WHAT'S WITH THIS "DON'T JUDGE ME"?

Giving Dawah is tough, particularly with each passing day. Somehow, everyday, I come across something flashing 'DON'T JUDGE ME". At first, I thought it was fair enough (at least in some cases), but lately this 'Don't Judge Me' phenomenon has gripped almost all Muslims.

I've tweeted quite a lot about correcting our Hijab on Twitter, and almost each time, I get a reply tweet from a sister/brother saying 'You have no right to judge us, only Allah does'. Of course I agree with it, I've no right to judge anyone and Allah is the only Judge, but it's your duty and mine to tell others about what's right and wrong. And when I try to get this explained... well the results are just not satisfactory. 

• Allah says ''So admonish/remind them that maybe the reminder will be of benefit and as for him who fears Allah he will be reminded but as for the wretched one he will turn away'' [Quran 87:9-11] 

• "You are the best nation amongst mankind because you command the good (Islam), you forbid evil (sins), and you believe in Allah [ Surat Al 'Imran, 110] 

• Prophet Muhammad (sallalhu alaihi wasallam) said "If you see a munkar (unislamic act), you change it with your hand; and if you cannot do that, then change it with your mouth (speak out against it); and if you cannot do that, then forbid it in your heart; and that is the least of belief." 

So you see, enjoining good, encouraging others towards good and advising them against going in the wrong path is the duty of a Muslim. In Dawah, no one is judging no one. We just want to correct the mistakes.

I've mostly seen this 'Don't Judge Me' paranoia with regard to the Hijab. For example, if you quote this Hadith "There will be women who will be dressed but they will be naked. Their heads will be like the humps of camels. They will not enter Jannah and will not even smell the scent of Jannah while it can be smelt from a far distance.'' [Sahih Muslim] to enlighten Muslim women about the recent "Camel-Hump Hijab Style", they naturally bring on the 'Don't Judge Me' talk. If we know a sin, and don't prevent others from doing it, we are all responsible of answering to Allah- the real Judge- on the Day of Judgement.

And again, advising sisters not to adorn their Hijab, wear tight-fitting clothes, cake their faces with 5 layers of make-up and stop interacting with non-mahrams, is almost always sure to end up with a barrage of 'Don't Judge Me's". They say that maybe they wear that way, but they may be closer to Allah than us. Of course I agree with that. We're not talking about the level of closeness of that person to Allah. What we're trying to correct is their way of wearing the Hijab. We can't cut through someone's heart to see their level of Imaan but just remember this: If you have real Imaan, you'd want to dress the way Allah wants you to. You'd wear the proper Hijab and maintain that Hijab throughout your life.

If saying 'Dont Judge Me' is your way of expressing "If I commit a sin, it is between me and my God; so stay out of my business!", then may Allah guide you. If Islam asks us to encourage good and forbid evil and do Dawah, it sure is going to be difficult if everyone is going to say 'Don't Judge Me'.

There are some instances where you have to say 'Don't judge me', as in when someone tries to judge your actions rather than your intentions, but there's a way of saying it. For example, even if it's Dawah, you shouldn't go about a person who hasn't yet prayed his/her Asr prayers and tell them, "You didn't pray Asr yet? What kind of Muslim are you?" or somewhere along that line. Rather, you should make them feel comfortable with your Dawah by saying, "I'm going to pray my Asr Salah. You want to join me?" That's Dawah, and that's what will help our Muslims everywhere.

Some people say that the Islam is in the hearts, not in the beard or Hijab. What they clearly fail to understand is that when Islam is in the heart, the Hijab and beard follow automatically.

I'm sorry if what I've said has hurt anyone in any way, but honestly, I've tried to ignore all this 'Don't judge me's". Yet, after seeing this trend picking up faster and faster, I thought it's best if I addressed it now, so that hopefully In Sha Allah, we'd have more Muslims accepting their mistakes and correcting it rather than saying 'Don't judge me' and continuing with that sin.

EID MUBARAK

It's been some while since I last blogged, but here goes my Eid wishes!

