Doubts about hijab - Answered!

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Beauty of Hijab!

The pea is a splendid plant. It proudly displays its strong green Hijab. It protects it from the hot and cold weather and guards it from insects. Allah has blessed the pea with a special Hijab, because without it, the seeds would scatter, dry up and die.

The orange keeps itself within its shiny orange Hijab to protect its delicious fruit. Otherwise it-looses its taste too.

So are the banana, the coconut and the pomegranate. Each one has an elegant and unique Hijab, which protects it from disease and destruction.

The jewel of the sea, the pearl, has been given a very tough and rugged Hijab - oyster shell. It protects it from sea animals and keeps it sparkling and shining inside.

However, the most beloved of Allah in all His creation is the Muslim girl who wears the Hijab. She knows it is a gift from Allah. It protects her from harm, injury and mischief. She wears it knowing it gives her dignity, beauty and respect. So precious she can be that she hides herself beneath her Hijab.

"Allah does not look at your body and face; rather he looks at your heart" [at-tirmidhi]

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty......And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms...." (Qur'an 24:30-31)

"The world is prison for the believer and paradise for the disbeliever" [Muslim]

"O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their bodies (when abroad) so that they should be known and not molested" (Qur'an 33:59).

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The Hijab:

They say, "Oh, poor girl, you're so beautiful you know

It's a shame that you cover up your beauty so."

She just smiles and graciously responds reassuringly,

"This beauty that I have is just one simple part of me.

This body that I have, no stranger has the right to see.

These long clothes, this shawl I wear, ensure my modesty.

Faith is more essential than fashion, wouldn't you agree?"

This hijab,

This mark of piety,

Is an act of faith, a symbol,

For all the world to see.

A simple cloth, to protect her dignity.

So lift the veil from your heart to see the heart of purity.

They tell her, "Girl, don't you know this is the West and you are free?

You don't need to be oppressed, ashamed of your femininity."

She just shakes her head and she speaks so assuredly,

"See the bill-boards and the magazines that line the check-out isles,

with their phony painted faces and their air-brushed smiles?

Well their sheer clothes and low cut gowns they are really not for me.

You call it freedom, I call it anarchy."

This hijab,

This mark of piety,

Is an act of faith, a symbol,

For all the world to see.

A simple cloth, to protect her dignity.

So lift the veil from your heart to see the heart of purity.

Hijab

Two Muslim girls in a classroom - one wearing a Hijab; the other one without.
The girl with no scarf - eager to have a laugh began to gossip and shout…

“Take off your headscarf - lets see the length of your hair…
Go on just this once - it’s only a dare!”
The girl with the Hijab looked back and proudly replied…
“There is no chance that I’ll let 14 devils float by my side”

The other girl scoffed still wanting to have fun…
“So you’re prepared to roast under the burning sun??”
“Yes - because the heat right now means nothing to me;
It is the hell fire which is extremely scary”

Girl with no scarf - still wanting to say more…
“Why are you wearing it? What is the purpose for?”
“Allah will keep evil and punishment away from me….
This Hijab is there in my life for security…
I love and value my faith - which is why I cover my head”
Smiling the girl in the Hijab had said.

The other girl tensed - but not showing she’s feeling bad….
“Why not show everyone your beauty - once you have, you’ll feel ever so glad!”
“The beauty is inside me - where Islam is growing in my heart…
…appreciating Allah is the way for a happy start!”

At this point, the girl with no Hijab had nothing else left to say…
She knew that the other girl was always joyful and confident each and every day.
She realised that this Sister in Hijab will always remain pure and never will walk in shame….
The girl with no scarf knew she wanted to be exactly the same.

This is why, when she went home - she made a very big decision.
She realised that loving Allah can put you in such a wonderful position.
In the classroom, the next day - this girl was wearing her Hijab for the first ever time - feeling so proud…
Looked at the other girl whom she had made fun of before had said out loud…

“Oh sister of Islam - forgive me for the things I have said….
Seeing the love you hold for our religion has today made me cover my head…
Your sweet and caring words that you so dearly expressed…
Made me see how Islam has given you so much respect
I know that Allah will gift those who follow Islam….
Wearing my Hijab - I know that I will be safe from any harm.

