Saturday, April 27, 2013

THE LIFE OF A REVERT- AN EYE OPENING INTERVIEW




Alhamdulillah, I got another opportunity to interview a Muslimah and to say I learnt a lot from it is really an understatement! The interview was wonderfully insightful and it really gave me a much better understanding of the life of reverts to Islam and of polygamous marriages. 

Please do read this interview right up to the end, because trust me, it'll really enlighten you on so many things! While your at it, do give a follow to her lovely blog. You can check it out here: http://leavesofknowledge.blogspot.com/

HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU ACCEPTED ISLAM?
Journey to Jannah: I was 19.  I became Muslim four months out of high school.

TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU FOUND ISLAM
Journey to Jannah: As a child I was abused by the men in my mother's life, emotionally neglected by my mother, and bullied all throughout school.  I became an Atheist at 7 years old (before that having gone to Sunday School from 1-6 years old when we lived in Maine).  I thought that God was punishing me for some reason or that God just didn't like me and only put me on earth to be a slave for any man who happened to get into a relationship with me.  I ended up becoming suicidal and depressed from 13-18 years old.  I even tried running away twice as a child-once at 14 and once at 18 years old.  I had briefly learned about Islam in sixth grade during our medieval unit in Social Studies when we learned about the five major religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism).  I was 14 when the attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon occurred and that was my second experience with hearing about Islam though of course I didn't know anything about Islam having never seen or met any before in my life.  Like any other American citizen I believed what the media said about Islam-Muslims were terrorists who would kill you if you didn't submit to their religion and will.  I'll be honest and say the bombing of the Twin Towers and Pentagon didn't faze me or affect me at all.  I came home from school and watched a bit of it on the news-I remember it being on like every channel as I had been in Math class during the time of the Twin Towers being hit and our teachers hadn't let us watch the news or explain what was going on.  I found out later that one of the planes had actually flown over OH (the state I live in) before turning to go to some destination and again that didn't faze me.  Well at eighteen I was in a Yahoo chat room (back when Yahoo still had a section on their website for actual chat rooms) and met this 19 year old guy named Imran.   He was from Pakistan and a Muslim.  He began teaching me about Islam and even a bit about his home life and culture as he wanted to marry me but I wasn't ready for marriage at 18 and my mother wouldn't have been pleased that I had married a foreigner so I told him no and we remained friends until I got married and he informed that we would no longer be able to be friends under Islam.  It hurt me having to delete all my male friends (I had some friends in Pakistan, Egypt, Morocco, one in Turkey, one in GA, one in Nevada).  The ones in Pakistan, Egypt, Morocco and Turkey were all Muslims but it was Imran who began teaching me of Islam and I pray Allah (SWT) gives him lots of ajal for that.  Imran wanted me to become Muslim so I did for him because it made him happy.  But I didn't believe in the message of Islam or of Muhammad (SAW) or Allah (SWT).  Later I found out from Ahmed (one of two Ahmeds in Egypt) that I had never been Muslim since I didn't believe in Allah (SWT) or Muhammad (SAW).  I became Christian September 2005 though I didn't accept Christ until June 2006.  At first I was happy being Christian and tried to pray every day.  I actually cried because I felt that finally I had found a religion for me.  But after a while I began to feel that God wasn't listening to me at all and I got a free Bible from some Mormon website.  Now I had already ready the Bible (Genesis, Revelation, some of Exodus) as a child as I had a children's Bible growing up and my mother's old bible.  I didn't understand how Jesus (alayhi salaam) could be God, the son of God, and the Holy Spirit but whenever I asked questions I was pretty much brushed off.  I also went to church for the summer at 15 (at the order of my mother) and didn't enjoy it aside from learning how to make a lizard key chain.  Well I read the ten commandments and for some reason kept reading the first commandment over and over again so it clicked in me somewhere that I was doing something wrong by worshiping Jesus (alayhi salaam) but I wasn't sure what I was doing wrong.  I ended up leaving Christianity because I felt like God wasn't listening to me and began to doubt that faith.  Then I became Agnostic in September 2006 and began looking at other religions.  I originally looked at Hinduism and Sikhism.  I found out from my research that to be a Hindu one must be born into the religion and Sikhism didn't make any sense to me due to the whole belief of reincarnation of the soul until it obtains 100% goodness.  I wasn't even looking at Islam as a religion.  But I slowly began researching it.  I ordered a free Qur'an and some Islamic books and looked at them in my room.  I had been looking up information also at school about Islam when I was supposed to be writing news articles and doing research as my last class was Freelance Journalism which was basically writing the school newspaper.  Then for some reason I became Muslim.  I believe it was Allah (SWT) who led me to Islam and that if it hadn't been for my abuse and bullying as a child I would never have become Muslim.