Alhamdulillah, we've been given another Eid, another day for celebration. However, while we are celebrating, hundreds of Muslims are suffering. Just this morning, a suicide bomb attack in a mosque killed at least 41 people. There on the other side, Muslims in Syria are yet protesting, even on the day of Eid to fight for their freedom.  The Muslim prisoners, on the other hand, have to celebrate their Eid in their dingy prison cells. And obviously  there are countless other unspoken incidents through which our own Muslims brothers and sisters are suffering. And not to forget, the needy Muslims, who have to spend their Eid just like any other day- with dirty, patched clothes, no food to eat and no shelter. It's sad to see.

We are celebrating, our Muslims brothers are sisters are suffering. The least we could do is remember them in our Duas. And remember, Eid is a special day, so make it all the more special by pouring out your special Duas and asking from Allah- He's sure to answer you In Sha Allah!

May Allah shower His blessings and fill the lives of all Muslims with peace, prosperity, happiness and Taqwa on the beautiful day of Eid and always. Wishing all Muslims a blessed Eid! 

Remember the Muslim Ummah in your Duas, don't ingore the needy Muslims, and if you can spare a few minutes, please make some Dua for us too :)

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 10 DAYS OF DHUL HIJJAH

“By the dawn; By the 10 nights” [al-Fajr 89:1-2]. Subhanallah, for Allah to make a promise on the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, you can imagine how significant these days are.

Abu Hurairah relates that the Messenger of Allah (sallahu alaihi wasallam) said, “There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijja. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on the night of power. [i.e., Lailatul Qadr].” [Related by at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and al-Baihaqi]

The Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) commanded us to recite a lot of Tasbeeh (“Subhan-Allah”), Tahmeed (“Al-hamdu Lillaah”) and Takbeer (“Allaahu akbar”) during this time.

Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) said: “There are no days greater in the sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel (“La ilaaha ill-Allah”), Takbeer and Tahmeed.” (Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh).





Even if we are not able to fast during the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah, we should never miss out on fasting on the Day of Arafah. Fasting on the day of Arafah is of huge significance as well, and it has been stated that fasting on this day wipes out the sins committed during the previous year and the year to come Subhanallah!

During these 10 days, we should remember Allah abundantly, engage in doing a lot of Amal and do things that are sure to earn for us the pleasure of Allah.

Ibn Umar (ral) and Abu Huraira (ral) would go into the marketplaces during these days and raise their voices in Takbir. The people in the marketplace would then also raise their voices with the Takbir the Takbir in response [Sahih Bukhari]. This way, marketplaces, a place hated by Allah becomes a place filled with His remembrance, Subhanallah!

Now, being well aware of the significance of these ten days, we as Muslims, should welcome the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah with the same fervor and enthusiasm as we anticipate and welcome the blessed month of Ramadhan.

WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDED ACTS IN THESE DAYS?

1. Prayer - It is highly recommended to perform the obligatory acts at their prescribed times (as early as possible) and to increase oneself in the superogatory acts, for indeed, this is what brings a person closer to their Lord. The Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said:

"Upon you is to increase in your prostration to Allah, for verily you do not prostrate to Allah with even one prostration, except that He raises you in degrees and decreases your sins because of it." [Reported by Muslim]

2. Fasting - "The Prophet, upon whom be peace, would fast on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of Ashura and three days in every month." [Recorded by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, an-Nisa'i and others]

Imam an-Nawawi said that fasting in these ten days is extremely recommended.

3. Saying allahu akbar, la illaha illallah and alhamdulillah - It is found in the aforementioned narration of Ibn 'Umar:

"So increase yourselves in saying la illaha illallah, allahu akbar and alhamdulillah."

Strive with us, O Muslims in reviving this Sunnah that has become lost in these times and it was almost forgotten, even amongst the people of righteousness.

There are a number of ways of making takbir that have been narrated by the companions and their followers and from these ways is the following:

• Allahu akbar, allahu akbar, allahu akbar kabirun.
• Allahu akbar, allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, wallahu akbar, wa lillahil hamd.
• Allahu akbar, allahu akbar, allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, allahu akbar wa lillahil hamd.