Thank you My Sister - for you who I now admire and congratulate
Together as Muslims, we should aim to reach Jannat’s Gates.”


The first girl - amazed, had happiness all over her face
Smiled with love and gave the Sister a lot of praise.
"Marshallah Sister – Indeed Allah will purify your heart and your deen…
Continue love for our faith and in Heaven we will be seen…
Wearing the Hijab – we will always stay as the 'Respected
Girl'....
And to Allah we will be known as the 'Concealed Pearl!'


********

By
Nazma Begum

Sisters, forward this poem to everyone and let us appreciate our identity.
We should be so proud of who we are and what gift our Creator has given us. Let us value our Hijab and work towards getting a place in Akeraat - Inshallah!
Remember, when we take one step close to Allah - Allah takes 10 steps closer to us.
Let us fulfill the Right Path and that is bringing the Muslim Ummah together to follow
ISLAM....

Ameen!

Attn: Hijabis/Niqabis!!

This is an email I received. It is still being verified, but there is good advice/precautionary measures prescribed that all Muslimahs can heed, insha'Allah.

Salam `alaykum everyone,

I just got some VERY serious and VERY scary news:

"Just learned from a well known Muslim social worker, Nabila Mango, that a Muslim female Yemeni who wears hijab has been missing for two days in San Francisco . They believe she was abducted. The situation has started a scare in the City where many Muslim women in hijab are not going out. This happened outside of the Tenderloin area so it may not have anything to do with a hate crime but no one believes this. The woman has two children and is 5mos pregnant. The police have no leads at this point." (Maha ElGenaidi--ING)

May Allah (swt) protect this sister wherever she is and bring her back safely to her family soon. AMEEN. Ya Allah, those of us who wear hijab or niqab must take SERIOUS precaution during these very dangerous times. I am so troubled, as I'm sure all of you are, by this news as well as the recent tragedy of sister Alia (Allah yarHamha). I feel it is IMPERATIVE that we start a major campaign to hijabis, and all identifiable Muslim women, across the Bay Area that they need to take EXTRA measures to safeguard themselves.

Here are some tips that I've come up with:

1) DO NOT go out at night, and if you must please do NOT go anywhere ALONE.

2) DO NOT draw any attention to yourself, especially by driving with loud music (or quran, nasheeds, etc). Or keeping your window open...CLOSE your windows whenever alone.

3) DO NOT talk on the cell phone while you drive at night, be vigilant about your environment at ALL TIMES. Talking on the cell phone will distract you from the person stopped next to you at the red light or someone who may be following you. Check your mirrors frequently and if you notice ANY hostile behavior from another driver, DO NOT drive home. Rather, go to the nearest well-lit public place you can find and immediately call the police.

4) DO NOT park your car, whether it is at a shopping center or in a housing area, far from where you are going. If possible wait for a closer space OR (if going to someone's house) call someone (preferrably a male) to come and meet you in the parking lot and walk you inside.

5) INVEST in a pepper spray PLEASE. They are only $4.99 (or something like that) at Fry's Electronics and they attach to your keychain.

6) Walk all the way around your car and make sure everything is clear before getting in. And always LOCK your car doors, when you get out and when you get in.

7) And this last tip is of the UTMOST importance, PLEASEEEEEEEEEE by Allah (swt) I beg you to take my advice and invest in TWO very important articles of clothing. Just $20 could make a difference, please get these items NOW:

a) a BASEBALL CAP. These can be bought pretty much anywhere nowadays. I would suggest getting a cheap one from Walmart or any other such store.

b) a HOODED SWEATSHIRT (or hoodie) with a zipper in the front.

