INTERVIEW: "YOU WILL NEVER BE AS FREE AS AN ISLAMIC WOMAN"

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu,

When I initially thought of starting on interviewing Muslim women for the blog, I honestly never thought it would be this beneficial. Even recently, I received an email from a sister telling me that reading the interviews from the blog had really helped her, so Jazakallah khair to all those lovely sisters for their amazing interviews. May your words continue to inspire many more Muslims and non-Muslims!

That said, here's another lovely interview we had with sister Dhilnawaaz (I'm sorry for the delay in posting the interview sister. Jazakallah khair for your patience!)

Do also check out her blog Diary Of A Secret Muslimah 


Tell us about how you found Islam

Well I live in a muslim community with 3 mosques within 5km radius of my house so I came into contact with muslims daily. I think what caught my attention was hijab, abayas and niqabs; there was just something about it I found so modest and beautiful especially women in niqab. Eventually I took an interest in Islam and started researching everything about it. I then realized that this is where I belong and I finally felt at peace with myself.

How old were you when you reverted to Islam?

I started taking Islam seriously and reverted at the age of 16, but did my research from around 14/15. I unfortunately have not yet taken my shahadah, but In sha Allah will soon.

What is the greatest challenge you've had to face after reverting?

I think it would be Ramzaan, reading namaz, wearing hijab and abaya and especially learning more about Islam without someone to teach me.

How would you say you have changed after accepting Islam?

I'd like to think that I've changed quite a lot. As before I reverted I was a model, someone who would pose in the most revealing outfits, I used to drink alcohol, go clubbing, occasionally do drugs and I also used to curse God quite a lot when I had problems or something bad happened to me. Now as a muslim, I can't stand any of that, I absolutely love wearing hijab and abaya, I admire muslim women and I put all my trust in my Creator and believe that when Allah (SWT) takes something from you, He is most definitely preparing you for something ten times better.

If there was one thing that you could tell someone who is thinking of reverting to Islam, what would it be?

I'd tell them that Islam isn't just a religion, it's a way of life. You have to be very sure before taking such a big step, do research so you know what you're getting yourself into and be prepared for something amazing. Your whole life will change.

A lot of people believe that Muslim women are oppressed and that they have no rights in Islam. What were your thoughts on this before becoming a Muslim?

Ironically, I had the exact same mindset. I looked down on muslimahs and saw them as inferior and property of their husbands. But you'll never really understand the status of a women in Islam until you make an effort to find out more.

“When she is a daughter, she opens a door of Jannah for her father. When she is a wife, she completes half of the deen of her husband.When she is a mother, Jannah lies under her feet - if everyone knew the true status of a Muslim women in Islam, even the men would want to bewomen" - (Shaykh Akram Nadawi)

How do you feel you've changed as a person after accepting Islam?

I think mentally and psychologically I've matured as I've learned that everything does happen for a reason, even if you cant see it at that moment.

Anything special you would like to address the Muslim youth of today?

Don't ever take Islam for granted. You will never understand how sad it makes me that I wasn't raised in a muslim home, that I couldn't start practicing this wonderful religion from an early age. Be proud of your religion.

What do you think about the Hijab and Niqab and how would you clear any misconceptions about it?

It probably sounds weird but I find niqabis radiantly beautiful. There's just something about them that I admire. As for hijab, I respect women who wear it full time as it takes a lot of dedication especially in the heat. It's sad that non muslims see us as oppressed when we wear our niqab and hijab. There's nothing oppressing about being modest.


You are new to Islam so you can relate to a lot of difficulties other reverts face. How do you deal with all the struggles?

Sabr. For now that's the only way I can deal with the struggles. I constantly make Dua for Allah (SWT) to grant me Sabr, because being a revert is very scary. Especially on your own.


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

I have not read the entire Quran yet but so far I actually have two.

“…But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows, and you know not.” [2:126]

“But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.” [8:30]

Any misconceptions about Islam that you would like to make clear to any non-Muslims reading this?

Please people, Islam is perfect don't always slander our religion because of what muslims do. Get the idea out of your head that people's bad actions and ways represent Islam. Do yourself a favor and research it. You won't be sorry.


