MY TOUGH YET FRUITFUL JOURNEY WITH HIJAB

GUEST POST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOVE, RELATIONSHIPS AND ISLAM- WHAT'S RIGHT AND WHAT'S NOT

Some of you might not agree with what I'm going to tell here, but please spare a few minutes to read it. Love, relationships and Islam.... It's really something that needs to be talked about, and that too particularly in the present times, where not many people understand the gravity of entering into a haraam relationship.

At a young age, it's natural that you may have an attraction for the opposite sex and Islam teaches us on how to control it. And why should you control it? Because when you enter into a relationship, you lose your modesty, your dignity, your virtue and your respect. I know- almost everyone has a boyfriend/girlfriend, but that doesn't mean you should as well. Forgive me for saying this, but friends are usually the main reason for your getting into a relationship. If you choose a good friend, he/she will advise you against it. That's what a real friend would do. And if your friends have relationships themselves, you would naturally incline that way too. This is why Islam stresses so much in choosing the best friends.

“A good friend and a bad friend are like a perfume-seller and a blacksmith: The perfume-seller might give you some perfume as a gift, or you might buy some from him, or at least you might smell its fragrance. As for the blacksmith, he might singe your clothes, and at the very least you will breathe in the fumes of the furnace.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

Getting into a relationship may seem tempting, but trust me, I have seen and heard enough to know that it is the total opposite. Why do we need to go looking for love in the haraam way when Allah Ta'ala has already chosen someone for us. And when the time is right, Allah will reunite you with your spouse, In Sha Allah. This takes patience, yes, but in the meantime, why should you go looking for the wrong person when Allah has written down someone perfect for you?

Let me make this clear: love is not haraam or halaal. It's a natural emotion we are all created with. But what follows your attraction is what matters and we are definitely accountable for how we get carried away with these feelings. Remember that Islam never restricts anything for us: it just shows us a purer, more beautiful and perfect alternative. And in the case of love, it's a natural feeling, but when you go seeking for it in any means that Islam has prohibited, then that definitely is haraam, and Islam has shown us a pure alternative for it in the form of marriage.

Males interacting with females and vice versa is prohibited in Islam, and all types of 'dating' has no room in our religion. It might seem to be something really attractive, but it's not. Wallahi, you can never achieve love in the haraam way. If you seek it that way, there would be no blessings in it, and it would never be long-lasting. How can we ever expect to find happiness when we have been disobeying Allah? How can we expect happiness and love when we look for it in the haraam way?

Love is definitely not how it is portrayed in movies. Real-life is so much more different, and have you noticed that generally when love in movies end with marriage, it only actually starts afterwards? Don't get carried away with what you see in movies. It's nothing but a false facade and the truth it what Islam teaches us.

Don't ever enter into a haram relationship and hope to end it in the halaal way. Remember, that intentions are everything. You can never expect there to be love, barakah or happiness in your marriage life when you have sought it through haraam ways.

All what I have said may seem harsh to some of you, but it's the truth. If you do have any relationships, end it for the Sake of Allah. It's definitely not worth it at all. It will cost you your happiness and may Allah forbid, but it may even cost you your Jannah. Is that worth it?

And as for those who have entered into their marriage through haraam relationships, remember that so long as you seek Allah and seek His forgiveness, He will cleanse you and give you genuine love and happiness. After all, isn't this what we all want?

"Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. " May Allah make us all benefit from it, In Sha Allah!

HOW I STOPPED LISTENING TO MUSIC

All of us have a certain time in life of which we are ashamed of and I really hope that Allah will forgive me! I'll be frank here: I was a massive music addict. When I say I was a music lover, I don't just say that I listen to it to kill boredom. I listened to music because I loved it, and there were nights where I'd sit up until late midnight. Past 3 a.m too, listening to music. And yes, in most cases, I ended up missing my Fajr prayer. I am ashamed of what I did. I really am... May Allah forgive me.

I know that there are a lot of Muslims who are struggling with their addiction with music. I can relate a lot to this, having been a music addict myself. I knew that listening to music is Haraam, but that didn't stop me. I regret all what I did. There were times though when the reality of the fact that music is prohibited in Islam hit me, and I did make some vague resolutions to stop myself from listening to it, but generally after a few weeks or so, I'd get back to my disgusting addiction.

The fact it, I've always thought that giving up listening to music was going to be really tough, but now that I have stopped it, I realize how exceptionally easy it was. Subhanallah! A word of advice for those who are reading this: If you are trying to avoid music, the first thing you should do is have a firm intention and resolution. I guess the only reason why I have not been able to avoid music was due to the fact that my resolutions were always weak. If you set your heart on your intentions, everything becomes easy. If you try for the Sake of Allah, not matter how hard it may seem to be, Allah will make it beautifully easy for you. I know this because that's how I gave up listening to music.

Wallahi, avoiding music might seem like a really daunting task, but it's so much more easier- if you are firm in your intentions. I made a promise to Allah that I would never listen to music again, and that promise has made me far stronger than I thought I could be, and I would never want to break that promise I made with Allah. May Allah protect me!

From my years of listening to music, I can definitely relate to one fact: I did take pleasure in music, but it was always accompanied by a massive sense of guilt of disobeying Allah. I tried to push away that guilt away, but it always persisted. Now, after avoiding music, my eyes opened up to so many possibilities. So many 'What if's'.... 

Be truthful to yourself: Are you really at peace when you listen to music? Doesn't the thought that you are disobeying Allah cross your mind? Is it worth the momentary pleasure of music at the cost of earning the displeasure of Allah? Is that one song, which is probably no longer than 5 minutes, worth your losing Jannah? What if you die in that state, may Allah protect all of us! What if that music is the cause of your entering Jahannum? What if all those songs you listened to will stop you from uttering the Kalimah at the time of your death? What if music and the disgusting lyrics in that tempts you towards committing more sins? What if your listening to music takes you away from your Allah, the One Who created you, is forever compassionate towards you and is forever merciful to you?

Is it worth it? 