NO matter what your personal style (i.e. if you wear jilbab, niqab, abayas or if you wear western clothing) these two pieces are easy to put on and remove whenever you are out alone, especially while driving in your car. They will NOT cost you much and could potentially save your life. All you have to do is loosely throw the baseball cap over your hijab, without fastening the band in the back so you don't ruin your existing hijab and then wear the hooded sweatshirt and raise the hood over the cap. This is a matter of being as inconspicuous as possible while protecting the honor of your hijab. I do NOT suggest wearing any other types of hats as most can obstruct your view and could prove dangerous in other ways, especially while driving.

We have to act fast and take these precautions right away. Please sisters, do NOT become negligent or take these incidents lightly. We must act and act QUICKLY. May Allah (swt) preserve all of you and protect every Muslim, male and female, from the evils of this world.

We must work together and stand firm, proud of our hijab, and take preventative measures such as the ones mentioned above to protect ourselves. Please keep the sister mentioned above in your duahs...if I hear anything further I'll let you know as soon as possible!

Jazakum'Allahu khayran

Recent Controversy over Niqab (face veil)

Jack Straw, the British MP's, comments spark anger:

Mr Straw says covering faces makes good community relations difficult

IN RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE:

An important advice to the Muslim community in light of the debate over the face veil (Niqab)

All praise is due to Allah, may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and all his Companions.

In light of the ongoing debate over the veil and the comments made by Jack Straw we, the undersigned, would like to present the following important and short advice to the Muslim community irrespective of its school of thought, sect or organisation.

1- The Muslim community should remain united irrespective of its differences and irrespective of its opinions towards the veil. This request is a response to the countless number of Quranic and Prophetic traditions that command Muslims to be united. Among those is the Quranic verse that says (translation): “Hold fast all of you together upon the rope of Allah and do not be disunited” [3:103]

2- We strongly condemn any attempt from any one, whether an individual or organisation to create any disunity between the Muslim community and we see this as an attempt to create disruption for the whole society through indirect discrimination. It is the nature of modern societies to be made up of a number of different communities that coexist peacefully as one political entity. Moreover, this is seen by most of these societies as a means to enrich the experience of the country to explore the way forward. It is completely irrational to achieve cohesion of communities through causing disagreement and disunity in any of them.

3- The veil, irrespective of its specific juristic rulings, is an Islamic practice and not a traditional one by consensus of all Muslims scholar. Therefore, it is not a debatable matter nor can we vote over it. Muslims should exercise extreme caution since denying any Islamic practice might lead to disbelief. Moreover, it is worth knowing that the vast majority of scholars consider the covering of the face for an adult Muslim female with the veil in the presence of non-mahram adult males as a religiously praiseworthy action. It has been practiced during the time of the Prophet Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam and throughout history as declared by many scholars.

4- We admit that Muslims hold different views regarding the veil, yet we would like to urge all members of the Muslim community to keep this debate within themselves. Furthermore, we also warn any Muslim individual or organisation from seeking to capitalise on this debate in order to further political or personal interests. Such a thing is judged by Islam as working against the interest of Islam and Muslims and is a matter strongly condemned. Allah says in the Quran [translation] [9:71] “The believers, men and women, are Awliya' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another” . The Prophet Salla Allahu alaihi wasallam “The Muslim is the brother of a Muslim, he does not oppress him, betray him, mislead him, or fail him.”

5- We would like to call upon all members of the Muslim community to show solidarity against any attempt to criticise the veil or any other Islamic practice since this will be a stepping-stone to ban these practices. Such tactics, unfortunately, have been widely used by many European countries. Moreover, we feel that this campaign might be used to gauge the response of the Muslim community. Therefore, our response should be firm enough to send a clear and powerful message to those who are trying to promote the banning of the veil or any other common Islamic tradition. We, the Muslim community, will never tolerate such attitudes nor we will compromise on our values and common customs. All Muslim women, especially those who wear niqab/veil, should play a major role in this response since there voice will be more effective.

