IN THE SHOES OF A HIJABI/NIQABI

So the Hijaab and the Niqaab- the topic that always seems to be on the spotlight when it comes to Muslim woman and is seen as a worldwide symbol of subjugation, oppression and backwardness. A piece of cloth that screams "I'm oppressing the one who is wearing me!". The cloth that that says "I'm uneducated, limited, forced into wearing it by my male-dominated religion". 

So yes, this is the Hijab and Niqab in the eyes of many non-Muslims. But are they the ones who are wearing it? Do they know for a minute how it feels to be wearing it? Do they understand how it feels when you want to wear it but people who you know nothing about and who know nothing about you suddenly feel like they have all the rights to demand you to wear what they want?

Let me show you what it's like to be a Hijabi/Niqabi. No, no, no, no... Don't freak out. I know you might be disgusted with the very idea of even putting on Hijab/Niqab *virtually* but just step into our shoes for a moment. You might just begin to understand us.

In the shoes of a Hijabi/Niqabi

You choose to wear the Hijab/Niqab because it is a personal choice and yet, people think you are forced into wearing it. 
Each time you step outside, you have to endure taunts and insults and you are constantly being jeered at for doing something you want to do. 
You wear the Hijab/Niqab and they claim that it subjugates you and you know that it's only a form of freedom for you. 
They say you are oppressed and yet, they oppress you by questioning your rights to wear what you want. 
And on top of that, they claim that you are accepting slavery when you know that by wearing the Hijab/Niqab, you have never felt more free. 

You feel free by wearing your tank top and shorts. We feel free by wearing the Hijab/Niqab. I mean just think about it- how would you feel if a person suddenly comes out of the blue and decides that he/she has all the rights in the world to tell you what is freedom and what is oppression. We all have a brain of our own and we are capable of thinking on our own, thank you very much. So yeah, what you think is oppression is my freedom and what you think is freedom is my oppression. This is how humans are. We are different, we have different ideas and we have different opinions. Be mature enough to embrace that.

But please, keep your opinions to yourself. What makes you think you have the right to force people to thinking in your way? Turn the tables around and a bit and give people their own freedom. Don't claim to be liberating them by forcing them to remove what they want to wear and then clap yourself on the back and say "Hey, I liberated that oh so poor oppressed soul by just forcing her to remove what she loves to wear which by the way is oppressive and I'm only doing her a favour by liberating her of that creepy piece of oppressive material". 

Does is make sense? Of course not. I'm as baffled as you.

Think from a Hijabi's/Niqabi's perspective for just a moment. She has a heart and she has a voice. Let that be heard as well. If wearing the Hijab/Niqab is her form of freedom, then please, have the simple decency of giving her the freedom she wants.

INTERVIEW : AN INSPIRING YOUNG NIQABI

 

 

Assalamu Aleikum,
This is an interview I had with sister Juwayriyah.She has a blog mashallah and it is very beneficial here is the link to anyone who is interested in reading it: notafragileflower.wordpress.com

Jazakallah for your participation and patience. I hope we all benefit from this wonderful interview. May Allah bless and guide you.

Tell us a little about yourself?
 

I'm an eighteen year old American girl- (not your average one, I'm afraid) Interested in art, writing, reading, and human rights....I lived in Yemen for nearly ten years before returning here and growing up. I wear the niqab, which I guess is pretty unusual, but I'm proud of being unusual. I was homeschooled by my mother and am hoping to get my 'government approved' diploma this year.

What inspired you to wear the niqab?
 

My mother and older sister. I wanted to be just like them when I started wearing it....I remember being so proud when I got my first niqab. Now that I'm older I realize there's more to it than 'being like Ummi' but I feel the same about it.

How old were you when you started wearing the niqab?

Maybe nine? But at that point it wasn't something I had to do. I didn't realize how unusual that was until we came back here.

A lot of people tend to believe that wearing the niqab is a barrier for education, work, and social life. What are your thoughts on this?

