INTERVIEW: THE LIFE & FREEDOM OF A NIQABI

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu!

It's been really amazing to have had the opportunity to interview so many Muslimahs, and Subhanallah, it's all so enlightening. Personally, I've learned so much through all the interviews (and still learning in fact- there's another interview to follow soon, In sha Allah).

So, here's an amazing interview. Do read it and may Allah help all those who are reading to benefit, In sha Allah!

Tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Kareema Badawi. I am 18, African American/Egyptian, born and raised in Washington, DC. I attend a community college and work in a library in the children's section. I am studying early childhood education with plans to either own my own daycare or teach children somewhere in the world.

Wearing the Hijab to high school/college in a non-Muslim country is always a challenge. How difficult was it for you?

I started wearing Hijab a few weeks after I graduated high school. I did not come from a diverse or open minded school system. Everyone was African American and Christian. My brother and I were always the only Muslims in our schools, and I was the lightest skinned person in school which caused frequent bullying. After prom I realized I needed to gain confidence in my religion and start practicing it correctly because there was more to life than the life I was living. The summer before I began college I started wearing hijab. I was shocked and grateful to Allah that my college had more Muslims than I had ever seen in my living areas and school systems. I assume because my college is in Maryland (in a very diverse part). There were a handful of Muslims out of the whole school but it made me feel comfortable not to be the only Muslim girl like I had been my whole life. It was not difficult because my brother and mother were proud of me and I knew I was doing something to please Allah. I also see how my mom dresses and it was an example for me.

What advice would you give for Muslimahs who give up the Hijab because they feel uncomfortable being the only or one of the few Hijabis in their school?

Advice to hijabis who feel uncomfortable would be that you will honestly get more respect than lose any. Males will not treat you the same and females who act mean towards you because of it were not your true friends. If someone does not respect your Islam then they are not worth your precious time. Also, you never know who you can inspire by wearing hijab :)

How do you deal when people react negatively towards your wearing the Hijab and Niqab?

When people act negatively towards me wearing niqab I show them kindness and try to educate in small ways ;) I understand that non-muslims and muslims have negative views on Niqab and hijab. They may not understand what it is, think it is outdated, think it is extreme, etc.. I feel that I know why I wear it. Sunnah never gets outdated and I am not extreme for trying to please Allah. As long as I'm confident in what I'm doing, that is all that matters to me. I also view it as a dawah and knowledge opportunity. To show people that people who wear niqab are not oppressed, hostile, mean or whatever else they think negatively about Niqabis. That's what really keeps me going.

What inspired you to wear the Niqab?

I don't come from a predominately Muslim family. My mom converted in her 20s. She, my brother and I are the only muslims on her side. My dad's family is Muslim but I do not know them because he left home while we were young and eventually remarried. My mom was a single mother majority of our lives and was busy working a lot to provide for us. So I was not raised with all the Islamic knowledge and surroundings some people may have been exposed to since a young age, SubhanAllah. Because of this, when I began to practice Islam correctly after graduating I tried to research every bit of Islamic knowledge I could. I was thirsty (and still am) for Islamic knowledge and surroundings. 
My friend asked me one day "what do you think of niqab?" This made me think. I did not know anything really about niqab. I researched it and could not stop learning about it for a week straight. What really made me interested was the niqab ban in Britan. I wanted to know why these young females were so serious about wearing niqab. They were young, some in college, unmarried. It's not the criteria most people think of when picturing Niqab. After that, I began to research textual evidence and scholarly opinions on niqab. I was so fascinated by it. I stayed up at night researching it. One morning I woke up and said today is the day. I rushed to the store I get my oils and shea butter from, bought a niqab and went to my class that morning.

How did your family and friends react you you after you started wearing Niqab?

My mother and brother were scared for my safety. My brother was not aware of the textual evidences of it and began to think I was doing something not pertaining to Islam. After I showed him the evidences he became proud of me for doing something many females would not dare to do. My father does not live with us, so when he stopped by one day to see us, he was extremely upset. From that day he continuously harassed me about my decision, made fun of me, inferred that I was becoming a terrorist, etc. I stood firm to my decision and he calmed down a bit. He does not like going places in public with me anymore, he walks a distance. This made me sad. Then I realized, I should not have to flaunt my beauty in order to walk along side my father in public, SubhanAllah. My Christian Aunt is fascinated by it, especially my niqabs with embroidery. She always says how beautiful she thinks it is. My friends are all so supportive of it. Alhumdullillah for righteous friends.

What changes have you seen in yourself after wearing the Niqab?

I see that in myself I watch what I say and do in public a thousand times more than I did before. I do not attract unwanted male attention. I have a very friendly personality that used to cause males to think I was flirting with them. I notice that males do not think I'm flirting with them anymore like they used to and that makes me happy. I notice a humbleness because I am doing something that I sincerely pray Allah is pleased with.

A lot of people believe that wearing the Niqab is tough, particularly in a country where Muslims are at a minority. What is your experience?

I feel that everything in Islam is tough only if you put it in your head to believe it is. I get respect from males, so that's good. They do not look at me as beautiful or someone they want to flirt with. I get a lot of mistreatment from women, majority African American Christian women. But I'm used to it. If I was not muslim I would still get mistreated by them because I am very light skinned. People will always find something to treat you negatively for. It's up to you to surround yourself with people like that or to surround yourself with positive people. I choose to surround myself with positive people.

Many Muslimahs love to wear the Niqab, but the reaction of their friends and family put them off. Any words of advice for them?

My advice to sisters who get negative reactions from family and friends because of their decision to wear niqab is "every storm will pass". Stay firm, have a strong back bone and untouchable confidence in yourself and Islam. I strongly urge that all sisters stay involved in a mosque. Once a week activities have helped me tremendously. My friend began having once a week halaqas. It started small but it has grown into a success this past month, Alhumdullillah. I can honestly say the halaqas have helped all of the sister tremendously. As sisters, we need to be surrounded by the love of genuine sisterhood. Attain as much correct knowledge as possible about Islam so that you know your deen and can justify your actions. Give yourself time to think of every action as "will this benefit me on the day of judgment? Will my creator be pleased with this action?". If the answer is yes, don't let anyone put you down for it. Also, don't be afraid to be a friendly and sociable niqabi ;)

Anything you would like to say to future Niqabis?

Dear future Niqabi, don't be scared. Allah does not give his servants something they can not handle. If your intentions are correct and sincerely for the sake of Allah's pleasure, you will be fine Insha Allah Habibti :)

If there is one verse from the Quran you would like a non Muslim to read, what would it be?

Surah Noor, ayah 35. 

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things.