6- We understand the viewpoint of those who find the veil as a barrier in communication, yet we believe that the level of resulting discomfort is insignificant when compared to the discomfort and problems that result from other common and not widely condemned practices in society. Moreover, we feel that it is against the interest of the whole society to single out the Muslim community, to put them under the spotlight, and to use them or their practices as the recurring story of the media.

7- The un-expected and surprising massive reaction of the media over the past few days on this issue gives us an indication that there is a hidden agenda behind this campaign. This becomes more apparent when bearing in mind the already tense climate against Muslims. Therefore, Muslims should take this matter seriously and defend the niqab/veil as much as they can.. It might be a battle of “to be or not to be” for Muslims in the west. We urge all the brothers and sisters to strive in countering these attacks by implementing the various avenues open to them such as sending letters to the authorities, their MPs, human rights activist etc. Also, they should be involved in the debates aimed at discussing this matter as well as being involved in the media at all levels. The most important guidelines to be observed is to react in a very responsible manner and to avoid any action that might be used as an excuse for furthering their agenda.

8- We would also like to call upon the wider society to deal with the Muslim community without any prejudice and to exercise more openness and tolerance towards Islamic practices that aim to promote values of modesty and good-manners which should be the goal of peaceful co-existence.

We conclude by asking Almighty Allah to guide us to that which is better and to bestow his victory upon justice and truth to prevail on the British society as a whole.

16th Ramadan 1427
8Th October 2006

Signed by

To my Muslim Sister, with Love

I pray everyone is making the most of these middle ten days of Ramadan--the days of Forgiveness. Please remember us all in your du'aas

This is truly a beautiful article to read written by a Christian
woman.

Also check this site out : Crescent and Cross

To My Muslim Sister.

Between the Israeli assault on Lebanon and the Zionist "war on
terror," the Muslim world is now center stage in every American
home. I see the carnage, death and destruction that have befallen
Lebanon, but I also see something else: I see you. I can't help but
notice that almost every woman I see is carrying a baby or has
children around her. I see that though they are dressed modestly,
their beauty still shines through. But it's not just outer beauty
that I notice. I also notice that I feel something strange inside me:
I feel envy. I feel terrible for the horrible experiences and
war crimes that the Lebanese people have suffered, being targeted by
our common enemy. But I can't help but admire your strength, your
beauty, your modesty, and most of all, your happiness. Yes, it's
strange, but it occurred to me that even under constant bombardment,
you still seemed happier than we are, because you were still living
the natural lives of women. The way women have always lived since
the beginning of time. It used to be that way in the West until the
1960s, when we were bombarded by the same enemy. Only we were not
bombarded with actual munitions, but with subtle trickery and moral
corruption.

They bombarded us Americans from Hollywood, instead of from fighter
jets or with our own American-made tanks. They would like to bomb
you in this way too, after they've finished bombing the
infrastructure of your countries. I do not want this to happen to
you. You will feel degraded, just like we do. You can avoid this
kind of bombing if you will kindly listen to those of us who have
already suffered serious casualties from their evil influence.
Because everything you see coming out of Hollywood is a pack of
lies, a distortion of reality, smoke and mirrors. They present
casual sex as harmless recreation because they aim to destroy the
moral fabric of the societies into which they beam their poisonous
programming. I beg you not to drink their poison. There is no
antidote for it once you have consumed it. You may recover
partially, but you will never be the same. Better to avoid the
poison altogether than to try to heal from the damage it causes.

They will try to tempt you with their titillating movies and music
videos, falsely portraying us American women as happy and satisfied,
proud of dressing like prostitutes, and content without families.
Most of us are not happy, trust me. Millions of us are on
anti-depressant medication, hate our jobs, and cry at night over the
men who told us they loved us, then greedily used us and walked
away. They would like to destroy your families and convince you to
have fewer children. They do this by presenting marriage as a form
of slavery, motherhood as a curse, and being modest and pure as
old-fashioned. They want you to cheapen yourself and lose your
faith. They are like the Serpent tempting Eve with the apple. Don't
bite.

