GUEST POST: A NIQABI FROM SRI LANKA

 

A sister from Sri Lanka, who preferred to remain anonymous, shares her beautiful story on how she started wearing her Niqab. "I tell you until now, I have never regretted my choice but I'm always satisfied with what I choose for my self." Continue reading this lovely story together with some truly inspirational tips for future Niqabis.

 

 

 

GUEST POST

 

I come from a middle class Srilankan muslim family, so obviously I have been brought up in an Islamic background with proper guidance as how to live according to teachings of Prophet Muhammad (sal) and obey Almighty Allah (swt). In matters of clothing, food, manners, it was all Islamic. But Niqab was not a part of our life. In fact it used to be seen as a thing destined only for high class people.

 

From my experience and observation I could tell that niqab is very common in Colombo and Kandy (two leading towns in Srilanka). But as for me, I come from a place not so fond of niqab. And it isn't something you can do just because you want to; you're going to have so many problems and inquiries. Niqab isn't part of the people's life in my area and if I still choose to cover, I would be singled out.

 

These were the dilemmas I had at the time. I thought over and over. I just loved it from the bottom of the heart. In fact, I schooled in one of the towns I mentioned, where niqab was very common and most of my friends wore. I was inspired, but couldn't figure out if I should proceed with my desire or shouldn't.

 

I consulted my parents and brothers at the beginning of every year but the reply was a definite "NO". Everyone had a reason to deny me the opportunity. They thought it might cause problems, I might find it difficult physically and many more. Even if I somehow manage to get past them, I had my immediate family questioning me. So it was one of the very troubled times I had in life.

 

But two years back, on a Ramadan, I made my decision that I was going to cover, prayed Isthihara and asked Almighty to grant me that which is better for me and I started wearing. الحمدلله it all worked perfectly fine.

 

Though my parents didn't like it fully, they didn't object. They were worried I might get into trouble when I travel, meet people, etc. But wallahi, I tell you until now, I have never regretted my choice but I'm always satisfied with what I choose for my self.

 

I tell you, Sri Lanka is a great country, May Allah (swt) keep it blessed forever. So far, I have not come across any oppression. Non Muslims though not very fond of it, didn't have any problem seeing me wear it, all praise is to Almighty.

 

As for those who are in a dilemma whether or not to wear the niqab:

 

1. Pray Isthihara and ask Almighty who has knowledge over the seen and the unseen, to grant you the sense to make the right decision ahead and plead Him to shower His Rahmath and Barakath on it. Intention counts, so we should proceed ahead only with the intention of pleasing Him and gain merits.
2. Consult the righteous slaves of Allah (swt). Parents are very concerned about our wellbeing and may not allow in the beginning, thinking that this would be a hindrance. But explain to them humbly that you are capable of managing. 
3. Be persistent in your decision. People may try to pull you down but stay confident upon your decision. You're doing it for the sake of Allah (swt). What can be any better than a good deed done to gain His pleasure? 
4. If people start calling you nicknames, just don't mind it. It isn't worth minding; you have got better things to do.

 

Is niqab a barrier to education?

 

Definitely no! People have a stereotyping that niqab is an oppression, but from my personal experience, I am totally against that. I would tell "Niqab liberates". Because when you cover, you aren't known for your beauty but for your intellect. That's more important, isn't it?

 

And there comes the matter of security. Yes, I am concerned about my security as much as everyone else. When the need arises to show our face as a means of identification to officers in charge, I would tell it's ok to abide by the law.

 

الحمد لله I am Proud to be a Niqabi.

 

Believe in Allah (swt)and trust in His decisions- better things will start treading in your life. Doing things for the sake of Him and leaving some things for His sake will definitely bring success in your life.

 

With love,

 

_slaveofAlmighty

 

 

Note: If you would like to share your Hijab or Niqab stories or experiences, send us an email on niqablovers@gmail.com and share your story to inspire Muslimahs all over!

