! :])!
I apologize for being a person completely unorganized with my duty to all of you; blogging.
If you forgive me for this, please comment and tell me that!
Any questions or suggestions? I'm here (Alhamdulillah, till now...).
-Veiled Knight
I feel like I owe every single one of you something, like an apology. I apologize that I've been forgetting to put Bismillah and Assalamu Alaikum a whole lot (actually all the time! :])!
I apologize for being a person completely unorganized with my duty to all of you; blogging.
If you forgive me for this, please comment and tell me that!
Any questions or suggestions? I'm here (Alhamdulillah, till now...).
-Veiled Knight
Friday, July 10, 2009
Awards come and go!
Salam everyone,Happy Friday!!!
I want to pass this Adorable Blog award to 5 dear sisters who truly deserve it.
- My sister and friend, Slave of God @ slavesofgod.blogspot.com
- My fellow-blogger, Sara @ muslimahflower.blogspot.com
- The very ambitious teenager, Modest Justice @ modestjustice.blogspot.com
- One of the best mothers ever, Marwa Sabry @ marwasabry.blogspot.com
- A great sister-in-Islam, Malizea @ simplymuslimah.blogspot.com
- Everyone else I missed out on
- My dear followers (xoxo)
Here are the rules of the Adorable Blog Award:
–Include the logo in your blog or post
–Nominate as many blogs which you like
–Be sure to link your nominees within your post
–Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog
–Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received this award
Thanks everyone!
Congrats to those who have recieved the award!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Niqab
Subhanallah! Isn't this picture just amazing? It reminds me of how the Niqab has an even more beautiful meaning than the Hijab.
They both display:
- Modesty
- Purity
- Self-confidence
- Faith
- Belief
- Love for Allah
- Respect for yourself and for others
But the Niqab has a higher level of each. Just thought I'd share that with yall. :)
-Veiled Knight
Hijab Martyr
31 year old Marwa El Sherbeeny was stabbed 18 times in a courtroom. 18 times.
Sister Marwa, a victim of clear Islamophobia was stabbed 18 times in front of a WHOLE courtroom after taking her neighbor to court for accusing her of being a terrorist. She was stabbed by the same man that called her a terrorist. 18 times.When her husband went forward to rescue her, even he was stabbed 3 times and then later shot by the security guard for being mistaken as the "attacker".
IN FRONT OF THEIR POOR 3 YEAR OLD SON.
1. What took so long for the guards to realize that she was being attacked?
2. Why was she left to be stabbed for 18 times? I am sure, very very sure that to stab 18 times is not a 5-10 seconds job nor was it unnoticable.Unless you are telling that the dude that killed her was Mega-man.
Is it not clear enough that they were kind enough to let her be stabbed together with her husband?
Oh is this what they call democracy? Or is this what they mean by Justice? This 31 year old headscarf wearing woman was stabbed 18 times and was left to die together with her husband (who was later rescued with major wounds) for being the one person that was brave enough to stand up for her rights and in striving to get rid of the bios stereotypical mindset that half of the westerners have against Islam and Muslims. Are we going to be silent about this like we almost always are?
Today it's Sister Marwa, who knows tomorrow who it could be? You or me?
What's the body count in Gaza, West Bank, Jerusalem? How many are already dead in Iraq, Kashmir, Pakistan, Afghanistan?What about Darfur? Somalia?
When are you going to start fixing those messed-up minds that are filled with not only hatred but the lies that are being fed by the Western Media?
And how long are we to stay asleep?Are we not going to wake up and stand up for our rights? What is wrong with the hijab that I have over my head? What is wrong with the beards that my brothers are growing?Most importantly, what is wrong in practicing something that I believe in?
All I can say for now is, Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji`un (From Allah we come to Him we Return)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Gotta break it to ya
Assalamu Alaikum,
You may find the best type of entertainment after computers and TV to be music. You may be spending half your day listening to Britney Spears' newest hit. Well if you're one of those people, than let me break it to you: Music is HARAM! Many would say "Nuh, uh! This is a contraversial issue." But no it really isn't. Here's the proof:
The overwhelming majority of scholars consider music to be Haram, based on the following verse:
"And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music, singing, etc.) to mislead (men) from the Path of Allah without knowledge, and takes it (the Path of Allah, the Verses of the Quran) by way of mockery. For such there will be a humiliating torment (in the Hell-Fire)". (Surah Luqman 31:6)
Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood used to swear that the meaning of idle talk was singing. This view was held by Ibn Abbas (RA) and other Sahabah as well. Ibn Mas’ood used to say that music is to the hypocrisy as water is to a plant. The scholars are agreed that when singing is accompanied with music, then the prohibition is even stronger.
The other major proof is the Hadith reported by Al-Bukhari with a partial isnad (mu’allaq):
"From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcohol, and the use of musical instruments as lawful. Allah will destroy them during the night...and will change the rest of them to monkeys and pigs and they will remain so until the Day of Resurrection".
This Hadith was narrated with a connected chain of narrators by other scholars of Hadith such as Al-Ismaili, Abu Dhar, Abu Nuaim, and Al-Tabarani. It is authentic.
Singing and the playing of the daff (a large tambourine like instrument) is permitted on special occasions like the Eids and marriage.
So if you're smart enough, you'd stop listening to music after you see the proof.