This ayah makes me emotional. The subject of guidance makes me so emotional because Allah could have left me astray. In this ayah when it says "light upon light. Allah guides to his light who he wills" it means so much to me. Allah is there, we can repent and change our ways any time. His light is so beautiful, pure and like no other. When a person is following Islam correctly for the sake of Allah you can see the light in that person. Guidance is just so dear to my heart because I don't know what I would be if Allah had not guided me back to His light. When I hear this verse in Arabic I can never abstain from crying. (Yes I'm very emotional lol).

Your message to the world as a Niqabi

Hey world! I do not bite. I am nice, friendly and actually love people! I love learning about people, different cultures, different religions, different ways of life. I am not married (in sha Allah one day I will be). No one in my family suggested or forced me to wear niqab. I do not sit home all day cleaning and cooking. I do not feel oppressed- instead I feel protected from sexual desires. I feel that my personality shines instead of my beautiful face and shapely body. My opinions are heard, not my beauty. I hope that the world can respect all niqabis and understand that every way of life is different. One way of life should not be shunned because of negative views in media or culture. I would hope that the world takes niqabis personal feelings towards niqab into consideration before listening to a different source of information.

*       *       *

May Allah reward you for your time and effort with the interview, Ukhty! May Allah make your words inspire Muslimahs all over the world. Aameen!



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.

INTERVIEW: HOW I FOUND MY FREEDOM THROUGH ISLAM

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu

I love reading stories about reverts to Islam describing their journey to Islam, and Alhamdulillah, this is such an amazing interview we had with a Muslimah. Do make sure you read it right up to the end, because trust me, it is such an inspirational one. MashaAllah!

So here it is:


TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO ISLAM

I lived a life knowing that God was one and in charge of me. I didn't really understand the significance of Jesus in Christianity. I would pray to God and end with "in Jesus' name" because that was what I was used to. Ironically I chose to get baptised at a young age but my mom prevented me because she wanted us to do it together. I lost that "high". I actually never liked church. My palms would sweat. We only went occasionally. What really got the ball running was when a former boyfriend, who is Catholic, asked me if I pray to God or Jesus, I said so quickly God. That's when I realized my faith didn't align with Christianity. 

So I spent a few years researching religion. I looked into afrocentric philosophy, which explained that the African race were gods and other pro-black blasphemy. I almost annihilated the existence of Jesus from my heart due to research that shows the parallel between what Christianity teaches and greek mythology. Which I later learned was due to Saul (Paul) teaching the gospel of Jesus (pbuh) to the gentiles and mixing their polytheism in it in order to convert them. The son of god and dying for sins is a story once told before, or whatever. But then Islam restored everything. I always admired the modesty and respected how Muslims revered God. I found the religion that only believed in God! So I studied here and there. I knew non-practicing Muslims. I spent 3 years yearning for Allah and trying to answer my fitrah. Ramadan 2012, I learned how to pray and when I moved to Charlotte in October 2012, I took shahadah.


WHAT CHANGES DO YOU SEE IN YOURSELF AFTER ACCEPTING ISLAM?

I have more discipline. Discipline is always something that I’ve admired amongst the Muslims, when I was a non-believer. My reliance on Allah and my understanding of life has become much clearer, which shows in the type of advice that I give to, not only my muslim peers, but to non-muslim peers as well. I have become more understanding; the way that Prophet Muhammad pbuh, gave daw’ah to people- based on their level of intellect- is how I strive to be. I focus more on living for al-akhirah and not so much for this dunya. I once obsessed over materialism, now I obsess over Islam. I choose my peers more wisely and even changed how I socialize with my family— it’s very difficult being the only Muslim in my family.


WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WEAR THE NIQAB?

During winter break one semester, I took a hijab and wrapped it around my head and my face. At the time I was intrigued by Bedouin ways of wrapping the head and dress. I had even purchased an agal to accessorize my hijab, although I knew that it was an accessory that men wore on top of their headdress—I have long left that phase. I felt an abundance of confidence and beauty with only my eyes showing. The niqab was something I felt I wanted to do. I had not read into the daleel of it being wajib, I just liked it! I also felt it was necessarily. In my society, even the covered women is seen as something exotic, and I wanted to appear unapproachable to the non-Muslim male. It’s been a year as a niqabi and nothing has changed. I just use that opportunity to give daw’ah.


YOU ARE A UNIVERSITY STUDENT WHO WEAR THE NIQAB. HOW DO PEOPLE REACT TO YOUR NIQAB AND HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH ANY NEGATIVITY?

When I first began wearing the niqab to school, my professors said nothing, neither did my classmates until they became confused. When I put the niqab on, it did not permanently stay on. I put it on first to see the reactions of my classmates and instructors. Then I would come to class without it. When a classmate asked me about it, that’s when I made the decision to be consistent. I have yet to face any severe negativity, besides random screams and giggles. A lot of people are familiar with me and they like the sneakers that I wear, so they are more interested in how ‘cool’ I look dressed Islamically and my personality than anything else. I’ve been discriminated against once in public fairly recently, but that only made me stronger bi’idhnillah!


WHAT HAS BEEN/IS YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AFTER ACCEPTING ISLAM?

Establishing a balance between being a devout muslim and being with the kuffar. Prophet Muhammad pbuh, said that the Deen of your friend becomes the Deen of you. I strive daily to fight against my own jahiliyah and the jahiliyah of others around me. In the beginning, it would create a divide between my grandmother and I because she could not understand the strict lifestyle that I live. She couldn't understand why I didn't want to go to family gatherings— merely parties. She definitely didn't understand why I wanted to cover. Her argument was that men will be men regardless if I expose or cover. She has a point, but I refuse to accept that in order to uncover. I cover for Allah Azza wa Jal.


NEW REVERTS TO ISLAM MIGHT NOT ALWAYS GET THE SUPPORT OF THEIR FAMILY. HOW WOULD YOU ADVISE NEW MUSLIMS TO COPE WITH THE CHALLENGES THEY FACE RIGHT AFTER ACCEPTING ISLAM?

Understand that once you take the shahadah you have a new family. When I became muslim, my friend’s parents took me under their support. I have no family where I currently live, so I go to jumu’ah with my friend’s family, we eat together and I even have a room at their house. I've gained so much support from the ummah. I know we as reverts want the support from our family. I got everyone’s support except my most beloved—my grandmother. It’s still a constant struggle, but I bear it with patience. We must also realize that our purpose is to please and submit to Allah, so if the whole world is against us, but Allah is with us that should suffice us.

A LOT OF PEOPLE ASSUME THAT ISLAM OPPRESSES WOMEN. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL ON THAT POINT?