MY NIQAB JOURNEY AND HOW IT CHANGED ME

I received this story via email on how a sister started her journey of wearing the Niqab and how much it has changed her, even beyond what she expected. SubhanAllah, it's absolutely inspiring, particularly for those sisters who want that extra push to wear the Hijab or Niqab. So here it is:

GUEST POST

“In the name of Allah the most gracious the most merciful”

Assalaam alaykum to all my sisters,

I have been asked by someone to write an article on how I come to wearing a niqaab. So here goes!

I am a 28 year old practising Muslimah and most of my family are practising. We have had an Islamic upbringing and I wore a scarf from a young age all throughout high school, which was never an issue because everyone would wear one. Between the ages of 20-27 I would have days where I didn’t feel like wearing the head scarf so I would go out with friends uncovered... the tight jeans, high heels straightened hair, perfume and makeup you name it. I would go out with friends and have a so called “good time.” I never went clubbing or drinking- that was pushing it too far I knew my limits. You could say I was weak on the deen. I’d pray the odd salaah here and there but still that did not change me.

After 6-7 years of that, one day I sat down and thought to myself is this it? Is this my life? For how long am I going to be like this? Surely Allah can’t be happy with me! These men chase me but don’t marry me, they want a haram relationship with me, is that all I’m good for? At this time I felt so low and depressed, stressed and ashamed of myself of the life that was so easy to live because when it’s wrong it’s always easy.

Being around the company of friends I had at the time did not help either, so I distanced myself from almost all of my friends. I felt this at the time because my relationship with Allah was non-existent. But the best cure and the best medicine for depression and stress was the one Allah gave Muhammad s.a.w and gave to the entire ummah and he says: 


So exalt [ Allah ] with praise of your Lord and be of those who prostrate [to Him]. (15:98)

And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (death). (15:99)

This is the cure, this is the medicine. I knew what I had to from then on.
I got a job 2 years ago so that took up most of my time even on my days off I was too tired to go out so that saved me from doing the wrong things. A couple of months after Ramadhan started, it was a good starting point for me; I’d make the effort to pray and fast and stay away from the haram. In Ramadhan, I’d make dua and repent for the things that I had done, I wanted Allah to forgive me so bad. I just wanted to start again and forget that life I lived, I wanted to be happy and the only way I would find true happiness and contentment was going to be through pleasing Allah. I started covering more and praying often, I’d miss Isha sometimes if I finished work late but I got there eventually. 
Anyway my cousin was planning his big day to get married and it was exciting, I wanted to get married as well lol! So now you know what my duas included, from then on for Allah to bless me with a righteous god fearing husband who will help me along the way to Jannah because that was my goal. So this next part people might judge me but hey we’ve all been there and done that so here goes.

June last year I met my husband who is a revert. He has been practising for 10 years SubhaAllah, may Allah continue to guide him and make him even stronger and protect him from the evils of the dunya Ameen. So we got to talking and got along like a house on fire. He was looking for marriage and so was I. He taught me and shared a lot of knowledge with me in the time we spoke to each other, I was actually ashamed of myself because Allah blessed me with Islam from the day I was born and I abused it to my advantage and on the other hand there was this man that came to Islam 10 years ago and he was so passionate about the deen, it was a way of life for him he studied so much to get to where he is today SubhanAllah... may Allah increase him in knowledge Ameen.

Everything I learnt and all the information gathered from this man, I went away and acted upon most of the things but other things took time. He would talk to me about covering and give me advice that was going to benefit me in the hereafter. Funny thing is though most of the women in my family cover up and wear niqaab and I thought it was a beautiful thing and always said when I get married I’m going to wear it for my husband, but that’s all nice but my intention had to be for the sake of Allah not for the sake of my husband. I made dua to Allah to guide me in that matter of taking the step to wearing the niqaab. I thought about everything at that time like when I go out now all these men look at me like I’m a piece of meat, come ask for my number and so on and I thought why should I sin for all them men that look at me and that my beauty should be hidden away and guarded for the man that I will one day get married to.