You may find the best type of entertainment after computers and TV to be music. You may be spending half your day listening to Britney Spears' newest hit. Well if you're one of those people, than let me break it to you: Music is HARAM! Many would say "Nuh, uh! This is a contraversial issue." But no it really isn't. Here's the proof:
The overwhelming majority of scholars consider music to be Haram, based on the following verse:
"And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music, singing, etc.) to mislead (men) from the Path of Allah without knowledge, and takes it (the Path of Allah, the Verses of the Quran) by way of mockery. For such there will be a humiliating torment (in the Hell-Fire)". (Surah Luqman 31:6)
Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood used to swear that the meaning of idle talk was singing. This view was held by Ibn Abbas (RA) and other Sahabah as well. Ibn Mas’ood used to say that music is to the hypocrisy as water is to a plant. The scholars are agreed that when singing is accompanied with music, then the prohibition is even stronger.
The other major proof is the Hadith reported by Al-Bukhari with a partial isnad (mu’allaq):
"From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcohol, and the use of musical instruments as lawful. Allah will destroy them during the night...and will change the rest of them to monkeys and pigs and they will remain so until the Day of Resurrection".
This Hadith was narrated with a connected chain of narrators by other scholars of Hadith such as Al-Ismaili, Abu Dhar, Abu Nuaim, and Al-Tabarani. It is authentic.
Singing and the playing of the daff (a large tambourine like instrument) is permitted on special occasions like the Eids and marriage.
So if you're smart enough, you'd stop listening to music after you see the proof.
Unique as I am
If there is one important thing you need to know about me, it's that you won't find many people out there like me. For instance, many people in our communities just want to be cool and have a fun life. I remember the days when I was one of those people. I used to just go to the masjid to hang out with my friends and play. But now I'm even prouder to say that I am a person that goes to the masjid to read Qura'n, to pray, to listen to lectures, and to accompany other sisters in doing the same. I am one of the only preteens I know that does this. My friends bug me alot to come and hang-out with them outside. I usually say no, for outside of the masjid there are many boys and no girls.
Basically I am one of the only preteens I know that:
- Wants to wear the niqab
- Is constantly asking questions about Islam
- Is always thinking about death
- Stays on the safe side of contraversial issues.
I feel this wave of strangeness when I'm around my friends. We are all Muslims, but not all of us are religious. It's sad how I have to feel this weird and different when I'm around my own brothers and sisters.
Unique as I am, I am Muslim. And no one can ever change that.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Extreme Hijabi Sk8er
It is kind of weird how I am a Hijabi, and I skate! Like I go to the Skate Park with a friend of mine and we skate with Abayas! People all stare at us and its like we set off some kind of alarm. When we ride our skateboards it's a freedom that non-Muslims don't like us having!
Knights
We need to gather under Islam, shedding tears for Allah, struggling for our faith. We may be veiled, but we are true knights. The concept of Hijab makes us stronger and more enduring. I like to think of myself and other young Hijabis as Veiled Knights. We are faithful and believing, strong and enduring. We have the power of the pen, with the strengh of the mind. We care for ourselves in both lives. We have the true psychology of Success.
The Hijab U.Knight.S us!
Uknighted Believers, Lead the cry!
Separated
We are here
Spread around the world
Flustering away from one another in each step we take
Not standing together to fight off evil
Joining together in gossip
Ignoring those who are more religous
Feeling proud with those who have lost their faith.
We the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad
Are officially weakened
By the lack of our faith
Where are we when the call of struggle comes
What do we do when our brothers and sisters need us
What are we doing avoiding the screams of our mis-lead souls
Tell me, if you have a strong explanation.
I want to know
I want to understand
I want to be sure that we
The carriers of the flag of Islam
Will be the carriers to Jannah
I want to be confident
And be able to say
My ummah made the world great as it is today
LA ILLAHA ILLA ALLAH MUHAMMAD RASOOLULLAH
Spread around the world
Flustering away from one another in each step we take
Not standing together to fight off evil
Joining together in gossip
Ignoring those who are more religous
Feeling proud with those who have lost their faith.
We the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad
Are officially weakened
By the lack of our faith
Where are we when the call of struggle comes
What do we do when our brothers and sisters need us
What are we doing avoiding the screams of our mis-lead souls
Tell me, if you have a strong explanation.
I want to know
I want to understand
I want to be sure that we
The carriers of the flag of Islam
Will be the carriers to Jannah
I want to be confident
And be able to say
My ummah made the world great as it is today
LA ILLAHA ILLA ALLAH MUHAMMAD RASOOLULLAH
We the 'Strangers'
If you walk in to our unique little Muslim communities, you find them diverse and full of many different people. You then tend to wonder how we all know each other and cooperate with all these different races. Well, isn't it simple enough to say that we all cooperate when we are at our humblest state, united under La Illaha Illa Allah, Muhammadun Rasool-ullah?!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Du'aa
No matter whatever happens in a Muslim's life, there is always one main thing they look up to. That one thing is having a god. You strengthen your relationship with him in times of happiness and helps you in times of misery.
Our main connection with Allah happens by praying. But we can't always pray. We need Wudu' and a clean place. But there is one thing Allah (swt) accepts from us all the time if we truly believe in him. That is Du'aa. Du'aa is basically asking Allah (swt) anytime, anywhere, anyhow to give you something you want or need. It is our ultimate weapon, my dear sisters and brothers! We get it anytime, and it's something non-Muslims don't have! So why are we scared of anything that happens to us? Allah is with us, but they have the weapons.
Wallahi! If our whole ummah unites together, we would never have this amount of fear and hesitation to follow the right oath as much as we do now!
So raise your hands up and pray to god to forgive me and all the brothers and sisters who are there for the sake of Allah (swt)!
