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?

THE TREASURES FROM BENEATH THE THRONE

"On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray: ) “Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You laid on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith." (Surah 2: 285-286)

These 2 priceless verses from the Quran would hardly take 10 minutes to memorize off by-heart, but it will fill your life with goodness, both in this world and the Aakhira, In sha Allah. 

1. It is reported on the authority of Ibn Mas’ud from Rasoolillah Sallalahu Aalaihi Wasallam that he said: “Whoever recited the last two verses of Suratul Baqarah at night, they will be sufficient for him.” [Bukhari]

2. It is reported on the authority of Abu Dharr that he said: “Allah’s Messenger Sallalahu Aalaihi Wasallam said: “I was given the final verses of Surath Al-Baqarah from a treasure trove beneath the Throne; no Prophet before me was given them.” (Ahmad)


3. On the authority of ‘Abdullah, it is reported that: “When Allah’s Messenger Sallalahu Aalaihi Wasallam was taken on a journey (to the seven heavens), he arrived at Sidrat al-Muntaha- a tree in the seventh Heaven and it is at the entrance to the seventh. All things which ascend from the earth stop and are held there as do all things which descend from above (It is with regard to this that).

Allah (SWT) said: “Behold! the Lote tree was shrouded with that which shrouds.” (Qur’an 53: 16) He (the narrator) said: “It (that which shrouded the tree) was (a covering of) golden butterflies.” He further added: “The Messenger of Allah (SAW) was given three things: He was given five prayers, he was given the concluding verses of Surat Al-Baqarah and forgiveness of sins for those (of his community) who do not associate partners with Allah (SWT).” (Muslim)

4. It is reported from ‘Uqbah Ibn ‘Amir Al-Juhani (RA) that he said that Allah’s Messenger Sallalahu Aalaihi Wasallam said: “Recite the last two verses from Surat Al-Baqarah, for I was given them from a treasure trove beneath the Throne” (Ahmad)

5. It is reported on the authority of Hudhaifah that Allah’s Messenger Sallalahu Aalaihi Wasallam said: “We have been favoured over the rest of mankind with three things: I was given these verses from the end of Surat Al- Baqarah from a house of treasure located beneath the Throne: None before me has been given them, and they will not be given to anyone after me.” (Narrated by Ibn Mardawaih)

6. It is reported on the authority of ‘Ali (RA) that he said: “I do not consider it fitting for anyone who has understood Islam to sleep (at night) until he has recited AyatAl- Kursi-and the ending of Surat Al-Baqarah, for they are a gift to your Prophet Sallalahu Aalaihi Wasallam from the treasure which lies beneath the Throne.” (Narrated by Ibn Mardawaih)

7. It is reported on the authority of An-Nu’man Ibn Basheer from the Prophet Sallalahu Aalaihi Wasallam that he said: “Verily, Allah (SWT) wrote something two thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth, then He (SWT) sent down from it two verses with which He (SWT) sealed (ended) Surat Al-Baqarah (the cow), and if they are not recited in any house for three nights, Satan approaches it.”
(Al-Hakim narrated it thus, and declared it authentic in accordance with the conditions of acceptance applied by Muslim)

8. It is reported from Sa’eed and Ibn ‘Abbas that they said that the Messenger of Allah Sallalahu Aalaihi Wasallam used to laugh when he read the last verses of Surat Al Baqarah and Ayat Al- Kursi and he would say: “Verily, they are both from the treasure of Allah (SWT), which lies beneath the Throne.” And when he recited: “Whoever does evil will be recompensed accordingly.” (Qur’an 4: 123) And: (And that man will have nothing except what he strives for and that [the fruit of] his striving will be seen, then will he be rewarded with a reward complete.) (Qur’an 53: 39-41), then he would sit back, at ease.” (Narrated by Ibn Mardawaih)

9. It is reported from M’aqal Ibn Yasar that he said: The Messenger of Allah Sallalahu Aalaihi Wasallam said: “I was given Fatihat al Kitab and the closing (verses) of Surat Al-Baqarah from beneath the Throne…” (Narrated by Ibn Mardawaih)