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful” [Al-Ahzaab 33:59]

Beginning of July I woke up one morning and felt this strong feeling that it’s my time to wear it I want to wear it and it’s the right thing to do so I got in my car, went to an Islamic shop and bought a niqaab. I cried all the way home because the feeling was unreal. I came home, prayed 2 rakaat nafil and made my intention and put it on. The feeling and the adrenalin rush that rushed through me was unreal. I was overwhelmed by this feeling Allah had blessed me and guided me. May Allah guide me on the right path and give me the strength and the blessings to continue on this path Ameen.

I remember that day I rang my husband who I wasn't married to at the time and said I’m coming to see you I have something to tell you. He was at work at the time so I was just going to a drive by and stop for a couple minutes so when I got there, I saw him standing on the edge of the road. A million and one things went through me, like what will he think what’s he going to say, so I pulled up and opened the window to the passenger and he smiled at me and said to me "You look beautiful mashaAllah."

Couple of weeks passed and I was getting used to wearing the niqaab. I never felt so much peace and contentment in my life. I wasn’t depressed or stressed. I was happy for once SubhanAllah. My family were very supportive and I had a proud mother, to see her daughter change her life around I can only begin to imagine how she must of felt. I would go out to work, go shopping, do everything normal but the difference- I was just covered up. I would get different reactions off people. Some people would stare and others would utter nasty racist words. Why not come and talk to me and ask me about what I’m doing? I will make you understand. Why should I have to compromise my religious beliefs to please other people, when it’s not harming them in any way? The funny thing was a lot of these ignorant people were Muslims. It would hurt but each time I contained myself and carried on and just think it’s not their fault. There are just ignorant and under educated about Islam. However never once did I regret my decision that I made. I was pleasing Allah and that’s all that mattered.

"And We created you in pairs" (78:8)

And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought. (QURAN 30:21)

And Allah has made for you from yourselves mates and has made for you from your mates sons and grandchildren and has provided for you from the good things. Then in falsehood do they believe and in the favor of Allah they disbelieve? (QURAN 16:72)

Friday 25th of October after Jummah Salaah, me and my husband prayed our nikaah in my local masjid. A;l my family were present and supportive and happy that I found somebody that will look after and protect me and help me in the deen. 

11 months on and I am still married Alhamdulillah. I’ve seen big changes in my life. I’ve gone through trials and tribulations and I’ve stayed firm on my beliefs, Alhamdulillah. I am where I am today through patience. 

Life is not easy but none of us will get away without being tested. I ask Allah to test me in dunya and not in my deen. Allah says in the Quran in Surah Baqarah:

“We will test you with something of fear, and hunger and loss of wealth, and souls and vegetation. And give glad tidings to those who have patience. Those who if in any difficulty or trial, or tribulation occurs to them or happens to them, they say: ‘Verily We are from Allah and to Allah we return.’ They are those who will receive prayers from their Lord and Mercy and it is those who are guided.”


I give all my sisters sincere advice. Please try and change your ways and follow the Quran and Sunnah. The dunya is the lowest place, a prison for the believers and paradise for the non-believers. That’s why you will see it’s so easy and exciting and thrilling to get caught up in the worldly life because Shaytaan's promise is that he will lead you astray. He will lead you to the path of destruction, because Shaytaan knows Allah has promised him the hellfire, so he wants to take as many people with him as he can and most of the people in hellfire will be women. The Prophet s.a.w says 

“I was shown the hellfire and the most of its dwellers were women” (Hadith Bukhari) 

Who says you can’t be a covering, believing Muslimah in this society and wear a niqaab? Let me tell you I still feel beautiful everyday. Even more so with a niqaab on. I integrate fully into British society, I go to work and do the things that every normal person does so if people would just have that perspective and not judge me based on my exterior, my niqaab should not be a barrier. See me for the person I am beyond the niqaab. I am a practicing Muslimah striving to seek the mercy and blessings of Allah; He has bestowed blessings upon blessings upon me and has always helped me when I have been in dire need.