Our main connection with Allah happens by praying. But we can't always pray. We need Wudu' and a clean place. But there is one thing Allah (swt) accepts from us all the time if we truly believe in him. That is Du'aa. Du'aa is basically asking Allah (swt) anytime, anywhere, anyhow to give you something you want or need. It is our ultimate weapon, my dear sisters and brothers! We get it anytime, and it's something non-Muslims don't have! So why are we scared of anything that happens to us? Allah is with us, but they have the weapons.
Wallahi! If our whole ummah unites together, we would never have this amount of fear and hesitation to follow the right oath as much as we do now!
So raise your hands up and pray to god to forgive me and all the brothers and sisters who are there for the sake of Allah (swt)!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Curing the "Lost Self"
911! I have lost myself! Well, linguistically, that sounds bizarre. But logically, I would use it all the time. Alhamdulillah for my whole life, I have been a Muslim. But for more than a decade of my life, I had a major problem. My main problem was that I had become too Westernized. No more Arabic at home, no good friends to help me become better, no strong personality to stand up for what is right, not much Qura'n being recited, and mostly, not enough faith to guide me to the right way. I call that time 'Jahiliyyah." I mean what other time of life does a person doubt if Islam is the right path? I probably wouldn't have been able to enter Jannah if I had died at that time. It was only until recently that I actually began to think about Islam deeply. And now, I am sure I know what the true religion is.
Ok, Take a look at Bhuddism, ummmm-NUH-UH!
What do they believe in?
Buddhism does not teach belief in one God, and in some forms teaches there is no god. However, popular and in particular Mahayana Buddhism (the Buddhism of China, Tibet, Mongolia, Japan and Korea) teaches the existence of many deities, and elevates the Buddha into a divine being, the origin of all that exists.Buddhists believe in the power of karma, or actions based on desire. Such actions, either good or bad, make a person continue in the cycle of reincarnation – being reborn repeatedly until achieving enlightenment.Buddhism does not teach belief in one God, and in some forms teaches there is no god. However, popular and in particular Mahayana Buddhism (the Buddhism of China, Tibet, Mongolia, Japan and Korea) teaches the existence of many deities, and elevates the Buddha into a divine being, the origin of all that exists.Buddhists believe in the power of karma, or actions based on desire. Such actions, either good or bad, make a person continue in the cycle of reincarnation – being reborn repeatedly until achieving enlightenment.
Hindus?
Hindus have a strong belief in karma. Karma determines one's position in life as well as the cycle of life. Karma in other words, is cause and effect. There are three goals to which Hindus may give any of those. The first goal is through love and sex. The second goal is wealth and success. The third goal is seeking the common good. Hindus also believe in salvation through works, way of knowledge, and the way of devotion, all of which are achieved through fulfilling one's duties, meditation or worship. They also believe that Brahman is his creation and that all are divine, even objects have a divine nature. Brahman is an impersonal, absolute god that cannot be known by humans.
Atheists?
"A" is a root word or prefix meaning "not"or "no" and the root "thie" means "diety" (i.e.god) and "ism" means "the belief of" or "ist" one who believes. So literally Athieist means one who believes there is no god. Athieists tend to believe more in people having power than in any diety.
Jews?
God is the creator of all that exists;
He is one, incorporeal (without a body), and He alone is to be worshipped as absolute ruler of the universe.
The first five books of the Hebrew Bible were revealed to Moses by God.
They will not be changed or augmented in the future.God has communicated to the Jewish people through prophets.
God monitors the activities of humans; He rewards individuals for good deeds and punishes evil.
Jews generally consider actions and behavior to be of primary importance; beliefs come out of actions. This conflicts with conservative Christians for whom belief is of primary importance and actions are a result of that belief.Jewish belief does not accept the Christian concept of original sin (the belief that all people have inherited Adam and Eve's sin when they disobeyed God's instructions in the Garden of Eden).Judaism affirms the inherent goodness of the world and its people as creations of God.Jewish believers are able to sanctify their lives and draw closer to God by fulfilling mitzvoth (divine commandments).No savior is needed or is available as an intermediary.
Christians?
Christians believe that God is the creator of all people, the world, the universe, and everything seen and unseen. This is based on various Bible passages, including the first chapter of the Bible's book of Genesis. Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that he is one with God, and that he was sent here for our salvation. In John 10:30 (NIV translation), John the Apostle quotes Jesus as saying, "I and the Father are one." Jesus died after being crucified. He was buried in a tomb that was owned by a follower of Jesus.
Basically, nothing seemed to click except Islam. Here's why:
Muslims base their lives on the five pillars:
1. The testimony of faith: “There is no true god but God (Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God.”
2. Prayer: five prayers must be performed every day.
3. Giving: one must give to the needy, as all comes from Allah.
4. Fasting: besides occasional fasting, all Muslims must fast during the celebration of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar).
5. Hajj: the pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah) should be performed at least once in a lifetime (during the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar).
These five tenets, the framework of obedience for Muslims, are taken seriously and literally. A Muslim's entrance into paradise hinges on obedience to these five pillars.
Atleast I don't make poor calfs sad because I believe in a religion that makes slaughtering cows the least painful of all! Islam is the truth!!!
Ok, Take a look at Bhuddism, ummmm-NUH-UH!
What do they believe in?