As for work and education, I believe anything you can do in khimar you can do in niqab too. It's not seen here so often, of course, but in Yemen doctors and teachers and students all wore the niqab (around men, of course) and no one batted an eye. About social life- often it's up to to you to make people feel comfortable, but once they get that you're just a girl like all the other girls, things are fine.

You live in a Muslim minority country. Is wearing the niqab difficult there?
 

I also live in a practically zero-Muslim area in America! However- surprisingly -not particularly, I don't think. I don't go to school, so I was spared that, and It's usually nothing worse than the occasional ninja remark. You have a consciousness of being different, but it's not that hard for me. I've also learned not to judge people at a glance- some of the unlikeliest people have been the loveliest.

How do you feel when people react negatively towards you wearing the hijab and niqab?
 

Usually it just passes me by. I've gotten used to it......usually the rudest people are cowards and refuse to make eye contact, so it's just kind of pesky. I've never felt physically threatened; however, the most disturbing incident was one man who said he was going to shoot me. It was just a nasty over the shoulder comment, but I think that's the worst I've got. I feel like I belong here too, so they can just keep away if they don't like it.

If someone approaches you asking you why you wear the niqab. How would you respond to them?
 

We are told to cover our beauty to avoid causing or falling into wrong, and this is how I believe is the best way. It also brings us closer to Allah and further from trying to please the people, and I think that is the greatest kind of freedom.

How do you feel you have changed after you started wearing the niqab?

Honestly, I can't pinpoint something exact; it was just such a normal step towards growing up. One thing I can say is people always think I'm older than I am (which is okay for now, but in ten years-) and because my mother taught me to hold my head up and follow my convictions I do earn respect- from others and myself. But since I came here and was forced to defend the step I think it has made me a stronger person- since I got through the doubt and came out on top.

What advice would you give to young muslim women wanting to wear the hijab or niqab but are afraid to do so?

I tell myself that the pleasure of Allah is worth unimaginably more than the pleasure of the people-or yourself- but it's not always that easy. I understand being afraid of scaring people off or even angering your family, and it's not easy. But I think in the end the people who are worth it will accept you- as a person, not a niqab or hijab. I don't want to stand before Allah and have nothing to say- nothing except excuses, which are worth nothing. And since you never know when that will be, don't wait. Also that there are so many of us out there that will offer you strength and a proverbial shoulder to cry on , so if you need help, don't hesitate to ask. We are your sisters.

Tell us more about your blog

Well, I started it because I thought there were too few blogs out there that showed our side of things. Nobody really wants to listen, but if we make enough noise, someone will listen. Everyone wants to weigh in on the niqab debate (not burqa, people!) but too few of us who actually wear it are invited to say what we want the world to hear. I decided to invite myself. I might regret it. It's also about some other things I think need discussion (none of that yet) and poetry which I took the plunge and decided to share and see if I'm really a horrible poet. Oh, and it's called notafragileflower.wordpress.com

The Quran is beautiful, but we always have that one verse which is special to our hearts. What is yours?

I think the ayah I love best is about the believers, when Allah says-
(And when they hear Al Laghw (dirty, false, evil talk) they with draw from it and say- "To us our deeds and to you your deeds. Peace be to you. We seek not the ignorant.") It contains so much grace in it, and too few of us have try to have that grace and peace with other today. My favourite Surah is Surat Yusuf... it's such a truly beautiful story and an example for us all.

Any niqabi incidents you would like to share?

Eating a melting ice cream cone with my squirming babysitting charge on my lap- and his melting ice cream cone in my other hand. Suffice to say, It. Was. A. Disaster. Fortunately I was going home afterwards, not the other way around. I would have been too ashamed to appear in public in that mess! :).. Moral of the story: Don't get two ice cream cones on a hot day, because you won't have a hand to lift your niqab.

Your parting words

Always remember why you're doing something. If you're doing it for Allah, you'll be the winner. 

