A LOVELY INTERVIEW WITH A LOVELY MUSLIMAH

 In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful!

I follow a lot of Islamic blogs, and MashaAllah, there are a lot of good ones out there. But one of my favourite blogs is One Chinese Muslimah and anyone who hasn't yet checked out her amazing blog, do read it. Trust me when I say that she's one of the most influential Islamic bloggers and her posts really keep you thinking. MashaAllah! May Allah reward her for her efforts. (Please check out here blog One Chinese Muslimah)

With her wonderful writing and inspirational Dawah, I thought of interviewing her on Islam, how she accepted Islam, about the Hijab, Niqab, Muslimahs and a whole lot more.. Do make sure you read all the way down because it's really, really GREAT, MashaAllah!

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO ACCEPT ISLAM?

One Chinese Muslimah: Well, I can't say that there was anything in particular that inspired me to accept Islam. In fact, I was anti-religious and religion was not even in my vocabulary! I never thought about Allah at all and there were points in my life I doubting His existence (astughfurAllah). Truly, guidance is from Him and Him alone and I would have to say that it was a bunch of bad things that happened to me in my past life that accumulated into one big thing and it just made me fed-up with my lifestyle, who I was, and where I was headed in life. So... I guess I would have to say that my past life experiences are what led me to accept Islam (and of course Allah being the first and foremost reason I became Muslim). 

WHAT DID YOU THINK ABOUT ISLAM BEFORE YOU REVERTED AND HOW DID ISLAM CHANGE YOU AS A WOMAN?

One Chinese Muslimah: To be honest, (lol) I had NO clue what Islam was. I was so ignorant and oblivious in my own bubble, it didn't phase me that it was the Muslims who were FALSELY being accused of terrorist attacks of Sept 11. I had no idea who Muslims were and what Islam was and I just thought that everyone who "wrapped their head" were Indian (astughfurAllah). I had no concept of this religion and I think because of the lifestyle I was living, I never really saw many Hijabis or Muslims (even though where I am from, the Muslim population is highly dense masha'Allah). So because I had no clue what Islam was or what the beliefs were, I didn't think much of it. I think I cared too much about myself to even care about the people around me (Subhana'Allah)!

WHAT WOULD BE THE ADVICE YOU'D GIVE WOMEN WHO ARE INTERESTED IN ISLAM BUT ARE SKEPTICAL OF ACCEPTING IT DUE TO THE WAY MUSLIM WOMEN'S RIGHTS ARE STEREOTYPED BY THE MEDIA?

One Chinese Muslimah: This is a great question masha'Allah! Well, I grew up in Toronto and this city is highly populated with women who flaunt their private parts like it's second nature, men who chase after women like how dogs chase after their own tail, and where that $1,000,000 condo in downtown defines who you are. So as you can see, Toronto is an OVERLY materialistic, surface kind of city. There is not much else going on besides what you see on the surface. 

The bigger breasts you have the more beautiful and 'intelligent' you are (lol), the more make-up you have on your face the more 'natural' you are, and the more fashionable you are the more 'freedom' you have. I think the media has a HUGE part to do with why women in Islam are viewed as being "oppressed" because we live now in a world where the less clothes you have on symbolizes more freedom, the more boyfriends you have symbolizes more happiness, and the more money you have symbolizes success. But this is exactly what the media wants to feed everyone- THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE OF THE TRUTH.

I once was a slave to the Western society and if it were not for Islam, I would still be living under the dictatorship of the media. It was only after I became Muslim, had I found the truth. Islam truly honours their women and Allah has blessed us with His never ending Mercy to all the Muslim women. These women are pure, humble, educated, kind, respectful and well-mannered. They know where their self worth lies and it is not through showing off their chest or painting their faces like clowns on a Halloween night. These women are the strong foundation of a successful household. These women are looked after in a high regard and treated like absolute gold. These women are Muslim women. Where their chastity and modesty is what defines them. They do not need to prance around town looking half naked with fake breast, fake nails, and fake hair just to get some attention from strangers. The Muslim woman knows her status in society and she truly values everything that her Lord has given to her. Her modest black veil is her armour and her honour. It is HER choice, not the media's choice, not her husband's choice. This is a real woman. Everything else you see in the media, well, that's all just fake anyway, at the end of the day, their make-up comes off and they look as blank as a white wall. No self worth, no purpose, no confidence, because everything you see on the media is just a mirage. A facade to make you try to be someone you aren't. I think that is true oppression.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT HAS TO BE CHANGED IN THE MUSLIM UMMAH OF TODAY?