My Sisters in Islam don’t let the shroud in your grave be the first time you cover up. It will be too lateto ask Allah for forgiveness and guidance. May Allah protect us and guide in this world forgive us and accept our efforts and may Allah accept this message I deliver. Forgive me if I offended anyone. Strive to be the best you can. We are all Amanah from Allah so guard yourselves. We're all precious so aspire to be like the wives of the Prophet. Take them as your role models and In sha Allah, He will shower endless blessings onto you.  
You are all in my duas and I love you all for the sake of Allah!

Note: If you would like to share your Hijab or Niqab stories or experiences, send us an email on niqablovers@gmail.com and share your story to inspire Muslimahs all over!

"HOW DEATH OPENED MY EYES TO THE TRUTH" - NIQAB STORY

A calamity that brings you closer to Allah is indeed the greatest blessing of all. Allah sends you trials, only to purify you and open up your eyes to the truth. Seek Him and He will guide you to Light

GUEST POST

Assalamu'alaykum,

It was the Summer of 2013, and actually during the blessed month of Ramadhan, when I decided to make the beautiful change in my life - Alhamdulillah.

Until around May 2012, I was never practising. I was the usual teenager - doing whatever pleased me, and never really thought about our true purpose here. Life, for me then, was all about friends, and making the 'most' of life. Little did I know, them 'friends' and the things that I did during then, would turn out to be the biggest regret of my life. 

Although my father was always one to encourage us to read Salah, cover ourselves, and was big on instilling deen into our lives - it did not really affect us. And honestly admitting, we did not follow Islam, TRULY, from the heart, then.

I wore hijab, then, because my dad expected it. No other reason - May Allah (subhanahu wa ta'aala) forgive me. So when I found any slight opportunity to remove it, I ensured that I did. I never wore it, then, for the sake of Allah. 

This was all until, May 2012. Alhamdulillah, that month was the turning point for me.

Sadly, someone I grew up with, passed away from cancer. She was only 19 when she left this dunya and returned to Allah subhanahu wa ta'aala. Her being so young, and also just the shock of the illness she died from - cancer, further overwhelmed me. Until that day, never had I heard of anybody die from an illness like cancer, at such a young age.

(May Allah (subhanahu wa ta'aala) pardon her and grant her the best of Jannah.)

I found myself then thinking, what guarantee do I have that I am not next? If Allah took my soul now, how would I be able to answer Him? Never had I prayed Salah regularly, nor observed hijab properly, and so on. I realized I had so much to answer for. SubhanAllah.

On the very same day she passed away, I remember being seated on the prayer mat, crying my eyes out to the One who created this dunya, to the One who created me. I realized just exactly what I had been ignoring, all this time - the fact that there is no escape from death, regardless of age and place; and that it will most certainly come - no matter what.

I remember reflecting on my past. All the wrong that I had done came pouring into my mind. Astagfirullah. My guilt and fear only increased more. I desperately wanted to undo the past so bad, and kept kicking myself as to why I was the evil person I was.. May Allah subhanahu wa ta'aala forgive all my sins - major and minor.

So from that day, Alhamdulillah, I made a promise that I will never miss my Salah. Everything changed from then. I started to become more attached to the deen and, it actually, became my whole life. Which is how it should be anyway.

Slowly slowly, I started to make small but steady changes in my life, Alhamdulillah. My dress sense eventually changed. I kept thinking to myself, 'if I died right now, in this state, would Allah subhanahu wa ta'aala be pleased with me?' And from thereon, I made the decision to wear the abaya, Alhamdulillah.

As months went by, and my attachment and love for Allah increased, all that mattered to me was Islam. I remember literally looking, walking, talking, sleeping, eating, and always remembering the Most High, the Most Merciful. Coming close to deen was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Anyway, I remember being in a conversation, with a close friend. We were sat discussing the jilbab/abaya, and I think she asked me something like "Would you ever wear the Niqab?" 