Buddhism does not teach belief in one God, and in some forms teaches there is no god. However, popular and in particular Mahayana Buddhism (the Buddhism of China, Tibet, Mongolia, Japan and Korea) teaches the existence of many deities, and elevates the Buddha into a divine being, the origin of all that exists.Buddhists believe in the power of karma, or actions based on desire. Such actions, either good or bad, make a person continue in the cycle of reincarnation – being reborn repeatedly until achieving enlightenment.Buddhism does not teach belief in one God, and in some forms teaches there is no god. However, popular and in particular Mahayana Buddhism (the Buddhism of China, Tibet, Mongolia, Japan and Korea) teaches the existence of many deities, and elevates the Buddha into a divine being, the origin of all that exists.Buddhists believe in the power of karma, or actions based on desire. Such actions, either good or bad, make a person continue in the cycle of reincarnation – being reborn repeatedly until achieving enlightenment.
Hindus?
Hindus have a strong belief in karma. Karma determines one's position in life as well as the cycle of life. Karma in other words, is cause and effect. There are three goals to which Hindus may give any of those. The first goal is through love and sex. The second goal is wealth and success. The third goal is seeking the common good. Hindus also believe in salvation through works, way of knowledge, and the way of devotion, all of which are achieved through fulfilling one's duties, meditation or worship. They also believe that Brahman is his creation and that all are divine, even objects have a divine nature. Brahman is an impersonal, absolute god that cannot be known by humans.
Atheists?
"A" is a root word or prefix meaning "not"or "no" and the root "thie" means "diety" (i.e.god) and "ism" means "the belief of" or "ist" one who believes. So literally Athieist means one who believes there is no god. Athieists tend to believe more in people having power than in any diety.
Jews?
God is the creator of all that exists;
He is one, incorporeal (without a body), and He alone is to be worshipped as absolute ruler of the universe.
The first five books of the Hebrew Bible were revealed to Moses by God.
They will not be changed or augmented in the future.God has communicated to the Jewish people through prophets.
God monitors the activities of humans; He rewards individuals for good deeds and punishes evil.
Jews generally consider actions and behavior to be of primary importance; beliefs come out of actions. This conflicts with conservative Christians for whom belief is of primary importance and actions are a result of that belief.Jewish belief does not accept the Christian concept of original sin (the belief that all people have inherited Adam and Eve's sin when they disobeyed God's instructions in the Garden of Eden).Judaism affirms the inherent goodness of the world and its people as creations of God.Jewish believers are able to sanctify their lives and draw closer to God by fulfilling mitzvoth (divine commandments).No savior is needed or is available as an intermediary.
Christians?
Christians believe that God is the creator of all people, the world, the universe, and everything seen and unseen. This is based on various Bible passages, including the first chapter of the Bible's book of Genesis. Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that he is one with God, and that he was sent here for our salvation. In John 10:30 (NIV translation), John the Apostle quotes Jesus as saying, "I and the Father are one." Jesus died after being crucified. He was buried in a tomb that was owned by a follower of Jesus.
Basically, nothing seemed to click except Islam. Here's why:
Muslims base their lives on the five pillars:
1. The testimony of faith: “There is no true god but God (Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God.”
2. Prayer: five prayers must be performed every day.
3. Giving: one must give to the needy, as all comes from Allah.
4. Fasting: besides occasional fasting, all Muslims must fast during the celebration of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar).
5. Hajj: the pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah) should be performed at least once in a lifetime (during the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar).
These five tenets, the framework of obedience for Muslims, are taken seriously and literally. A Muslim's entrance into paradise hinges on obedience to these five pillars.
Atleast I don't make poor calfs sad because I believe in a religion that makes slaughtering cows the least painful of all! Islam is the truth!!!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Confessions of a Revert
Why I Shed Bikini for Niqab
The New Symbol of Women’s Liberation
By Sara Bokker
By Sara Bokker
I am an American woman who was born in the midst of America’s “Heartland.”I grew up, just like any other girl, being fixated with the glamour of life in “the big city.”Eventually, I moved to Florida and on to South Beach of Miami, a hotspot for those seeking the “glamorous life.”Naturally, I did what most average Western girls do.I focused on my appearance and appeal, basing my self-worth on how much attention I got from others.I worked out religiously and became a personal trainer, acquired an upscale waterfront residence, became a regular “exhibiting” beach-goer and was able to attain a “living-in-style” kind of life.
Years went by, only to realize that my scale of self-fulfillment and happiness slid down the more I progressed in my “feminine appeal.” I was a slave to fashion. I was a hostage to my looks.
As the gap continued to progressively widen between my self-fulfillment and lifestyle, I sought refuge in escapes from alcohol and parties to meditation, activism, and alternative religions, only to have the little gap widen to what seemed like a valley. I eventually realized it all was merely a pain killer rather than an effective remedy.
By now it was September 11, 2001.As I witnessed the ensuing barrage on Islam, Islamic values and culture, and the infamous declaration of the “new crusade,” I started to notice something called Islam.Up until that point, all I had associated with Islam was women covered in “tents,” wife beaters, harems, and a world of terrorism.
As a feminist libertarian, and an activist who was pursuing a better world for all, my path crossed with that of another activist who was already at the lead of indiscriminately furthering causes of reform and justice for all.I joined in the ongoing campaigns of my new mentor which included, at the time, election reform and civil rights, among others.Now my new activism was fundamentally different.Instead of “selectively” advocating justice only to some, I learned that ideals such as justice, freedom, and respect are meant to be and are essentially universal, and that own good and common good are not in conflict.For the first time, I knew what “all people are created equal” really means.But most importantly, I learned that it only takes faith to see the world as one and to see the unity in creation.