 

Note: If you would like to be interviewed for our blog, leave us an email on niqablovers@gmail.com and we'll get back to you, In Sha Allah. Sisters only.

OF SELFIES AND POUTING HIJABIS

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

[al-Ahzaab 33:59] 

One thing that has not been understood by Muslims and non-Muslims is in relation to the Hijab. While the non-Muslims are quick to pounce on Hijabis/Niqabis with the infamous "oppressed/backward/slave" tag, sadly, even Muslims need to understand the concept of Hijab properly.

The biggest misconception is that people believe that the Hijab is just the headscarf and once you don that, you have fulfilled the obligation of wearing the Hijab. Sisters, you know as well as I do that this is not true. Hijab is so much more than just the scarf you wrap around your head. It's a set of morals and a code of conduct. This is the Hijab the Quran tells us about

“And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts”

[al-Ahzaab 33:53] 

An important note here: I've heard a lot of people comment on this Ayah saying that it applies only to the wives of the Prophet Salallahu alaihi wasallam. So here's my question: If Allah has commanded this for the wives of our Prophet, then what is the case with us? Do we think we are better than the Ummahatul Mu'mineen that we don't need to follow this Ayah?

So, this is where the topic really heats up. Is it ok for Muslimahs to upload pictures of themselves online? If Allah has commanded that we Muslimahs should speak from behind a screen and that this is purer for our hearts and for their's, then I'll let you think for yourself about publicly uploading your pictures online.Just think of it: there are probably hundreds of online psychopaths who are probably staring hard at the picture you uploaded right now! *shudder*

Before jumping into conclusions that I am an extremist, let me make things clear. This is a really wide topic so please make sure that you read it right up to the end before coming to any conclusion.

Uploading pictures online has taken huge leaps and is still taking, in fact. Hijabis uploading pictures of themselves with their faces dolled up with make-up and with their hair uncovered in some cases too. And more recently, the obsession with the pout and selfies. Need I even mention what a provocative pose the pout is and what kind of respect are we giving the Hijab if we pout with the Hijab and upload those pictures online? I don't meant to be harsh, but what do you really expect out of uploading your pictures online? Is a few likes and "MashaAllah's" really worth it when you are displeasing Allah? This also applies to a few Niqabis who upload their pictures online with their eyes heavily made up. I'm not giving away Fatwas or anything like that because of course, I have no authority to do so. But just think for yourself- do you think it's a good thing to do and what do you really gain by it?

For the Sake of Allah sisters, read this with an open mind. It may be that you are not aware of the dangers you are causing to yourself and the people who are actually viewing your picture. It is true that just like women, men need to lower their gaze, but aren't we responsible for what we give them to gaze at? And if they gaze at our pictures (which is obviously a huge possibility given the fact that we have probably uploaded our best picture), shouldn't we share the burden of that sin too? Trust me on this sisters: It is NOT worth it!

While I am at it, I really need to point out another thing to the brothers. Please make it easier for the sisters to lower their gaze online too because lowering the gaze is a command for the women just as it is for the men. 

Like I mentioned at the start of the post, some of you might want to lash out at this being too extreme, but please remember what Allah says in the Quran about Shaytan making our deeds fair seeming to us. 

"... but Satan made their deeds attractive to them" [Quran 16: 63]

"And the record [of deeds] will be placed [open], and you will see the criminals fearful of that within it, and they will say, "Oh, woe to us! What is this book that leaves nothing small or great except that it has enumerated it?" And they will find what they did present [before them]. And your Lord does injustice to no one." [Quran 18: 49]

And what will Shaytan who tempted us to upload our pictures online say on that Day?

"And Satan will say when the matter has been concluded, "Indeed, Allah had promised you the promise of truth. And I promised you, but I betrayed you. But I had no authority over you except that I invited you, and you responded to me. So do not blame me; but blame yourselves" [Al Quran 14: 22]

On that day, we are going to regret, but how will that regret benefit us? Change yourself today, and In Sha Allah on the Day of Reckoning, we will be free from any regret, In sha Allah.