Islam definitely does NOT oppress women. It looks out for the better interest of women. Allah made us private and society made us public. Living a life in jahiliyah has helped me to better embrace the lifestyle of a muslim women. I cherish the importance of a wali/guardian when traveling and getting married, I cherish hijab regardless if it’s 100 degrees outside, I cherish staying home unless I have a need to go out, I cherish not touching the opposite gender. There is so much benefit in abiding by the commandments of Allah.


WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST THING ABOUT WEARING THE NIQAB AND HOW HAS IT HELPED YOU TO ACHIEVE THINGS PEOPLE NORMALLY DON'T THINK NIQABIS ARE CAPABLE OF?

Niqab is my opportunity to give daw’ah. That’s what people start up conversations with me about the most. It’s like people look at me and assume things, and when I open my mouth to speak, their assumptions are thrown out of the window. I've gotten a job, an internship, and leadership positions all as a niqabi. Niqab has helped me to reframe my confidence. Niqab has helped me to live with conviction— I refuse to settle and compromise my values in order to progress in life. I live by the qadr of Allah.


IF A NON-MUSLIM WERE READING THIS, WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM OF ISLAM?

In order to understand Islam you have to come with an open mind and leave your baggage at the door. Be very inquisitive. Islam has answers not only my spiritual questions, but scientific. It’s great to learn about Islam through a Muslim, but also read the Qur’an once or twice. Once just for the vibe and second with critical thinking— when I read a verse and then research its meaning it restores my faith all over again. Also research who Prophet Muhammad is. His story is wonderful, ma sha Allah.

ALL VERSES FROM THE QURAN ARE BEAUTIFUL, BUT WE ALL HAVE THAT SPECIAL FAVOURITE. WHAT'S YOURS?

I would say Surah Al Ikhlas because it is the reason why I converted to Islam. I always believed in the Oneness of Allah. I knew that he was not begotten nor had begotten. 

"Say, "He is Allah , [who is] One,
Allah , the Eternal Refuge.
He neither begets nor is born,
Nor is there to Him any equivalent."

 

THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN ISLAM BUT ARE AFRAID OF ACCEPTING IT. ANY ADVICE FOR THEM?

Islam is a religion of truth that impacts the heart. Listen to your heart. Trust in Allah and you’ll prevail!


ANY SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR MUSLIMS?

My beloved brothers and sisters, hold fast to the rope of Allah. Be in constant study of your Deen. This dunya is so trippy, don’t let it lead you astray. Live for al-akhirah and Allah will take care of your dunya. We are Muslims, prescribed for one path— The Straight Path— so don’t divide, but unify. I love you all for the sake of Allah.

PARTING WORDS

I’ve been a Muslim for a year and within this year my life has changed for the better. If all was taken from me and I still had Islam, I’d be pleased. I pray that as time progresses I become more and more submissive to Allah. I pray that Allah continues to guide the believing men and women upon His righteous path, that Allah forgives the sins of the believing men and women, that Allah accepts the ibadat of the believing men and women, that Allah guides our non-Muslim loved ones, that Allah grants us shade on the day of yawmul qiyamah, that Allah protects us from the shaytan and his army, and that we receive our book of deeds in our right hands. Ameen! 

*     *     *

Jazakallah Khair for the interview Ukhty! May Allah reward you for your time and effort and bless with with all that it good. 

The sister decided to go anonymous for the interview, but do make Duaa for her if you benefited from this interview as much as I did, In Sha Allah.

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.

AWESOME NEW NIQAB WEBSITE AND INTERVIEW

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu!

Alhamdulillah, there is a lovely new website dedicated to inspire Muslimahs towards the Niqab and please do check it out. They have some really inspirational stories and some entertaining interviews. And finally, let your friends and family know about this website and help spread the word. May Allah accept it from us! This is the link to the website:
www.niqabie.com

I was interviewed for their website too, and here is the interview:

Assalam alaykum warahmatullah sis, how would you describe yourself in three words?

Walaykum salam warahmatullah, I hope you don't mind if I skip this question sis! It's a bit tough to describe myself... So sorry :(

So when did you start wearing the niqab?

I started wearing the Niqab when I was thirteen, Alhamdulillah. A lot of people think it's too young an age to start the Niqab, but I wouldn't have it any other way. :)

Why did you decide to wear the niqab?

My mother and older sisters were already wearing the Niqab before I started, so I guess it was only kind of natural for me to follow in their footsteps. I've always loved the Niqab and I knew that I had to wear it. Even before I started wearing it, I used to try on my mother's Niqab and see how it looked on me. In all honesty, nothing actually inspired me to wear the Niqab. I just felt that it was something I had to do. And no- I wasn't forced to wear the Niqab by anyone. Wearing the Niqab was entirely my choice and I'm immensely grateful for it, Alhamdulillah!I have been wearing the Niqab for many years now, and every time I go out wearing it, it makes me realize what a great blessing it is. I may have started wearing the Niqab for a few reasons, but over the years, I've come to realize that it's really a prestige to be emulating the Ummahatul Mu'mineen and the daughters of Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam in the way they dressed. It's really an honour!

How was it at first?

I'll be frank- the Niqab was pretty tough at first. I found it a little bit uncomfortable but when we do something for the Sake of Allah, we have to sacrifice something and although those first few outings with the Niqab were a little difficult, I've gotten used to it now and honestly, I've becomes extremely comfortable with it. It was a blissful kind of difficulty though. I know, some of you might wonder how, but it's kind of like fasting- it is difficult, but there's a beautiful sense of satisfaction and peace in fasting for the Sake of Allah. That's exactly how the Niqab is for me. The Niqab has becomes a part of me and I'd really feel incomplete if I had to go out without it.

Have you ever taken it off and if yes why?

I have- during visits to the doctor. Thankfully, I don't go to the doctors that often, so the times I've removed the Niqab are really rare. And most doctors in my country respect the Niqab, so they don't ask me to remove it all the time unless of course, it's really necessary. Alhamdulillah!

What did your family think of the niqab?

My family were very happy with my wearing the Niqab. Like I mentioned, my mother and older sisters were Niqabis before, so my family was really supportive of the Niqab. I have a few cousins and an aunty who still think I'm too young to be wearing the Niqab, but in general, I had no problems with my family about the Niqab :)

What do hubby and baby if applicable think of your niqab?

Hmm, I'm not married so I'm not entirely sure! But usually, husbands are meant to be supportive of his wife's wearing the Niqab. It's something he should actually be happy about because his wife is covering up her beauty so only those men that matter in her life can look at her. I know a lot of girls who worry that wearing the Niqab can make it difficult when looking for marriage proposals because not all men agree with the Niqab. Personally, I think that that by wearing the Niqab you are ensured that you get only the best and most suitable spouse In Sha Allah.

What's your motivation?