4. Fasting on the day of 'Arafah - Fasting has been affirmed on the day of 'Arafah, where it has been confirmed from the Prophet, peace be upon him, that he said regarding fasting on the day of 'Arafah:

"Be content with the fact that Allah will expiate for you your sins for the year before (the day of 'Arafah) and the year after (the day of 'Arafah)." [Reported by Muslim]

Let's make the most of it, In Sha Allah.

WHY I WEAR THE NIQAB

Many people have asked me what made me wear the Niqab. To be honest, there was nothing in particular that made me wear the Niqab. My mother and older sisters were already wearing the Niqab, and I felt it was only right that I did the same. I've always have an incredible awe for the Niqab, and even before I started wearing it, I used to put my mother's Niqab, just to see if it would look good on me. Alhamdulillah, Allah blessed me with the opportunity of wearing the Niqab. Everyday since then, has been a tremendous journey towards being prouder of my identity as a Muslim and a prouder slave of Allah. I've never looked back since!

Thankfully, my family never objected to my choice of wearing the Niqab. In fact, they only encouraged it, so my Niqab journey has been very smooth, Alhamdulillah, apart from a few relatives who thought that I was too young for the Niqab and that it wasn't necessary, and of course, a few insults I get from non-Muslims. Although I live in a Muslim minority country, the non-Muslims have never done anything more than laugh, snigger or call me a 'ninja' for wearing the Niqab. So a huge Alhamdulillah for that!

What inspired me to wear the Niqab? For one thing, I stick to the opinion that Wearing the Niqab is compulsory. The other thing is that the wives and daughters of Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wassalam) all wore the Niqab, as did the other Sahaba women. These are the women we should be following, and to be among those who follow in their footsteps... I feel so privileged, Alhamdulillah!

Even if the Niqab isn't obligatory, there is no doubt that it's highly recommended in Islam, and Wallahi, I fear the Day of Judgement when I'll be standing before Allah and He'll question me for not wearing the Niqab when I knew that it was either Fardh or highly recommended in Islam. What would I ever answer to Him?

The other reason, which is probably my strongest and proudest reason for wearing the Niqab, is that I know deep down (as I'm sure all other Muslimahs do as well), that the more you sacrifice for the sake of Allah, the more you'll be rewarded and the more Allah will love you. And of course, the Niqab comes with a lot of sacrifices, so I know that if I'm prepared to take that step, Allah will reward me for it and He'll love me for it (hopefully), and this reason in itself is a more than sufficient reason for me to wear the Niqab.

The Niqab acts like a huge shield for me. No, it doesn't cut me away from the world or the society. It's just that when there is so much of corruption in the world now, I feel so very protected with my Niqab on. It's tough to explain how it feels. It's just the sort of thing that can only be felt, not said. If there are thousands of Niqabis out there who say that the Niqab has liberated them, it's because it really has. Wallahi is does. And I can walk freely knowing that I'm covered and I'm protected- just as Islam wants me to be.

HOW COOL IS TO SWEAR?

Using foul language has become the trend now. The latest trend where the "cool people" swear at everyone and everything. When I say everything, I mean not just humans and animals. They somehow manage to swear the things. They knock their legs against a table, and most of you'll would have heard the swearing. It just seems as though people have gotten so used to swearing that they can hardly manage to speak a single sentence without some kind of foul language.

"LMFAO" "WTF" "OMFG"... I'm sure all of you'll know it stands for. Well, the last one certainly shocked me, Subhanallah! People use it as though it's the easiest and simplest thing ever. But have you ever given a thought to the weight of using such words? Just see these Hadith mentioned below:

• Ibn Mas'ud narrates that Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, "To swear at a Muslim is sinful and to kill a muslim is kufr (disbelief). (agreed by Bukhari & Muslim) 
• “Indeed most people are dragged to Hellfire, solely because of what their tongues have harvested!” Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).
• “A person might utter a single word by virtue of which Allah will raise his station; or he may utter a single word thanks to which he may be flung right into the middle of Hellfire.” Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)
• “A believer is not one who is in the habit of cursing, swearing or indulging in foul or lewd talk.” Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)
• The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “O ‘Aaishah! Have you ever seen me speaking a bad and dirty language? (Remember that) the worst people in Allah’s sight on the Day of Resurrection will be those whom the people desert or leave in order to save themselves from their dirty language or from their transgression.” (Bukhaari)

So it basically comes down to this: If you call yourself a Muslim, a believer in Allah and the words of Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wasallam), then you will undoubtedly, stay away from swearing, cursing and using any kind of obscene filth. 