Here is a really detailed explanation on the Ruling on a woman uploading her picture on Facebook

May Allah give us all understanding of Deen and if I have offended anyone with this post, I'm really sorry. Just feel like this is something I had to talk about.

WHO IS NIQABLOVERS AND WONDERFUL NEW ANNOUNCEMENT!

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu,

I'm really excited for this post because of a wonderful new announcement... Well, I'll get to that in just a while In sha Allah.

Unveiling NiqabLovers

To start off, a lot of people have asked me how I started the Niqab Lovers twitter page and blog. There was way more than just one person involved in it. I had some good Twitter friends on my personal Twitter account and I don't remember exactly how, but I got into an argument with someone about the Niqab. They said it was oppressive, I argued and said it wasn't and you know with an online argument... It just keeps going. So thankfully, my twitter buddies joined in and we started talking about how we can sort of create an awareness about the Niqab and clear the misconceptions about it. The thing is, most the girls were non-Niqabis but the support they gave has taken Niqab Lovers to where it is today, Alhamdulillah. Munazza from India, Sameeha from Bangladesh, Munna from New Zealand, Aisha from Sri Lanka and Ifrah from India, together with my sisters Ashfa and Zahra (who now has her own Twiter Dawah page and blog Islamic Truths) decided to start a Twitter page. Also, thanks to my oldest sister Nashra for her ideas, support and tweets. 

We decided on the name Niqab Lovers and started it straight away. The first few days, all of us were busy on Twitter trying to get people aware of the page, etc and everyone contributed in tweeting. They started it off and I've continued it. They haven't been able to tweet after that but may Allah bless all of them for their support and help and grant them goodness in this world and in the Hereafter. 

If it wasn't for their ideas and shoutouts and of course Allah's help, the page would have stopped a long time back.

Anyway, throughout these four years, the Niqab Lovers journey has been an impressive one Alhamdulillah. I've had lots support (yes, from non-Muslims as well). A lot of them have tweeted me and asked me to carry on with what I'm doing and I've even had emails from non-Muslims who have supported the Niqab. There was a Christian brother who wrote me a extremely beautiful email about the Niqab and it was so humbling to read how much he admired sisters wearing the Niqab. May Allah guide him!

SubhanAllah, sometimes, we are so narrow-minded that we think if one non-Muslim hates the Niqab, we sort of put the rest of them in the same line. I did a online survey collecting the opinions of what non-Muslims thought of the Niqab and SubhanaAllah, the results were beautiful. You can read it here: SURVEY RESULTS: WHAT NON-MUSLIMS SAY ABOUT THE NIQAB

That's as far as the support goes. Naturally, when you involve in Dawah, you expect criticism and I've had my fair share of it. In fact, what's most disheartening is that majority of the criticism I've had has been from Muslims. 

Also, I've actually lost count of how many people have accused me of being a man masquerading as a woman just to subjugate women into wearing the Niqab so here I go. Sorry to disappoint those who thought I was a man! Sometimes I wonder if people are shallow-minded to think that we Niqabis don't have a voice and if we do voice out our opinions, they come up with the most absurd reactions!

I've talked about the Team Niqab Lovers but as for me. Well this is sort of awkward to introduce me... I'm Afra, from Sri Lanka. Eek, that was weird :|

Anyway, the NiqabLovers journey has been tremendous. I initially started the page to create awareness about the Niqab, tell people about how liberating the Niqab is, speak on behalf of all Niqabis that we wear what we want to wear as a choice and it was not forced and that we deserve our rights. I tried to enlighten people but I sort of enlightened myself in the end. Reading through all the messages, emails and stories, and writing my thoughts out has opened my eyes on how beautiful the Niqab actually is and now, the Niqab means so much more to me. 