I remember myself saying, "I've worn the jilbab, that is enough for me. I will never wear the Niqab." 

(Note, I said this in a sincere and respectful way, not in a mocking manner.)

And then, a few months down the line - the same friend and myself were, again, having another discussion about the Niqab. I mentioned to her, how it is, now, something that I will definitely wear one day. I never said when - but I just knew that it is something I definitely wanted to do in the future, (if Allah willed.)

Subhanallah, I find it beyond amazing how Allah can place noor into your hearts, and completely change your mind, to doing something you said you would never do. Allahu Akbar. He truly is the Turner of hearts. 

As weeks went by, I began thinking more of the Niqab. Also, at that point in my life, I was going through something quite personal and difficult. Through this test, I didn't want my iman to slip. I wanted to it to keep raising. I wanted to do something for the deen, and wanted it to become a means of bringing me closer to Allah subhanahu wa ta'aala.

I then started to ask my best friend about the Niqab, as, she has always worn it from a very young age - Ma sha Allah. I remember her saying people have different opinions about it but nowadays, due to the fitna in society, it has become fardh on us. After hearing that, although I still hadn't made my mind up completely on whether I was going to wear it or not, my heart definitely became more encouraged and opened to the idea - Alhamdulillah. 

Significantly, another incident also contributed towards my decision to wear the Niqab, Alhamdulillah. It was, once, when I went into town during Ramadhan 2013. The stares and dirty looks from men angered me. I always felt guilty and wanted to put an end to these stares. I remember going home, and contemplating on the unfortunate fact of how we are sadly, experiencing mass levels of fitna, today. 

That, then, made me think about how, if I put the Niqab on, it would In sha Allah stop the dirty looks, and serve as a protection from fitna, In sha Allah. 

I also thought about the reward that I would, In sha Allah, get from the Almighty, if I took this step.

I then, also, remember speaking to another friend, who also wears the Niqab Ma sha Allah. 

What she said to me, next, was the turning point SubhanAllah:

"The reason you're thinking of wearing the Niqab, is because Allah wants you to wear it. Good thoughts come from Allah." 

SubhanAllah, when I read that message, I can't even describe the emotions that overtook me. All I knew was that there was no turning back now. I was now a 100% sure on wearing it.

And there we have it. 

31st July 2013 was the day that my Niqab journey began. Alhamdulillah. 

I cannot even begin to put into words what the Niqab has done to my life. Since wearing it, I feel further fearless, empowered, and beautiful! 

Whilst the ignorant mock and laugh at us, I laugh at them. Why? Because they remain heedless of the beauty and power of the Hijab/Niqab. Only those who wear it truly for the sake of Allah will understand exactly just how it liberates and empowers us women! 

For those that see the Niqab as a sign of oppression, in reality, it is YOUR mind that is oppressed. You have cowardly allowed society and media brainwash you.

Whereas, us Muslimahs? We are strong enough to abandon what society, media and people think. We wear the Hijab/Niqab proudly, regardless of what people have to say; and will continue to do so In sha Allah. 

You claim that we're weak beings; but how does that even begin to make sense, when WE are the ones in control of what you see, of us? To me, that's total freedom.

Now remind me again - who are the weak and oppressed?

Note: If you would like to share your Hijab or Niqab stories or experiences, send us an email on niqablovers@gmail.com and share your story to inspire Muslimahs all over!

MY NIQAB: MY NEW IDENTITY

'For some, it was just a Niqab. For me it was a reminder to skip the pleasures of this world, because Jannah is just far more tempting.'