Now, Alhamdulillah, not only have I avoided music, but I have a raw hatred for it. And once you hate it, you'll never be tempted again, In Sha Allah! Music today, is more or less audio pornography. Women are spoken of as sexual objects, the lyrics encourage vile behaviour and provoke haram desires within a person. And this is what we have grown addicted to, this is what we listen and this is what we take pleasure in... May Allah forgive us all for our ignorance. It exactly because of this that Prophet Muhammad Sallahi Alaihi Wasallam has said:"Verily, singing generates hypocrisy in the heart just as water causes farm-produce to grow". (Baihaqi)

There is nothing more soothing than the recitation of the Quran and the beautiful meaning of it, so if music is just a portal you use to calm your mind, kow that you can NEVER find peace that way. How can we expect to find peace, consolation and happiness in something Allah has proibited? You want peace and happiness? Listen to the Quran, read the meaning of it or listen to Nasheeds without music of course. There are some beautiful ones, MashaAllah. For a start, you can listen to 'Al Habib' and 'Heartsong' by Talib Al Habib. I couldn't help but cry when I heard it, Subhanallah!

If you have any songs on your phones, computers or iPods, delete them. You can't listen to them if it's deleted, right? Replace all those who recitation of the Quran, Islamic lectures or Nasheeds, and if you still persist in listening to music when you can easily listen to the Quran/Nasheeds/lectures, the guilt would be too much to bear. Trust me on that.

Never do the love of songs and the love of Qur`an come together in a person’s heart except that one expels the other.

Something in you might tell you that you might miss out on so much of fun when you avoid music or movies, but know that this is nothing but the whispers of Shaytan. What kind of enjoyment can you ever find in doing something Haraam? You are not missing out on fun when you avoid music/movies. You are only earning for yourself the Pleasure of Allah and sacrificing your desires for the Sake of Allah. This in itself, would help you rise in ranks on the Day of Qiyamah. After all, isn't the greater Jihad struggling against your own desires for the Sake of Allah?

Finally, if you want to stop listening to music and watching movies, make lots of Du'aa. Du'aa can change anything, and so long as you are sincere in your Du'aa, Allah will surely show you a way out. When you listening to music, you are sinning and moving away from Allah, and each time you avoid it, you are strengthening your relationship with Allah. Do it for the Sake of Allah. Allah will help you, make it easy for you, reward you and above all, love you... And where does this immeasurable Love of Allah count with the love of music and movies?

Avoiding music is not difficult. It's about the easiest thing I have ever given up. And this, coming from a massive music addict, really relates to quite a lot. 

“And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out, and provide for him from whence he could never imagine.” [ Sûrah al-Talâq : 2-3]

Stay strong in your intentions, make Du'aa and fear Allah. Everything else will naturally be made easy for you!

"Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: 'Verily, the bell is of the musical instruments of shaitaan." (Muslim and Abu Dawood)

"The Malaaikah do not associate with a group in which there is a dog or a bell." (Muslim and Abu Dawood)

"Most certainly, there will be in my Ummah people who will make lawful fornication, silk, liquor and musical instruments." (Bukhaari)

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Most certainly, people from my Ummah will consume liquor which they will describe with some other name. Over their heads will be playing musical instruments and singing girls. Allah will cause the earth to swallow them, and from among them He will transform into apes and pigs." (Ibn Maajah)

FASTING ON THE 9TH AND 10TH OF MUHARRAM & ITS VIRTUES

Praise be to Allaah.  

Fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ does expiate for the past year, because the Prophet (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Fasting the day of ‘Arafah I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it, and fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” Narrated by Muslim, 1162. This is by the bounty that Allaah bestows upon us, whereby fasting one day expiates for the sins of a whole year. And Allaah is the Owner of great bounty. 

The Prophet (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to be very keen to make sure he fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ because of its great status. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I never saw the Prophet (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) so keen to make sure he fasted any day and preferring it over another except this day, the day of ‘Ashoora’, and this month – meaning Ramadaan. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867. 

What is meant by being keen to make sure he fasted it is so as to earn its reward. 

With regard to the reason why the Prophet (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ and urged the people to do likewise is mentioned in the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari (1865) from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said: The Prophet (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) came to Madeenah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashoora’. He said, “What is this?” They said, “This is a good day, this is the day when Allaah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy and Moosa fasted on this day.” He said, “We have closer to Moosa than you.” So he fasted on this day and told the people to fast. 

The words “this is a good day” – according to a version narrated by Muslim, “This is a great day when Allaah saved Moosa and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people.” 

The words “so Moosa fasted on this day” – Muslim added in his report: “In gratitude to Allaah, so that is we fast on this day.” 

According to another version narrated by al-Bukhaari, “So we fast it out of respect for it.” 

The expiation of sins that is achieved by fasting ‘Ashoora’ refers to minor sins; with regard to major sins, they need separate repentance. 

Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: 

Fasting the day of ‘Arafaah expiates for all minor sins, in other words this brings forgiveness for all sins except for major sins. 

Then he said: 

Fasting the day of ‘Arafaah is an expiation for two years, and the day of ‘Ashoora is an expiation for one year, and if a person’s Ameen coincides with the Ameen of the angels, his previous sins will be forgiven… Each of the things mentioned may bring expiation. If he does something that expiates for minor sins he will be expiated, and if there are no minor or major sins, it will be recorded for him as good deeds and he will rise in status thereby… If there is one or more major sins and no minor sins, we hope that it will reduce his major sins.  Al-Majmoo’ Sharh al-Muhadhdhab, part 6. 

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The expiation of purification, prayer, and fasting Ramadaan, ‘Arafah and ‘Ashoora’ applies to minor sins only.  Al-Fataawa al-Kubra, part 5.

Via Islamic Q & A

PICTURES OF HIJABIS FOR DAWAH- IS IT REALLY NECESSARY?

I’ve noticed a lot of Islamic Dawah pages on Facebook, and MashaAllah, the messages are really good and inspiring. But the thing is, particularly when the topic of Hijab comes up, there are some things that had better be avoided. For one thing, when putting up a message about the correct Hijab, the explanation that’s given, together with Quranic Aayahs and Hadith to back it up are really, really good. And it is something that needs to be addressed. The point is that, the images that accompany the messages aren't so good.

It’s really disappointing to see these pages have images of sisters donning the incorrect Hijab, with tight jeans and the camel hump Hijab style, etc. These have to be corrected - yes- but not by exposing the sins of other sisters. Having cartoonified images may be ok, but how can we put up pictures of sisters without their permission? For one thing, the sister who had donned the incorrect Hijab may have corrected herself and for all we know, she might even be a Niqabi. So how can we expose their sins for the whole world to see? Allah would have forgiven them for their mistake, but would He forgive us for exposing the sins of another?

The other thing is that uploading pictures like that- even though the message you intend to give is good- is certainly not the proper way to give Dawah and it might even push certain sisters away from the Hijab. One thing we really need to remember is to be gentle when giving Dawah and that too particularly where the Hijab is concerned.