I'd be missing out on such an important part of this journey if I don't mention all those sisters who have volunteered to be interviewed for the blog and contributed in guest posts and who have taken the time to share their stories, experiences and views. The blog wouldn't have gotten anywhere without you people :) 
You can read all the interviews that we had here: Interviews
And the guest posts here:  Guest Posts
And also for everyone on Twitter for the retweets and shoutouts. Jazakallah khair! :)

Thank you for being part of NiqabLovers! Also, for all those who have emailed me and encouraged me, you can't possibly imagine how much that has helped me. Thank you so much for the Duaas! 

A person emailed me about a year back and told me he would like to offer some financial help for the blog. SubhanAllah, there are people out there who'd do a lot to discourage you and your Dawah but also know that their criticism is weak and short-lived. But the support that people give is deep and so strong. May Allah reward all of them.

From being invited to feature in documentaries, live TV and radio channels to featuring on online magazines, NiqabLovers has come a long way from where we initially thought it would. That's how much Allah will help and support you.

For sisters and brothers who want to start an awareness or Dawah page, by all means do. It would bring about a change in someone else but above all, it will bring about a huge change in you. All of us have our own social media accounts and we can do Dawah even from there. Just think about it- If you post a reminder to recite Surah Kahf on Friday, someone reads that and that actually recite it, imagine the rewards you're going to be getting? Put it in this perspective: We all know how long Surah Kahf is and if one letter (not word, a single letter) carries the reward of 10 good deeds, how much would you be left with if you recite he entire Surah Kahf. And that's how much you will get if you inspire someone to recite is as well. That's how appreciative Allah is of even the little good that we do.

And yes, you are going to have to be strong and shoulder the criticisms and insults of a few shallow-minded people but know that there are countless amazing people out there who will continue to support and make Duaa for you. Start any good in the Name of Allah, expect His reward only and His Help and He will definitely send help exactly when you need it. And more than all, it would be worth it.

This is where Allah sent along one of the greatest help Alhamdulillah. You must have read the post about my blog hiatus and how I have sort of struggled with finding time to blog more frequently with work, studies, anxiety and also another project I've taken up. Well, a few weeks back, a sister emailed me and said she would like to volunteer. I replied asking if she wanted to contribute for an interview or blog post and I'll be honest- I was secretly hoping that she wanted to volunteer to posting on the blog and YESSS! That's precisely what she wanted to do so yeah, that's my huge announcement.

I'VE GOT A CO-BLOGGER, ALHAMDULILLAH!!!


Hafsa, over to you.

Assalamu Aleikum, My name is Hafsa Salah. I am currently residing in Egypt and I am a student attending an arabic institute. And I am also a Niqabi. In sha Allah I will be participating in this blog with sister Afra as her new co-blogger in sha Allah.The main reason I want to join this blog is for the sake of Allah, to gain reward from Allah and to benefit others and myself.

Like all muslim women today, I want to shed light upon misconceptions and misunderstanding people have against niqab, hijab and women in Islam.In sha Allah I am interested in writing articles about modesty, islam or anything my sisters require of me that I have knowledge of. May Allah reward you all.

In sha Allah, the blog will be updated more frequently now. Please make Duaa for us! There are days when it all seems too tiring but if you're firm in doing what you what you want to, Allah will send His help.

Once again, just want to remind that we are still open for interviews and guest posts so feel free to contribute. Also, if you have any suggestions for any topics that we should write on, let us know. Feel free to email us on niqablovers@gmail.com




 

INTERVIEW: A BEAUTIFUL NIQAB JOURNEY

Assalamu Alaikum Warhmatullahi Wabarakatuhu,

Just coming out of a long blog break and Jazakallah khair for the messages sisters! It's really your Duaas and support that keeps this blog going. Yes well, somewhat going but I'm working on it! ;)

Anyway, this is an interview I had some time back with Sister Adrie Hurmathullah. This should have been posted a while back but as you know, I've been a terrible procrastinator. Jazakallah khair for the lovely interview sister and Jazakallah khair for your patience! 