There's a lot, honestly :) For one, if you do something expecting to earn the Pleasure of Allah alone, He will reward you abundantly, so that's probably my greatest motivation. Besides, wearing the Niqab helps in making you come closer to Allah, because we have chosen to please Him above pleasing anyone else, including ourselves, so hopefully my Niqab would be the cause of my attaining closeness to Allah. In Sha Allah :) With so much of corruption in the world now, where women are being exploited shamelessly, it takes strength to go beyond the norm and turn away from the lure of the fashion world, but when you wear the Niqab, it becomes a lot easier to stick to pleasing Allah. People might say that the Niqab is just an outward thing, but Wallahi, it really helps in choosing right from wrong and re-connecting with Allah in a beautiful way.

How do you deal with drama or negativity towards the niqab?

At first, when I got any insults by people because of the Niqab, I used to get really hurt and offended. But now, I generally ignore all the hate and keep reminding myself that I'm wearing the Niqab for Allah, so nothing anyone says can affect me. After all, all that matters at the end of the day is Allah's Pleasure. The advise I give to Niqabis who have to endure taunts and insults because of their wearing the Niqab is to just ignore the haters and pray that Allah inspires their hearts to the beauty of modesty one day as well. How we deal with all the negativity can really reflect on our religion, so silence is the best response.

Funniest niqab memory

This is a tough one! There is no funny Niqab memory for me, unless you count slopping ice-cream all over my Niqab or trying to drink something while travelling and flopping the entire drink all over me. I wouldn't call that a funny Niqab memory, but it certainly would have been funny for the people to see an ice-cream or food-stained Niqabi! :D

INTERVIEW: HOW ISLAM HAS CHANGED ME

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu! 

It's been a while since I interviewed a Muslimah for the blog, so Alhamdulillah, here's one. The sister decided to go anonymous for the interview, but do make sure you read it right up to the end, In Sha Allah. It is wonderfully insightful, MashaAllah. May Allah make everyone reading this benefit.


Tell us your story to Islam and what inspired you to accept it

As Salam 'Alaikoum Wa Rahmatoullah Wa Barakatouh,

All praise is due to Allah, and Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon His Final Messenger, his pure family, his noble Companions, and all those who follow them with righteousness until the Day of Judgment

I was born into a Muslim family but who was not practicing Islam.  The only pillar we used to practice for so many years was Ramadan out of habit. I used to fast from the age of 12. I was very serious about it but never did make up for the days I did not fast (did not know the rules).
My only friends were French from an early age. We are living in the middle of nowhere in France in the countryside. In the schools I went, the Muslims by name were very few. So I don't speak Arabic and my culture is French (though we had this double culture at home (Arabic by my parents). Really we considered ourselves French (I am speaking of the children in the family). All our friends have always been French.

Here is the context to understand better:

Ironically, I hated the Muslims in general out of ignorance. Actually I made the mistake
(Muslim = Arabic) for so many years.  Because of  the bad behaviour of some of them, I was very prejudiced against all Muslims by name, Arabs and  Islam out of ignorance.
The worst came after the 9/11- I was really afraid of Islam! I did not know anything about Islam, and that's why I was afraid. Really crazy! I believed everything in the media. But I never talked bad about it, never actually had a discussion about Islam with someone. I did not dare to talk bad about any religion because I did not know anything. To me it was evil. It was more like a feeling inside that I kept to myself.This is very sad. I witnessed so many situations where there were gossips, backbiting, slander, bad behaviours from the born Muslim parents and children born in France that I did not want to resemble them and distanced myself from them. Some were good but is was very rare. It complicated my path to Islam...

For years, I knew that God existed. But it was more an abstract concept for me. I searched for years for the truth (I was not happy inside). Something inside told me there is something missing in your life. So I searched in books (American new age books and tv shows (Oprah : she was my role model in my jahiliya time), self-development authors, even Christian books and at the end boudhism, everything except Islam) isn't that ironic?!

But for a very long time, I was really respectful of the people I met who were religious; who were serious about their faith (sincere). I had the chance to travel to the USA. And I was incredibly shocked by the freedom of faith in that country. I felt more happy in the USA than in France! I met several practicing Christians who really shocked me. For the 1st time of my life, I could really say that God is real. There was such a harmony in their life, a joy and a sincerity and such a goodness in their heart. It was really shocking for me. I have never experienced that before. I knew that it was because they obeyed God. You could say "love" exists because of God's existence. From that moment, I began to ask myself questions but was too much afraid to change my life. I really wanted to be like them but had not the courage to change my life.

I came back to France; until I reached a point (a severe crisis): Either I change my ways or I will suffer more. People could say I was happy I was doing the job I wanted but inside, this was really a torment, the chaos. I was doing what I desired the most (job) but was suffering so bad.

What was wrong ?
I was working in the music industry. Music was my passion. I sacrificed a lot for music. One
day, I met a Christian man who talked about God, Christianity. I liked the way he talked about religion. I was still searching at that time. He gave me a video that exposed the music industry. He insisted that I watch this video but I did not watch it and even lost it. In between, a member of my family converted to Islam without telling us. He never talked about Islam, never ever. He used to buy Islamic books. He has become so kind and patient and tolerant. But this was something that really that shocked me the most because he was close to me. I have witnessed the difference between his behaviour before Islam and after Islam.  He was transformed! Inside, I knew that only God was the reason behind such a change of character. I was amazed... It was a miracle.

I was gradually beginning to wake up from my illusions (reality of life because of many
disappointments in the music industry, the show business, the artists);  I knew inside that this career was leading me nowhere in the music industry but I had not the courage to stop everything. The irony is that people wanted to be like me (same job, admired me; I really sincerely wanted to make people happy with my job in the music). Well, what an illusion! I was myself unhappy! This is all the drama and irony of those artists, actors who show to the media, to the people they have a glamourous life but inside they are suffering so bad. They are in fact destroying themselves.

And then one day I remembered the title of the video of the Christian man which exposed
the music industry. Something was telling me you need to watch it. This is urgent. Thanks
to Allah, I remembered the title and searched on youtube. It was a video in 18 parts!
I spent all the weekend watching it and other videos on the music industry. This was the
final blow! I was so shocked. I knew that the man was telling the truth. There was no turning back. The devil really does exist! I thought it was a myth like the majority of the people. You could not imagine how angry and disgusted I was. For 3 days, I did not go out because really I was too much shocked and scared of what I had discovered.  You could say I woke up from my sleep. Really, from this moment I watched this video, I asked Allah for several evenings- "Please if Allah you do exist, please guide me. I will do everything you want and I will change my ways". This was really difficult for me to say this prayer because I was proud. But Allah guided me to Islam. It is a huge blessing. From the moment, I said yes to Islam. I felt all the heaviness in the heart and shoulders disappear all of a sudden; I felt a joy I never felt before. I was lying to myself before, showing I am happy but I never was. This was horrible; I would never go back to Jahiliya, never ever. There is no happiness. This is a lie.