MOST REVERTS FACE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR FAMILIES ABOUT THEIR FAITH. HOW TOUGH WAS IT FOR YOU?
Journey to Jannah: Being Muslim in a family that hates Islam is very tough.  I still face issues to this day six years later with being the only Muslim in my family.  I knew when I became Muslim that I would have to wear hijab. However I had no access to Muslims, mosques, halal food markets, halal food, or clothing stores.  I had found a clothing store online that sold hijabs and other Muslim clothing but since I had quit my job at 18 years old I didn't have the money to buy anything and had quit receiving allowance at 10 years old. So when I prayed I would throw on my jacket and a hat which I would stuff my hair under and pray.  Now I have no sense of direction whatsoever so I had no clue which way was east (in fact I have to depend on my husband to tell me which way to pray if we are outside).  I had to hide my new religion from my mother and step father.  I had also hidden when I was Christian as well as my family isn't religious and my step father doesn't believe in religion at all.  I had a book called Islam in Focus.  It described different prayers (the funeral prayer and how it differed if it was a child under puberty, a rain prayer, a drought prayer, the eid prayer, a ton of others I don't remember, and of course how to pray.  It also had information on fasting and some other topics).  Well Islam in Focus author didn't exactly explain that Sunnah was optional.  It just had 2 Fard and 2 Sunnah for Fajr; 4 Sunnah, 4 Fard, 2 Sunnah for Dhur; 4 Sunnah, 4 Fard for Asr; 3 Sunnah, 3 Fard for Maghreb; and 4 Sunnah, 4 Fard for Isha.  So I totaled everything up and prayed like this: 4 Fajr, 10 Dhur, 8 Asr, 6 Maghreb, and 8 Isha.  At first I tried to look at the DVD "Pray As You Have Seen Me Pray" and that was difficult trying to pray and look at the DVD to make sure I was doing it correctly.  I also used Islam in Focus for learning how to do Wudu so I would take the book into the bathroom, lay it on the sink and try to do Wudu while looking at the book for instructions and making sure the book didn't get wet.  If mom or my step father came into my room I'd rip off my hat and stop praying as I knew I'd be in trouble.  Then I would go back to praying but since I had lost track of my prayers I did it all over again from the beginning.  So I was often well past one prayer time and into another prayer time by the time I finished the previous prayer.  If we were outside eating at a restaurant when I got home I immediately prayed whatever prayers I had missed due to being outside and then pray whatever prayer it was time for.  Because praying while watching a DVD was hard I quit that and instead tried praying with Islam in Focus in my hands!  I did my best to pray in Arabic which took me forever as I was trying my best to sound it out so that also was part of the reason my prayers were so long and took me well past their allotted time.  Sometimes I prayed in English but it didn't make much of a difference. I had become Muslim during Ramadan.  I knew only that Ramadan consisted of no food and drink during daylight so I tried to fast.  That wasn't easy as I would get sick and feel like I wanted to throw up.  I ended up often giving up due to being so sick that I ended up drinking soda in mid-day to keep from being sick until dinner.  After I got married it was only the last few days of Ramadan so it was easier for me to fast for some reason.  But even today I still get sick during the first two weeks of Ramadan and I get sick when I don't eat so fasting is very hard for me.  I don't think having to fast during Ramadan is something I will ever get used to doing.  Since my husband and I are forcibly separated due to Saudi laws it is hard with me being with my family.  I face issues for wearing hijab, having to wear pants and long sleeve shirts outside in the spring and summer months, not being allowed to eat pork so they have to make different food for me on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, my husband and his family being bashed by my family.  It isn't easy at all.  They still don't know I'm not allowed to not celebrate any of these old holidays with them even though for my family it is one of the few times we see each other. 

HOW DID YOU COPE WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS YOU HAD AFTER ACCEPTING ISLAM? 
Journey to Jannah: Well it's hard.  I get very defensive and upset when my family bashes my husband's family.  I confess I love my in-laws more than my own parents.   My brother mocks me when I pray if I am at my mother's.  When I was studying at The Ohio State University Newark, OH branch I would often cut the rest of Geography 120 during the summer quarter to pray.  That was hard finding a quiet place to pray.  Often I'd pray on the grass or in the Warner Center up on the second floor.  After History 151 spring quarter I would go do Wudu except I hate people staring at me so I would stop wudu if someone came into the bathroom and then continue doing wudu (there is a very small Muslim student population at my old school so no room to pray and nothing set up for Wudu). I would sometimes throw my abaya on as I wanted to get used to walking around in it.  Of course with a backpack on my shoulders my abaya would come up a bit above my ankles which freaked me out as I was worried I was doing something wrong.  I continued wearing sweat shirts and pants so I was often hot under my abaya but I reminded myself that it's better than burning in Hell forever.  If my step dad came to pick me up from school (I don't drive) I'd have to take off my hijab or else my step father wouldn't let me in his truck.  So I'd have my hijab off for like an hour or two waiting for someone to get me from school.  I'd also skip Art EDU in summer quarter to pray Asr prayer.  I figured that prayer was more important than some stupid classes.  I tried to arrange my class schedule so I could have time to pray but it's not easy with how prayer times change every few minutes every day.  So to summarize I guess I just try not to get upset about the problems I face but it isn't easy.  I often take my anger and frustration out on my husband but he's understanding and just tells me not to listen to them because they just want me to become non-Muslim again and go to Hell. 

WHAT'S THE GREATEST CHANGE YOU SEE IN YOURSELF AFTER YOU ACCEPTED ISLAM? 

Journey to Jannah: I feel more at peace and no longer depressed or suicidal since becoming Muslim. 

ANY PARTICULAR HADITH OR QURANIC VERSE THAT REALLY INSPIRES YOU IN ANY SITUATION?
Journey to Jannah: Well I really enjoy listening to Sura Maryam and Sura Yusuf.  As for Hadith I don't really have a favorite.  I don't really have a favorite Qur'an verse either.  

BEING A REVERT, HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE "FREEDOM OF WOMEN"?
Journey to Jannah: Well I think "freedom of women" is the ability to be taken seriously for your mind and not your looks.  Let's face it: women are always at competition with each other.  I think the majority of women dress bad to upset other women.  And men don't seem to care about women's mind and just about certain assets.  I think a lot of women don't realize they are being objectified and they have been brainwashed to think this is real 'freedom' so they call Muslim women and girls oppressed.  I think it's hypocrisy to say Muslim women and girls are oppressed but Nuns who wear their clothing are serving God.  Women are worth more than certain assets and I think that partly feminism is what distorted that viewpoint and true assets of women. 