Do read through this amazing interview. There's a lot of inspiration and advice you can get from it, In Shaa Allah.


Tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Adrie Hurmathullah and for the past few years I have been trying to figure out who I am as in: where do I see myself in the next few years, how I can improve my religion and help people to better understand it, and lots more! You can kind of say I'm overwhelmed with over thinking most of the time.

How long has it been since you've been wearing the Hijab?

Although I have been Muslim from a very young age, I hadn't began wearing hijab until I was sixteen and then recently decided that I wanted to wear niqab. I hadn't known that I would be so comfortable with doing so since I don't like the attention (I'm very shy and quiet) but its an amazing journey that I don't regret.

You now wear the Niqab. What made you take the extra step?

When first wearing niqab I would say I got my inspiration from watching my first YouTube video. Although my Nanni wore it occasionally, I was a little embarrassed to ask her and my mum. However, there was a girl around my age at the time who spoke of the importance of niqab and it being fardh.

Was it a difficult transition, going from a Hijabi to a Niqabi?

In the beginning it was a little difficult since I lost even more friends because they believed I had radical terrorist groups. But I took baby steps each day from occasionally wearing niqab to wearing it entirely EVERYDAY.

A lot of people tend to believe that wearing the Niqab is a barrier for education, work and social life. What are your thoughts on this?

To be honest, wearing niqab hasn't prohibited me from receiving a higher education. I am currently in Uni and the city I live in has a large population of Muslims and beautiful mosque. But it also depends on the environment and the individual. One problem that I have had lately is finding a job. Most people refuse or oppose hiring Muslim women due to the scarf and wearing niqab makes it a little more complicating. But in shaa Allah, I will be starting my own business soon which will eliminate the current troubles.

You live in a Muslim minority country. Is wearing the Niqab difficult there?

Unfortunately, a lot of Muslims in the US are being blamed for the actions of others. Some Muslims are also discouraged from following Islam as a whole. But I personally don't allow it to get beneath my skin. I keep mind that Allah is the all-knowing creator and whatever situations we experience is for a reason. It's important to remember this world, the Dunya, is only temporary and as a Muslim I am striving for something far more rewarding.

Is there any Niqab incident that you would like to share?

About a month ago I went into a store to purchase lunch. But I was told to leave or remove my veil. If I hadn't, the police would be notified immediately and I would be put in jail. But that is illegal here since a store is at fault for denying a person service because of their faith or opinion.

What is your best Niqab/Hijab moment?

My best niqab moment is everyday when my husband looks at me and tells me that I am even more beautiful with niqab and that he admires my dedication to Islam.

How do you feel you have changed after you started wearing the Niqab?

I am less self conscious about my appearance face wise. I don't have to cover myself with make-up and wonder what others will think. I am more confident and focused. 

If there are sisters that want to wear the Niqab but are afraid of doing so, what would your advice to them be?

Niqab isn't something that happens overnight to get use to. It takes time to adjust but if it's something you want to do then do it. Other people's thoughts and concerns shouldn't be yours because it is your life. People will continue to judge and mock you until the day you die. Niqab is a good thing. 

How do you think that Niqabis should deal with any hate?

Hatred is caused by ignorance and misconception. You cannot make someone see what has always been in front of their faces. Even when the resources are provided they'll continue to refuse. The only way to cure hatred is with kindness, love and forgiveness.

Niqab and freedom. This is something non-Muslims have misunderstood terribly. How do you feel that wearing the Niqab makes you feel free?

Wearing the niqab is an act of freedom. Each person has always been entitled to their own views and to dress as they pleased. Niqab is just the same for me, and in shaa Allah my sisters will be given the same freedom to make choices that are suitable for them.

Note: If you would like to be interviewed for our blog, leave us an email on niqablovers@gmail.com and we'll get back to you, In Sha Allah. Sisters only.

BLOG HIATUS, PERSONAL PROBLEMS AND COMFORT FROM THE QURAN

Assalamu Alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu everyone!