GUEST POST BY SISTER TAWHIDA

I'm a 16 year old Asian Muslim girl, and my journey to wearing a Niqab was very spiritual, and forever memorable. :) I was living in America, and ever since just the age of 7, I always prayed 5 times a day and was good, but we all know how it's like these days.. Being the 'modern Muslim' is acceptable. I wore a Hijab with shirts and jeans from age 8 to age 11. And then seeing my sisters wearing the Abaya to school and all, I began wearing too, but only to school. I'd wear our traditional dress with no Hijab at all everywhere else. But then certain circumstances had us moving back to our home country, and that's when my journey started. 

In the beginning, I was just enjoying the new country, no Abaya to be seen, and a simple scarf placed on my head... lol not even wrapped. But anyway, this was going on for a year. After that I decided to wear full on Hijab, but sadly I would end up styling it, as it was a normal thing to do. The Abaya was on and off, as I went
to school and had to wear a uniform. But I would wear it wherever it would be 'suitable' like shopping. This went on for another 2 years. 

But then I got tired of all this... It would take hours dressing up. And take the rest of the day constantly fixing the hijab if it got 'out of place'. It was frustrating... I didn't want to care so much! And not to mention my prayers would get disturbed as I constantly thought of how many guys looked at me, or this and that. Then school began to be a real problem. Although I was shy and never had a slip-up of my morals, boys always bothered me, stalked me till my home even! It was really just disturbing. I eventually left school, and started home schooling instead. I was really depressed about staying home, as I would not be able to get out as often. But THIS is what changed my life, and I only know it now! I wanted to get closer to Allah, to get through my depressions, to just find peace. 

By now I wore Abaya and Hijab everywhere. But that just didn't cut it for me. I still got the same attention. I did not want to sin, because I knew my gaze would wander if I got such attention. Soon enough, Allah gave me a solution. My sister introduced to me the Niqab, the miracle, my peace. It was as if I was invisible, like I would get my work done with zero disturbances. Finallyy! 

To make such changes was Alhamdulillah very easy for me because I had 2 other sisters who went through the same phases as me. We were always together where ever we would go, and it was easy to be bold. People who knew us from before looked at us with respect, respect for our brave decision. I'm proud of myself and how much I have evolved! It all took time, but I finally got the peace I was looking for. Because no guy wants to bother the 'too good girl'. I mean, there was no fun in that right? Heck, I say that's just GREAT! This is a part of me now, my identity. Now that I feel firm in my faith, I'm ready to go back to America, In sha Allah, and be an inspiration to all my sisters in Islam! What better way is there to do Jihad, than to show the harsh disbelievers how much pride I have in my religion? 

This piece of cloth sisters, changed my life! It made my faith strong in so many levels, it's just unexplainable! It's my protection, my reminder to be aware of my actions, and I won't doubt that this very well acts as a reminder to the brothers as well SubhanAllah! 

Thanks for reading my story and please make Dua for me :) May Allah give us all courage and guide us unto the straight path.


Note: If you would like to share your Hijab or Niqab stories or experiences, send us an email on niqablovers@gmail.com and share your story to inspire Muslimahs all over!

YOUR UKHT FROM TURKEY

GUEST POST 

I was born and raised in the Netherlands and began wearing Hijab on the first day of Ramadan of 1996, after my grandpa died. He always asked me so caring and softly "Why don't you cover your hair my daughter?"

His death would become my birth Alhamdulillah.. May Allah Ta'la reward him with Jannah. They were the ones that knew little but worshiped a lot, while we are the opposite! May Allah Ta'ala guide us.
Alhamdulillah, little by little I learned about my Deen. I tried to practice that which Allah Ta'ala taught me and I know that real knowledge can grow only by practicing what you learn.Sincerity is the most important thing in our worshiping Allah Ta'ala, for those are the ones Satan has no power over!

I became friends with an Egyptian sister named Soha. She was married with a Dutch revert mashaaAllah.
So when she came visit us one day we had a conversation about the Niqab. She wasn't sure about the necessity of it, while I in fact, was ready with my proof that it must be fard. And I wasn't even wearing one, SubhanAllah! My so-called proofs were in fact just a few things I read about it but that made me think. For example, why should Rasulullah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam tell the women in Ihraam to uncover their faces? Hmm, so they must have been covering them! And so on, there are so many proofs that in fact this is the way most proper and pure to cover and the way Allah Ta'ala wishes from us. I can't remember which examples I exactly gave her.