Any specific Duaas you would like readers to make for you?

That Allah (SWT) guide me on Siraatul Mustaqeem and that I never go astray, because I know that I'll never go wrong if I have faith in my Creator.


Finally, a few words to round up on how it is to be a woman of Islam.

You wear your bikinis, mini skirts, tight fitting tops and pants because society wants you to. We wear our hijab & niqab because we want to please our creator. So who is really oppressed? You will never be as 'free' as an Islamic woman.

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.

HOW TO EAT ICE CREAM WITH THE NIQAB

One thing all Niqabis can relate to is the problems we encounter when dining out. To be frank, I find it fairly easy to eat with my Niqab on. The problem, however, arises when I attempt to eat an ice cream. I can stuff an entire sandwich with my Niqab on, but for some reason, I'm incredibly clumsy when it comes to ice cream. Only natural I suppose... Anyway, being a huge ice cream fan, I've tried so hard to enjoy my ice cream without splattering it all over my Niqab, and yesterday, for the first time in my nearly 9 years of wearing the Niqab, I managed to eat my ice cream sundae without a drop of it on my Niqab! Yaay, Alhamdulillah :D

I went out for a bit of shopping yesterday with my mother and aunt and after shopping around for well over an hour (with the temperature outside being over a 32 degrees too), decided to stop by at a stall for a sundae. I chose a chocolate sundae and sat down to eat it. Generally, no sooner have I started on the ice cream, I'd splatter it either down my Abaya or on the Niqab. And when it's on the Niqab, I hopelessly dab the ice cream splotches with the tissue, which in turn, brings on a huge white smear across the front of the Niqab. It's actually rather embarrassing to walk around with my Niqab stained all down the front.

So yesterday, I tried out on a new technique. I usually lift the Niqab from the front ever so slightly to get the spoon of ice cream into my mouth, but what I've found is that lifting the Niqab from the front doesn't work out all that gracefully. What you need to do is lift it from a side and hold the spoon of ice cream slightly downwards so even if any of it spills down, it wouldn't be on the Niqab. I was happily digging into my ice cream when I stole a glance at my mother and aunt, both of whom had spilled a generous portion of their ice cream sundae on their Niqabs and were now dabbing at it furiously with their tissues. Successful at completing an entire ice cream sundae without so much as a drop on my Niqab, I ate another half portion too! It was delicious by the way. Alhamdulillah!

On returning home, I proudly told my sisters my 'How to eat an ice cream without smearing it all over the Niqab' tutorial and my younger sister gave me a ''That's so obvious" look. Oh well, I suppose it is but it has taken me over eight years to figure it out and if there are any Niqabis reading this who are as slow as I am, hope you benefit from this tutorial ;) In sha Allah!

P.S : Any more tips from Niqabis would be greatly appreciated. I could do with some tricks!

INTERVIEW: FROM ONE SISTER TO ANOTHER

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu! Alhamdulillah, here we have another lovely interview with so much of inspiration, particularly for the youth of today. May Allah makes everyone reading this benefit from it, In Sha Allah! How would you describe yourself in a few words?

I'm Umm Abdillah, 16 years old. My Parents are from Morocco. I have a mother and sister who wear the Niqab. I'm busy with seeking knowledge about the Deen and memorizing the Quran.

Being a Muslimah is something that is terribly misinterpreted in the world today. How would you explain your life as a Muslim woman? 

Firstly, I'm not oppressed. I'm Alhamdulilah very happy with my life as a Muslimah, seeking knowledge about Deen and wearing the Niqab for Allah. It's a big gift from Allah that He chose you to be a Muslim in a world full of Kufr and corruption. Living for status and wealth isn't life. We are created to worship Allah, and if you do that then you feel free- not when you do the opposite

How old were you when you started wearing the Niqab? 

About 1 month after my 15th birthday, Alhamdulilah.

Any particular reason that inspired you to wear the Niqab? 