One Chinese Muslimah: FULLY SUBMITTING TO ALLAH rather than to one's desires. Fearing Allah as He deserves to be feared. Giving Allah His Rights before demanding our rights from others. Following the Qur'an and CORRECT, AUTHENTIC Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu aleyhi wasselam) instead of following vain desires and innovating things into the religion. Following ISLAM and NOT cultural practices. Recognizing that Allah is ALL SEEING, ALL HEARING, ALL KNOWING. 
Do you think this could be done?

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU MISS FROM YOUR LIFE BEFORE REVERTING TO ISLAM?

One Chinese Muslimah: No, Alhamdulilah. Definitely NOT. 

ADVICE ON HOW TO APPROACH FAMILY AFTER ACCEPTING ISLAM?

One Chinese Muslimah: I think this depends on each person's family. I mean I can't speak on behalf of every revert out there because everyone's family members are different and have a different mentality and acceptance towards Islam. I would definitely say, make PLENTY of Duaa and trust in Allah. Also, if you are worried about telling your family, perhaps you should start first with your actions. Show them how much you have changed and how much Islam has taken a positive affect on you and then slowly start talking about Islam and then let them know the reason for your change is because of Islam. If that doesn't work then just be patient. The life of a revert, subhan'Allah it is a challenge because after we have accepted the truth and this life rewarding gift from Allah, our commitment to our new found faith is tested by showing Allah our dedication and determination we have for this very gift He blessed us with. We are tested with the acceptance of our families and truly this is a big test (like most of the Prophets - peace be upon them all). So I encourage you to seek help through patience and prayer and trust in Allah. If your conviction is true than Allah will always make a way out for you and with every hardship, there will be ease. Also, I think it is really important for the Ummah to show their support to the reverts. This is our DUTY and it is VITAL. You would never forsake a newborn baby on the side of the road, so please for the sake of Allah, lend a helping hand and your spare bedroom for the new revert (who may experience difficulties at first with their families!). Your efforts will never go unnoticed in the Sight of Allah.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST STEP TO OVERCOME WHEN WEARING THE NIQAB AND ANY ADVICE ON HOW TO OVERCOME THOSE DIFFICULTIES?

One Chinese Muslimah: When I first started wearing Niqab, I was so self conscious and nervous (lol). Mainly because I live in the middle of nowhere and American's here are not used to seeing any one other than their own skin colour (yah, sad reality). But I kept reminding myself I was doing it for Allah's Pleasure and it got easier Alhamdulilah. I was struggling to keep it on consistently at first but Alhamdulilah I now am full-time with it and feel the most safe and most modest in it. I encourage sisters to at least give it a try for one day and slowly take the steps to keep it on. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of cloth ever made, because it truly expresses the freedom, the beauty and the purity of a REAL WOMAN. Allahu Akbar. It also helps to know that our mothers of believers wore it like it was nobody's business ;) We should follow in their footsteps and represent!

WITH SO MANY HIJAB TRENDS PICKING UP, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE MUSLIMAHS WHO ARE MORE INCLINED TO FOLLOWING FASHIONABLE TRENDS?

One Chinese Muslimah: Heeheee..for this question! 

Well, ummm, when I first became Muslim, I was highly inclined to follow the Hijabi blogger fashion trends. In fact I wanted to start my own blog as well (lol !). I was a fashion student and fashion model so I thought that once I became a Muslimah, there would be no problem in me incorporating fashion and Hijab! SUBHANA'ALLAH! Was I EVER WRONG. Alhamdulilah, Allah guided me and took me out of my ignorance. This is unacceptable in Islam. Hijab is meant to  deter attention away from you so why would you do the complete opposite? That goes against Islam.
I just wanted to say this:

Dear sisters in Islam, the most beautiful thing that the Muslim woman has, is her chastity, her modesty and her humility. By far, this is the most beautiful thing a woman could EVER have. Even when I was a non Muslim, I would have secret jealousy for the quiet, shy, modest type of women. There is just something that is so beautiful about being pure. So why would you want to change that sisters? Please think twice, and remember our purpose here on earth is not to be a slave to Shaitan and a fashion slave to society, we are here to worship Allah alone and not to associate any partners with Him, and not to put our desires before Him. Please kindly educate yourselves on the religion and learn the beauty of modesty and why we are commanded to cover the way we are supposed to. Nowhere does it say in the Qur'an or Sunnah that is it acceptable to wear bright fashion patterned Hijabs with makeup and accessories for strangers. This is something the kafirs do and we are not kafirs Alhamdulilah. Please set the trend and don't follow the trends being set by kafirs. The only makeup you need is the Noor glowing from your face from the obedience to Allah, The Almighty. Please, again, think twice before you step out of your home, ask yourself who you are trying to please? If you are dressed like a fashionista Hijabi blogger because you want to please yourself, or other people, then remember this is Shirk and it is a major sin in Islam. Fear Allah and know that He is Watching.