As a feminist libertarian, and an activist who was pursuing a better world for all, my path crossed with that of another activist who was already at the lead of indiscriminately furthering causes of reform and justice for all.I joined in the ongoing campaigns of my new mentor which included, at the time, election reform and civil rights, among others.Now my new activism was fundamentally different.Instead of “selectively” advocating justice only to some, I learned that ideals such as justice, freedom, and respect are meant to be and are essentially universal, and that own good and common good are not in conflict.For the first time, I knew what “all people are created equal” really means.But most importantly, I learned that it only takes faith to see the world as one and to see the unity in creation.
One day I came across a book that is negatively stereotyped in the West--The Holy Qur’an.I was first attracted by the style and approach of the Qur’an, and then intrigued by its outlook on existence, life, creation, and the relationship between Creator and creation.I found the Qur’an to be a very insightful address to heart and soul without the need for an interpreter or pastor.
Eventually I hit a moment of truth: my new-found self-fulfilling activism was nothing more than merely embracing a faith called Islam where I could live in peace as a “functional” Muslim.
I bought a beautiful long gown and head cover resembling the Muslim woman’s dress code and I walked down the same streets and neighborhoods where only days earlier I had walked in my shorts, bikini, or “elegant” western business attire. Although the people, the faces, and the shops were all the same, one thing was remarkably distinct--I was not--nor was the peace at being a woman I experienced for the very first time.I felt as if the chains had been broken and I was finally free.I was delighted with the new looks of wonder on people’s faces in place of the looks of a hunter watching his prey I had once sought.Suddenly a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.I no longer spent all my time consumed with shopping, makeup, getting my hair done, and working out. Finally, I was free.
Of all places, I found my Islam at the heart of what some call “the most scandalous place on earth,” which makes it all the more dear and special.
Eventually I hit a moment of truth: my new-found self-fulfilling activism was nothing more than merely embracing a faith called Islam where I could live in peace as a “functional” Muslim.
I bought a beautiful long gown and head cover resembling the Muslim woman’s dress code and I walked down the same streets and neighborhoods where only days earlier I had walked in my shorts, bikini, or “elegant” western business attire. Although the people, the faces, and the shops were all the same, one thing was remarkably distinct--I was not--nor was the peace at being a woman I experienced for the very first time.I felt as if the chains had been broken and I was finally free.I was delighted with the new looks of wonder on people’s faces in place of the looks of a hunter watching his prey I had once sought.Suddenly a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.I no longer spent all my time consumed with shopping, makeup, getting my hair done, and working out. Finally, I was free.
Of all places, I found my Islam at the heart of what some call “the most scandalous place on earth,” which makes it all the more dear and special.
While content with Hijab I became curious about Niqab, seeing an increasing number of Muslim women in it. I asked my Muslim husband, whom I married after I reverted to Islam, whether I should wear Niqab or just settle for the Hijab I was already wearing.My husband simply advised me that he believes Hijab is mandatory in Islam while Niqab is not.At the time, my Hijab consisted of head scarf that covered all my hair except for my face, and a loose long black gown called “Abaya” that covered all my body from neck to toe.
A year-and-a-half passed, and I told my husband I wanted to wear Niqab.My reason, this time, was that I felt it would be more pleasing to Allah, the Creator, increasing my feeling of peace at being more modest.He supported my decision and took me to buy an “Isdaal,” a loose black gown that covers from head to toe, and Niqab, which covers all my head and face except for my eyes.
Soon enough, news started breaking about politicians, Vatican clergymen, libertarians, and so-called human rights and freedom activists condemning Hijab at times, and Niqab at others as being oppressive to women, an obstacle to social integration, and more recently, as an Egyptian official called it--“a sign of backwardness.”
A year-and-a-half passed, and I told my husband I wanted to wear Niqab.My reason, this time, was that I felt it would be more pleasing to Allah, the Creator, increasing my feeling of peace at being more modest.He supported my decision and took me to buy an “Isdaal,” a loose black gown that covers from head to toe, and Niqab, which covers all my head and face except for my eyes.
Soon enough, news started breaking about politicians, Vatican clergymen, libertarians, and so-called human rights and freedom activists condemning Hijab at times, and Niqab at others as being oppressive to women, an obstacle to social integration, and more recently, as an Egyptian official called it--“a sign of backwardness.”
I find it to be a blatant hypocrisy when Western governments and so-called human rights groups rush to defend woman’s rights when some governments impose a certain dress code on women, yet such “freedom fighters” look the other way when women are being deprived of their rights, work, and education just because they choose to exercise their right to wear Niqab or Hijab.Today, women in Hijab or Niqab are being increasingly barred from work and education not only under totalitarian regimes such as in Tunisia,Morocco, and Egypt, but also in Western democracies such as France, Holland, and Britain.
Today I am still a feminist,but a Muslim feminist,who calls on Muslim women to assume their responsibilities in providing all the support they can for their husbands to be good Muslims. To raise their children as upright Muslims so they may be beacons of light for all humanity once again. To enjoin good--any good--and to forbid evil--any evil.To speak righteousness and to speak up against all ills.To fight for our right to wear Niqab or Hijab and to please our Creator whichever way we chose.But just as importantly to carry our experience with Niqab or Hijab to fellow women who may never have had the chance to understand what wearing Niqab or Hijab means to us and why do we, so dearly, embrace it.
Most of the women I know wearing Niqab are Western reverts,some of whom are not even married. Others wear Niqab without full support of either family or surroundings. What we all have in common is that it is the personal choice of each and every one of us, which none of us is willing to surrender.