Yes. I had contact with sisters who also were young and wore Niqab outside school. So I talked with them and they inspired me. So I decided to buy a Niqab and try to wea it, and Alhamdulilah that Friday I put it on and went to Salaat Jumu'a. A sister who wore Niqab before me also inspired me a lot. Because she was a revert and that's what made me feel ashamed of myself. Barakallahufeeha!

If someone approaches you asking why you wear the Niqab, how would you respond to them? 

I'm convinced about the proofs that Niqab is obligatory. And even if it is Sunnah, you need that hasanaat on the Day of Judgment.

A lot of young Muslimahs nowadays delay wearing the Hijab because they believe that they can wear it once they get older. Any advise for them?

I want to say to them; ''Sisters fear Allah you can be dead earlier than you think. Wollahi if the sisters who died without wearing Hijab in their life could have one chance to live again for 10 minutes then Wollah they would cover themselves up from head to toe.
Sister don't let the day you'll die be the first day you'll be covered.

How different is it wearing the Niqab compared to wearing only the Hijab? 

It's a big difference. With Niqab you feel that you're really covered. When you wear Niqab, you feel sooooo free, because you know Alhamdulilah now I have the correct hijab. And men can't stare at me. And with only hijab you know this is not what Allah wills. And you're scared to die in such a situation. A lot of people don't realize that only a headscarf and a long dress isn't Hijab. And with only Hijab you can still feel man gazing at you.

Allah says: ''This will be more conducive to their being recognized and not annoyed''

So when you wear the full hijab then men will not harm you.

What ways do you think the Muslim youth has been lead astray and how would you say is the best way to get the youth back to Islam? 

Because of the phones, internet and television, the Ummah is lead astray. Because of the forbidden gaze, wasting time, talking to non-mahrams, music, men and woman chatting - wollahi they ruin each other- and looking with jealousy to sisters who uploads a beautiful picture of herself, and they lead brothers also away from the path of Allah. They don't realize that for every man who sees their picture, they bear the sins for that too. Internet is really the Fitnah of this time. It's just so sad. Instead of praying night prayer, they talk on Whatsapp with each other. Instead of reading Quran they talk the whole day with each other. Even in Ramadan. Then they say: "Well I learn a lot of the conversation with the sister.'' Not so much as when you read only 10 minutes Riyaa as- Saliheen. You learn a lot of wrong things from internet. So I really think that this is one of the reasons of the corruption of this time.
Ghair In shaa Allah, We have to do dawah, but Allah turns them back.


Tell us more about your blog 

Eehhm, on my blog you can find Fatawa, pdf Books, Ahadith, and stories. It's also in Dutch because a lot of the people around me don't understand English very well. 
You can find the blog here bintufulaan.wordpress.com

Parting words 

I want to say to sister who wants to and is thinking about wearing Niqab:

Wearing Niqab isn't so hard as you think. When I wore, I thought is this it? THAT what Shaytaan always say to Muslim Woman - ''Niqab is like a mountain that you should drag?'' Na'am, it is hard but when Allah tests you, we will be tested, because "Do the people think that they will be left to say, "We believe" and they will not be tried?" [Quran 29: 2]

But know that when you succeed in the test, Allah will reward you for your sabr. In shaa Allah

Know that it is the Shariah of Allah, if all woman would not be able to cover their face it would not be a rule in Islam.

Jazakallah khair for the interview Ukhty. I pray that everyone reading it benefits from it as much as I did. Alhamdulillah!

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.

NIQAB: A BARRIER FOR DAWAH?

I recently received a mail from a sister asking if wearing the Niqab could be a barrier for giving Dawah. Before answering her question, I ran a quick Google search to see what people had to say about it, and astoundingly, a website on the very first page had an answer I'm sure most Muslims would not agree with. This is what the page had to say:

Question: I feel that the niqab forms a barrier to giving da`wah in the west. Is it better to take off niqab in these western countries if one believes it's Sunnah?

Answer: As salamu `alaykum. I an not a supporter of niqab and find it a complete turn off in terms of communicating with people. To me it says 'Stay Away' - I do not wish to acknowledge or have dialogue with you - please do not invade my space'.