A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THE WEST BELIEVE THAT WOMEN IN ISLAM ARE OPPRESSED. DIDN'T THAT BOTHER YOU WHEN YOU WERE THINKING OF REVERTING TO ISLAM? 
Journey to Jannah: I think it is hypocrisy how women who dress in niqab or hijab are 'oppressed' but Nuns are 'serving God'.  Same with if a Muslim has a beard he's a 'terrorist' but a Jew who has a beard is 'religious'.  Pure ignorance on the part of the people.  No that didn't bother me when I was thinking of becoming Muslim. Saving my soul was more important at the the time than going to Hell forever.  It does bother me though to this day.  I get stared at for wearing my hijab in public.  Even have been forced to take it off twice (read my Discrimination post).  I ask those who think all women are brainwashed into becoming Muslims-Have you even met a Muslim woman and talked to her about why she became Muslim?  Or do you choose instead to not use your brains and believe what the media tells you?  Let me say this to all who are out there: Yes there are some Muslim women who are forced to become Muslim.  But if you become Muslim for your spouse than you are not a real Muslim.  You have to believe in your heart and soul in Allah (SWT) as the only God and Muhammad (SAW) as the last and final messenger of Allah (SWT).  Take the time to get know a Muslim woman and not believe what the media-who has their own agenda against Islam-says about Islam.  The only way to know a people is to get to know those people for yourself and you can only do that by going out and meeting them and talking to them.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST WAY TO COPE WITH HATE TOWARDS ISLAM- AND TO THE WOMEN OF ISLAM AND THEIR HIJAB AND NIQAB IN PARTICULAR?
Journey to Jannah: I think that Muslims need to remember we will be the blessed ones on the Day of Judgment (depending on your deeds Insha Allah) and that this life is a hell for the believers and paradise for the non-believers (non-Muslims).  If we react with anger and violence towards a bunch of ignorant fools who slander Allah (SWT) or Prophet Muhammad (SAW) then we are only proving what the vast masses believe-that we are a religion of violence and I'm sorry if any Muslims get upset with me at this.  Martin Luther King Jr. made his followers put up peaceful protests when they were being hosed down and being sicked upon by dogs during the fight of the Civil Rights in America during the 60s.  When our beloved Prophet (SAW) and his early Ummah was being kicked out of their homes and killed for refusing to go back to the pagan Arabs way of life they resisted peacefully and fled to Madina and Abyssinia.  He did not strike back violently against the people who cursed him and called him a hypocrite and threw garbage at him.  As for the hatred towards women and their hijab and niqab-Sisters remember that our mothers (RA) were the best of women.  Mariam (RA) was the best woman of her period and Allah (SWT) chose her to bear Prophet Isa (alayhi salaam).  As Muslim women and Muslim girls we should strive to follow the example of our mothers (RA), just as the men and boys need to follow the example of the Prophet (SAW) and the Sahaba (RA).  Sisters remember that hijab is an obligation upon you when you reach puberty and that we are told throughout the Qur'an by Allah (SWT) to follow the Apostle.  Following the Apostle means following the Sahih Hadeeth.  It irks me to no end knowing that there are Muslims who say "oh we don't need to follow the Sunnah" or "oh we don't need to wear hijab" or "oh we need to 'reform' Islam" astaghirfullah!  Islam does not NEED to be reinforced. But the Ummah could sure do with being retaught the teachings of our religion in my opinion.  We need to go back to the Qur'an and Sunnah and use those as our guide to teach the future Ummah and once again  (In sha Allah) rise up to be like we used to be for 700 years before our fall.  Sisters remember that you are the blessed ones Insha Allah on the Day of Judgment.  We are queens and princesses and it doesn't matter what people say about us.  Hold your heads up high, make sure your children are raised properly to be good little Ummah, and keep them from the haraam and bad influences of the world.  Give them an education so they can help shape our future.

IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE VERSE OF THE QURAN TO A NON-MUSLIM, WHICH QURANIC VERSE DO YOU THINK WOULD REALLY LEAVE AN IMPACT ON THEM?
Journey to Jannah: [14.23] And those who believe and do good are made to enter gardens, beneath which rivers flow, to abide in them by their Lord's permission; their greeting therein is, peace.

A LOT OF PEOPLE, EVEN MUSLIMS, ARE AGAINST THE VERY IDEA OF A POLYGAMOUS MARRIAGE. TELL US YOUR VIEWS IN THIS MATTER? 
Journey to Jannah: I am sorry but this is one thing that really gets to me.  As an American Muslim woman who is one of three wives it annoys me that I as a Muslim woman and a revert can accept polygamy but born Muslim women have issues with it and threaten to divorce their husbands.  Polygamy is legal in Islam.  You CANNOT make something haraam that Allah (SWT) has allowed.  You just can't!  That is why we are mortals and Allah is Allah (SWT).  Allah (SWT) knows what is best for us.  As one of three wives yes there is jealousy between the three of us-women are naturally jealous.  But we accept polygamy as being a right of our husband and know better than to make something haraam that is halal.  Are there 'men' out there who use polygamy for free sex and not for the lawful reasons allowed? Yes but if your husband is a good man who fears Allah (SWT) and can take care of more than one woman then don't be a baby and forbid him from doing so. Let me tell you sisters something.  My husband had a wife before me.  I knew nothing of polygamy being a new Muslim other than that the FLDS practices it.  I didn't even think to research polygamy before becoming Muslim.  Yes I was jealous and it took me 10 months to get used to being another wife because I was thinking with my American upbringing that polygamy is 'disgusting' and 'bad' astaghirfullah!  I did a lot of thinking of the state of the world and finally saw the wisdom of why Allah (SWT) allowed it and never banned it.  I went into this marriage without any second thoughts or hesitation knowing I would be my husband's second wife.  *They later divorced but that's beside the point*.  My husband and I used to watch Al Jazeera during the Saudi/Yemeni war.  It broke my heart to see all the poor Yemeni women and children crowded into tents and dying from malnutrition.  I told my husband he should go to Yemen and marry a poor Yemeni woman to save her from a life of hardship.  Did it bother me that Allah (SWT) allowed polygamy for men?  Yes it did.  So much that I wrote a letter to my husband and  a diary entry.  I cried as I wrote the letter to him.  But I realized I had no right to forbid what Allah (SWT) has allowed.  I then put the diary and letter that was in the diary on the TV and slept on the couch.  My husband woke up the next morning, read the letter and diary entry and woke me up.  He said that he hated seeing me sad and if I didn't want him to marry he wouldn't do so because he would never do anything to hurt me.  I suffer from Poly Cystic Ovarian Disorder.  I wanted my husband to be able to have children (we have been TTC #1 for our entire marriage) and I knew that one of the reasons a man can marry again is if his wife is barren and can't give him babies.  I loved my husband so much that I told him to marry another woman.  He likes that about me.  He says I have a big heart and am a compassionate soul and person.  I cannot believe how hard it was to find a woman who would agree to be in a polygamous marriage.   It took us a few months for my husband to find my husband's third wife (he and his first wife divorced last year).  I tried to be nice to my husband's first wife-even making my husband buy her a present from me (that later went to my husband's fourth wife) and bought my husband's third wife a present (it's a gold necklace with a blue gem on it with matching earrings).  My husband's third wife and I get along swimmingly as we have some things in common.  After some issues both of us (myself and my husband's third wife) made him look for another wife (he would never have done so without our permission) and again began a long journey of finding a woman who accept polygamy.  But Alhamdullilah Allah (SWT) brought my husband and his fourth wife together.  Now it is the four of us, (husband, me, his third wife and fourth wife).  I love my sister-wives very much and would do anything for them.  Now would my husband get married again?  No because I know I could not take it if he married another person.  Do I resent my sister-wives? No.  I ask those women who refuse to let their husband get married again.  If you were in a country where your government was oppressive, you had no education because in your culture or country women didn't 'need' an education because they were seen as nothing but breeding stock, would you not want to become the wife of a man who could take care of you or would you rather suffer on the streets and be forced to prostitute yourself in order to survive?  If polygamy was good enough for the Prophets (alayhi salaam) why is not good for the Ummah today?  What makes those times and these times any different?  Polygamy does not become 'invalid' because we (or most of us) are in the 21st century.  We are not better than Allah (SWT).  We are not better than the Prophets (alayhi salaam).  Polygamy can work and does work if all involved are in it together.  It isn’t a death sentence sisters if your husband chooses to get another wife.   Would you rather him go out and commit az-zina and bring home diseases to the marriage bed?  At the same time Muslim brothers polygamy is not an excuse to screw everything that moves!  You are just giving into your urges and in my opinion suck as Muslim men if you don't do polygamy for the right reasons.  Remember that the Prophet (SAW) was married to Lady Khadijah (RA) for all those years and then only after her death did he take all his other wives.  Today and in the past there were and are women who are suffering in the world due to being unable to find a husband who will marry them.  These poor women are often disabled, widowed, divorced, barren and tossed out onto the streets.  These poor women are forced to become wards of the state or prostitute themselves to survive or watch their children slowly die of hunger.  One reason a man can get another wife is to help the widows and orphans whose husbands/fathers are killed in war.  Sisters would you not want the same thing for other women that you yourselves want?  Brothers how would you feel if it was your mother or your grandmother or your sister or your aunt who was cast into the world because no decent Muslim man would marry her?  And your poor sister or mother or grandmother or aunt has to prostitute herself to survive and feed herself.  This brings me to another point.  I am so sick of hearing about so called cultures that see divorced and widowed women as 'lepers' and refuse to marry them-preferring teenage virgins!  Lady Khadijah (RA) was a WIDOW and the Prophet's (SAW) senior!  Many of the Prophet's (SAW) wives (RA) were widows and divorcees!  I think only Lady Aisha (RA) was the only virgin the prophet (SAW) married.  Brothers if you marry a teenager that doesn't mean she'll magically pop out babies.  It doesn't mean she'll be a good wife or a good mother.  At the same time brothers if you practice polygamy please don't treat the wives you already have like crap because they are having trouble conceiving or are barren.  That's just hurting the wives you already have.  Remember that the punishment for not treating your wives fairly on the day of judgment is that you will approach Allah (SWT) with half your body paralyzed!  *Rant over*