I recently saw a post like this together with an image of two sisters wearing the Hijab with tight jeans, and a lot of fans on the page have mentioned that the image should be removed. And it's right too… We should try our best to not be the cause of another person sinning and this calls for special attention online. Remember that if you are posting images of sisters in Hijab/Niqab or even a picture of a brother to use it alongside your Dawah message, be exceptionally careful. Think twice whether an image is actually necessary. And also remember that each time someone sees those images, you’re being the reason for them to not lower their gaze. None of us would want to bear that sin, right? And imagine how many people are going to see, stare or get attracted to those images… and each time they do so, we will have to bear that sin too. And how many more people are going to see it if the post gets shared? Subhanallah.

So this is my message- try as much as you can to avoid putting up pictures of Hijabis/Niqabis or even images of brothers because just as men have to lower their gazes, so should women. You can get your message across even without an image, so why use such pictures? And also, please be gentle and understanding when giving Dawah. It’s not only Muslims who may read it but non-Muslims too, so maintain good Akhlaq and be kind and gentle in your Dawah- just like our beloved Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam was. And trust me, this will not only inspire Muslims but non-Muslims too, In Sha Allah.

Please share this message with other Islamic Dawah pages too.

Jazakallah Khair!

WHY I SHED BIKINI FOR NIQAB- SARA BOKKER

This is one of my favourite stories and it's a real inspiration for all Muslims and non-Muslims out there. 

* * *

I am an American woman who was born in the midst of America’s “Heartland.” I grew up, just like any other girl, being fixated with the glamour of life in “the big city.” Eventually, I moved to Florida and on to South Beach of Miami, a hotspot for those seeking the “glamorous life.” Naturally, I did what most average Western girls do. I focused on my appearance and appeal, basing my self-worth on how much attention I got from others. I worked out religiously and became a personal trainer, acquired an upscale waterfront residence, became a regular “exhibiting” beach-goer and was able to attain a “living-in-style” kind of life.

Years went by, only to realize that my scale of self-fulfillment and happiness slid down the more I progressed in my “feminine appeal.” I was a slave to fashion. I was a hostage to my looks.

As the gap continued to progressively widen between my self-fulfillment and lifestyle, I sought refuge in escapes from alcohol and parties to meditation, activism, and alternative religions, only to have the little gap widen to what seemed like a valley. I eventually realized it all was merely a pain killer rather than an effective remedy.

By now it was Sept. 11, 2001. As I witnessed the ensuing barrage on Islam, Islamic values and culture, and the infamous declaration of the “new crusade,” I started to notice something called Islam. Up until that point, all I had associated with Islam was women covered in “tents,” wife beaters, harems, and a world of terrorism. As a feminist libertarian, and an activist, I was pursuing a better world for all.

One day I came across a book that is negatively stereotyped in the West – The Noble Qur’an. I was first attracted by the style and approach of the Qur’an, and then intrigued by its outlook on existence, life, creation, and the relationship between Creator and creation. I found the Qur’an to be a very insightful address to heart and soul without the need for an interpreter or pastor.

Eventually I hit a moment of truth: my new-found self-fulfilling activism was nothing more than merely embracing a faith called Islam where I could live in peace as a “functional” Muslim.

I bought a beautiful long gown and head cover resembling the Muslim woman’s dress code and I walked down the same streets and neighborhoods where only days earlier I had walked in my shorts, bikini, or “elegant” Western business attire.

Although the people, the faces, and the shops were all the same, one thing was remarkably distinct – I was not – nor was the peace at being a woman I experienced for the very first time. I felt as if the chains had been broken and I was finally free. I was delighted with the new looks of wonder on people’s faces in place of the looks of a hunter watching his prey I had once sought. Suddenly a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Finally, I was free.

Of all places, I found my Islam at the heart of what some call “the most scandalous place on earth,” which makes it all the more dear and special.

While content with Hijab I became curious about Niqab, seeing an increasing number of Muslim women in it. I asked my Muslim husband, whom I married after I reverted to Islam, whether I should wear Niqab or just settle for the Hijab I was already wearing. My husband simply advised me that he believes Hijab is mandatory in Islam while Niqab is not. At the time, my Hijab consisted of head scarf that covered all my hair except for my face, and a loose long black gown called “Abaya” that covered all my body from neck to toe.
A year-and-a-half passed, and I told my husband I wanted to wear Niqab. My reason, this time, was that I felt it would be more pleasing to Allah, the Creator, increasing my feeling of peace at being more modest.

He supported my decision and took me to buy an “Isdaal,” a loose black gown that covers from head to toe, and Niqab, which covers all my head and face except for my eyes. Soon enough, news started breaking about politicians, Vatican clergymen, libertarians, and so-called human rights and freedom activists condemning Hijab at times, and Niqab at others as being oppressive to women, an obstacle to social integration, and more recently, as an Egyptian official called it – “a sign of backwardness.”

I find it to be a blatant hypocrisy when Western governments and so-called human rights groups rush to defend woman’s rights when some governments impose a certain dress code on women, yet such “freedom fighters” look the other way when women are being deprived of their rights, work, and education just because they choose to exercise their right to wear Niqab or Hijab.

Today I am still a feminist, but a Muslim feminist, who calls on Muslim women to assume their responsibilities in providing all the support they can for their husbands to be good Muslims. To raise their children as upright Muslims so they may be beacons of light for all humanity once again. To enjoin good – any good – and to forbid evil – any evil. To speak righteousness and to speak up against all ills. To fight for our right to wear Niqab or Hijab and to please our Creator whichever way we chose. But just as importantly to carry our experience with Niqab or Hijab to fellow women who may never have had such a chance.
Most of the women I know wearing Niqab are Western reverts, some of whom are not even married. Others wear Niqab without full support of either family or surroundings. What we all have in common is that it is the personal choice of each and every one of us, which none of us is willing to surrender.

Willingly or unwillingly, women are bombarded with styles of “dressing-in-little-to-nothing” virtually in every means of communication everywhere in the world.

As an ex non-Muslim, I insist on women’s right to equally know about Hijab, its virtues, and the peace and happiness it brings to a woman’s life as it did to mine. Yesterday, the bikini was the symbol of my liberty, when in actuality it only liberated me from my spirituality and true value as a respectable human being.

Today, Niqab is the new symbol of woman’s liberation.

To women who surrender to the ugly stereotype against the Islamic modesty of Hijab, I say: You don’t know what you are missing.