My feeling is that when I awake every day I think to myself what can I do today to address the misunderstandings about Islam - How can I make someone more aware about Islam - what can my presence in this world on this day do to influence someone positively about Islam and I go about my work with the help of Allah. Niqab will not allow me to do this"

It's appalling how this statement can be justified at a time where people interact so much online, and that too particularly over social media. We all know how effective Dawah has been online and how many people have reverted to Islam as a result. Is it always face-to-face interaction online? Of course not. You don't need to look at someone for their words to reach you. Our words, actions, behaviour and attitude are the best Dawah.

As for Niqab and Dawah, I don't agree that it is bad for Dawah. There are a lot of sites online that say it is, but I am firmly against this view. True Dawah is on our attitude and manners and the Niqab is in no way a hindrance for Dawah. 

I'm pretty sure that a lot of sisters thinking of wearing the Niqab but would love to engage in Dawah would search on this topic, and if they do, there is hardly any website that say that the Niqab is not a barrier for Dawah. In fact, I had to go as deep as the 4 page on Google until I found something. 

This is what I found: 

It is claimed that Niqab wearing women work against Da'wah as their "strict" dress scares away potential interested non-Muslims
 

My own limited experience has actually revealed the opposite to be the case. Whereas once most of my non-Muslim friends had no interest in Islam, at least now they wish to know more about our Glorious Faith, and a longtime acquaintances who was once extremely sceptical about all religions, is now preparing for her to take her Shahadah. 

I also trust that, Insh'Allah, you will have to conclude - as I have done - that the Niqab is a vital and spiritually beautiful aspect of the Muslim woman's dress, and that it is in no way a hindrance to the true Da'wah of Islam. 

Subhanallah, I couldn't agree more!

Another very important fact people overlook on the matter of Dawah is that changing the hearts of people are not in our hands. Changing the hearts of people is in the Hands of Allah. Our duty is to convey the message and Allah will do the rest. All the the talk of Niqab being a barrier for Dawah is just an excuse people bring forward to discourage Muslim women from wearing the Niqab.

If anything, when you wear the Niqab, non-Muslims would naturally be curious to know why you wear it. Some of them might even approach you and ask you. This is such an amazing opportunity to teach them about Islam, the rights of women, how precious women are in Islam and how modesty is a branch of our faith. So you see, Niqab is not a barrier for Dawah. It only opens up opportunities for more Dawah.

Here's the thing: We might attempt to give Dawah, but it's Allah who changes the hearts of people. We wear the Niqab for the Sake of Allah and He will use us to bring the hearts of people towards Islam. The Niqab in itself is a form of Dawah and through our wearing the Niqab, we might even inspire non-Niqabi/Hijabi Muslimahs to wear the Niqab/Hijab, In Sha Allah. Subhanallah, how amazing that would be!

Alhamdulillah, I know quite a lot of Muslimah bloggers (and yes- Niqabis) who do some amazingly impressive Dawah, MashaAllah. Is their Niqab a barrier? Of course not!

"Is the Niqab a barrier for Dawah or a means for better Dawah?" Let me know what you think in the comments section below.

INTERVIEW: HOW ACCEPTING ISLAM HAS CHANGED ME

It has been ages since I last updated the blog and with the pre-Ramadhan preparations, I had hardly any time. Anyway, here it is- an interview we had with a revert to Islam on how she found Islam, how her life has changed afterwards, her love for the Niqab and some words of wisdom for Muslimahs in general. Jazakallah khair Ukhty for your time and effort for this interview. May Allah reward you for it!

May Allah make everyone reading this benefit from it, In sha Allah!

How did you find Islam?

Alhamdulillah, Allah subhana wa ta'ala guided me to the right way.
I grew up while my parents never said that there is no god – but also not that there is a god – my fitra wasn't that broken. I always knew that there is a Creator, "God" who knows everything and hears the dua. I prayed to Him, but never was in a religion.
At school we could decide between religions and ethics and I always was interested in religion. Since I was around 14, I started to search for God- in religion.
When I finished my school exams, I was 21 years old and Islam was like my favorite religion with no contradictions but I didn't want to convert to any religion just because I liked it. I wanted to KNOW that I choose the only one religion, which is from God.
One day I was very sad and cried because so many things happened and I wanted to thank God for being there for me but how? I prayed to him like the muslims do with the head on the ground – which I later found out. And then Islam really came into my heart and Allah subhana wa ta'ala gave me signs alhamdulillah.