10. It is reported on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbas that when Jibreel was sitting with the Prophet (SAW) he heard the sound of a door opening above and he raised his eyes to the heavens and said: “This is a door which has opened in the heavens which has never been opened before.” And an angel descended from it and came to the Prophet Sallalahu Aalaihi Wasallam  and said: “I bring you the good tidings of two Lights which have been given to you and no Prophet before you has ever received them: Fatihat al Kitaba and the final verses of Surat Al-Baqarah; you shall not recite a single letter from them except that it (the reward of the recitation) will be given to you.” (Narrated by Ibn Abi Laila)

Every bit of knowledge comes with a responsibility, so make sure that you share the virtues of the last 2 verses of Surah Baqarah with your family and friends. May the Love, Blessings and Mercy of Allah be forever in your lives!

JOURNEY TOWARDS PEACE & SELF RESPECT

GUEST POST : Sister Ayesha's amazing Niqab story:

I started wearing Niqab when I was 16 years old. In the beginning, my parents were very happy.When I decided, by the Grace of Almighty Allah, to observe Niqab (Pardha) from all non-mahrams in my family as well, my whole family- parents,uncle & aunts suddenly turned against me.They tried to convince me that it is very difficult, and you can’t become a doctor & no one would like to marry you.

I like to mention here that I live in Islamic country. My aunts thought that I did it just to stay away from the family.But Allhamdullilah, Allah gave me courage to stand against all these hardships. Still my family has the same thinking about my Niqab but I don’t care. I only care about Who gave me hope when everyone left me. 

I got engaged 2 years back. But my in-laws keep on humiliating my Niqab. I keep quite but Allhamdullilah, I decided to end up this proposal for Sake Of Allah. Allhamdullilah, I am doctor now. I graduated from top merit university of Pakistan. I must say that I am not hardworking, but it just possible because of Allah’s Mercy. 

Allhamdullilah, now has been 9 years and I must say it's a great blessing indeed! It's a pride of a Muslim woman.
I like to share this that whenever I get stuck in a difficult situation, and I feel like it's difficult to face people, I offer 2 rakats Salat e Hajat, and Allhamdullilah everything settles down.

I also like to mention here that in my medical school, one of my professors insulted me in front of the entire class just because of my Niqab. On many occasions in my med school, I faced humiliation but these hardships strengthen your Eman.

My family still asks me why I can’t leave my Niqab for few months so that I could get married & then follow it. But I simply refused. I have strong Faith every thing will be fine one day, Inshallah.

May Allah help us in every difficulty of life & strengthen our Eman. We are here in this world for a test of our faith. In this world, it's not only all about blessings but also hardships which are just a test of our faith & we'll get rewarded in Jannah, InshAllah :) 

In short, what matters for a Muslim is Allah. If we have a strong a bond with Allah, this temporary world & its hardship doesn't matter at all :)

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!

A MESSAGE TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE THEIR OWN PICTURES UPLOADED ONLINE

Bismillahi Rahman ar-Raheem

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu!

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.” [Quran, 24:30]

“And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty….” [Quran 24: 31]

It's a bit disappointing to see people (men and women) having their pictures on the web. Particularly as profile pictures on social networking sites.

Be completely honest with yourself: Why do you want your picture displayed for everyone to see? Do you honestly think that it's an Islamic thing to do? On Twitter and Facebook especially, where people can get familiar with others very, very soon and the main reason behind intermixing is by the profile pictures. It's obvious that the picture you'd want to upload is one of the best shot you have of yourself and there's obviously going to be a possibility of strangers being attracted to your picture and if they do, you are responsible for their sinning too.

Islam has asked both men and women to lower their gazes & having pictures of yourself displayed is certainly not going to help others lower their gaze, and if they are attracted to your picture, it might be something Allah will be angry about. None of us would obviously want to be the reason behind Allah wrath, may Allah save us!

Sisters who have their pictures uploaded: It's a terribly dangerous thing to do. You have absolutely no idea how many feeling you may be arousing in the hearts of strangers. You are accountable for them seeing your pictures too. Do you think it's worth any risk?