ANY SPECIAL MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL MUSLIMS IN GENERAL?
Journey to Jannah: I fully believe part of the reason we have lost Al Andalus and Palestine is because we listened to the non-Muslims who told us we were weak and fell into doing bad things. I fully believe it is our own fault and it continues to be our fault because instead of uniting under one banner like we did in the days of our glory we have scattered into tons of different stupid sects and continue to fight with ourselves like little children. As Muslims we need to be an example to the rest of our Ummah and to the world. We will never get Al Andalus back or Palestine if we continue to be divided into separate nations and sects. Remember that Sura 6 Verse 159 says to not make yourselves into sects like the Christians and the Jews. Yet we choose to ignore this verse and instead are divided. What purpose does that serve except to divide the Ummah and make us vulnerable to attack. There were no sects until after the time of the Prophet (SAW's) death. What does that say to our children and the future Ummah if we are too busy killing each other to help our suffering brothers and sisters?  As Muslims we need to be an example to our children and the world.  We must come together again under one banner, under the Qur'an and Sunnah and no longer be divided by nation or sect.  I fully believe we would better off if we succeed at overthrowing these monarchies and dictators and elect a new caliphate.  Make the entire Muslim world one country without borders where Muslims can travel without visas or passports.  Only when we are once again united will we stand a chance at getting Al Andalus and Palestine back!  Ummah, sisters and brothers, please remember that if we behave like animals when something doesn't go our way we are driving people from embracing Islam instead of bringing people to Islam (In sha Allah).  Use the Qur'an and Sunnah as your teachers and the Prophet (SAW) and Sahaba as your guide to show the world we are not an evil religion and not people to be feared.  I ask that every Muslim think about why are we so attracted to this world instead of striving towards the hereafter and why we choose to follow our own desires and become about 'me me me' instead of helping our brethren who are dying every day in Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Palestine, etc.  Remember that our children will look to us for guidance and follow our example.  Do we really want our children to grow up in an Ummah where each Muslim only cares about their selves and doesn't care about the plight of the Ummah?  If we do not change ourselves today then how can we expect our children to change the Ummah and how can be a bunch of cowards and refuse to go to the aid of our people who desperately need our help but can't get it because we're more afraid of America, Israel and their allies instead of Allah (SWT)?  Sometimes I think that it would have been better to live in the time when the Muslims ruled half the world and there were no poor people than to live today because I'm sometimes ashamed to be Muslim and ashamed of the Ummah for being so concerned about this world instead of our dying brothers and sisters who cry for help and who seem to care only about this world instead of fearing Allah (SWT) and striving towards Jannah. 

HAS ANYONE BEEN INSPIRED BY THE CHANGE IN YOU AFTER ACCEPTING ISLAM?
Journey to Jannah: No sadly. I think most people think I'm an extremist because I believe it is fard to wear the niqab and do my best to follow the Sahih Hadeeth as well as the Qur'an.

WHAT DO YOU REALLY WISH AND PRAY FOR?
Journey to Jannah: I wish for the Ummah to get their act together and unite into one country again, one great empire and help take back Palestine and Al Andalus.  I wish and pray that Palestine becomes free from Zionists/American control and that the Ummah can come together and bring about great changes for the world.  I wish and pray for a second great Islamic Golden Age when there are no poor people anywhere and everyone flocks to Al Andalus for knowledge.  But sadly I will never be around to see that.  I wish I could build a time machine so I could go back and walk those streets of our kingdom Granada and walk the roads of our great empire when Muslims were smart and cared about others and feared Allah (SWT). 

ANY SPECIAL DU'AA YOU WOULD REQUEST THE READERS TO MAKE FOR YOU?
Journey to Jannah: Not for me.  I do wish the Ummah would pray for Palestine, for Syria and the rest of our Arab brothers and sisters who are in civil wars to topple their corrupt non-Islamic governments.  I wish for the Ummah to think about what I said in this interview and imagine themselves going through the situations our brethren are going through.  I wish for the Ummah to pray for great leaders to rise up and there be another great Ummah, another great Islamic Empire that is another shining light on the world.  For if we fail to unite then we will be destroyed and our teachings forgotten.   I do not want the Ummah to be destroyed or Islam to be snuffed out from the world.  


