Tuesday, November 6, 2012

WHAT STOPS YOU FROM WEARING THE HIJAB?





10 years ago, you’d find almost every Muslim woman with the Hijab, but now, most women make excuses for not wearing the Hijab. Fast forward another 10 years and who knows if we’d find as many Hijabis as we find now, may Allah save us!

So here are a few excuses people make for not wearing the Hijab, and the solutions for it in case you find yourself in a position where you have to convince a non-Hijabi on the stern obligation of the Hijab.

HIJAB ISN’T NECESSARY 

Lately, I’ve come across quite a lot of pages online saying the Hijab isn’t obligatory in Islam. I don’t know how they can even manage to say something like that when the Hijab is ordered explicitly in the Quran in Surah Al-Ahzab and Surah Noor.

“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 is apparent of it and that they should draw their veils over their bosoms.” (Surah Noor 24:31)
‘O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks ("Jalabib") veils all over their bodies that is most convenient that they should be known (as such) and not molested: and Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful." (Surah Al-Ahzaab: 59) 


If a woman calls herself a Muslim, it means that she’s convinced that Islam is the truth. If she is convinced that Islam is the truth, how can she not be convinced of the orders and laws in Islam? Now, seeing as the Hijab is an order in Islam ordained by Allah and revealed in the Quran, how can she not follow an order of Allah? A true Muslim woman will be in her Hijab wherever she is and she’ll never make excuses for not wearing it.

MY PARENTS DON’T ALLOW ME TO WEAR THE HIJAB 


The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said “There is no obedience to the creation in the disobedience of Allah”. [Ahmed]

How can you obey your parents while disobeying Allah, who created your parents in the first place? You have to obey your parents-yes- but you can disobey them when they make you disobey Allah. Allah has said in the Quran : “But if they strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not.” [Sura Luqmaan 31:15]

I WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO FIND A JOB WITH MY HIJAB/ MY JOB DOESN’T ALLOW ME TO WORK WITH THE HIJAB

If you go out, you have to be in your Hijab. There are no “but”s, there are no “if”s. If you think that wearing the Hijab is going to stop you from finding work, remember this is nothing but the whispers of Shaytan. There are some companies that do not allow the Hijab, but even if there are 10 such companies there surely should be at least 1 company that allow you to wear the Hijab, right?

If your workplace doesn’t permit the Hijab, find another job. Remember that you sacrificed your job for Allah so He will look into helping you. Allah says in the Quran “And whoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty) and He will provide him from sources he never could imagine” [Sura At-Talaaq 65:2-3].
Subhanallah, isn’t this not a big enough guarantee for you? What do you think is bigger: this excuse for not wearing the Hijab or Allah’s promise in the Quran? Think for yourself.

I’M TOO YOUNG FOR THE HIJAB!

When Angel of death comes, he doesn’t send a postcard. You never know if you’ll be alive tomorrow, so how can you say you’ll wear the Hijab when you’re older? Sisters, don’t wait for your funeral shroud to be the first time you wear the Hijab. Wear the Hijab now- you know it an obligation- and every moment you’re out without it, you’re earning for yourself the wrath of Allah. Is it worth it?

IT’S SOOO HOT UNDER THE HIJAB!

Yes it is- maybe sometimes, but certainly not always. And remember, Hell is way hotter.
“Say: The Fire of Hell is more intense in heat if they only understand” [Sura At-Taubah 9:81]

The heat of this world is nothing in comparison to the heat of the Fire. Are you ready to face the heat of this world or the heat of Jahannam? The Sahaba women managed to cover themselves completely, from head to toe, and that was in the desert. Subhanallah! How hot can the desert sun be? And here we are, making excuses for not wearing the Hijab just because we’d have to endure a little bit of heat for a short time. Is it even justifiable?

I CAN’T HIDE MY BEAUTY WITH THE HIJAB! 

Firstly, the Hijab doesn’t hide your beauty. It only makes you a lot more beautiful. You know who the most beautiful woman is? She’s the one who covers herself for the sake of Allah and when you cover for the sake of Allah, that in itself, makes you a thousand times more beautiful!

Secondly, who gave you your beauty? Isn’t it a blessing from Allah? And what kind of gratitude are you showing to Allah for having blessed you with beauty when you disobey His order of the Hijab? If Allah has given you beauty, the best way of thanking Him for it is by doing what He has asked you to. 

I’LL WEAR THE HIJAB WHEN I’M READY 

Sisters, there’s absolutely nothing to be ‘ready’ for. Hijab is ordered in the Quran, and if you’re waiting until you’re ready to wear it, that time might never come. And is this the excuse you’re going to give Allah on the Day of Judgement when He asks you what stopped you from wearing the Hijab? Think about it.