I see you as precious gems, pure gold, or the "pearl of great value"
spoken of in the Bible (Matthew 13: 45). All women are pearls of
great value, but some of us have been deceived into doubting the
value of our purity. Jesus said: "Give not that which is holy unto
the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample
them under their feet, and turn again and rend you" (Matthew 7: 6).
Our pearls are priceless, but they convince us that they're cheap.
But trust me; there is no substitute for being able to look in the
mirror and seeing purity, innocence and self-respect staring back at
you. The fashions coming out of the Western sewer are designed to
make you believe that your most valuable asset is your sexuality.
But your beautiful dresses and veils are actually sexier than any
Western fashion, because they cloak you in mystery and show
self-respect and confidence. A woman's sexuality should be guarded
from unworthy eyes, since it should be your gift to the man who
loves and respects you enough to marry you. And since your men are
still manly warriors, they deserve no less than your best. Our men
don't even want purity anymore. They don't recognize the pearl of
great value, opting for the flashy rhinestone instead. Only to leave
her too.

Your most valuable assets are your inner beauty, your innocence, and
everything that makes you who you are. But I notice that some Muslim
women push the limit and try to be as Western as possible, even
while wearing a veil (with some of their hair showing). Why imitate
women who already regret, or will soon regret, their lost virtue?
There is no compensation for that loss. You are flawless diamonds.
Don't let them trick you into becoming rhinestones. Because
everything you see in the fashion magazines and on Western
television is a lie. It is Satan's trap. It is fool's gold.

I'll let you in on a little secret, just in case you're curious:
pre-marital sex is not even that great. We gave our bodies to the
men we were in love with, believing that that was the way to make
them love us and want to marry us. Just as we had seen on television
growing up. But without the security of marriage and the sure
knowledge that he will always stay with us, it's not even enjoyable!
That's the irony. It was just a waste. It leaves you in tears.
Speaking as one woman to another, I believe that you understand that
already. Because only a woman can truly understand what's in another
woman's heart. We really are all alike. Our race, religion or
nationalities do not matter. A woman's heart is the same everywhere.
We love. That's what we do best. We nurture our families and give
comfort and strength to the men we love. But we American women have
been fooled into believing that we are happiest having careers, our
own homes in which to live alone, and freedom to give our love away
to whomever we choose. That is not freedom. And that is not love.
Only in the safe haven of marriage can a woman's body and heart be
safe to love. Don't settle for anything less. It's not worth it. You
won't even like it and you'll like yourself even less afterwards.
Then he'll leave you.

Sin never pays. It always cheats you. Even though I have reclaimed
my honor, there's still no substitute for having never been
dishonored in the first place. We Western women have been
brainwashed into thinking that you Muslim women are oppressed. But
truly, we are the ones who are oppressed; slaves to fashions that
degrade us, obsessed with our weight, begging for love from men who
do not want to grow up. Deep down inside, we know that we have been
cheated. We secretly admire and envy you, although some of us will
not admit it. Please do not look down on us or think that we like
things the way they are. It's not our fault. Most of us did not have
fathers to protect us when we were young because our families have
been destroyed. You know who is behind this plot. Don't be fooled,
my sisters. Don't let them get you too. Stay innocent and pure. We
Christian women need to see what life is really supposed to be like
for women. We need you to set the example for us, because we are
lost. Hold onto your purity.

Remember: you can't put the toothpaste back in the tube. So guard
your "toothpaste" carefully!

I hope you receive this advice in the spirit in which it is
intended: the spirit of friendship, respect, and admiration. From
your Christian sister – with love.

© 2006+ Joanna Francis
http://joannafrancis.wordpress.com

HIJAB

<>What do u see when u look at me

Do you see someone limited, or someone free?

All some people can do is just look and stare

Simply because they can't see my hair.

Others think I am controlled and uneducated

They think that I am limited and un-liberated.

They are so thankful they are not me

Because they would like to remain 'free'

Well 'free' isn't exactly the word I would've used

Describing women who are cheated on and abused.

They thing that I do not have opinions or voice

They think that being hooded isn't my choice.