*          *          *

I did ask if Journey to Jannah wanted the reader to make any Du'aa for her, but she wanted nothing for her- only for the Ummah. Subhanallah! But anyway, do remember her in your Du'aas. She really has put in a lot of effort into answering the questions, and she did it super fast too, MashaAllah! I'm sure all of you would have learnt a lot from the interview, so please make Du'aa for her and her family. May Allah bless her with the best in this world and in the Aakhira too, In sha Allah!

Jazakallah khair for the interview sis! Thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed every single bit of it! May Allah reward you for it!


Note: If any other Muslim bloggers (sisters only) want to be interviewed, please contact us through niqablovers@gmail.com

Thursday, April 25, 2013

HIJAB ON THE LIGHTER SIDE





I was browsing through Facebook and I just saw this story. I really had to share it:


A non Muslim woman once barged into a lecture. She was very angry and she was yelling out aloud. She started pointing at the Muslim women, and exclaimed, "Why are they covered?!" 
The speaker said to her, "Well, I see you're covered too. You're wearing clothes and yet you were born naked. Why?"
The women replied after hesitating for a few moments: "Modesty!"
The Shaykh smiled and pointed at her saying 'modesty' and then pointing towards the Muslim women 'more modesty!' 

Kamal El Mekki takes it further but recommends you not to try this for obvious reasons (seriously, don't try it!)
If the argument is that if you're covered, then you are oppressed, and the more uncovered (naked) you are then the more liberated you are. Therefore essentially you could tell a woman: 'Well, I see you're not liberated fully, why don't you liberate yourself some more then?


Transcribed by Fi Allah's Shade from Kamal El Mekki lecture

Thursday, April 18, 2013

ADVICE FOR SISTERS WHO ARE THINKING OF WEARING THE NIQAB




MashaAllah, there are so many sisters out there who genuinely love to wear the Niqab but are afraid of wearing it for fear of what people might say. To these sisters, here are a few words of advice:

If you have made the intention of wearing the Niqab, Allah will help you- despite your family's or societies disapproval. What is our purpose in life? To worship none but Allah and this also means to be obedient first and foremost to Allah. The moment you start considering the Niqab, ask yourself just one question: Who should I please- Allah or people?
Once you make that decision, you can follow whether you ought to wear the Niqab or not.
I know sisters, saying it is easy enough. But you know what? Allah can make the difficult easy and the easy difficult. Everything is in His Hands and so long as we place our trust in Him, He and He alone will suffice for us. 

“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]

My dear sisters, isn't this guarantee from Allah good enough for us? It's true, we might have to face some difficulties, but those will only be tests of Imaan, Taqwa and patience. 
Those sisters whose family are not supportive of their wearing the Niqab, I can only give you consolation from this beautiful Hadith:

Prophet Muhammad sallahau alaihi wasallam said "Whoever sought the pleasure of Allah though it was displeasing to the people then Allah becomes pleased with him, and will make the people please with him, and whoever sought the pleasure of the people though it was displeasing to Allah then Allah becomes displeased with him and will make the people displeased with him" (Ibn Hibban/ Tirmidhi)

This is another great guarantee for us- your family might not accept your Niqab, but if you do it for earning only the pleasure of Allah, even if it costs you your family's displeasure, remember that Allah will make those who were displeased with you, pleased with you, In Sha Allah. Believe in that, accept it and rely on that.

The Hadith mentioned above is a real proof to an incident. A sister I know of really wanted to wear the Niqab but her Mother wouldn't permit her to do so. But MashaAllah, this sister's courage and determination to wear the Niqab was so strong that despite her mother's disapproval, she wore it. Of course, at first her mother scolded her and she had to go through some problems, but do you know what- when Allah wants to help someone, no one and nothing can stop Him. If we are determined on pleasing Allah, He will suffice for us and like that Quranic verse above mentions, "He will make a way for him to get out of every difficulty". So this mother who hated the Niqab, started to admire it after some time, the same women who disapproved of her daughter's Niqab approved of it and in time, her mother became a Niqabi too. Subhanallah!

This story, I'm sure, would be a great source of inspiration for those sisters who are facing difficulties from their families who disapprove of the Niqab. Like I said at the beginning of this post- weigh your options- Please Allah or please people? Through your wearing the Niqab, who knows, you might even inspire your family members who are reluctant of it to wear it someday too, In Sha Allah. And if they do so, you'll be rewarded for it too!

Remember sisters, on the Day of Judgment, it's only you that is going to matter. All the opinion of those around you matter only here- but in the Aakhira we'll come to realize that nothing but Allah's opinion matters. If we realize this fact in this Dunya itself, we can, In Sha Allah, live the live of a true Muslim and a true Mu'min. 

Take the decision that matters. Take the decision that will help you in the Aakhira. Take the decision that will bring for you the Pleasure of Allah. 


Monday, April 15, 2013

A SHORT AND BEAUTIFUL EXPLANATION OF SURAH FATIHAH




I just read a very beautiful Hadith Qudsi today. Thought of sharing it with all of you:

Abu Hurairah radhiyallahu anhu reported: I heard Rasoolullahi sallalahu alaihi wasallam narrating a Hadith Qudsi in which Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'aala has said, "I have divided Surah Fatihah into two halves between Me and My slave, and my slave will receive what he asks. So, when His slave says Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen (Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe), Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala says "My slave has praised Me!". 

And when His slave says Arrahmanirraheem (The Compassionate, the Merciful), Allah Subhanahu  Wa Ta'ala says "My slave has extolled Me!" 

And when His slave says Maliki Yaumiddeen (Master of the Day of Judgement), Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala says "My slave has glorified Me! (or) entrusted Me!" 

And when His slave says Iyyaka Na'budu was iyyaka nasta'een (You alone do we worship and You alone do we seek for help), Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala says "This is between Me and My slave, so whatever he asks, it will be granted. 

And when His slave says Ihdinas Siratal mustaqeem siraatal ladhina an'amta 'alaihim ghairil maghdhubi 'alaihim wa laddaallin (Guide us to the straight path, the path of those upon whom You have bestowed favours and not of those who have incurred Your wrath and nor of those who have gone astray), Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala says, "This (part of the Surah is exclusively) for My slave and my slave shall receive whatever he has asked for.