However, a few weeks later on the phone my dear sister Soha was thanking me for opening her eyes and that she is wearing the Niqab now! "I always felt something was missing and I was afraid to die, but now I feel complete" She said.

And I was so happy for her and at the same time ashamed of myself! Convincing someone but not doing it yourself! SubhanAllah, I asked forgiveness from my Rabb.

This was at least ten years ago and until only two weeks ago I was carrying the burden of this incident and my guilt. Now I feel sooo relieved, Alhamdulillah! All the doubts I had, I now know it was all from my ego and Shaytaan!
All those years without Niqab, although I KNEW it was the only correct way of covering.. All the things told against Niqab, really they are so weak in evidence.! And you know? The ones who speak against it, THEY ARE NOT EVEN WOMEN!!!

Well, as a woman I can tell you it's time to speak up and tell those who are against Niqab that this is the only way you'll be released from your chains of slavery.
"What do OTHERS think about":
Your face
Your smile
Your cry
Your Hijab (does it suit?)
Your this and that!
It's all on the face SubhanAllah! What's more beautiful than the face?


Shaytaan will keep you busy with the non-mahram by constantly whispering you have to please others! If you agree or not. I was there! For too many years sisters.

But finally I feel free.

Alhamdulillah!

THE MOMENT I DECIDED TO WEAR THE NIQAB

It was the night of the 20th of December that Allah Ta'ala opened my heart and eyes, all praise to Him, when we were coming back from a visit.
This mashaaAllah old ukhti of ours, I told her that I wanted to wear Niqab but I was afraid of taking it off later. Afraid, especially, of my father's reaction (when I said this to my husband, he replied: "You have me, so what if he becomes angry? I am your HUSBAND" He encouraged me with this words.. Bi-idnillah! May Allah Ta'ala be pleased with him).
Afraid of getting problems during identification when needed.
Afraid I couldn't be able to breathe with it because of my asthma..
Soo many fears... Waswasa plenty, if you search for it! SubhanAllah.

My wise ukhti said: "If I were young I would certainly wear it. Don't hesitate!"
When I was leaving, I tried to cover my face just to try, but it didn't stay on its place, so I went without covering my face.  Then, when we were at the traffic lights waiting, and I felt the people in the car next to us staring at me (I wear black, which is rare enough here actually) and right at that moment I wished they couldn't see me. Yes 'me', that's MY FACE INDEED!

And that moment I took a step further towards hayaa/shyness, but actually to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala! Wallahi if we take only ONE step towards Him, He'll come much closer. I witnessed this so many times, Alhamdulillah. And if I can wish it's because of His wish. So He is the One and Only to be praised and to be thankful to.
 
Arriving home, I made more research and asked via Twitter for Duaa and one ukhti really encouraged me: "Trust Allah, don't think about the surroundings", she said and I felt I received many DuaaS from everyone and 22-12-2013, I FINALLY made up my mind Alhamdulillah!

May Allah swt be pleased with everyone that helped me and helps me with their precious words and their humble Duaas during my journey.

We are an Ummah which -IF UNITED- nobody can ever defeat, because Allah Ta'ala and His Angels will stand by our side! Who can defeat Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala? And only those who join us will understand us. And in fact, they wish that they were one of us too -Our Lord says it, just read the Quran with sincerity and He will open His doors for you. And be steadfast, be insisting towards Him! Really, HE is all that matters. His Pleasure... And He knows what our egos whisper, because He is nearer to us than we are to ourselves.

Make Duaa for me please, I'm new so inexperienced. I know I will have difficulties, but Allah is enough for us, and to HIM is our return.

Subhana Rabbika, Rabbil izzati ammaa yasifun wa salaamun alal mursaleen Wal hamdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen!