Brothers who have their pictures uploaded: Women have eyes too, so they could obviously get attracted to you. In not having your picture displayed, you are in fact helping women to lower their gazes too.

Our Prophet Muhammad Sallalahi Alaihi Wasallam has said: "The Zina of the eye is the (lustful) look'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Again, actions depend on their intentions, so do it solely for the purpose of pleasing Allah and make the intention right now that you are going to take off any pictures you have uploaded and Allah will undoubtedly make your task easier for you, In sha Allah.

Remember that doing something even after knowing it's wrong is a mighty sin. Please take this bit of advice. It won't be difficult. After all, what is the point of having your pictures displayed for everyone to see? We all have to maintain modesty as much as we can, shouldn't we? This is a massive step towards the modesty of us, and modesty of all the Muslims too, In sha Allah.

Please share this message because if this is going to bring about a change in someone, you will be rewarded for it too by Allah's Grace. Knowledge is something that should be passed on, so please do let others know about this too.

May Allah accept all of us and give us the strength to control our desires and show us a clear distinction between what is right and wrong... Aameen!

If any one does a righteous deed, it is for the benefit of his own soul; if he does evil, it works against his own soul. In the end will you all be brought back to your Lord.” [Qur’an 45:15]

A SPECIAL MESSAGE ON WORLD HIJAB DAY

It's good to see a World Hijab Day, and it's good to see so many Muslims (and non-muslims) supporting this day. Although I'd rather there be no single or specific day to support the rights of Hijabi women all around the world, I must say that keeping out at least one day from the calendar for supporting Muslim women's right is to be lauded, particularly with all the hatred and prejudice that we Muslims have to suffer at the hands of Islamaphobes. 

We Muslim women wear the Hijab-both because it's a command and obligation upon us and also because we want to wear it and because we love wearing it. This in itself should be a sufficient reason for the Hijab haters to let us and our Hijab be, but no. They wouldn't rest until they see us taking our Hijabs off. But know this- We Muslim women in the Hijab wouldn't rest until we wear the Hijab without any harassment or abuse. You can try all you can to deprive us of our rights to wear the Hijab but we will not give in. We will fight for our Hijab, our need to wear it and our rights to observe it. Whatever you call our Hijab- be it oppression, subjugation, male-domination or whatever other baseless reasons you put forward to support your blatant attacks on the Hijab, you can never, ever take away our love for the Hijab and our pride in wearing it. 

Dear Hijab haters: It's not the Hijab that has oppressed us- it's your hatred towards it, your efforts in banning it and the abuse we Hijabis have to suffer at the hands of Islamaphobes that has oppressed us. Our Hijab hasn't cut us away from the world, it's you who have. Imposing bans, fines, prison sentences all for the crime of wearing an extra bit of cloth? How can you ever term as something oppression by judging it by merely a cloth on the head? Listen here: We Muslims are NOT oppressed by the Hijab. We are only liberated by it. If you have an ounce of consideration for the rights of women, please let us and our Hijab be.

Dear Hijabis: Be proud of yourself. You're doing what Allah has asked you to do. Don't let those Hijab haters get the better of you. Let them throw whatever insults they want at you- bear it patiently, for Allah with you. Even if the entire nation gets together to harm you with something, they wouldn't be able to do it without the leave of Allah and if Allah wants to protect you, even the whole nation cannot lay so much as a finger on you. You're wearing the Hijab because Allah has asked you to, so Allah WILL protect you from all sides. Have faith in Him. When Allah is with you, no one can harm you. 

So let us all stand together on this day, the World Hijab Day and always to stand up for our Hijab- our obligation, our rights, our liberation and our pride. Let us stand together and show the world that we WANT to wear the Hijab and all the attacks put forward by the Hijab haters is NOT going to deter us from our willingness to do what Allah want us to do. Let's show the world that we are all proud Hijabis and let us stand tall and proud as modest Islamic women fulfilling the command ordained by Allah. Now, go show the world that you are a Hijabi!