[Source: Sahih Muslim]

Do share this lovely Hadith with others too. If they read it and benefit from it, you might be a reason for their showing more Khushoo and devotion in Salah. Let's try our best and remember this when we offer our Salah.


Saturday, April 6, 2013

A LOVELY INTERVIEW WITH A LOVELY MUSLIMAH

 In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful!

I follow a lot of Islamic blogs, and MashaAllah, there are a lot of good ones out there. But one of my favourite blogs is One Chinese Muslimah and anyone who hasn't yet checked out her amazing blog, do read it. Trust me when I say that she's one of the most influential Islamic bloggers and her posts really keep you thinking. MashaAllah! May Allah reward her for her efforts. (Please check out here blog One Chinese Muslimah)


With her wonderful writing and inspirational Dawah, I thought of interviewing her on Islam, how she accepted Islam, about the Hijab, Niqab, Muslimahs and a whole lot more.. Do make sure you read all the way down because it's really, really GREAT, MashaAllah!

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO ACCEPT ISLAM?
One Chinese Muslimah: Well, I can't say that there was anything in particular that inspired me to accept Islam. In fact, I was anti-religious and religion was not even in my vocabulary! I never thought about Allah at all and there were points in my life I doubting His existence (astughfurAllah). Truly, guidance is from Him and Him alone and I would have to say that it was a bunch of bad things that happened to me in my past life that accumulated into one big thing and it just made me fed-up with my lifestyle, who I was, and where I was headed in life. So... I guess I would have to say that my past life experiences are what led me to accept Islam (and of course Allah being the first and foremost reason I became Muslim). 

WHAT DID YOU THINK ABOUT ISLAM BEFORE YOU REVERTED AND HOW DID ISLAM CHANGE YOU AS A WOMAN?
One Chinese Muslimah: To be honest, (lol) I had NO clue what Islam was. I was so ignorant and oblivious in my own bubble, it didn't phase me that it was the Muslims who were FALSELY being accused of terrorist attacks of Sept 11. I had no idea who Muslims were and what Islam was and I just thought that everyone who "wrapped their head" were Indian (astughfurAllah). I had no concept of this religion and I think because of the lifestyle I was living, I never really saw many Hijabis or Muslims (even though where I am from, the Muslim population is highly dense masha'Allah). So because I had no clue what Islam was or what the beliefs were, I didn't think much of it. I think I cared too much about myself to even care about the people around me (Subhana'Allah)!

WHAT WOULD BE THE ADVICE YOU'D GIVE WOMEN WHO ARE INTERESTED IN ISLAM BUT ARE SKEPTICAL OF ACCEPTING IT DUE TO THE WAY MUSLIM WOMEN'S RIGHTS ARE STEREOTYPED BY THE MEDIA?
One Chinese Muslimah: This is a great question masha'Allah! Well, I grew up in Toronto and this city is highly populated with women who flaunt their private parts like it's second nature, men who chase after women like how dogs chase after their own tail, and where that $1,000,000 condo in downtown defines who you are. So as you can see, Toronto is an OVERLY materialistic, surface kind of city. There is not much else going on besides what you see on the surface. 

The bigger breasts you have the more beautiful and 'intelligent' you are (lol), the more make-up you have on your face the more 'natural' you are, and the more fashionable you are the more 'freedom' you have. I think the media has a HUGE part to do with why women in Islam are viewed as being "oppressed" because we live now in a world where the less clothes you have on symbolizes more freedom, the more boyfriends you have symbolizes more happiness, and the more money you have symbolizes success. But this is exactly what the media wants to feed everyone- THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE OF THE TRUTH.

I once was a slave to the Western society and if it were not for Islam, I would still be living under the dictatorship of the media. It was only after I became Muslim, had I found the truth. Islam truly honours their women and Allah has blessed us with His never ending Mercy to all the Muslim women. These women are pure, humble, educated, kind, respectful and well-mannered. They know where their self worth lies and it is not through showing off their chest or painting their faces like clowns on a Halloween night. These women are the strong foundation of a successful household. These women are looked after in a high regard and treated like absolute gold. These women are Muslim women. Where their chastity and modesty is what defines them. They do not need to prance around town looking half naked with fake breast, fake nails, and fake hair just to get some attention from strangers. The Muslim woman knows her status in society and she truly values everything that her Lord has given to her. Her modest black veil is her armour and her honour. It is HER choice, not the media's choice, not her husband's choice. This is a real woman. Everything else you see in the media, well, that's all just fake anyway, at the end of the day, their make-up comes off and they look as blank as a white wall. No self worth, no purpose, no confidence, because everything you see on the media is just a mirage. A facade to make you try to be someone you aren't. I think that is true oppression.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT HAS TO BE CHANGED IN THE MUSLIM UMMAH OF TODAY?
One Chinese Muslimah: FULLY SUBMITTING TO ALLAH rather than to one's desires. Fearing Allah as He deserves to be feared. Giving Allah His Rights before demanding our rights from others. Following the Qur'an and CORRECT, AUTHENTIC Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu aleyhi wasselam) instead of following vain desires and innovating things into the religion. Following ISLAM and NOT cultural practices. Recognizing that Allah is ALL SEEING, ALL HEARING, ALL KNOWING. 
Do you think this could be done?

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU MISS FROM YOUR LIFE BEFORE REVERTING TO ISLAM?
One Chinese Muslimah: No, Alhamdulilah. Definitely NOT. 