After a few prayers like that, I promised Allah I will stop this job, throw all my cds, books, mp3, vynils, EVERYTHING in the trash, which I did with absolutely no regret whatsoever. Could you imagine- I was addicted to music, could not live without it, and the day after, I did not listen to music anymore!!! My family was really shocked. It was all of a sudden. Allah can heal any addiction (whether music, cigarettes, alcohol, fornication, really ANYTHING) when you submit to Allah with sincerity.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever gives up something for the sake of Allah, Allah will compensate him with something better than it.” [Classed as Saheeh by al-Albaani]

I would like to stress something. Really I did not know anything about Islam, nothing.
But the behaviour, the attitude, of one person radically changed my life. This is the beauty of Islam.


How long has it been since you reverted?

A few years now.


What changes do you see in yourself after you reverted and how far do you think it has affected your spirituality?

Islam has brought order, light, goodness, blessings in my life. I can say now that my life is more balanced. Before I was a career woman, obsessed with success. It has given me a sense of inner peace, maturity (I have become an adult). Before, entertainment and my career were my only objectives. This is not the case anymore.

I have become a more responsible person; I am now able to think by myself without believing or following any opinion in the medias or my environment. Now I look for the proofs, search and then think.

Allah gives you the courage to do things you thought you would never be able to do. Really, this is incredible! Even though non believers may think you are weak in appearance, this is not the reality. The reality is that we reverts have more courage because we obey Allah. Courage is to do what you think is right although you have strong opposition. You don't compromise your values.

I know I am not alone anymore; I know that when there is injustice taking place, this is not the end of the world. You will not be destroyed, on the contrary it will make you stronger. Plus Allah is watching. Islam has brought me comfort and a solace because truth, justice, honesty, trust, courage are values that are dear to me- A strong attachment to the Quran and the wisdom in it. 

Allah The Exalted says: "Indeed, this Qur'an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward." [Sourate Al-Isra verse 17:9]

In terms of appearance, I used to wear only jeans, lol. Now I wear only abayas or
jilbebs. I love abayas a lot! I now accept my femininity and love it. Before I was behaving like a tomboy (hiding my body, and behaving like a man  to protect myself in the music industry from perverts, I believed that to succeed in my job and be respected by my peers I had to resemble men). In Islam, the woman is a real diamond. Being a woman is absolutely not a disadvantage , but rather, the contrary.

Did you decide to wear the Hijab right after accepting Islam or did you start it afterwards?

One year after reverting, during a trip to a Muslim country, I told myself this is the test.
I have no constraint, no fear. This is now or never to be brave! I decided to wear the hijab all of a sudden. My family was really astonished and baffled and unhappy as if wearing a hijab from someone born in France was a sign of being in the darkness, to go back to the Middle Ages.
It was easy for me to wear it because it is natural to wear a hijab there. You don't look abnormal because it is a Muslim country. It was a relief. I was very happy. I felt that this hijab was really a blessing (modesty, feeling protected, femininity). But I encountered the mockery and harassment of my family due to ignorance. I could not take it off during all this trip.
When I came back to France, it was another story. I was still working (another job). In my workplace I was in direct contact with clients; It  was impossible to put the hijab. It was a no no. So I wore the hijab during the weekend. I felt torn and unhappy. I wanted to wear it at work. So I had to decide after a few months to leave this job. It was a real trial. I began to wear a hat covering my hair when going at work. And I had to take it off once in the office. I felt horrible. Really it was a real torture for me, a real dilemma. I felt very uneasy. Once you wear the hijab, you understand what it feels to "be naked" when you don't have a hijab. Now and then, even today my parents insist that I take off the hijab to get a job. THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE.

Once I quit that job, I felt a joy and relief. I was more happy without this job and with a hijab. My life was more beautiful.

You live in France where practicing the Islamic Hijab is difficult. Didn't that bother you when you decided to wear the Hijab?

Of course, especially when you don't live in a big city where there are more Muslimahs wearing the hijab. I live in the middle of nowhere in the countryside where there are a lot of prejudices, racism. I am the only Muslimah wearing a jilbab now. People always stare at you even glare at you, mocking you. I have to say that this mistreatment come from women not men.

In bigger cities, some owners of bakeries don't want to serve you because you are a Muslimath with a hijab. Once again these people are women not men.

I am talking about French disbelievers. French people who are ignorant or are afraid  and feel hatred towards Islam (because of the medias). You are sometimes insulted (it happened 3 times). You have other people who are on the contrary, open and very tolerant. It is very rare.

I think the worst experience is with the Muslim women. Those who are laughing at you because you are wearing a XXL hijab resembling a khimar and long skirt, these same women young, or old who say you are "sick" or "possessed"  to your parents (not in front of you of course) because you are wearing the hijab or jilbeb. This is the most painful for me to hear these comments. In the supermarkets, you expect a "Salam 'Alaikoum'' but no- on the contrary they avoid looking at you as if you were an alien or a criminal.

The worst is when you are wearing the jilbeb- In this case you are crazy, illiterate, stupid and a terrorist or a salafist. They say: "You have been manipulated by a sect", "You are manipulated by people on the internet ", "You are MANIPULATED by the books"! These peole know I am an educated and intelligent woman. I am not an idiot.

The worst was my mother who wanted me to quit the hijab, the jilbeb, not to wear gloves but I never obeyed. Now she does not say anything. My father avoids shopping with me; He gives me excuses. The worst opposition I've got has been from my parents. This hurt me a lot because I thought they would support my new way of life. It was really painful.  But now I feel stronger and would never give up my faith. Now I accept that we don't understand each other anymore. This is Allah's decree, trial and wisdom.

Allah the Most-High says: "Say, [O Muhammad], "If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your relatives, wealth which you have obtained, commerce wherein you fear decline, and dwellings with which you are pleased are more beloved to you than Allah and His Messenger and jihad in His cause, then wait until Allah executes His command. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people." [Surat At-Tawbah 9:24]

Now I live alone in a city to avoid fitnah living with my parents. I don't go out except out of necessity.  Being a Muslimah trying to obey Allah as become very very difficult especially when you have no support, no helpers. I have become a stranger in my own family, in my city, in my country and among people who say they are Muslims. This is a trial.

Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Islam initiated as something strange, and it will revert to its (old position) of being strange. So, glad tidings to the stranger!” [Muslim]

So my goal is to make Hijra in a Muslim Country In sha'Allah. In my life I have never been so determined and sure about this project. I have hope in the future. Allah will never give up the believers who fight for his Cause.