How difficult was it for you to adjust to being a new muslim?

Actually it wasn't difficult for me, because I didn't had that pressure that many converts have to make everything right and to have to know and to do everything.
I started reading the Quran and the sunnah of our beloved Prophet salalahu alaihi wa salam, and I prayed somehow.
I didn't want to go to lessons in a masjid (after school I moved to Hamburg where many masjids are) because I didn't want to learn something wrong - wanted to know the basics before. After half a year, I get to know some muslims and I went to lessons in 3 different masjids.

What were your greatest challenges after accepting Islam?

I loved the Hijab and I knew that I wanted to wear it some day. When I learned that it is my duty to cover, I did so.
I also haven't got any problems with my family or friends.
What was tough for me was to stop dancing and listening to music. I danced since I was 9 years old and had gigs and so on – and in Hamburg I danced newstyle – my "trainer" was a famous dancer there. But I stopped dancing and some months later I was very proud that I erased every music from my laptop. It was hard – but I was proud to do so for my Rabb.

How do you feel you have changed now?

I'm not hyperactive anymore…. I always had to do sports (next to dancing) to be balanced, but after accepting Islam I calm down – my parents also saw that.
I don't have bad friends anymore – actually it was the first time in my life I really could trust people… my lovely sisters in Islam.
And most importantly – I found Allah and that made me happy and alhamdulillah I changed myself in a better way while following His commands and the example of our beloved Prophet, sallalahu alaihi wa salam.


Tell us about what inspired you to start wearing the Niqab?

I prayed to Allah ta'ala to give me a good spouse and I married alhamdulillah. He travels from time to time fisabilillah and one day I accompanied him. In this time, we tried to practice as much sunnah as we can and I also wore the niqab….. and I fell in love with it.
As non-muslim guys and old men looked at me - when I wore hijab many "brothers" came to me (on the street!) and wanted to marry me or something like that, when I wore the abaya and khimar it was far better – but the non-muslims stared at me.
When I started wearing the niqab it didn't matter who looked, because they can't see me and I felt free the first time. I didn't feel exposed.
For 2 years I wore the Niqab when I went to Friday prayers or to meet sisters to remember Allah ta´ala – and alhamdulillah last year I decided to wear it always.

How do you deal with people who are not supportive of the Niqab?

Well it doesn't bother me if they are non-muslims, but if muslims say something against the niqab I'm always confused… they speak without knowledge about something so special – I mean do they know that they also insult our mothers in Islam?

Well that just shows that they are actually displeased with their own effort for Allah.
May Allah ta´ala give us understanding of His deen and guide us all to Jennah. Amin.

So to answer your question, if the person has a little bit understanding and knowledge I will explain – but mostly I just ignore those words.


A lot of Muslim women struggle to wear the Niqab. Any advice for them?

Yes! In this case (and every other struggle fisabilillah also) Say Alhamdulillah! Because this struggle means Jihad for Allah.
I met women from India and Qatar and they say, that our reward for wearing Niqab in Europe is much more greater! Alhamdulillah.
And to make it easier there is one very successful way: to read everyday Hadith and Quran to strengthen your Iman.
So it becomes easier because you always know you do it for Allah ta'ala and you remind yourself that this life is short and our struggle will be requited.

Words of advice for Muslimahs who don't wear the Hijab?

Please sisters read more about death and live in the grave and hereafter. Just think about what He gives you daily. We are healthy, we live in a peaceful country where we can practice our deen, we've got to eat, we have everything subhanAllah. He takes care of us every second and listens to our problems and hears the duas….. but what do we do?
To wear the hijab is our duty, no matter what everyone else around us thinks – we should worry about what HE thinks.
And we could die in this second – who knows how long our lives will be? And how do you want to stand in front of your Rabb? Your creator? He knows what is in our hearts, and how embarrassing would it be when He looks at you – both knowing that you ignored Him because a handful people who don't really care about you. Our friends are those, who remind us to remember HIM <3

Your favourite verse from the Quran?