ADVICE ON HOW TO APPROACH FAMILY AFTER ACCEPTING ISLAM?
One Chinese Muslimah: I think this depends on each person's family. I mean I can't speak on behalf of every revert out there because everyone's family members are different and have a different mentality and acceptance towards Islam. I would definitely say, make PLENTY of Duaa and trust in Allah. Also, if you are worried about telling your family, perhaps you should start first with your actions. Show them how much you have changed and how much Islam has taken a positive affect on you and then slowly start talking about Islam and then let them know the reason for your change is because of Islam. If that doesn't work then just be patient. The life of a revert, subhan'Allah it is a challenge because after we have accepted the truth and this life rewarding gift from Allah, our commitment to our new found faith is tested by showing Allah our dedication and determination we have for this very gift He blessed us with. We are tested with the acceptance of our families and truly this is a big test (like most of the Prophets - peace be upon them all). So I encourage you to seek help through patience and prayer and trust in Allah. If your conviction is true than Allah will always make a way out for you and with every hardship, there will be ease. Also, I think it is really important for the Ummah to show their support to the reverts. This is our DUTY and it is VITAL. You would never forsake a newborn baby on the side of the road, so please for the sake of Allah, lend a helping hand and your spare bedroom for the new revert (who may experience difficulties at first with their families!). Your efforts will never go unnoticed in the Sight of Allah.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST STEP TO OVERCOME WHEN WEARING THE NIQAB AND ANY ADVICE ON HOW TO OVERCOME THOSE DIFFICULTIES?
One Chinese Muslimah: When I first started wearing Niqab, I was so self conscious and nervous (lol). Mainly because I live in the middle of nowhere and American's here are not used to seeing any one other than their own skin colour (yah, sad reality). But I kept reminding myself I was doing it for Allah's Pleasure and it got easier Alhamdulilah. I was struggling to keep it on consistently at first but Alhamdulilah I now am full-time with it and feel the most safe and most modest in it. I encourage sisters to at least give it a try for one day and slowly take the steps to keep it on. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of cloth ever made, because it truly expresses the freedom, the beauty and the purity of a REAL WOMAN. Allahu Akbar. It also helps to know that our mothers of believers wore it like it was nobody's business ;) We should follow in their footsteps and represent!

WITH SO MANY HIJAB TRENDS PICKING UP, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE MUSLIMAHS WHO ARE MORE INCLINED TO FOLLOWING FASHIONABLE TRENDS?
One Chinese Muslimah: Heeheee..for this question! 
Well, ummm, when I first became Muslim, I was highly inclined to follow the Hijabi blogger fashion trends. In fact I wanted to start my own blog as well (lol !). I was a fashion student and fashion model so I thought that once I became a Muslimah, there would be no problem in me incorporating fashion and Hijab! SUBHANA'ALLAH! Was I EVER WRONG. Alhamdulilah, Allah guided me and took me out of my ignorance. This is unacceptable in Islam. Hijab is meant to  deter attention away from you so why would you do the complete opposite? That goes against Islam.
I just wanted to say this:
Dear sisters in Islam, the most beautiful thing that the Muslim woman has, is her chastity, her modesty and her humility. By far, this is the most beautiful thing a woman could EVER have. Even when I was a non Muslim, I would have secret jealousy for the quiet, shy, modest type of women. There is just something that is so beautiful about being pure. So why would you want to change that sisters? Please think twice, and remember our purpose here on earth is not to be a slave to Shaitan and a fashion slave to society, we are here to worship Allah alone and not to associate any partners with Him, and not to put our desires before Him. Please kindly educate yourselves on the religion and learn the beauty of modesty and why we are commanded to cover the way we are supposed to. Nowhere does it say in the Qur'an or Sunnah that is it acceptable to wear bright fashion patterned Hijabs with makeup and accessories for strangers. This is something the kafirs do and we are not kafirs Alhamdulilah. Please set the trend and don't follow the trends being set by kafirs. The only makeup you need is the Noor glowing from your face from the obedience to Allah, The Almighty. Please, again, think twice before you step out of your home, ask yourself who you are trying to please? If you are dressed like a fashionista Hijabi blogger because you want to please yourself, or other people, then remember this is Shirk and it is a major sin in Islam. Fear Allah and know that He is Watching.


WHAT ARE 3 THINGS YOU GENUINELY DISLIKE? 
One Chinese Muslimah
  1. The media.
  2. When I defrost chicken or beef and leave it in the fridge and there is a hole in the bag and it leaks ALL OVER THE FRIDGE, I seriously HATE this.
  3. Wet floors in public bathrooms with toilet paper everywhere. I truly dislike this.

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS YOU REALLY ADMIRE?
 One Chinese Muslimah: 
  1. Sisters with good Akhlaq and Adaab
  2. Sisters who fear Allah 
  3. Sisters who know what they are doing is wrong and actually take advice genuinely and act upon it. This is amazing masha'Allah.
TELL US 3 WAYS IN WHICH THE NIQAB HAS CHANGED YOU LIFE
One Chinese Muslimah:   
  1. It has helped me be more modest when I am out in public with my speech, my actions and my manners.
  2. The Niqab has really helped my confidence subhana'Allah. I find the less clothes you have on or the more you need to follow up with fashion trends and drown your face with the entire Nars makeup line, the more low self confidence you truly have (because you feel the need to make up for your character or lack thereof) and the more clothes you wear to cover up your adornments means that you have more confidence and a good sense of intellect and self worth (because you know that you're beautiful and you don't need to flaunt it to the world just to gain temporary satisfaction). Real women do not need to revolve themselves around making youtube videos of beautifying your Hijab or how to wear the latest fashion trends because real Muslimah women know their role in society and know that their modesty and their beauty is something sacred and forbidden from strangers. I see so many Youtube videos and Hijabi bloggers these days showing off their fashion trends and even including their husbands in their videos showing all the sisters "my husband tying my hijab" or such nonsense? Subhana'Allah. Hijab should NOT be that complex should it? Like do we really need a video with 100 ways to tie your Hijab? Because I don't see that anywhere in the Qur'an or Sunnah... May Allah guide these sisters to the straight path and open up their eyes to all the possible dangers and consequences that their ignorant actions can cause. Ameen. 
  3. It has made me more thankful to Allah that He chose me and gave my taufeeq to abide by His commands and to not follow my own desires. Alhamdulilah. May He continue keep me guided and steadfast upon the truth until my last breath. Ameen
A SPECIAL QURANIC VERSE TO LIVE BY? 
One Chinese Muslimah: Can I add more than one? hee hee, there are just WAY too many that we all need to live by!!
"For each one are successive [angels] before and behind him who protect him by the decree of Allah. Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. And when Allah intends for a people ill, there is no repelling it. And there is not for them besides Him any patron." (Ar-Rad :11)
“It may be that you dislike a thing and Allaah brings through it a great deal of good” [Al-Nisa’ 4:19] 
"Whatever misfortune befalls you is a consequence of your own deeds. But much of it He forgives" (42:30) 
 
A SPECIAL HADITH FOR MUSLIM WOMEN TO LIVE BY?
 One Chinese Muslimah: ( I have to add two, is that ok? lol) 
“Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart [by hating it and feeling that it is wrong] – and that is the weakest of faith” (Narrated by Muslim, 49) 

‘Abdullâh b. Mas’ûd – Allâh be pleased with him – said:
Women are but an ‘awrah (something private to be covered). A woman might leave her house without there being any problem with her, but the Shaytân seeks her out and says [to her], “You will not pass by anyone except that you will impress/please him.” A woman puts on her clothes and is asked where she is going, to which she replies, “To visit a sick person,” or “to attend a funeral”, or “to pray in the masjid”; but a woman never worships Allâh in the way she does when she worships Him in her house.
Al-Tabarânî. Graded sahîh by Shaykh Al-Albânî in Sahîh Al-Targhîbi wa Al-Tarhîb Vol. 1 p84.