They think that the hood makes me look caged

That my husband or dad are totally outraged.

All they can do is look at me in fear

And in my eye these is a tear.

Not because I hate been stared at or made fun of

But because they were too ashamed to play by their own rules.

Maybe the guys won't think I'm a cutie

But at least I'm filled with more inner beauty

See I have declined from being a guy's toy

Because I won't let myself be controlled by a boy.

Real men are able to appreciate my mind

And aren't busy looking at my behind.

Hooded girls are the ones really helping the Muslim cause

The role we play definitely deserves applause.

I will be recognized because I am smart and bright

And because some people are inspired by my sight.

The smart ones are attracted to my tranquility

In the back of their minds they wish they were me.

We have the strength to do what we think is right

Even if it means putting up a life-long fight.

You see we are not controlled by a miniskirt and tight shirt

We are given only respect, and never treated like dirt.

So you see we are the ones that are free and liberated

We are not the ones that are sexually terrorized and violated.

We are the ones that are free and pure

We're free of STD's that have no cure.

So when people ask you how you feel about the hood

Just sum it up by saying 'Dude, its all good!'

-Hijabi Sister

Hijab...Men, Too!

Wearing the Hijab isn't just a matter of fashion, a spur of the moment answer to the eternal question of what shall I wear today? Hijab is an attitude, a way of thinking and behaving. Basically, it is the Islamic way of life.

A woman may wear a long skirt and a scarf, but if she flirts constantly she can't really be described as wearing Hijab. Long figure-hugging clothes don't qualify as Hijab either. Clothes should be long and loose, and not see through - after that, any style from Shalwar-khameez to Arabian abayas is OK.

When you wear the Hijab, you have to behave in a certain way. Flirting is out, running for the bus and boisterous behaviour in public are not to be encouraged either. Basically the idea is that one should conduct oneself with dignity at all times, and be a worthy ambassador for Islam. Wearing the Hijab identities you as a Muslim, and people will judge Islam by you. That's a heavy responsibility! But it is also an opportunity for Da'wa. You may get some stares and comments (to which you eventually become immune), but you will also get sincerely interested questions or even complements from redoubtable old British ladies on the Tube ("I do like your head-dress, my dear!").

Hijab is meant to stop you doing the kind of things that Muslims aren't meant to be doing anyway; it doesn't stop you from doing anything else. Studying, working, raising a family, charity and voluntary work - as long as it is Halal, wearing Hijab doesn't mean you can't do it. If you think long skirts will make travelling to college or work more difficult, take a look at all the Muslim women who have studied and worked whilst wearing Hijab; or look at the pioneer women of North America: all women wore long dress in those days: it didn't stop them building a nation (figuratively) or log cabins (literally). God The Glorified says:

Say to the believing men
That they should lower
Their gaze and guard
Their modesty: that will make
For greater purity for them:
And Allah is well acquainted
With all that they do.
And say to the believing women
That they should lower
Their gaze and guard
Their modesty; that they
Should not display their
Beauty and ornaments except
What (ordinarily) appear
Thereof; that they should
Draw their veils over
Their bosoms and not display
Their beauty except
To their husbands, their fathers,
Their husband's fathers, their sons,
Their brothers or their brothers' sons,
Or their sisters' sons,
Or their women, or the slaves
Whom their right hands
Possess, or male attendants
Free of sexual desires.
Or small children who
Have no carnal knowledge of women;
And that they
Should not strike their feet
In order to draw attention
To their hidden ornaments.
And O ye Believers!
Turn ye all together
Towards Allah in repentance that ye
May be successful
(Al Qur'an, ch. 24:30-31)

A word to our brothers; Hijab might seem to be merely a women's issue, but it isn't. Muslim men have to follow a dress code too, although it isn't as extensive as that for women. The men should wear loose clothes as well - no tight-fitting jeans, please! And their attitude to all women should be respectful and business-like, as the women's attitude to all men should be.