NO ONE WILL MARRY ME IF I WEAR THE HIJAB 

If a man is unwilling to marry you for the simple reason that you wear the Hijab, know that that man isn’t worth marrying in the first place. Are you willing to marry a man who doesn’t want to follow the commands of Allah? A real man and a real husband would obviously want his wife to be covered in the Hijab. Don’t sacrifice your Deen for a man. And just a small note: there are plenty of men out there who are more than willing to marry a girl with the Hijab. Don’t take your hijab off just because the one you’re going to marry doesn’t want you to wear it. Again, there is absolutely no obedience to the creation in the disobedience of Allah.

I’D FEEL WEIRD WITH THE HIJAB

Why should you feel weird by obeying Allah? You should only feel weird when you disobey Allah!

"Islam started as something strange and it would revert to its (old position) of being strange. So good tidings for the strangers.
(Sahih Muslim, Book 1 : Hadith 270)

Sisters, there’s nothing to feel weird about with the Hijab. Remember that the Hijab is a beautiful gift for you from Allah. It helps you guard your modesty, your chastity, upholds your dignity, defines your femininity, demands respect for your womanhood and gives you a sense of liberation and security no other piece of clothing can offer. How can you feel weird when you’re wearing the most amazing dress?

PEOPLE WILL CALL ME A TERRORIST IF I WEAR THE HIJAB

So be it. Let people call you whatever they want. Remember that you’re doing this for Allah, not for people so don’t make the opinions of people matter. Only the opinion of Allah does. Hold tight to the rope of Allah and obey His commands- and don’t worry a bit about what people say! Let them say all they want. You’re doing what Allah has asked you to do, so stand tall and strong! You’re a Muslim woman!!!

*           *          * 

Dear sisters, remember that no excuse comes even close to justifying your reasons for not wearing the Hijab. As a Muslimah, you're way too precious to be on display for every single man to see. All the fashionable dresses, all the glamourous make-up and jewelry and all the flashy hairstyles will please people- not Allah. And do you think it’s worth pleasing people at the cost of displeasing Allah, your Creator?

Finally, remember that the Hijab is a lot more than just a headscarf. Hijab is a way of life and it should be with you wherever you go. Wear the perfect Hijab, please Allah and give us all Muslims a reason to hold our heads high! Now go show the world that you are a Hijabi!




14 comments:

  1. wow great article.. ive recently started wearing a hijab and that's because i wasn't aware that its necessary and when i found out i was like i have to wear it but most of the stuff you mentioned above, went thru my mind and now i know i am not alone in thinking that. It was hard to start with but MashAllah now im so used to it, InshaAllah i will never take it of! Thanks for Sharing!

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    1. Assalamu Alaikum sis :)MashaAllah, great to know that you're wearing the Hijab now. May Allah keep you steadfast in that and make it easy on you :)

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  2. What about school? ): I don't wannabe a part-timer.

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  3. 1. what if you depend on your income, or even worse your children also depend on your job. In the current economy it's easier said than done to just go and find a job where hijab is accepted. There are jobs where this is nearly impossible and taking your kids needs into account can make your life too hard.

    2. like the previous writer said, what if you are not allowed to go to school or univ or any other kind of very important education without hijab. There have been cases like that in my country. The girl insisted on wearing hijab, the school insisted she was not welcome. changing school was difficult, since she would have to travel far and might have the same problems again. Not getting an education is not a wanted option, it will make our Ummah even weaker than it is now if our women cannot go to school, how will they have the tools to teach their children? Let alone self developement.

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    1. Assalamu Alaikum sis!

      1- Oh I know sis. Finding a job is easier said than done. But I know of so many Niqabis and Hijabis who have sacrificed their jobs because the workplaces wouldn't permit their Hijab and Niqab. But MashaAllah, they somehow manage to find another job that allows them to work with their Hijab.
      Like I mentioned sis, this verse from the Quran is so true: “And whoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty) and He will provide him from sources he never could imagine” [Sura At-Talaaq 65:2-3]." I've watched this miracle happen right before me sis. Allah will never let us down if we sacrifice something for Him. Subhanallah!