Willingly or unwillingly, women are bombarded with styles of “dressing-in-little-to-nothing” virtually in every means of communication everywhere in the world.As an ex non-Muslim, I insist on women’s right to equally know about Hijab, its virtues, and the peace and happiness it brings to a woman’s life as it did to mine.Yesterday, the bikini was the symbol of my liberty, when in actuality it only liberated me from my spirituality and true value as a respectable human being.
I couldn’t be happier to shed my bikini in SouthBeach and the “glamorous” Western lifestyle to live in peace with my Creator and enjoy living among fellow humans as a worthy person.It is why I choose to wear Niqab, and why I will die defending my inalienable right to wear it.
Today, Niqab is the new symbol of woman’s liberation to find who she is, what her purpose is, and the type of relation she chooses to have with her Creator.
To women who surrender to the ugly stereotype against the Islamic modesty of Hijab, I say:You don’t know what you are missing.
To you, the ill-fated corrupting conquerors of civilization, so-called crusaders, I say: BRING IT ON.
Today I am still a feminist,but a Muslim feminist,who calls on Muslim women to assume their responsibilities in providing all the support they can for their husbands to be good Muslims. To raise their children as upright Muslims so they may be beacons of light for all humanity once again. To enjoin good--any good--and to forbid evil--any evil.To speak righteousness and to speak up against all ills.To fight for our right to wear Niqab or Hijab and to please our Creator whichever way we chose.But just as importantly to carry our experience with Niqab or Hijab to fellow women who may never have had the chance to understand what wearing Niqab or Hijab means to us and why do we, so dearly, embrace it.
Most of the women I know wearing Niqab are Western reverts,some of whom are not even married. Others wear Niqab without full support of either family or surroundings. What we all have in common is that it is the personal choice of each and every one of us, which none of us is willing to surrender.
Willingly or unwillingly, women are bombarded with styles of “dressing-in-little-to-nothing” virtually in every means of communication everywhere in the world.As an ex non-Muslim, I insist on women’s right to equally know about Hijab, its virtues, and the peace and happiness it brings to a woman’s life as it did to mine.Yesterday, the bikini was the symbol of my liberty, when in actuality it only liberated me from my spirituality and true value as a respectable human being.
I couldn’t be happier to shed my bikini in SouthBeach and the “glamorous” Western lifestyle to live in peace with my Creator and enjoy living among fellow humans as a worthy person.It is why I choose to wear Niqab, and why I will die defending my inalienable right to wear it.
Today, Niqab is the new symbol of woman’s liberation to find who she is, what her purpose is, and the type of relation she chooses to have with her Creator.
To women who surrender to the ugly stereotype against the Islamic modesty of Hijab, I say:You don’t know what you are missing.
To you, the ill-fated corrupting conquerors of civilization, so-called crusaders, I say: BRING IT ON.
Source:
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
'Oppressed'
They feel sorry for me. But I know the truth. The veil that is so-called oppressing me is actually protecting me from my nafs and the evil of the fashion and the stares of men. How many stories do we hear about girls who are abused at night-clubs or used?
The truth is, my friend-and I must say the truth- that the hijab (which literally means cover) covers us from so many bad things that we don't expect. When you walk down the street, and you see another Muslim woman, fully covered-everyone ignoring her, other than the stares normally given to the 'strangers', and next to her is a woman who is dressed in clothes that barely cover her, and men are gaping at her beauty. Just tell me, who here is oppressed?
The one who will end up in Jannah happily without suffering from bad relationships in life, or the one who is a slave to the fashion market and night-clubs?
The truth is, my friend-and I must say the truth- that the hijab (which literally means cover) covers us from so many bad things that we don't expect. When you walk down the street, and you see another Muslim woman, fully covered-everyone ignoring her, other than the stares normally given to the 'strangers', and next to her is a woman who is dressed in clothes that barely cover her, and men are gaping at her beauty. Just tell me, who here is oppressed?
The one who will end up in Jannah happily without suffering from bad relationships in life, or the one who is a slave to the fashion market and night-clubs?
Monday, June 15, 2009
Death
It's amazing how the main reason we live is to die. When I listen to lectures about death, I can feel the soft, warm tears rolling down my cheeks. It feels good to know that I can cry from remembering Allah (swt), but sad to know that one day, either me or someone I love dearly will have to die.
I have a beloved teacher like a mother to me, that reminds me that death is a major event worth being prepared for. She reminds me of praying the 12 raka'ahs sunnah and Qiyam ul-Layl. She reminds me of not listening to music, and ignoring the evil whispers of the Shaytaan. And she reminds me of making a careful choice in friends, for they may be the reason I enter heaven or hell. On the day of Judgement, following their bad orders might be the thing that wont help me.
Now back to death....
I advise you to be prepared for death with these five things:
- Be a true Muslim from the heart. As long as you have at least one DOT of faith in your heart, you will eventually end up in Jannah somehow.
- Remember Allah at all times. He is your savior and guardian whom you always have with you if you believe in him, and your judge.
- Practice Islam whenever and wherever, no matter what others think about you. Remember that there are two angels and a god with you at all times, knowing exactly of each action you have done.
- Follow the sunnah of the prophet (s), for he said:
"I leave two things of value amidst you in trust which if you hold on to you will never go astray: the Quran and my sunnah."
5. Remember death, and stick only with those who remind you of Allah, and stay away from those who make fun of Islam, and keep you away from the truth.
Take my advice to heart, for death can come any second, and you should always be prepared.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Change?
This is the moment we have been waiting for. We Muslims have been on edge for many years suffering from infinite stereotypes coming our way. All the way from George Washington to George Bush, Islam was not recognized as a religion that deserved 'normal' treatment. The symbol of the Hijab or the Kufi was like setting off an alarm to the world saying, "Aaah! There's a terrorist in my street!".