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS YOU GENUINELY DISLIKE? 

One Chinese Muslimah: 

1. The media.
2. When I defrost chicken or beef and leave it in the fridge and there is a hole in the bag and it leaks ALL OVER THE FRIDGE, I seriously HATE this.
3. Wet floors in public bathrooms with toilet paper everywhere. I truly dislike this.
   

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS YOU REALLY ADMIRE?

 One Chinese Muslimah: 

1. Sisters with good Akhlaq and Adaab
   
2. Sisters who fear Allah 
3. Sisters who know what they are doing is wrong and actually take advice genuinely and act upon it. This is amazing masha'Allah.
   

TELL US 3 WAYS IN WHICH THE NIQAB HAS CHANGED YOU LIFE

One Chinese Muslimah:   

1. It has helped me be more modest when I am out in public with my speech, my actions and my manners.
2. The Niqab has really helped my confidence subhana'Allah. I find the less clothes you have on or the more you need to follow up with fashion trends and drown your face with the entire Nars makeup line, the more low self confidence you truly have (because you feel the need to make up for your character or lack thereof) and the more clothes you wear to cover up your adornments means that you have more confidence and a good sense of intellect and self worth (because you know that you're beautiful and you don't need to flaunt it to the world just to gain temporary satisfaction). Real women do not need to revolve themselves around making youtube videos of beautifying your Hijab or how to wear the latest fashion trends because real Muslimah women know their role in society and know that their modesty and their beauty is something sacred and forbidden from strangers. I see so many Youtube videos and Hijabi bloggers these days showing off their fashion trends and even including their husbands in their videos showing all the sisters "my husband tying my hijab" or such nonsense? Subhana'Allah. Hijab should NOT be that complex should it? Like do we really need a video with 100 ways to tie your Hijab? Because I don't see that anywhere in the Qur'an or Sunnah... May Allah guide these sisters to the straight path and open up their eyes to all the possible dangers and consequences that their ignorant actions can cause. Ameen. 
3. It has made me more thankful to Allah that He chose me and gave my taufeeq to abide by His commands and to not follow my own desires. Alhamdulilah. May He continue keep me guided and steadfast upon the truth until my last breath. Ameen

A SPECIAL QURANIC VERSE TO LIVE BY? 

One Chinese Muslimah: Can I add more than one? hee hee, there are just WAY too many that we all need to live by!!
"For each one are successive [angels] before and behind him who protect him by the decree of Allah. Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. And when Allah intends for a people ill, there is no repelling it. And there is not for them besides Him any patron." (Ar-Rad :11)

“It may be that you dislike a thing and Allaah brings through it a great deal of good” [Al-Nisa’ 4:19] 

"Whatever misfortune befalls you is a consequence of your own deeds. But much of it He forgives" (42:30) 
 

A SPECIAL HADITH FOR MUSLIM WOMEN TO LIVE BY?

 One Chinese Muslimah: ( I have to add two, is that ok? lol) 

“Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart [by hating it and feeling that it is wrong] – and that is the weakest of faith” (Narrated by Muslim, 49) 

‘Abdullâh b. Mas’ûd – Allâh be pleased with him – said:
Women are but an ‘awrah (something private to be covered). A woman might leave her house without there being any problem with her, but the Shaytân seeks her out and says [to her], “You will not pass by anyone except that you will impress/please him.” A woman puts on her clothes and is asked where she is going, to which she replies, “To visit a sick person,” or “to attend a funeral”, or “to pray in the masjid”; but a woman never worships Allâh in the way she does when she worships Him in her house.
Al-Tabarânî. Graded sahîh by Shaykh Al-Albânî in Sahîh Al-Targhîbi wa Al-Tarhîb Vol. 1 p84.

YOUR GO-TO QURANIC VERSE OR HADITH THAT CALMS YOU WHEN YOU'RE DOWN?

One Chinese Muslimah: “Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children, as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers), whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.” ( Al-Hadid 57: 20)

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever is in love with his life in this world damages his life in the next world, and whoever is in love with his life in the next world damages his life in this world – and you should prefer what lasts forever to what is destined to vanish.” [Ahmad ibn Hanbal; al-Musnad]

A WORD OF ADVICE FOR SISTERS WHO WANT TO WEAR THE NIQAB BUT ARE RELUCTANT TO DO SO FOR FEAR OF WHAT THEIR FAMILY OR SOCIETY MAY SAY

 One Chinese Muslimah: Remember WHO you are doing it for and remember, nothing looks more honourable and beautiful than a woman in her Niqab and her Abaya. This is just the reality! Set the trend, don't be a follower!