Finally, I decided to end the impossibly long blog hiatus. I'm so sorry for not updating the blog since July last year. I've been procrastinating for such a long time and just when I wanted to start blogging again, I had to go through one of the most personally trying times of my life.

2016 started off as a tough year for me. My parents are MashaAllah, very healthy and particularly my father. He rarely ever sees the doctor and when he got hospitalized, it was so difficult for my family. My mother got hospitalized and released from the hospital just days before my father got hospitalized and with both of them at the hospital, I was so emotionally drained. Personally, I've been having some anxiety issues and I've had to take medication. It actually comes a strange thing because I used to not be the type of person who gets anxious easily... Anyway, through all this, you wouldn't believe how miraculous Dhikr has been. One of my favourite verses from the Quran has been:

"Unquestionably, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest"

And honestly, I didn't know how true it has been until my heart actually did find rest in the Quran. Alhamdulillah, I have been listening to the Tafseer of the Quran online and it has been a wonderful journey which I'm sure is only going to be greater as I keep learning. As a born Muslim, I did know the Quran is the word of Allah and I'm sure a lot of us just accept that without actually trying to find out why it's the Word of Allah and what makes it so miraculous. After studying the Tafseer, it's amazing to understand just how profound a single letter in the Quran is and trust me when I say this: the translation of the Quran can never do justice to the beauty of the language in the Quran. Please start studying the Tafseer of the Quran and I promise, it will add so much of value to your life.

Coming back to personal issues, one verse that has now become one of my favourite verses is:

And to Allah belongs the east and the west. So wherever you [might] turn, there is the Face of Allah. Indeed, Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing. Al Quran 2;115

The reason why this is one of the most precious verses in the Quran for me is because when you ponder over it, you come to realize that if the east and the west belongs to Allah and if He can take care of it all, then surely, nothing that we want can be too much for Allah to answer. And surely, our problems cannot be greater than the East and the West and Allah, being the All-Encompassing and the All-Knowing, knows me, knows what I want and knows how to answer my Duaas. Alhamdulillah!

We search for so much of inspiration from so many other sources but the inspiration you are looking for is in the Quran. Study it and that will be enough for you to get through with you life.

Through all the problems that we face in life, just remember that Allah will never test us with more than what we can bear. 

"Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear" Al Quran

If Allah has put you through some difficulty, know that He can also bring you out of that difficulty and it's not difficult for Him to do so. Call upon Allah by His grandest names Al-Hayy (The Ever-Living) and Al-Qayyum (The One who establishes everything) and He will never disappoint you. Learn the Ayatul Kursi as well and the inspiration we can find it in is absolutely mind-blowing! 

Even in the darkest of nights, when there is no one to listen to your worries, Al-Hayy is always there to listen to you. If you feel like everything is collapsing right beneath your feet, know that Al-Qayyum, the one who has established, establishes and will establish everything there is, can certainly make your situation good as well. To Allah belongs everything that is in the heavens and everything in the earth, and we cannot even imagine the scope of that, and if He does not tire in looking after all of it, what makes you think Allah will tire of your Duaas? If nothing escapes the knowledge of Allah, if He hears the black ant crawling under a black rock in the blackest of nights, what make you think He is not aware of your situation? People may not understand you, but Allah does so don't ever feel shy to talk to Him, pour your heart out to Him and ask Him. 

This year has been difficult for me, but Alhamdulillah, Allah got me through the problems and now, I'm eagerly waiting for the ease after the difficulty. This is something He has promised in the Quran and I know it is around the corner, In sha Allah :)

"Surely with every difficulty there is relief. Surely with every difficulty there is relief." Al Quran

You may be going through something difficult in your life as well and it's ok to break down. In fact, do break down in front of Allah, ask Him for help and it will comes in ways that you can never expect. Know your Allah and know that He is a Lord that never fails to respond. And be at peace and wait for that relief that Allah has promised. It might not come immediately, but it will definitely come. Allah knows the best way, best time and best place to grant that relief to you.