One day, my older sister was pushing my baby sister's stroller to the library. A man then stopped her and pointed at the stroller. He disgraciously asked, "You got a bomb in that stroller? Huh? You got a bomb?"
My sister was too shocked to see such a rude man harrassing her, than to say anything. But when my dear mother caught up, she asked the man, "Why don't you check your own backpack first?"
The man just shrugged and said, "I was just askin' if she had a bomb cuz now's the right time to do it. Ya know, set it off. There is no one watching."
My mom threatened him to leave, "....or else she's calling security."
The man shrugged again and said, "Well at least I'm not Moslem."
Later, my mom complained to the librarian about the man, but he was no where to be found.
This is a clear example of the bad images that are spread about Islam. What ignorant people misunderstand is that if one Muslim does something bad, then all Muslims have wronged. Shame onto those Muslims who spread the message the wrong way.
Any way, it was a major relief for me to find out that a man by the name of Barack Hussein Obama was running for president. When he won, I made so much duaa' thanking Allah (swt) for allowing a noble person to win. I was escpecially honored when he admitted he was on our 'side' and dedicated a whole speech to the Muslim-Arab world. We all make dua'a to Allah that this really comes from his heart, and that he practices what he preached.
P.S. Don't blame it on me if he doesn't truly help Islam.... :)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Types of Hijab
It is extremely disappointing to see how many young girls who were raised by proper families, insist upon not wearing the scarf, and they technically 'sell' their bodies.It's amazing how they seem to reject the symbol of Hijab. It means so many things no one can deny. First of all, it signifies feminine beauty,religion,modesty,a strong personality, and a high level of faith. Secondly, it signifies that whomever wears it is a person who cares for Islam, struggles with rude remarks and a feeling of strangeness, doesn't mind showing their belief, and is on the right path. It signifies who we are. We are women. Girls. different from men. We show up everywhere with clothes covering our bodies, almost head to toe.Sometimes I wonder if the men in our society should thank us for being there to reveal our true identity, and spread the message of Islam.
What is really sad is that while we 'suffer' from this, there are other girls out there who don't seem to care of our striving to enter Jannah. I am so sad to see Muslim women not covered. Now I know that some people will be upset with me for saying that, but I just feel sad. This sadness grows whenever I pass a street with me being the only Hijabi there. When I do, it's usually women walking around with the scarf around their shoulders instead of on their head. They wear many different types of scarves. It has been my personal observation that some Muslim girls and women do not realize the significance of hijab. Hijab is Arabic for protection and cover. Some people put a lot effort into their Hijab, yet it serves no purpose. I am referring to the pointless Hijab that some girls wear.
The first pointless Hijab is referred to as the headband Hijab. It is a band of fabric approximately 4 inches wide. It covers the back of the head and allows all the hair to be exposed. It doesn't serve much in terms of modesty, but at least it comes in handy in case of an unexpected tennis match.
The second pointless Hijab is the dupetta, also known as the Saran wrap Hijab. It covers all the hair, but it is totally transparent. Again it doesn't serve much in terms of modesty, but it keeps the hair nice and fresh.
The third type of Hijab is known as the Mickey Mouse Hijab. It is when a girl wears a black scarf and tucks it behind her ear, so that her ears stick out.
We now move to my "favorites":
The yo-yo Hijabs. The first yo-yo Hijab, also known as the Benazir Bhutto hijab, is the scarf that keeps falling down and needs to be constantly pulled back up....up, down, up, down, just like a yo-yo.
The second yo-yo Hijab is also referred to as the convertible Hijab. This type of Hijab is predominant at any type of social event, i.e. an Aqeeqah, Bismillah party, Ameen party, wedding, etc. This is when an Imam or Qari' comes up to the microphone and starts to recite Qur'an. At this point, all the convertible Hijabs come up...until he says "Sadaqallahul atheem". I'm not sure, but apparently in some cultures that translates to "Ok sisters, you may now take off your scarves".
I'm sure this may seem odd, but what's even funnier is when people do not anticipate the recitation of Qur'an at a social event, and are forced to be creative and use accessories such as a purse to cover one's hair. I was surprised to see a women hold her purse over her head as "Hijab"..as if the multitudes of men surrounding her are not a good enough reason to wear Hijab, but some guy reciting du'aa compels her to hold a purse over her head. Her friends were more creative...one friend used her dinner napkin. I was also laughing when I saw the communal Hijab -- two or more girls draped under one dinner napkin during the recitation of Qur'an. Her other friend was still more creative. She used her coffee saucer on the back of her head. I wasn't sure if it was Hijab or a Yamaka. I didn't know if she was a Muslim or a Jew. I felt like going up to her and saying "Shalom alaikum, sister".
And, people should remember that Hijab is not just a protection from guys, but from a girl's nafs (ego) as well. It should prevent girls from having to spend hours in front of the mirror doing her hair. But, unfortunately, you see girls in front of the mirror for hours doing their Hijab as they would do their hair, with all sorts of elaborate braids and the like. I wanted to go up to a sister and say "Is your Hijab naturally curly?" I also felt compelled to go up to another girl and say "Excuse me, but is your Hijab naturally that color, or did you dye it?".
Well, the point to remember is that some people make an effort to wear Hijab, but it is futile, because it is not fulfilling it's purpose. It's like using an umbrella with holes in it. Hijab is used for protection from guys as well as from the girl herself, and should not be used as an accessory or for beautifying one's self. Anyway, that's it. If anyone disagrees with me or is offended, then you are disagreeing with the teachings of Allah subhanahu wa Ta'ala.