FINALLY, A SHORT MESSAGE FOR ALL MUSLIMAHS:

One Chinese Muslimah: Dear sisters in Islam,

Firstly, I would like you to please take a look at this verse, 

‘[This is] a surah which We have sent down and made [that within it] obligatory and revealed therein verses of clear evidence that you might remember.’ (An-Noor 24:1)

Notice that Allah Subhanahu wa' t'ala says We have sent down and MADE (that within it) "obligatory" and "revealed therein verses of clear evidence" 

In the same Surah, Allah later commands us : 

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful." (An-Noor 24: 31) 

So as many of you see, by clear proof, Allah has commanded the verses within this Surah(and everything else He commands us to do in the Qur'an) to be obligatory upon us. 

There is a big problem within the Ummah of today, and there is no denying it and that is the disappearance of modesty.

Many of us have taken our desires as first priority rather than the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah. Music, non-mahrams, adorning oneself with excessive makeup and fashion trends, sharing personal beautified photos of oneself all over the internet, wasting hours at the mall, watching movies men and idolizing celebrities, cursing and idle talk. These actions are nothing different than that of kafirs, and Subhana'Allah, even some kafirs use their time more wisely. So I'd like to ask you all, what are you doing with your time? What kind of message are you trying to convey to the Ummah? Are you trying to share the message of Tawheed, la ilaha illAllah, through your makeup-Hijab blogs? Your fashion statements? Your non-mahram relationships? 

I have been through this dunya and back and Alhamdulilahi Rabbil' Aalimeen Allah has guided me and taken me out of that dark hole I was once living in. Fashion, music, fun and games... these things that so many of the Muslim youth are trying to attain, is nothing but a cheap tool of Shaitan to mislead the servants of Allah. It really is not worth it sisters. I really want to let you know, that the most beautiful thing a Muslim woman has, is her modesty. Her chastity and her humility is a possession that you all should be striving for. None of you should be striving for that LV purse or that fashion wardrobe because all of these things will leave you. Nobody should be striving for the next "Twilight" book series or the taste of alcohol (audubilah)! Why do we strive for the dunya when this life is only temporary?

How many of us are doing things to strive for Jannah? How many of us are striving to be like the mother of believers (May Allah be pleased with them all)?? Where has our dignity gone? Where has our jealousy for defending our religion gone to?

We say we LOVE ALLAH and His Messenger (sallalahu aleyhi wasselam), yet what exactly are we doing to show this to our Lord? What exactly are we doing to show that we love our beloved prophet (sallalahu aleyhi wasselam)?? 

The answer is nothing. We do the complete opposite and we don't even fear Allah as He should be feared. We demand our rights from one another yet we don't even give Allah His SOLE RIGHT, and that is to worship HIM and HIM ALONE with NO partners. So why do we associate our desires with Allah? Why do we put our desires before our Creator? 

Sisters, re-evaluate your position in life, know that Allah is watching. If your parents found out half the things you did, what would they think? If even ANYBODY found out half the things you did, what would they think? So then what would Allah think?? If He is ALL SEEING, ALL KNOWING, ALL HEARING? 

I mean no harm sisters, I really don't. But it pains to see my sisters in Islam follow blindly what I once was following. It wrecked me and destroyed me, and it is only because of Islam that I am recovering and growing again Alhamdulilah. Out of fear of Allah and out of love for His sake, is why I'm giving you this sincere advice. Time is with Allah, time is not with us and all we do is waste it on frivolous things that will not benefit our Hereafter. Imitating the kafirs and the things we see in the media will not save us from the Hellfire, it will only bring us closer (naudubilah)!!

Detach yourselves away from this poison as fast as you can and repent to Allah and seek His guidance and His aid. Follow the path of the Salaf and not the path of Shaitan. Learn your religion and seek the proper authentic Islam from the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah... before it's too late. When you are screaming in your grave, nobody will be able to hear you, and you won't be given a second chance.

May Allah forgive me if I have said anything to offend you all, all good is from Him and anything evil or with error is from my own self and I seek refuge in Him from Shaitan the accursed.

*         *         *

 I'm sure all of you would have enjoyed this interview. MashaAllah, her words will keep coming back to you, and like I said, One Chinese Muslimah's Dawah is powerful. It'll just keep coming back to you. I would really like that everyone reading this spares a minute to make Du'aa for her.  Please do because she really has put in a lot of effort into giving us the answers and her advice... Subhanallah, it's priceless. The least we can do is make Duaa!

Jazakallah Khair once again Khadijah! I learnt a LOT through your answers. May Allah keep you happy always and bless you and your loved ones with Jannah!

Note: If any other Muslim bloggers (sisters only) want to be interviewed, please contact us through niqablovers@gmail.com