Allah The Most-High says: “And whoever emigrates for the cause of Allah will find on the earth many [alternative] locations and abundance. And whoever leaves his home as an emigrant to Allah and His Messenger and then death overtakes him – his reward has already become incumbent upon Allah . And Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful.” [Surat An-Nisaa 4 :100]

It's always lovely to hear a new Muslimah's perception of the Hijab. Please tell us how much the Hijab means to you and what changes it has brought into your life

For the 1st time in my life, I stopped being so self-conscious (to hide my body, to be at ease with my body, about my weight); I did not like myself before. I did not like my face (too much Arabic)

You can say the hijab liberated me: 

- From the fashion industry

- From the women magazines (always buying the newest product...)

- From the men's diktat of being a sexual object in the Western Society (I always fought against it in my jahiliya time, I refused to be only beautiful like a barbie, I wanted to be respected for my opinions and intelligence, lol, first but it did not work and I refused to be attractive lol)

- From any tyranny about appearances, diets.

- I always found myself not thin enough like models in my jahiliya time

All these sufferings, really is it really worth it?! The hijab put a stop to all this nonsense.

Now I can say I love myself, Allah has created me like that. I am happy, I like my body, I like my face and I love to be a woman!

I don't beautify myself for a man, but for myself and Allah only!

If I put on weight, no big deal. I still love myself. 

The hijab really has changed my character in some ways. I feel liberated because with the hijab or jilbeb I am safe, under the protection of Allah, protected from corrupted men ( I was never at peace before), I hated to be seduced by strangers before like an object.

This hijab or jilbeb has changed me and my way of thinking because it gives you an honour, modesty and dignity.

The "hijab" in your behaviour is all the most important.

This veil or hijab reminds you that you are a Muslimah who must have good manners, must not be attractive or a cause of fitnah to men, must speak in a reserved manner... a lot of things that are actually very good for your piety and protection. In fact, this is the woman I want to be or trying to be, a conservative woman who tries to observe Allah's commands. 

Really the Hijab has shown me how our world is corrupted, the values are inverted.

I have realised that the most beautiful woman is the most modest woman in terms of appearance and character. It is really charming and disarming. She looks like a queen or a princess you want to protect.

It has changed my perception of men too. In my jahiliya time, we were like "enemies". lol! Now I feel we are brothers and sisters in Islam. We go through the same trials, we share the same emotions and weaknesses. It 's beautiful.

I would like to still speak about the Hijab.

From last summer, I had a new obsession: the NIQAB! I've read a lot of testimonies on internet, even watched interviews of niqabi sisters in France before the Niqab ban. I was really impressed by their courage and determination.

So I reflected a lot these last months. Last October, I decided to buy (without telling my parents) niqabs- Which I did! I was excited and a little afraid.

I had so many questions in my head (how to wear it, how to eat with it, what to wear an abaya or a jilbab). A lot of questions!

When I received them, I was really happy. But I knew that I bought them only to wear them abroad, not in France (because of the niqab ban). I knew that it would bring a huge fitnah at home with my parents.

In October, I spent some weeks in my brother's place in the South of France. At the local mosque, I 've seen a lady with the full face niqab one evening. I was in admiration! I was really impressed (she is brave despite the Niqab ban). I found her very beautiful like a princess. I was like: "I want to be this woman".  I was really obsessed with the Niqab. My dream was to wear the Niqab! So I bought other niqabs online while at his place without telling him.

One day he told me we will travel to Switzerland to visit an Imam (to answer my questions about Islam). Wow! Switzerland, I don't know this country. I searched a lot about niqab and if it was banned or not. I was surprised to read that the country we were going, the niqab is tolerated all the more because super wealthy Arabs from the Gulf visit this county very often; I was like this is great news!

This is the test : this is today or never. 

I put the full face cover. I was both excited and scared (I could not see much lol and because of the people's reactions)

My brother was unhappy. He told me we will be arrested because of your full face niqab. I told him, very determined, Allah will not let me down if I strive for his cause. Indeed, nothing bad happened during the trip. He was surprised and let me wear it knowing that I wanted to please Allah.

This experience was really incredible. The full face Niqab liberated me! I have to be honest, I was not at ease, I walked like a robot, it was not easy. This was the 1st time. I also went to the restaurant; I had no difficulty eating.

The Niqab is a real protection; I felt like a princess in her ivory tower lol, someone untouchable (I am talking about modesty, chastity) It is as if the full face Niqab is a purification for your eyes, for your character, for your piety and a protection for men too.

The full niqab really taught me what it means to lower the gaze; I was so happy not to look at men anymore while wearing it. It taught me how to eat with grace, lol! I am not kidding.

The full face Niqab enables you to be closer to Allah and avoid sins (gazing at men, bad manners, talking too much, a lack of modesty in the behaviour and so on). I will go further to say the full face Niqab is one of the best remedy to acquire a sound heart for women. I am very serious. 

After this successful experience, my dream is to wear the full face veil at work in a Muslim country, everyday! I am very determined. 

Any advice for sisters who have to endure insults as a result of wearing the Hijab/Niqab?

• Be persistent
• Know you are on the right path
• Allah is testing you to know if you will accept the test or not
• Behave in a good way while facing adversity and never get angry
• Repond to evil with good, something better
• You are on the truth. All these people are the army of Iblis who want to make you discouraged, regress and sin so that you think bad about Allah. Don't fall into this trap
• You might feel sad. This is normal but know that Allah is pleased with you. He granted you a great honour to bless you with Islam. Allah loves you more than anyore on Earth, even your own parents
• Hold on very strong on Tawheed.
• The end of the journey is PARADISE, eternal life in the gardens of Paradise In sha'Allah so this is not real life on earth. Allah will never let you down
• He will bless you in ways you would never imagine in this dounya and protect you against enemies of Islam.

Truly those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and perform As-Salāt , and give Zakāt, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. (Al-Baqarah 2:277)

Allaah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islām). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fāsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allaah). (An-Nur 24:55)

Those who believe and work righteousness, Tûbaa (it means all kinds of happiness or name of a tree in Paradise ) is for them and a beautiful place of (final) return. (Ra’d 13:29)

“…Verily, the earth is Allaah’s. He gives it as a heritage to whom He will of His slaves, and the (blessed) end is for the Muttaqûn (pious).” (Al-A’raf 7:128)

According to your opinion, what is the most beautiful aspect of Islam?

• The inner peace of mind
• The sweetness of Iman
• The contentment and satisfaction of Allah
• The Sakina (the serenity)
• There is no racism, nor cast system.  Wealthy people are not superior to poor people. 
• Your superiority or your merits are only measured by your piety, your heart only. This is the beauty, justice, wisdom of Islam.