Maybe wearing these types of scarves is an improvement in itself, for some women don't wear it at all. What I want to understand is why some Muslim women choose not to wear a headscarf. I seriously want to learn. I'm not trying to be mean here, I just want to hear from some sisters as to why they don't do it. Do you not find it to be an obligation? Are you 'not ready'? If you are 'not ready', then why? What holds you back? Please don't anyone take offense to any of this... I just really want to understand why.
Think of this as a rhetorical question. Allah has left us more days to live, more time to repent, more time to work. Daughter of Adam, you are nothing but a number of days. Each millisecond that passes is a millisecond closer to either heaven or hell.
What is really sad is that while we 'suffer' from this, there are other girls out there who don't seem to care of our striving to enter Jannah. I am so sad to see Muslim women not covered. Now I know that some people will be upset with me for saying that, but I just feel sad. This sadness grows whenever I pass a street with me being the only Hijabi there. When I do, it's usually women walking around with the scarf around their shoulders instead of on their head. They wear many different types of scarves. It has been my personal observation that some Muslim girls and women do not realize the significance of hijab. Hijab is Arabic for protection and cover. Some people put a lot effort into their Hijab, yet it serves no purpose. I am referring to the pointless Hijab that some girls wear.
The first pointless Hijab is referred to as the headband Hijab. It is a band of fabric approximately 4 inches wide. It covers the back of the head and allows all the hair to be exposed. It doesn't serve much in terms of modesty, but at least it comes in handy in case of an unexpected tennis match.
The second pointless Hijab is the dupetta, also known as the Saran wrap Hijab. It covers all the hair, but it is totally transparent. Again it doesn't serve much in terms of modesty, but it keeps the hair nice and fresh.
The third type of Hijab is known as the Mickey Mouse Hijab. It is when a girl wears a black scarf and tucks it behind her ear, so that her ears stick out.
We now move to my "favorites":
The yo-yo Hijabs. The first yo-yo Hijab, also known as the Benazir Bhutto hijab, is the scarf that keeps falling down and needs to be constantly pulled back up....up, down, up, down, just like a yo-yo.
The second yo-yo Hijab is also referred to as the convertible Hijab. This type of Hijab is predominant at any type of social event, i.e. an Aqeeqah, Bismillah party, Ameen party, wedding, etc. This is when an Imam or Qari' comes up to the microphone and starts to recite Qur'an. At this point, all the convertible Hijabs come up...until he says "Sadaqallahul atheem". I'm not sure, but apparently in some cultures that translates to "Ok sisters, you may now take off your scarves".
I'm sure this may seem odd, but what's even funnier is when people do not anticipate the recitation of Qur'an at a social event, and are forced to be creative and use accessories such as a purse to cover one's hair. I was surprised to see a women hold her purse over her head as "Hijab"..as if the multitudes of men surrounding her are not a good enough reason to wear Hijab, but some guy reciting du'aa compels her to hold a purse over her head. Her friends were more creative...one friend used her dinner napkin. I was also laughing when I saw the communal Hijab -- two or more girls draped under one dinner napkin during the recitation of Qur'an. Her other friend was still more creative. She used her coffee saucer on the back of her head. I wasn't sure if it was Hijab or a Yamaka. I didn't know if she was a Muslim or a Jew. I felt like going up to her and saying "Shalom alaikum, sister".
And, people should remember that Hijab is not just a protection from guys, but from a girl's nafs (ego) as well. It should prevent girls from having to spend hours in front of the mirror doing her hair. But, unfortunately, you see girls in front of the mirror for hours doing their Hijab as they would do their hair, with all sorts of elaborate braids and the like. I wanted to go up to a sister and say "Is your Hijab naturally curly?" I also felt compelled to go up to another girl and say "Excuse me, but is your Hijab naturally that color, or did you dye it?".
Well, the point to remember is that some people make an effort to wear Hijab, but it is futile, because it is not fulfilling it's purpose. It's like using an umbrella with holes in it. Hijab is used for protection from guys as well as from the girl herself, and should not be used as an accessory or for beautifying one's self. Anyway, that's it. If anyone disagrees with me or is offended, then you are disagreeing with the teachings of Allah subhanahu wa Ta'ala.
Maybe wearing these types of scarves is an improvement in itself, for some women don't wear it at all. What I want to understand is why some Muslim women choose not to wear a headscarf. I seriously want to learn. I'm not trying to be mean here, I just want to hear from some sisters as to why they don't do it. Do you not find it to be an obligation? Are you 'not ready'? If you are 'not ready', then why? What holds you back? Please don't anyone take offense to any of this... I just really want to understand why.
Think of this as a rhetorical question. Allah has left us more days to live, more time to repent, more time to work. Daughter of Adam, you are nothing but a number of days. Each millisecond that passes is a millisecond closer to either heaven or hell.
Assalamu Alaikum
Welcome!
Just by visiting our site,we know you have faith and belief, and you are researching about Islam!
Even though Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world today, it also happens to be the most misunderstood. When Muslims-those who follow the religion of Islam- live their normal lives, they tend to be affected greatly by peer pressure and cruel comments from others. The highest degree of faith is showing and acting your belief. This is also the hardest part of faith, especially when living in the United States. We know what being a 'stranger' feels like. So, we created this blog for other Muslims to come back to at times of hardship.Please feel free to put comments and suggestions, and of course to follow!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