– Sara Bokker is a former actress/model/fitness instructor and activist.

NIQAB & ITS NECESSITY EXPLAINED BY THE SAHABA, TABI'EEN AND ULEMA

FROM THE SAHABA (Radhiallaahu Ánhum)

Ibn Jarir (Rahimahullah) with an authentic chain of narrators has quoted Ibn Abbaas' (Radhiallaahu Án) opinion was "that the Muslim women are ordered to cover their head and faces with outer garments except for one eye." (This is quoted in the Ma'riful Qur'an in the tafseer of Surah Ahzaab ayah # 33, with reference of Ibn Jarir with a sahih chain of narrators).  
The Tabiee Ali Bin Abu Talha explained that this was the last opinion of Ibn Abbas and the other opinions quoted from him were from before Surah Al-Ahzaab, Verse #59 and the order of  the "Jalabib".  Shaikh Ibn Uthaimin commented on this saying of Ibn Abbaas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) by saying "This statement is "Marfoo" and in shariah that is the same category as a hadith which is narrated directly from Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam). The quote of Ibn Abbas is quoted by many tabi'een like Ali Ibn Abu Talha and Ibn Jarir in Ma'riful Quran by Mufti Muhammad Shafi vol.7 pg.217 and also in Tafseer Ibn Jarir, Vol. 22, pg.29 and also by Imaam Qurtabi all with SAHIH Chains and explained in the book "Hijaab" by Ibn Uthaimin, Page # 9 and authenticated in the book "Hijaab wa Safur"by Shaikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimahullah) on page #11 and by Shaikh AbdulAziz bin Bazz  (Rahimahullah) on page # 55 and 60 )


Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) Who was known as the most knowledgeable Sahabi in matters of Shariah. Umar Ibn Khattab (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) said about him "By Allah, I don't know of any person who is more qualified in the matters dealing with the Quran than Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud"Explained, the word Jilbaab (as mentioned in the Quran Surah Ahzaab ayah # 59 ) to mean a cloak which covers the entire body including the head, face and hands. (Quoted from Ibn Taymiyyah(Rahimahullah) in his book on fatwaas Page# 110 Vol # 2 and By Shaikh Ibn Uthamin in the book Hijaab Page # 15)


Aisha (Radhiallaahu Ánha) Stated that in verse 30 and 31 of Surah An Nur "What has been allowed to be shown is the hands, bangles and rings but the face must be covered.
(Quoted by Shaikh Abdul A'la Maududi in the book Purdah P# 195 and in his Tafseer of Quran under the tafseer of Surah An Nur)

Abu Ubaidah Salmani (Radhiallaahu Ánhu), another well known Sahabi is quoted saying 
"Jilbaab should fully cover the women's body, so that nothing appears but one eye with which she can see." (Tafseer Al-Qurtubi) And In the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) "The women used to don their cloaks (Jilbaabs) over their heads in such a manner that only the eyes were revealed in order to see the road." (The Book "Hijaab" page # 9)

Ubaida bin Abu Sufyan bin al-Harith('Radhiallaahu Ánhu' An' Other well known and knowledgeable Companion of Rasulullah ) Imam Muhammad bin Sirin (Rahimahullah) One of the most knowledgeable tabi'een) said "When I asked Ubaida bin Sufyan bin al-Harith ('Radhiallaahu An') how the jalbaab was to be worn, he demonstrated it to me by pulling a sheet of cloth over his head to cover his entire body, leaving the left eye uncovered. This was also the explanation of the word 'Alaihinna in this verse"  (Commentary by Ibn Jarir and Ahkam-ul-Quran, Vol.3, p.457 also in "hijaab wa Safur" quoted by Shaikh AbdulAziz Bin Bazz under the chapter of his fatwaa on hijab on page #54)

FROM THE TABI'EEN

Hassan Al Basri (Rahimahullah) 
States in his tafseer of the Surah An-Nur,  "What a woman is allowed to show in this Ayah implies to those outer garments (not the face or hands) which the woman puts on to cover her internal decoration (her beauty).

(Quoted in the book "Purdah" P#194 )

Ibn Jarir (Rahimahullah) Quotes the opinion of  Ibn Ábbaas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu)
"Allah has enjoined upon all Muslim Women that when they go out of their homes under necessity, they should cover their faces by drawing a part of their outer garments over their heads." (Tafseer Ibn Jarir, VOL 22, pg.29)

The Tabi'ee, Qatadah (Rahimahullah)
Stated that the Jilbab should be wrapped and fixed from above the forehead and made to cover the nose, (although the eyes are to show) and the chest and most of the face are to be covered.

The Tabi'ee Ali bin Abu Talha (Rahimahullah)
Quotes from Ibn Abbaas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) that he used to say it was allowed to show the hands and face when Surah Nur ayah #31 was revealed but after Surah Al-Ahzaab, Verse #59 with the word "Jalabib" was revealed then after this  Ibn Abbaas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) said that That the Muslim women are ordered to cover their head and faces with outer garments except for one eye."  And this was also the opinion of Ibn Mas'ud (Radhiallaahu Ánhu). (This is quoted by Ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimahullah) in his book of fatwaa and by Shaikh AbdulAziz Bin Bazz (Rahimahullah) in the book "Hijaab wa Safur" Page # 60)

Imam Muhammad bin Sirin (Rahimahullah) One of the most knowledgeable tabi'een
"When I asked Ubaida bin Sufyan bin al-Harith ('Radhiallaahu Ánhu' Other well known and knowledgeable Companion of Rasulullah) the meaning of this verse about "Alaihinna" and how the jalbaab was to be worn, he demonstrated it to me by pulling a sheet of cloth over his head to cover his entire body, leaving the left eye uncovered. This was also the explanation of the word 'Alaihinna in this verse"(Commentary by Ibn Jarir and Ahkam-ul-Quran, Vol # 3, p.457 also in "hijaab wa Sufor" quoted by Shaikh AbdulAziz Bin Bazz under the chapter of his fatwaa on hijab on page #54)

FROM THE MUFASSAREEN OF THE QURAN 

The Mufassir, Imaam Al-Qurtubi (Rahimahullah),

Cites in his Tafseer of the Ayah on Jilbaab (Al-Ahzab 33:59), that the Jilbaab is: "a cloth which covers the entire body... Ibn 'Abbaas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) and 'Ubaidah As-Salmaani (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) said that it is to be fully wrapped around the women's body, so that nothing appears but one eye with which she can see." (Tafseer Al-Qurtubi Surah Al-Ahzab ayah # 59.  This was also agreed upon by Imam WahidiImam Neishapuri in the book of tafseer of Quran "Gharaib -ul-Quran" and "Ahkam-ul-Quran", Imam Razi, in his tafseer of Surah Azhab in the book "Tafsir-i-Kabir"Imam Baidavi in his tafseer of Quran "Tafsir-i-Baidavi" and by Abu Hayyan in "Al-Bahr-ul-Muhit" and by Ibn Sa'd Muhammad bin Ka'b Kuradhi and they have all descirbed the use of jalbaab more or less in the SAME way as the two described by Ibn Abbas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu).)