Thanks for giving me the freedom to express myself. This is the 1st time for me after reverting to Islam. It feels strange but at the same time I am happy.

Your sister in Islam

*     *     *

Jazakallah khair for the interview, Ukhty! May Allah grant you all that you wish for and bless you with the best in this world and in the Aakhira!

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.

MUSLIM WOMEN ARE OPPRESSED? READ THIS AND THINK FOR YOURSELF!

Islam has honoured women, given them the purest of rights, granted them the best of privileges, adorned them with modesty and blessed them in so many ways! So, why is that so many non Muslims looks down on Muslim women with the infamous label: oppressed?

I am a Muslim woman and let me tell you what true liberation is.

Liberated are not the women who shamelessly strip themselves and pose for magazines and cars to make sales. Liberated are not those women who feel insecure with themselves so much so to the extent that they spend billions of dollars on cosmetic makeovers just so look more presentable to the world. Liberated are not those women who dress provocatively so they a man would flash them a 'You're so hot' comment. Liberated are not those women who dress immodestly and who needs a man to tell her that she is beautiful to make herself feel precious. Liberated are not those women who throw themselves into casual flings so they feel 'wanted'. Liberated are not those women who need makeup to boost their self-esteem, party the night away so that they can fit in with the society or wear revealing clothes to make themselves feel beautiful. Liberated are certainly NOT those women who are always searching for ways to becomes more beautiful, more presentable and more attractive by slaving behind man, material goods and fashion.

Liberated are those women who choose to cover themselves modestly to obey God and not bow down to the whims and pleasures of man. Liberated are the women who respect themselves and their bodies and who don't allow their respect to be stripped by fashion designers. Liberated are the women who desire Paradise and who are aware of the fact that there is indeed life after death. Liberated are the women who understand the meaning of life, the value of their life and the beauty of it. Liberated are the women who are proud of their modesty and of their faith and who are proud to represent their religion in their life every single moment of their life. Liberated are the women who understand the value of their womanhood and keep their beauty hidden only for those who matter in their life. Liberated are the women who realize that their children are a blessing from their Lord and who are thankful for it. Liberated are the women who rely on Allah alone all throughout their lives and don't rely on man or worldly attention to get them through this life. Liberated are the women who don't rush behind the glitter and glamour of the world, but set their goals in the Hereafter. Liberated are the women who love their sisters and treat them with love and care- not as competition. Liberated are the women dress modestly, like the honourable and respectful women before them- the wives and daughters of our beloved Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam.

Liberated are the women of Islam. 

So, think twice before you call a Muslim woman oppressed. God has blessed us with freedom, we know what liberation is and we enjoy it with the best of freedom. Alhamdulillah!

RULING ON COVERING THE FACE WITH DETAILED EVIDENCE

Praise be to Allaah. 

You should note that women’s observing hijab in front of non-mahram men and covering their faces is something that is obligatory as is indicated by the Book of your Lord and the Sunnah of your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and by rational examination and analogy.

1 – Evidence from the Qur’aan

(i) Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“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, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (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 Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful” [al-Noor 24:31]

The evidence from this verse that hijab is obligatory for women is as follows: 

1- Allaah commands the believing women to guard their chastity, and the command to guard their chastity also a command to follow all the means of doing that. No rational person would doubt that one of the means of doing so is covering the face, because uncovering it causes people to look at it and enjoy its beauty, and thence to initiate contact. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The eyes commit zina and their zina is by looking…” then he said, “… and the private part confirms that or denies it.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6612; Muslim, 2657. 

If covering the face is one of the means of guarding one’s chastity, then it is enjoined, because the means come under the same ruling as the ends. 

2- Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“…and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) …”. The jayb (pl. juyoob) is the neck opening of a garment and the khimaar (veil) is that with which a woman covers her head. If a woman is commanded to draw her veil over the neck opening of her garment then she is commanded to cover her face, either because that is implied or by analogy. If it is obligatory to cover the throat and chest, then it is more appropriate to cover the face because it is the site of beauty and attraction. 

3- Allaah has forbidden showing all adornment except that which is apparent, which is that which one cannot help showing, such as the outside of one's garment. Hence Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “…except only that which is apparent …” and He did not say, except that which they show of it. Some of the salaf, such as Ibn Mas’ood, al-Hasan, Ibn Sireen and others interpreted the phrase “except only that which is apparent” as meaning the outer garment and clothes, and what shows from beneath the outer garment (i.e., the hem of one’s dress etc.). Then He again forbids showing one’s adornment except to those for whom He makes an exception. This indicates that the second adornment mentioned is something other than the first adornment. The first adornment is the external adornment which appears to everyone and cannot be hidden. The second adornment is the inward adornment (including the face). If it were permissible for this adornment to be seen by everyone, there would be no point to the general wording in the first instance and this exception made in the second.

4- Allaah grants a concession allowing a woman to show her inward adornments to “old male servants who lack vigour”, i.e. servants who are men who have no desire, and to small children who have not reached the age of desire and have not seen the ‘awrahs of women. This indicates two things:

• That showing inward adornments to non-mahrams is not permissible except to these two types of people.
• That the reason for this ruling is the fear that men may be tempted by the woman and fall in love with her. Undoubtedly the face is the site of beauty and attraction, so concealing it is obligatory lest men who do feel desire be attracted and tempted by her. 

5- The words (interpretation of the meaning): “And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment” mean that a woman should not stamp her feet so as to make known hidden adornments such as anklets and the like. If a woman is forbidden to stamp her feet lest men be tempted by what they hear of the sound of her anklets etc., then what about uncovering the face?

Which is the greater source of temptation – a man hearing the anklets of a woman whom he does not know who she is or whether she is beautiful, or whether she is young or old, or ugly or pretty? Or his looking at a beautiful youthful face that attracts him and invites him to look at it?

Every man who has any desire for women will know which of the two temptations is greater and which deserves to be hidden and concealed.


(ii) Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And as for women past childbearing who do not expect wedlock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment. But to refrain (i.e. not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them. And Allaah is All‑Hearer, All‑Knower” [al-Noor 24:60]

The evidence from this verse is that Allaah states that there is no sin on old women who have no hope of marriage because men have no desire for them, due to their old age (if they discard their outer clothing), subject to the condition that their intention in doing so is not to make a wanton display of themselves. The fact that this ruling applies only to old women indicates that the ruling is different for young women who still hope to get married. If the ruling on discarding the outer clothing applied to all, there would be no point in singling out old women here.

The phrase “in such a way as not to show their adornment” offers further proof that hijab is obligatory for young women who hope to marry, because usually when they uncover their faces the intention is to make a wanton display (tabarruj) and to show off their beauty and make men look at them and admire them etc. Those who do otherwise are rare, and the ruling does not apply to rare cases.