YOUR GO-TO QURANIC VERSE OR HADITH THAT CALMS YOU WHEN YOU'RE DOWN?
One Chinese Muslimah: “Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children, as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers), whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment. ( Al-Hadid 57: 20)

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever is in love with his life in this world damages his life in the next world, and whoever is in love with his life in the next world damages his life in this world – and you should prefer what lasts forever to what is destined to vanish.” [Ahmad ibn Hanbal; al-Musnad]

A WORD OF ADVICE FOR SISTERS WHO WANT TO WEAR THE NIQAB BUT ARE RELUCTANT TO DO SO FOR FEAR OF WHAT THEIR FAMILY OR SOCIETY MAY SAY
 One Chinese Muslimah: Remember WHO you are doing it for and remember, nothing looks more honourable and beautiful than a woman in her Niqab and her Abaya. This is just the reality! Set the trend, don't be a follower!


FINALLY, A SHORT MESSAGE FOR ALL MUSLIMAHS:
One Chinese Muslimah: Dear sisters in Islam,

Firstly, I would like you to please take a look at this verse, 
‘[This is] a surah which We have sent down and made [that within it] obligatory and revealed therein verses of clear evidence that you might remember.’ (An-Noor 24:1)
Notice that Allah Subhanahu wa' t'ala says We have sent down and MADE (that within it) "obligatory" and "revealed therein verses of clear evidence" 

In the same Surah, Allah later commands us : 
"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful." (An-Noor 24: 31) 

So as many of you see, by clear proof, Allah has commanded the verses within this Surah(and everything else He commands us to do in the Qur'an) to be obligatory upon us. 

There is a big problem within the Ummah of today, and there is no denying it and that is the disappearance of modesty.

Many of us have taken our desires as first priority rather than the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah. Music, non-mahrams, adorning oneself with excessive makeup and fashion trends, sharing personal beautified photos of oneself all over the internet, wasting hours at the mall, watching movies men and idolizing celebrities, cursing and idle talk. These actions are nothing different than that of kafirs, and Subhana'Allah, even some kafirs use their time more wisely. So I'd like to ask you all, what are you doing with your time? What kind of message are you trying to convey to the Ummah? Are you trying to share the message of Tawheed, la ilaha illAllah, through your makeup-Hijab blogs? Your fashion statements? Your non-mahram relationships? 

I have been through this dunya and back and Alhamdulilahi Rabbil' Aalimeen Allah has guided me and taken me out of that dark hole I was once living in. Fashion, music, fun and games... these things that so many of the Muslim youth are trying to attain, is nothing but a cheap tool of Shaitan to mislead the servants of Allah. It really is not worth it sisters. I really want to let you know, that the most beautiful thing a Muslim woman has, is her modesty. Her chastity and her humility is a possession that you all should be striving for. None of you should be striving for that LV purse or that fashion wardrobe because all of these things will leave you. Nobody should be striving for the next "Twilight" book series or the taste of alcohol (audubilah)! Why do we strive for the dunya when this life is only temporary?

How many of us are doing things to strive for Jannah? How many of us are striving to be like the mother of believers (May Allah be pleased with them all)?? Where has our dignity gone? Where has our jealousy for defending our religion gone to?

We say we LOVE ALLAH and His Messenger (sallalahu aleyhi wasselam), yet what exactly are we doing to show this to our Lord? What exactly are we doing to show that we love our beloved prophet (sallalahu aleyhi wasselam)?? 
The answer is nothing. We do the complete opposite and we don't even fear Allah as He should be feared. We demand our rights from one another yet we don't even give Allah His SOLE RIGHT, and that is to worship HIM and HIM ALONE with NO partners. So why do we associate our desires with Allah? Why do we put our desires before our Creator? 

Sisters, re-evaluate your position in life, know that Allah is watching. If your parents found out half the things you did, what would they think? If even ANYBODY found out half the things you did, what would they think? So then what would Allah think?? If He is ALL SEEING, ALL KNOWING, ALL HEARING? 

I mean no harm sisters, I really don't. But it pains to see my sisters in Islam follow blindly what I once was following. It wrecked me and destroyed me, and it is only because of Islam that I am recovering and growing again Alhamdulilah. Out of fear of Allah and out of love for His sake, is why I'm giving you this sincere advice. Time is with Allah, time is not with us and all we do is waste it on frivolous things that will not benefit our Hereafter. Imitating the kafirs and the things we see in the media will not save us from the Hellfire, it will only bring us closer (naudubilah)!!

Detach yourselves away from this poison as fast as you can and repent to Allah and seek His guidance and His aid. Follow the path of the Salaf and not the path of Shaitan. Learn your religion and seek the proper authentic Islam from the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah... before it's too late. When you are screaming in your grave, nobody will be able to hear you, and you won't be given a second chance.


May Allah forgive me if I have said anything to offend you all, all good is from Him and anything evil or with error is from my own self and I seek refuge in Him from Shaitan the accursed.
*         *         *
 I'm sure all of you would have enjoyed this interview. MashaAllah, her words will keep coming back to you, and like I said, One Chinese Muslimah's Dawah is powerful. It'll just keep coming back to you. I would really like that everyone reading this spares a minute to make Du'aa for her.  Please do because she really has put in a lot of effort into giving us the answers and her advice... Subhanallah, it's priceless. The least we can do is make Duaa!
Jazakallah Khair once again Khadijah! I learnt a LOT through your answers. May Allah keep you happy always and bless you and your loved ones with Jannah!

Note: If any other Muslim bloggers (sisters only) want to be interviewed, please contact us through niqablovers@gmail.com