Also from Imaam Qurtubi (Rahimahullah) in his Al-Jamia li Ahkaamul Qurãn states: "All women are in effect covered by the terms of the verse which embraces the Sharée principle that the whole of a woman is ‘Áwrah’ (to be concealed) – her face, body and voice, as mentioned previously. It is not permissible to expose those parts except in the case of need, such as the giving of evidence…" ("Al-Jamia li Ahkaamul Qurãn")

At-Tabari and Ibn Al-Mundhir described the method of wearing the jalbaab according to Ibn Abbas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) and Qatadah(Radhiallaahu Ánhu). The sheet should be wrapped around from the top, covering the forehead, then bringing one side of the sheet to cover the face below the eyes so that most of the face and the upper body is covered. This will leave both eyes uncovered (which is allowed in necessity).(Rul-ul-Ma'ani, Vol 22, p.89)

Ibn Kathir (Rahimahullah) said...
"Women must not display any part of their beauty and charms to strangers except what cannot possibly be concealed." (Quoted by Mufti Ibrahim Desi in his article on hijaab)
Maoulana Abul A'la Maududi (Rahimahullah) In his tafseer of Surah Azhab ayah #59
"In verse 59 the third step for social reform was taken. All the Muslim women were commanded that they should come out well covered with the outer garments and covering their faces whenever they came out of their houses for a genuine need." (From Tasfeer of Quran by Maoulana Abul A'la Maududi in tafseer of ayah # 59 of Surah Al-Ahzaab)
From the 4 Madhabib (4 madhabs).......

Mufti Anwar Ali Adam Al Mazahiri (Mufti A'azam (Head Mufti) of Madrasa Madinatil Uloom Trinidad & Tobago.)
"Imam Shafi, Malik and Hanbal hold the view that niqaab (covering the face and the hands completely with only a small area for the eyes to see) as being compulsory (fard).  Imam Abu Hanifa says that niqaab is Wajib and the face and hands can be exposed provided that there is not fear of desire if one looks at the female face, otherwise if there is the slightest chance of desire developing in the looker (the meaning of desire is that the looker would see the female face and think that she is beautiful, sexual thaught is not what is meant) then exposing the face and hands is Haraam.
(This is from the fatwaa issued by  Mufti Anwar Ali Adam Al Mazahiri on 13/9/99. 
He derived the opnions of the 4 Imaams  from these sources Tafseer Ibn Katheer, Tafseer Ma'rifatul Qur'aan, Durre Muhtaar, Fatawa Shami, Al Mabsoot, Fathul Qadeer. And the opinion of Imaam Abu hanifah is a directly derived from his statements in the Famous book of hanafi Fiqh Fatwaa Shami)

Shaikh AbdulAziz Bin Bazz (One of the greatest scholars of our times. He passed away 26th of Muharram 1420 Hijrah. (12th of May 1999) Rahimahullah.  He belonged to the Hanbali School of jurisprudence.)
"It is compulsory for a woman to cover her face in front of non mahram men" (This has been quoted in Shaikh Bin Bazz's pamphlet on Hijab and in the book 'Islamic Fatwas regarding Women' and in the Arabic version of the book "hijaab Wa Safur" page #51)

Shaikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimahullah)
Relates that the correct opinion for the Hanbali and Malki madhaib is that is is wajib to cover everything except one or two eyes to see the way.
(from the Arabic book "Hijaab wa Safur" under the fatwaa of Ibn Taymiyyah on hijaab, page # 10)

Shaikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
Quotes All of the woman is awrah based on the hadith of "Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said “All of a woman is ‘awrah.” (Narrated by Tirmidhi with a sahih isnaad).This is the correct view according to the madhhab of the Hanbalis, one of the two views of the Maalikis and one of the two views of the Shaafa’is. (Quoted in his book of fatwaa and on his web site)

Jamiatul Ulama Junbi Africa stated that the proper opinion for the Hanafi madhab is that  "A woman must be properly and thoroughly covered in a loose outer cloak which totally conceals her entire body including her face!"
(This from the book Islamic Hijab by Jamiatul Ulama P.12)

Mufti-e-Azam Rasheed Ahmad Ludhyanvi (Rahimahullah, one of the head Muftis of the  hanafi Madhab of his time This opinion is taken to be the correct opinion of the hanafi madhab today)
Explained in his tafseer of Surah Al-Ahzaab, Verse #59.  "Allah Ta'ala is telling them that whenever out of necessity they have togo out, they should cover themselves with a large cloak and draw a corner of it over their faces so that they may not be recognised.
(From his article "A Detailed, analytical review on the Shar'ee hijab")
From the known and respect authentic Ullima.......

Ibn Al-Hazam (Rahimahullah)
"In arabic language, the language of the Prophet (saw), the word jilbaab (as mentioned in the Quran Surah Ahzaab ayah # 59) means the outer sheet which covers the entire body. A sheet smaller than that which would cover the entire body, cannot be catagrized as jilbaab. (Al-Muhallah, Vol 3. Pg 217)

Ibn Al-Mandhur (Rahimahullah)
"Jalabib is plural for Jilbaab. Jalbaab is actually the outer sheet/coverlet which a woman wraps around, on top of her garments to cover herself from head to toe. This covers the body entirely." (Lisan ul-Arab, VOL 1. Pg.273)

Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalanee (Rahimahullah)

A tradition reported on the authority of Aisha (Radhiallaahu Ánha) says: "A woman in a state of Ihram (during Hajj and Umrah) should stretch her head cloth over to her face to hide it." (In Fathul Bari, chapter on Hajj)

Shaikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimahullah) relates:
"Women used to room about without Cloaks (Jilbaabs) and men used to see their faces and hands, but when the verse stating 'O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks over themselves.' (Surah Al-Ahzaab,Verse #59)was reveled, then this was prohibited and women were ordered to wear the Jilbaab.  Then Ibn Tayimiyyah goes on to say "The word Jilbaab means a sheet which Ibn Mas'ud (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) explained as a cloak covering the entire body including the head,  face and hands.  Therefore, it is not permissible for the women to reveal the face and hands in public. (Ibn Taymiyyah's book on fatwaas Page# 110 Vol # 2 also in the book Hijaab Page # 15)

Shaikh AbdulAziz Bin Bazz (Rahimahullah)
"According to the understanding of the best generations (the "Salaf") after the ayah of hijaab was revealed than Muslims women must cover everything including the face and hands.  they can show one eye or two eyes to see the way.  this was the opnion held by many of the sahaba like Ibn Abbaas, Ibn Masud, Aisha (Radhiallaahu Ánhuma) and others and this opnion was upheald by the Tab'ieen who followed than as Ali bin Abi Talha and Muhammad bin Sirin (Rahimahullah) and by the ritious ullima who followed them as Ibn Taymiyyah and Imaam Ahmed bin Hanbal (Rahimahullah)"  (Quoted from the book "hijaab wa Sufor")

Shaikh Abubakar Jassas (Rahimahullah)
states "This verse of Surah Ahzab shows that the young women when going out of their homes are ordered to cover their faces from strangers (non-mahram men), and cover herself up in such a manner that may express modesty and chastity, so that people with evil intentions might not cherish hopes from her". (Ahkum Al-Quran, VOL. III, p.48)
Imaam Ghazaali (Rahimahullah) "Woman emerged (during the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam)with NIQAABS on their Faces" (From his famous book of Fiqh "Ihyaal Uloom")

Qazi Al-Baidavi (Rahimahullah)
"To let down over them a part of their outer garments" means that they should draw a part of their outer garment in front of their face and cover themselves" (Tafsir-I-Baidavi, Vol 4, p.168)

Wallahu 'Alam

THE DAY OF ARAFAH AND ITS GREAT SIGNIFICANCE

Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for two years
It is highly recommended (mustahabb) for non-pilgrims to fast during this day for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah, so he said, “It expiates the sins (Minor) of the past year and the coming year.” [Muslim]

Allah frees slaves from the fire on Arafat more than any other day:
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ’Arafah), and then He revels before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.” [Tirmidhi]

Forgiveness of the Sins even if they are like the foam on the Sea:
As for you staying till the evening in Arafah, then Allah descends to the sky of the Dunya and He boasts about you to the Angels, and says: ‘My slaves have come to Me, looking rough, from every deep valley hoping for My mercy, so if your sins were equivalent to the amount of sand or the drops of rain or like the foam on the sea I will forgive them. So go forth My slaves! Having forgiveness and for what or who you have interceded for.’
[Reported by at-Tabarani in his book “al-Kabeer” and by al-Bazaar. Shaykh Al-Albani graded it Hassan. Taken from ‘Saheeh al-Targheeb wa Tarheeb’. Volume 2, Page 9-10, hadeeth no. 1112]

[Source : Ahadith regarding the benefits and blessings of Hajj - Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya Taken from 'Saheeh al-Targheeb wa Tarheeb' By the Shaykh Muhammad Nasr ud-Deen al-Albaani]

Allaah expresses His pride to His angels:  
It was reported from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah expresses His pride to His angels at the time of ‘Ishaa’ on the Day of Arafah, about the people of Arafah. He says, ‘Look at My slaves who have come unkempt and dusty.’” [Narrated by Ahmad and classed as Saheeh by al-Albaani].

Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) saying, “The best of supplications are those on the Day of `Arafah.” [Tirmidhi, Ahmad, Malik, and others]  

A repost from islaamictruths.blogspot.com

THE QURAN HAS ALL THE ANSWERS

Why am I being tested so much?
Quran answers: “Do men think that they will be left alone saying, ’We believe’, and that they will not be tested? We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false.” [29:2-3]

Why do I never get what I want?

Quran answers: "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, while you know not.” Surah Al-Baqarah [2:216]

Why am I burdened this way?

Quran answers: “Allah does not place a burden to a soul greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns.” Surah Al-Baqarah [2:286]
AND
“So verily, with every difficulty there is relief: (repeated) Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.” Surah Al-Insyirah [94:5-6]

Why do I lose hope?

Quran answers: “So lose not heart, nor fall into despair…” Surah Al-Imran [3:139]

How can I face the problems in life?

Quran answers: "O you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah that you may prosper.” Surah Al- Imran [3:200] AND
“And seek (Allah’s) help with patience, perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a humbly submissive (to Allah).” Surah Al-Baqarah [2:45]

What do I get for all these I'm going through?

Quran answers: “Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and properties (in exchange) for that they will have the garden (of Paradise) …” Surah At-Taubah [9:111]

On whom can I depend?

Quran answers: “(Allah) suffices me: there is no god but He: On Him is my trust- He the Lord of the Throne (of Glory) Supreme.” Surah At-Taaubah [9:129]

But I can’t take it anymore!

Quran answers: “…and never give up hope of Allah’s Soothing Mercy; truly No one despairs of Allah’s Soothing Mercy except Those who have no faith.” Surah Yusuf [9:87] AND
“Despairs not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives All sins for He is Often- For giving, Most Merciful.” Surah Az-Zumar [39:53]

DANGERS OF FREEMIXING ONLINE- IS IT REALLY WORTH IT?

I heard a very interesting lecture recently on how to maintain your modesty, wherever you are, particularly on social networking sites. It’s common to see men and women free mixing here, private messaging and interacting in a way they obviously shouldn't.  To those who do that, stop and think for a while- Do you think you are doing something that would please Allah? Modesty is a branch of Imaan, and when you talk/tweet to non-mahrams, you are actually lifting your modesty. Allah has told us that if our modesty if lifted, we are fit to do anything. To all of us, isn't modesty a very priceless thing? Are you willing to sell it in the cost of interacting with non-mahrams?

Remember, when a man and a woman are alone, Shaytan is the third person there. When you are tweeting/chatting, it’s obviously between yourselves, so what makes you think that Shaytan will not intrude and create feelings among you that would lead to haraam? We may wear the Hijab/Niqab, but if our walk, talk, voice or actions attract a man, we are accountable for it and if that happens, you are lifting your modesty. If you may not have any feeling towards the one you are chatting/tweeting, can you absolutely guarantee that the other person feels the same way about you? If your messages, even if it be a “yes”, “no”, “Hi” or even a “hmm” attracts a non-mahram, what are you going to say when you stand before Allah (SWT) on the Day of Judgement? How are you ever going to justify yourself for talking or attracting a non-mahram?