But I know, most people, at this point, would say to themselves, ''C'mon, it's just an expression! This is just my way of talking!" 

Expression? Think of it sisters and brothers. Aren't there enough of other words in the English vocabulary with which you can express yourself? Or it expression only possible through swearing?

Think of it this way. Did Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) ever use a single word that hurt a person, let alone an animal? Then how do we see it right that we swear at everyone, be it our friend, sister or even our mother? Do you really think it's a respectful thing to do?

You might think that swearing left, right and center is cool and punk, but it's not so. It's just plain disgusting and you're just blind to the number of people you're hurting with your vulgar words. Maybe you wouldn't mind people swearing at you, but I'm sure people may be hurt by your words. 

Words are a mighty weighty thing. Once it's uttered, you're totally under it's control. You can't change it, you can't take it back. The damage has already been done.

Unless you seek forgiveness from Allah, and forgiveness from the people you have hurt with your words. Although seeking Allah's forgiveness is easy, how many of us can trample our ego and approach a person and ask for his/her forgiveness? Well I'm sure most of us would never muster that strength! 

You may call me an old-fashioned, goody-girl for not swearing or using filth, but really I'd rather be old-fashioned than being the 'modernized punk' of today. Alhamdulillah, I've so many ways of expressing myself without having to use obscene language and I'm pretty sure people understand my 'expressions' when I speak in normal, decent words.

So dear sisters and brothers, if you still think that speaking obscenities is alright, then go ahead. Hurt the people around you, displease Allah and make yourself hated and disrespected among people. 

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak what is good or remain silent” Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wasallam)

HOW TOUGH IS IT TO LOWER OUR GAZES?

Lowering the gaze. Well, it's easier said than done. But Alhamdulillah, there are many people I know who have successfully managed to lower their gazes with the continous Help of Allah (SWT). As for me, I'm trying very hard to lower my gaze as I should, so whatever I'm writing right now is first, a reminder to myself.

I've heard a Hadith that says that Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) once asked the Sahabi what the most precious thing for a woman was. None of the Sahaba replied, but Ali (ral) went home and repeated to the question to Fatimah (ral) to which she replied that the best thing for a woman is that she is neither seen by any non-mahram men nor does she see any non-mahrams. Ali (ral) repeated this answer to Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) and when asked who told Ali (ral) the answer, he replied it was Fatimah (ral). Prophet Muhammad (sallalu alaihi wasallam) then said, "Fatimah bint Muhammad, Fatimah bint Muhammad, Fatimah bint Muhammad. Fathima is really the son of Muhammad".

I know it's tough to lower our gazes, particularly when a good looking man or a pretty girl is right in front of your eyes. But that's what we have to do. And it's not impossible. I've really thought that lowering the gaze, particularly for teenagers is tough, but Masha Allah, my younger sister proved me wrong! I'm extremely proud that she is very, very strict with herself when it comes to lowering her gaze and I pray that Allah gives us the strength to do so.

Now, how to lower our gazes? First, we have to have the firm intention and pray to Allah that He strengthens us. It's a battle against our desires and we're striving against our ownselves solely for the Pleasure of Allah. This, my brothers and sisters, is the greater form of Jihad because this is a battle against yourself, against your desires and against the whispers of Shaytan. It takes huge, huge, courage, but it's possible, provided you have firm Imaan and Taqwa.

Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) said: “You will never give up something for the sake of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, but Allah will replace it with something that is better for you than it.” [Narrated by Ahmad]

When you give up doing something that Allah doesn't like solely for His sake, Allah WILL replace it with something much, much better. So just imagine that a really good-looking man/girl walks past you, and you lower your gaze, don't you think Allah will replace your sacrifice for something much better? Who knows, you might end up getting married to someone a hundred times more beautiful than the one you thought was beautiful! Subhanallah! No sacrifice of ours goes wasted. Allah will give us a better compensation.

So next time your tempted to look at a non-mahram, however lovely they may be, lower your gaze. This sacrifice of yours would undoubtedly, give you something much better. Something a lot more worth. Just keep this Hadith Qudsi in your mind when your tempted to see a non-mahram:

"The gaze is a poisonous arrow from among the arrows of Iblis (satan). Whoever protected his heart and gaze from this arrow due to My fear, I will grant him the sweetness of Iman that he will perceive in his heart."

Only you know how tough it is to lower your gaze, but your doing it for Allah right? So take that moment to make Dua to Allah. Put forward that sacrifice you did only for His sake and ask Him for whatever you want. Allah will answer it, no doubts about that!

I'm still striving to lower my gaze and although I may not be as successful in doing this as I wanted to be, I'm trying. And I know that when I try for the sake of Allah, Allah will guide me all along the way, In Sha Allah!

MASHAALLAH, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

How many of us have the habit of comparing ourselves with models and actresses and then end up being depressed with the way we are? I’m sure most of us are. It’s not easy to ignore the slim, beautiful, airbrushed models in glamorous magazines looking stunning with flawless and beautiful skin, and it’s certainly difficult to ignore comparing ourselves with them. But that’s what we have to do. We have to ignore comparing ourselves with them because we’re nothing like them. We are Muslims, and as Muslims, we know that beauty isn’t something that’s just skin-deep; it’s far more than that. And as Muslims, we should also be wise enough to understand that superficial beauty isn’t our aim, and neither is that what Allah looks for. Remember that Allah doesn’t look at our beauty, skin, colour of shape. He only looks into our heart, Imaan and Taqwa. And that’s what we should strive for- to beautify ourselves for our Creator, Allah. Not for people or society.

How many of us spend hours and hours moaning about our skin and our shape? How many of us mourn about our arms being too fat while obviously remaining ignorant and ungrateful for to the fact that Alhamdulillah, we have arms. How many of us thank Allah for our arms, however fat they may be, because it has helped us in innumerable ways. Just because we hate it doesn’t mean we can do without it. 
Then again, our feet. How many of us mourn about our fat and short feet while not realizing that it’s the same feet with which we walk, stand up in prayer to Allah and fall down in Sujood to Him. Are we as grateful for whatever we have as much as we mourn about it? How many of us hate the way we look, the way our mouths are positioned, the way our noses are stubbed, the way our eyes are, the acne we have on our skin, etc, etc, etc. While we are mourning, and even hating ourselves for the way we look, have we ever given a moment of thought to appreciating what we have and saying Alhamdulillah for it?

Allah is beautiful and loves beauty. So should we, but we shouldn’t get obsessed with it. I know of many people who have gone under severe depression just thinking about the few pounds they’ve gained, a few pimples on the faces, etc. In extreme cases, it has even lead to suicide! That’s the fact. It’s all the pressure of the media and the world, where they project the image of the ‘rich and beautiful’ making it seem as though others have absolutely nothing in this world. And it’s sad that the teens of today are falling headlong into that trap. It’s more disappointing to see Muslims falling into this trap when we know that our beauty is only a test from Allah and that our beauty isn’t going to get us anywhere. Only our Imaan and Taqwa will. Beautify your heart and that will naturally reflect on your face. And that kind of beauty is the real beauty. Not the fake beauty plastered on magazines and ads with tons and tons of makeup and enhancements.

We are what we are, and we should be proud of that! And while we are at it, recite this Dua, one our Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) recited regularly, particularly when looking into the mirror:

اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ حَسَّنْتَ خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي

Allahumma anta hasanta khalqi fahassin khuluqi

"O Allah, just as you have made my external features beautiful, make my character beautiful as well"