Salaam alaikum;

Note: If you would like to share your Hijab or Niqab stories or experiences, send us an email on niqablovers@gmail.com and share your story to inspire Muslimahs all over!

MY TOUGH YET FRUITFUL JOURNEY WITH HIJAB

GUEST POST

I'm Raudhah and I have been a Hijabi for 5 months. Before I wore the Hijab, I was contemplating on whether I should wear the Hijab because of a few factors.

1. How society would look at me.
2. How I wouldn't be able to wear headbands or braid my hair or show the world that I just did my hair.
3. How I would have to wear modest clothes and take care of my behaviour.

I really wanted to wear the Hijab but I was scared.
I began getting dreams about the Hijab. I dreamt that I was picking out the Hijab to wear and such.
Whenever I went out without wearing the Hijab, my heart started getting uneasy and I was not calm at all. I really pondered and pondered.

Finally, after asking for advice from my mum, Alhamdulillah I plucked up the courage to wear a shawl out. Everyone praised me for wearing the Hijab and encouraged me. I thank The Almighty for surrounding me with people who are very supportive.

Whenever I wear the Hijab now I feel really free. I don't fear non-mahram man looking at my body. I feel safe and protected. Masyallah :) And Allah helped me too. My wardrobe was full of tight fitting clothes. However, after I wore the Hijab, other Hijabis began giving clothes to me and Alhamdulillah Allah gave me rezeki to buy clothes that a Hijabi should wear.

I feel blessed as a Muslim. I hope this story inspires other females who are contemplating on whether or not they should wear the Hijab.

Note: If you would like to share your Hijab or Niqab stories or experiences, send us an email on niqablovers@gmail.com and share your story to inspire Muslimahs all over!

JOURNEY TOWARDS PEACE & SELF RESPECT

GUEST POST : Sister Ayesha's amazing Niqab story:

I started wearing Niqab when I was 16 years old. In the beginning, my parents were very happy.When I decided, by the Grace of Almighty Allah, to observe Niqab (Pardha) from all non-mahrams in my family as well, my whole family- parents,uncle & aunts suddenly turned against me.They tried to convince me that it is very difficult, and you can’t become a doctor & no one would like to marry you.

I like to mention here that I live in Islamic country. My aunts thought that I did it just to stay away from the family.But Allhamdullilah, Allah gave me courage to stand against all these hardships. Still my family has the same thinking about my Niqab but I don’t care. I only care about Who gave me hope when everyone left me. 

I got engaged 2 years back. But my in-laws keep on humiliating my Niqab. I keep quite but Allhamdullilah, I decided to end up this proposal for Sake Of Allah. Allhamdullilah, I am doctor now. I graduated from top merit university of Pakistan. I must say that I am not hardworking, but it just possible because of Allah’s Mercy. 

Allhamdullilah, now has been 9 years and I must say it's a great blessing indeed! It's a pride of a Muslim woman.
I like to share this that whenever I get stuck in a difficult situation, and I feel like it's difficult to face people, I offer 2 rakats Salat e Hajat, and Allhamdullilah everything settles down.

I also like to mention here that in my medical school, one of my professors insulted me in front of the entire class just because of my Niqab. On many occasions in my med school, I faced humiliation but these hardships strengthen your Eman.

My family still asks me why I can’t leave my Niqab for few months so that I could get married & then follow it. But I simply refused. I have strong Faith every thing will be fine one day, Inshallah.

May Allah help us in every difficulty of life & strengthen our Eman. We are here in this world for a test of our faith. In this world, it's not only all about blessings but also hardships which are just a test of our faith & we'll get rewarded in Jannah, InshAllah :) 

In short, what matters for a Muslim is Allah. If we have a strong a bond with Allah, this temporary world & its hardship doesn't matter at all :)

Note: If you would like to share your Hijab or Niqab stories or experiences, send us an email on niqablovers@gmail.com and share your story to inspire Muslimahs all over!