This is a humble reminder, first to myself and then to the others. Some of us may not reply to non-mahrams, but if they are friends on Facebook or following us on Twitter, our status/tweets would appear on their timeline. How can you guarantee that someone will not be attracted to your status updates/tweets. Aren’t you accountable to Allah for those feelings you created, although it may be unknowingly. What are you going to tell Allah when He questions you about it in front of the entire mankind on the Day of Judgement? Think for yourself.

I know that some of those reading this will find it hard to accept, but please remember that you are accountable for each and every action you do on the Day of Judgement. Isn't the greater Jihaad fighting against your own desires? Do it for the sake of Allah and your sacrifice might be that one thing which may lead you to either Jannah or Jahannam. Allah has told in the Quran that Shaytan makes our deeds fair-seeming to us. Fight against Shaytan and fight against your own self. This is not only for your betterment, but also the betterment for the entire Ummah In sha Allah.

A sign of true Imaan is when you fear Allah, both in secret and in public. It might be hard for us to do avoid this temptation but just think of how happy and pleased our beloved Rabb with be with us. Isn't gaining His pleasure the ultimate thing we all want? If after reading this, you still continue talking to non-mahrams online, or any other form of socializing, remember that doing a sin even after knowing fully well that it's bad is an even bigger sin. That guilt will always be with you. Do this one sacrifice and see for yourself how rewarding it will be In sha Allah. It might be tough, but as time goes on you will see that what you did was actually your duty.

Do it solely for the pleasure of Allah and if Allah is pleased with your sacrifice and effort, isn't that an exceptional honour? Allah will be proud of our sacrifice and He will make it easy for us In sha Allah. For the sake of Allah, please share this so that other might benefit from this too In sha Allah. If this can bring about a change in someone, Allah will reward you for it. May Allah accept all of us. Aameen.

HEARTWARMING INSPIRATION

‎
''Your remedy is within you, but you do not sense it.Your sickness is from you, but you do not perceive it. You presume you are a small entity, but within you is enfolded the entire universe. You are indeed the evident book, by whose alphabet the hidden becomes the manifest. Therefore, you have no need to look beyond yourself; what you seek is within you, if only you reflect'' 

- Ali ibn abu Talib

OBLIGATION OF NIQAB FROM HADITH

Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 6, Book 60, Hadith # 282 
Narrated Safiya bint Shaiba (Radhiallaahu Ánha) Aisha (Radhiallaahu Ánha) used to say: "When (the Verse): "They should draw their veils over their necks and bosoms," was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their faces with the cut pieces.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 1, Book 8, Hadith # 368
Narrated 'Aisha (Radhiallaahu Ánha) Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) used to offer the Fajr prayer and some believing women covered with their veiling sheets used to attend the Fajr prayer with him and then they would return to their homes unrecognized. 
Note: This was the understanding and practice of the Sahaba and they were the best of group, the noblest in the sight of Allah Ta'ala with the most complete Imaan and noblest of characters. So if the practice of the women of the Sahaba was to wear the complete veil then how can we deviate from their path? (Ibn Uthaimin in the book "Hijaab" page # 12 and 13)

Tirmidhi with a SAHIH chain reports:
"Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said “All of a woman is ‘awrah.” (Shaikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid quotes this hadith narrated by Tirmidhi with a sahih isnaad and says this is a direct hadith from Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam )and has made it clear that a woman must cover everything including the face and hands)

Abu Dawood Book 14, Hadith # 2482
Narrated Thabit ibn Qays (Radhiallaahu Ánhu): A woman called Umm Khallad came to the Prophet (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) while she was veiled. She was searching for her son who had been killed (in the battle) Some of the Companions of the Prophet (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said to her: You have come here asking for your son while veiling your face? She said: If I am afflicted with the loss of my son, I shall not suffer the loss of my modesty.  Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said: You will get the reward of two martyrs for your son. She asked: Why is that so, oh Prophet of Allah? He replied: Because the people of the Book have killed him.

Abu Dawood Book 32, Hadith # 4090
Narrated Umm Salamah, Ummul Mu'minin (Radhiallaahu Ánha): When the verse "That they should cast their outer garments over their persons" was revealed, the women of Ansar came out as if they had crows over their heads by wearing outer garments.

Abu Dawood Book 32, Hadith # 4091
Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin (Radhiallaahu Ánha)  "May Allah have mercy on the early immigrant women. When the verse "That they should draw their veils over their bosoms" was revealed, they tore their thick outer garments and made veils from them.  Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalanee, who is known as Ameer Al-Mu'mineen in the field of Hadith, said that the phrase, "covered themselves", in the above Hadith means that they "covered their faces". [Fath Al-Bari].

Imaam Malik's MUWATTA Book 20 Hadith # 20.5.16
Yahya related to me from Malik from Hisham ibn Urwa that Fatima bint al-Mundhir (Radhiallaahu Ánha)said, "We used to veil our faces when we were in Ihram in the company of Asma bint Abi Bakr As-Siddiq (Radhiallaahu Ánha). 
Note: This again proves that not only the wives of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) wore the Niqaab and that even though in Ihram women are not supposed to wear Niqaab but if men are there they still have to cover the face.

Abu Dawood Book 10, Hadith # 1829
Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin:  (Radhiallaahu Ánha) who said, "The riders would pass us while we were with the Messenger of Allah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam). When they got close to us, we would draw our outer cloak from our heads over our faces. When they passed by, we would uncover our faces. 

Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 7, Book 72, Hadith # 715
Narrated 'Ikrima (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) narrates "Rifa'a divorced his wife whereupon 'AbdurRahman bin Az-Zubair Al-Qurazi married her. 'Aisha said that the lady (came), wearing a green veil." It is a very long hadith but the point is the women of Sahaba wore the full veil.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 1, Book 8, Hadith # 347
Narrated Um 'Atiya (Radhiallaahu Ánha) We were ordered (by Rasulullah '(Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) to bring out our menstruating women and veiled women in the religious gatherings and invocation of Muslims on the two 'Eid festivals. These menstruating women were to keep away from their Musalla. A woman asked, "O Allah's Apostle ' What about one who does not have a veil (the veil is the complete cover with only one eye or two eyes showing)?" He said, "Let her share the veil of her companion." 
Note: Shaikh Ibn Uthaimin in tafseer of this hadith explained "This hadith proves that the general norm amongst the women of the Sahaba (Radhiallaahu Ánhuma) was that no woman would go out of her home without a cloak, fully concealed and if she did not posses a veil, then it was not possible for her to go out. It was for this reason that when Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) ordered them to go to the Place for Eid Salah, they mentioned this hindrance.  As a result Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said that someone should lend her a veil, but did not say they could go out without it.  If Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) did not allow women to go to a place like the Eid Salah, which has been ordered by Shariah for women and men alike, then how can people let women to out to market places and shopping centers without where there is open intermingling of the sexes, without a veil.  (by Shaikh Ibn Uthaimin in the book "Hijaab" page # 11)

Abu Dawood Book 33, Hadith # 4154, Agreed upon by Nasai
Aisha(Radhiallaahu Ánha) narrates that on one occasion a female Muslim wanted to give a letter to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam), the letter was delivered to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) from behind a curtain. 

Abu Dawood Book 2, Hadith # 0641
Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin (Radhiallaahu Ánha) "Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said "Allah does not accept the prayer of a woman who has reached puberty unless she wears a veil."

Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 9, Book 89, Hadith # 293
Narrated 'Aisha (Radhiallaahu Ánha) Utba bin Abi Waqqas said to his brother Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas, "The son of the slave girl of Zam'a is from me, so take him into your custody." So in the year of Conquest of Mecca, Sa'd took him and said. (This is) my brother's son whom my brother has asked me to take into my custody." 'Abd bin Zam'a got up before him and said, (He is) my brother and the son of the slave girl of my father, and was born on my father's bed." So they both submitted their case before Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam). Sa'd said, "O Allah's Apostle! This boy is the son of my brother and he entrusted him to me." 'Abd bin Zam'a said, "This boy is my brother and the son of the slave girl of my father, and was born on the bed of my father." Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, "The boy is for you, O 'Abd bin Zam'a!" Then Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) further said, "The child is for the owner of the bed, and the stone is for the adulterer," Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) then said to Sauda bint Zam'a, "Veil (screen) yourself before him," when he saw the child's resemblance to 'Utba. The boy did not see her again till he met Allah. 
Note: This hadith proves Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) did in fact order the veil to be observed.

Abu Dawood Book 32, hadith # 4100
Narrated Umm Salamah, Ummul Mu'minin (Radhiallaahu Ánha): I was with Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) while Maymunah was with him. Then Ibn Umm Maktum came. This happened when we were ordered to observe veil. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said: Observe veil from him. We asked: oh Rasulullah! is he not blind? He can neither see us nor recognize us. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam)said: Are both of you blind? Do you not see him?
 
As for this Hadith, see the clarification here:

The hadith of Aisha (Radhiallaahu Ánha) when Asmaa (Radhiallaahu Ánha) the daughter of Abu Bakr came to the Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: 'O Asmaa! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to the face and hands. 
Important Note: After the ayah for hijab (Surah Al-Ahzaab – Verse #59) was revealed then the women of Sahaba wore a complete veil and covered the faces and hands.  This includes Asmaa (Radhiallaahu Ánha) the daughter of Abu Bakr, who is supposed to have narrated this hadith.  Asmaa (Radhiallaahu Ánha) covered herself completely including the face, and this has been narrated in authentic hadith in Imaam Maliks "MUWATTA Book 20 Hadith # 20.5.16." 


Repost from http://ibnfarooq.tripod.com/niqaab.htm#hadith

NIQAB: MY REAL FREEDOM

The other day in Madrasa, we were given a lecture on how thankful we are to be chosen as Muslims. Whatever people might say about Islam doesn’t affect us because we know that Islam has raised women, dignified them and shown them what it is to lead a respectful life. They might say Islam oppresses women by jailing them within their homes and making them wear the Hijab and Niqab but being a Muslim, all of us know in the heart of our hearts, that without Islam, our lives would hold no value whatsoever.

Well, to talk about the lecture, our teacher told us about sexual exploitation of women-which can be seen ever so apparently on movies, magazine covers, advertisements, newspapers, you name it. Why do scantily dressed women appear for a motorcycle tyre advert? It’s just not related is it? But then that’s how the world sees it- Women (or rather half naked women) are what boosts their commercialism. Women are no longer women. They are just toys and commercial products made and beautified for men to enjoy. Take models for example. They are nothing more than walking mannequins to showcase their bodies and clothes. The other day I came across an article where a famous model was asked to walk down the ramp with a million dollar bra encrusted with diamonds. The answer she gave was just shocking! She said that she was truly honoured to walk down the ramp with such a valuable piece. SubhanAllah! What is this world really coming to? Selling their bodies to market underwear! And this is what they call liberation. Liberation from what? From their clothing, their dignity, their respect and their morals? If this is their idea of liberation, I swear, I’m more than honoured to be a Niqabi and with each passing day, I realize the value of my Niqab more than ever!

The problem with people is that they easily believe that freedom is what is stereotyped by the media. They think that by wearing such clothes, hanging out with boyfriends, partying, drinking and dancing is what freedom really is. If they are living a life of complete freedom, why is that suffer so much from depression, which, in most cases, leads to suicide? Is it all an overdose of freedom for them? All these people know very, very well that it’s them who are living a caged life-a life of oppression where they are exploited for their beauty and thrown away like toys afterwards. What has their sense of freedom actually given them? If anything, it has only lead them towards a life that is controlled by men and their desires.

Some people might pity us for wearing the Niqab, because they believe that by wearing it, we are being oppressed. We, Niqabis, on the other hand pity them because their glitzy lifestyle is taking them nowhere. Tell me, who should be pitied? Us, Niqabis who are covered up perfectly at our own will and who do not allow men to exploit us in any way possible or these half naked women who are being enjoyed by men, and later dumped away like trash?

That same day after this lecture in Madrasa when I was returning home, I caught sight of a poster on the wall, where 4 women were all dressed in barely anything at all. Men, who were passing by, were all gazing openly at it. I couldn’t help but utter a heartfelt, ‘Alhamdulillah’ and I prayed to Allah that He guides all these women with Hidayah (Islamic Guidance). I sincerely thanked Allah that He didn’t make me one of those women who’s pictures where plastered unashamedly on the roads. I thanked Allah that He dignified me as a Muslimah. I thanked Allah that He gave me shame and Haya. I thanked Allah that He gave me Islam and I thanked Allah that He chose for me to be Niqabi- someone who chooses what men see of her and what they don’t. And isn’t this what freedom is after all?