      2- As for schools that don't allow the Hijab, there are some ways to sort that problem without having to sacrifice your education. For example, you can wear the Hijab and enter school and once inside the school premises, you can take it off (provided it's only girls). If it's a mixed school, then I think you just can't take off your Hijab. Hijab is obligatory, and we can't obey the rules of the school if we disobey the rules of Allah. And also sis, if it's a mixed school, attending one isn't allowed in Shari'ah. You can read more here http://islamqa.info/en/ref/8827

      I hope I've been clear :)

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    2. i am also having the same issue. i go to a mixed school were hijab along with any other head coverings and crufixes and such are not permitted, so at the moment i am not wearing hijab at school. i just wear it when i go out with my friends outside of school instead you know over the weekends and stuff.
      i like my school its a great one so i will just have to be patient until i leave. im not bothered that its mixed its based on intentions so i think sister if you want to sincerely wear hijab but your school wont allow it - then be patient allah knows what is best for us. and he will know that your intention was to wear it in school but you were not allowed to. just be patient and everything will be alright.

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  4. Salaam you should check out this hijab shop it's so cheap! i bought some and the quality is amazing and the prices are blindingly good, don't know how they do it! but alhamdullilah! Great hijab store

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  5. Hi, I am about to convert to Islam and as a lady who is also about to graduate college... you can imagine my fear of getting a job on top of this. My Christian mother actually suggested I not wear the hijab, even though I told her of course that I had to because it is in the Quran, the word of Allah. In America, there are companies who do not hire people because of what they wear (piercings, weird colored hair, but also hijabs) and so I was scared (I have anxiety) of wearing it. But you've given me the confidence to do so... you've allayed a lot of my fears. I have learned that persistence is key in any job search, hijab or not... and everyone has their trials. What will be will be. Thanks a bunch for this post and have a good day! I am a fighter, so I know I will get a job... super nervous about everything these days, but I won't bombard you with stories of my life! Thanks so much and have a good day! :)

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    1. Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu!! Welcome to Islam dear sister. So glad that you found thid post helpful. May Allah bless you and make everything easy on you. Hope you get your job, but if it does not work out , Allah will definitely grant you something much better :)
      If there is anything you would like to know or talk about, leave us an email on niqablovers@gmail.com. We would be more thab glad to help.

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  6. Ive read ur article. The thoughts of wearing hijab have been on my mind recently and frequently. My sis and few of my friends had started to wear hijab recently. And it kind of make me think.
    However, what have been stopping me is my sins. I feel like Im a hypocrite if I wear it. Do you have any advise on what I should do? Cos Im so confused now.

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    1. Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu!

      Hijab is something between us and Allah sis, so don't let the judgment of others affect you. All of us are sinners in some way, but don't let that stop you from fulfilling a command from Allah. This is probably one of Shaytan's greatest tricks and all of us do fall into it at some point or the other. We keep procrastinating something because we feel that we'd become a hypocrite. Don't ever let that thought come to your mind sis. Remember that from the moment you wear the Hijab, it will definitely bring in a lot of changes into your life and once you understand that the Hijab is an Order from Allah, go ahead with it sis. Don't let anything stop you- least of all, your sins. Allah is Most Forgiving, so He will definitely understand, accept you and forgive you. :)

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    2. Assalamualikum Sister Huda,

      I totally understand your concerns about sin, I have been there many times. I just want to remind you a few things that hopefully, IA, will give you clarity in this matter.

      Remember that ALLAH's (SWT)mercy if far far greater than any sin we commit and there are a great many examples of huge sins Allah (SWT) has forgiven.

      Do not mistake others disappointment (including your own disappointment) for Allah's (SWT) disappointment in you and same goes for hope, never ever give up hope. The mere fact that you are concerned and feeling bad about it in it self a step towards repentance and forgiveness.

      Sincerely repent for your sins and then do your utmost to not repeat them, InshaAllah Allah (SWT) will forgive them.

      Here are a few talks that I believe will help you.

      On never giving up hope, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BNIfki5qdw

      On Forgiveness, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxrQuEyQciQ

      The power of Tawbah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAHEuqXT5yQ

      Tawbah (full version of forgivness talk) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myDXnTBAEIM

      Hope you don't need this, but in any case I thought I should share. Also I am sure it will help others too.

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  8. SubhaanAllah I loved your article and have forwarded it to my cousin who is struggling to come to a decision about wearing the hijaab. I hope she will read this and it will give her peace of mind. I also started wearing the hijaab at 22! Only because I did not know the importance of it. I stereotyped girls who used to take it off on the way to school and deceive their parents. But I realised it was just an excuse not to wear it. I opened my eyes to the fact that hijaab is obligatory and a Command of Allah SWT. Im 34 now and can Alhamdulillah say it has never come off. Please make dua for my cousin and all those lovely Muslimahs who are struggling in this regard. May Allah SWT Guide all to the Sirat e Mustaqeem. Ameen.

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