(iii) Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“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]

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “Allaah commanded the believing women, if they go out of their houses for some need, to cover their faces from the top of their heads with their jilbaabs, and to leave one eye showing.”

The tafseer of the Sahaabah is evidence, indeed some of the scholars said that it comes under the same ruling as marfoo’ reports that go back to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).
The comment “and leave one eye showing” is a concession because of the need to see the way; if there is no need for that then the eye should not be uncovered.
The jilbaab is the upper garment that comes above the khimaar; it is like the abaya.

(iv) Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“It is no sin on them (the Prophet’s wives, if they appear unveiled) before their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their brother’s sons, or the sons of their sisters, or their own (believing) women, or their (female) slaves. And (O ladies), fear (keep your duty to) Allaah. Verily, Allaah is Ever All‑Witness over everything” [al-Ahzaab 33:55]

Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: When Allaah commanded the women to observe hijab in front of non-mahram men, he explained that they did not have to observe hijab in front of these relatives, as He explained that they are exempted in Soorat al-Noor where He said (interpretation of the meaning): “and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands…”

2 – Evidence from the Sunnah that it is obligatory to cover the face
(i) The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When any one of you proposes marriage to a woman, there is no sin on him if he looks at her, rather he should look at her for the purpose of proposing marriage even if she is unaware.” Narrated by Ahmad. The author of Majma’ al-Zawaa’id said: its men are the men of saheeh.

The evidence here is the fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said there is no sin on the man who is proposing marriage, subject to the condition that his looking be for the purpose of proposing marriage. This indicates that the one who is not proposing marriage is sinning if he looks at a non-mahram woman in ordinary circumstances, as is the one who is proposing marriage if he looks for any purpose other than proposing marriage, such as for the purpose of enjoyment etc.

If it is said that the hadeeth does not clearly state what is being looked at, and it may mean looking at the chest etc, the response is that the man who is proposing marriage looks at the face because it is the focus for the one who is seeking beauty, without a doubt.

(ii) When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded that women should be brought out to the Eid prayer place, they said, “O Messenger of Allaah, some of us do not have jilbaabs.” The Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Let her sister give her one of her jilbaabs to wear.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim.

This hadeeth indicates that the usual practice among the women of the Sahaabah was that a woman would not go out without a jilbaab, and that if she did not have a jilbaab she would not go out. The command to wear a jilbaab indicates that it is essential to cover. And Allaah knows best.

(iii) It was narrated in al-Saheehayn that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to pray Fajr and the believing women would attend the prayer with him, wrapped in their veils, then they would go back to their homes and no one would recognize them because of the darkness. She said: If the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw from the women what we have seen, he would have prevented them from coming to the mosques as the Children of Israel prevented their women.

A similar report was also narrated by ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him).

The evidence from this hadeeth covers two issues: 

1 – Hijaab and covering were the practice of the women of the Sahaabah who were the best of generations and the most honourable before Allaah.
2 – ‘Aa’ishah the Mother of the Believers and ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with them both), who were both known as scholars with deep insight, said that if the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had seen from women what they had seen, he would have prevented them from coming to the mosques. This was during the best generations, so what about nowadays?

(iv) It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever lets his garment drag out of pride, Allaah will not look at him on the Day of Resurrection.” Umm Salamah said, “What should women do with their hems?” He said, “Let it hang down a handspan.” She said, “What if that shows her feet?” He said, “Let it hang down a cubit, but no more than that.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.

This hadeeth indicates that it is obligatory for women to cover their feet, and that this was something that was well known among the women of the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them). The feet are undoubtedly a lesser source of temptation than the face and hands, so a warning concerning something that is less serious is a warning about something that is more serious and to which the ruling applies more. The wisdom of sharee’ah means that it would not enjoin covering something that is a lesser source of temptation and allow uncovering something that is a greater source of temptation. This is an impossible contradiction that cannot be attributed to the wisdom and laws of Allaah.

(v) It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: The riders used to pass by us when we were with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in ihraam. When they came near us we would lower our jilbaabs from our heads over our faces, and when they had passed by we would uncover our faces. Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1562.

The words “When they came near us we would lower our jilbaabs from our heads over our faces” indicate that it is obligatory to cover the face, because what is prescribed in ihraam is to uncover it. If there was no strong reason to prevent uncovering it, it would be obligatory to leave it uncovered even when the riders were passing by. In other words, women are obliged to uncover their faces during ihraam according to the majority of scholars, and nothing can override something that is obligatory except something else that is also obligatory. If it were not obligatory to observe hijab and cover the face in the presence of non-mahram men, there would be no reason not to uncover it in ihraam. It was proven in al-Saheehayn and elsewhere that a woman in ihraam is forbidden to wear the niqaab (face veil) and gloves.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: This is one of the things which indicate that the niqaab and gloves were known among women who were not in ihraam, which implies that they covered their faces and hands.

These are nine points of evidence from the Qur’aan and Sunnah.
The tenth is:

Rational examination and analogy which form the basis of this perfect sharee’ah, which aims to help people achieve what is in their best interests and encourages the means that lead to that, and to denounce evil and block the means that lead to it.

If we think about unveiling and women showing their faces to non-mahram men, we will see that it involves many bad consequences. Even if we assume that there are some benefits in it, they are very few in comparison with its negative consequences. Those negative consequences include:

1 – Fitnah (temptation). By unveiling her face, a woman may be tempted to do things to make her face look more beautiful. This is one of the greatest causes of evil and corruption.

2 – Taking away haya’ (modesty, shyness) from women, which is part of faith and of a woman’s nature (fitrah). Women are examples of modesty, as it was said, “more shy than a virgin in her seclusion.” Taking away a woman’s modesty detracts from her faith and the natural inclination with which she was created.

3 – Men may be tempted by her, especially if she is beautiful and she flirts, laughs and jokes, as happens in the case of many of those who are unveiled. The Shaytaan flows through the son of Adam like blood.

4 – Mixing of men and women. If a woman thinks that she is equal with men in uncovering her face and going around unveiled, she will not be modest and will not feel too shy to mix with men. This leads to a great deal of fitnah (temptation) and widespread corruption. Al-Tirmidhi narrated (5272) from Hamzah ibn Abi Usayd from his father that he heard the Messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say, when he was coming out of the mosque and he saw men mingling with women in the street; the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to the women, “Draw back, and do not walk in the middle of the road; keep to the sides of the road.” Then the women used to keep so close to the walls that their garments would catch on the walls because they kept so close to them.  Classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 929


Adapted from the words of Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) in Risaalat al-Hijaab.

And Allaah knows best.


Link to the original article: http://islamqa.info/en/11774