Do remember me in your Duaas and Jazakallah khair for the emails and Duaas. If it wasn't for those, I probably would never have come out of my hiatus!

DEAR WOMEN, KNOW YOUR WORTH

“Allah does not look at your figures, nor at your attire but He looks at your hearts [and deeds].” [Muslim]

It's ironic how some people talk of Islam as though women have been given no rights at all and that being brought up to live with modesty, associate only with the men that matter in our lives (our mahrams), wearing the Hijab/Niqab and getting married and caring for children is like living a caged up life. What's more ironic is that the same people who portray this false image of Muslim women are the ones who are, more often than not, leading a purposeless life.

Allah has created us for a purpose- which is to worship Him- and we simply can't forget about our purpose of existence and live life to the fullest, because as they say 'You life only once'. I'm not saying that you shouldn't live life to the fullest. Of course we should because this life is a gift from Allah to us, but we must never forget our main purpose which is to worship Him. If we wake up each day with no purpose to drive us, it's natural that we'll be like the walking dead and getting through a day will turn out to be a chore. Living with no restrictions and believing that this is freedom is absolutely foolish. Why? Because everything has its limits and so does freedom. When you exceed that limit, you can never make sense of your life.

What I'm trying to talk about here is that people, women in particular, don't realize their worth. We happen to blindly believe in whatever that we see on the media and movies and we tend to believe that that is life. Well you know what? It's not. It's all one huge lie and if we fall into that trap, then Shaitan has won won us over, Na'oozhubillah.

There is a reason why I say that what you see on the media are lies. How many times have we heard of celebrities suffering from depression and anxiety, which has even lead to suicide. Think of it- these celebrities apparently have everything they need: beauty, money, status, fame and of course, their freedom. Then why do they fall into depression? Everything that they have cannot keep them happy because they are straying away from the purpose of their creation. We have been created to obey and worship Allah and this is what our hearts yearn for. It's the Fitrah in which every single person is created with. So when we deprive ourselves of this, we get depressed and in extreme cases, even suicidal.

Pictures of celebrities and models are all over the web and on newspapers and even on the media, they are spoken of as mere entertainment and sexual objects. What's more, there is an entire community behind them that is dedicated solely to carefully scrutinizing and condemning the bodies of celebrities and models when they fail to get back in shape one month after giving birth or if they wear something which clearly doesn't meet the fashion standards of the current time or if their makeup isn't right or their skin has started sagging... I mean, you get the picture. A woman has no right over how she can behave and dress. Everything should be within the framework of fashion and when society dictates the way a woman must dress or be, then seriously, that is what is true oppression.

This kind of scrutiny is allowed and even welcomed by the media but how is that when it comes to a Muslim woman who chooses to cover herself with modesty and guard her chastity, it immediately opens up a plethora of opinions where they claim that Islam oppresses women.

In Islam, we women know our worth. 

We refuse to bow down to the fashion of this world. Our submission is not to fashion nor is it to the media. It is only to Allah and this is the kind of freedom that brings immeasurable peace to our hearts.

We refuse to live by the kind of freedom portrayed by the media where the more skin you show, the more freedom people tend to think we are. No matter what anyone says, freedom can only truly be felt through modesty and people are going to respect you only if you respect yourself and your body. 

We refuse to have pre-marital or extra-marital affairs where a woman if used up shamelessly by a man she hardly knows and then tossed over like some object that is not valued. We Muslim women uphold our chastity and modesty where we are respected for who we are. 

We refuse to feel precious by caking ourselves with layers of makeup and then falling hopelessly depressed when we look at ourselves in the mirror without any makeup. The beauty standards of Islam teaches us to be happy in our own skin and we don't have to put up a fake makeup-ed face to feel confident and good.

Our freedom lies in obeying Allah, being modest and comfortable with who we are and we refuse to be subservient to fashion or men. We know our worth.