SubhanAllah…… that's not easy….. I love reciting Ayatul Kursy because it's a protection against evil and the Shaytan runs away. He annoys me – so I annoy him as well ;)

How do you feel your life has changed after accepting Islam?

Well….. I feel pure, free, balanced, complete… and my life now makes sense… no matter what happens I know it comes from Allah ta'ala and I will be rewarded according to how I react.




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.

MY LIFE: THE BEAUTY AND FREEDOM OF BEING A MUSLIMAH

Being a Muslim woman, or a Muslimah as is known in Arabic, is a blessing God has gifted me without even having asked for it. I know that some people might have mixed ideas about who a Muslim woman really is and I would really like to explain myself and hopefully clear some misconceptions along the way too.

Muslimah literally means “a person who submits to the Will of God”. It might seem like a very ordinary definition for some, but for me, being a Muslimah, the definition runs very deep and it is something I preciously hold on to. I know there is a lot of talk in the media about Muslim women being oppressed, limited and subjugated, but if you really want to know exactly who a Muslimah is, you have to get it answered from a Muslim woman herself.

Being a Muslim, I have a purpose in life, and that is to obey my God. No matter what happens in life, obedience to Allah is my first priority. Everything else is secondary. Some people might say that this thought alone is depressing, but trust me, it’s only when we have a true purpose in life and realize the truth, that everything in life falls into place. I know, according to what the media portrays, a lot of you might wonder that being a Muslim woman is a tedious task, but let me tell you, it isn’t. As a Muslimah, I have my own rights and no- Islam does not deprive us of any rights. One extremely amazing lesson from the Quran is that both, the word “man” and “woman” have appeared in the Quran 23 times. We have equal rights, but our duties and responsibilities are different.

A glimpse into the life of a Muslimah

I’m afraid I don’t have much to elaborate on my daily life as a Muslim woman. Every day is a struggle to come closer to God, and with each passing day, I realize how blessed I am to be a woman of Islam. I pray 5 times a day, recite the Quran and learn more about what I can related to Islam. In short, every day is an opportunity to gain the Pleasure of my God.

I know that some of you might shake your head at this point and say what a dull life I’ve got. Yes, there might not be anything too flashy about it, but I’m grateful for it. I find my peace in my 5-times daily prayers, immeasurable solace in reading the Quran, security in observing my Hijab and Niqab, happiness in my family, freedom is obeying Allah and trust in Allah. Above all, I have been blessed with the gift of being a woman of Islam and I really couldn’t have asked for anything better! As a Muslim, part of my belief is the life in the Hereafter, after death. This life is transient, and it is only a test while the life in the Hereafter is what I strive every day for.

“The abode of the Hereafter-that is truly Life if they only knew” (Al Quran 29:64)

I suppose this article is pointless if I don’t talk about the Hijab or Niqab. Modesty is the best adornment of a woman. The Hijab is an obligation on every Muslim woman, and it is an expression of our love and obedience to Allah. We wear the Hijab because Islam teaches us that women are precious and our beauty is something we only reveal to the people that matter in our life. With the popularity of nudity and semi-nudity of women running rampant today, observing the Hijab is an honour because it preserves my modesty, upholds my dignity and gives me far more freedom than you could ever imagine.

Freedom is something that most people believe Muslim women are deprived of, but for me, true freedom is only attained by obeying Allah. Obedience to God has never oppressed or limited me. It has only set me free.

To sum it all up, Muslim women are given beautiful rights in Islam and our position is spoken highly of in Islam. As a mother, paradise lies beneath her feet. As a daughter, she opens up the doors of paradise for her parents. As a wife, she completes the religion of her husband.

This is who a Muslimah is. This is who I am.



Link to the original article published on ReligioMag: http://religiomag.com/be-my-guest-the-freedom-of-a-muslimah/

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.

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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.