Finally, think about the motive for wearing Hijab. If you're thinking of wearing it to please your husband, to impress the people at the mosque or just as a change, then please think again. Hijab is something you should do to please Allah, no matter what anyone else says or thinks. Any other motive doesn't count.

-Author Unknown

Gold and Glitter

<>By Khalid Baig

"And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them and He has put love and mercy between your hearts: verily in that are signs for those who reflect."[Al-Rum, 30:21]

"Blessed be God King of the Universe that Thou has not made me a woman." [Jewish Man's Prayer]

"What is the difference whether it is in a wife or mother, it is still Eve the temptress that we must be aware of in any woman." [St. Augustine]

Not too long ago, the media spotlight was on the "plight" of women in Saudi Arabia. Here was yet another glaring example of suppression of women's rights in Islam: women are not allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia. Embarrassed, Muslims rushed to point out the fact that in the rest of the Muslim world women can indeed drive.

Everyone missed the central issue. Is driving a right or a privilege? Rights are inalienable. They can be demanded. Not privileges. Now one does not need to search beyond his driving license to realize that throughout the world driving is considered a privilege, to be granted or revoked by a state agency at its discretion. In the U.S., for example, one's driving license can be revoked, for no fault of his own, if someone else hits him and he did not carry insurance when hit. The rule cannot be challenged because driving is not a right. Case dismissed.

The incident highlighted the difficulty of objectively discussing the issue of status of women in today's highly charged atmosphere. On probably no other issue is the evangelism of Western civilization more self-assured. The gold standard for women's status in the society has been developed by the West. And everyone must now comply. The history of women's struggle and eventual victory in the West has to be the guiding light for the entire humanity.

It is true that there has been a lot in the history of the West for the women to revolt against. In the 1860s, a married Englishwoman did not exist as a legal person. Upon marriage she entered a condition called "converture", effectively making her a possession of her husband. Her name was changed to indicate the new ownership, a practice that continues to date. She could not own property, make a contract or will, or get custody rights for her own children. The 1632 English law declared: "That which the husband hath is his own. That which the wife hath is the husband's." Worse, she had no rights to get out of a miserable marriage. Until 1857, divorce was obtainable through the passage of an Act of Parliament.

Her second-class status was widely believed. :"[man] is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man" [I Cor. 11:7]. So we see no respectable leader in the West in the 15^th through the 18th centuries challenging these ideas. Here, for example, is the great reformer Martin Luther: "If they become tired or even die, that does not matter. Let them die in childbirth, that's why they are there."

The works of Mary Wollstonecroft (1792) and John Staurt Mill (1869) are presented as the first voices of revolt. But these were controversial people who were rejected and ignored by their contemporaries. Both would be re-discovered in the second half of the 20th century because they provided a justification for the later developments.

The scene begins to change in the 19th century, not under the force of any moral argument, but because of pressures generated by the industrial revolution. The juggernaut of industrial revolution destroyed the old handicraft based economy and forced the workers to move to the sweat shops in big cities. They demanded, in vain, "family wages" so a man could support his family on his income. The capitalists would rather have the family also come to his service if it wanted to eat. There was no option but to send the women (and children) to the factory to make ends meet.

Later, the opening of clerical jobs needed millions of other women to come out of their homes and become sales girls, typists, secretaries, waitresses. Cheap labor. The process was given a moral purpose by the language of the feminist movement. It measured their "progress" by how many had been driven out of their homes. It labeled the social upheavals caused by the industrial revolution as women's emancipation. According to its convoluted logic if a woman serves food to her husband and children, it is slavery. If she provides the same service to total strangers in a restaurant or aircraft, risking their never ending advances, that is emancipation!

The ancient Greek philosophers argued whether or not woman had a soul. But the civilized West has settled the question once for all. The woman is nothing but body. That is why we see her semi-clad and nude pictures on every square inch of available space at a time when the West is busy congratulating itself for the remarkable progress of its women.

A recent L.A. Times report on pornography on the internet highlights the moral abyss this value system creates. The nudity may be degrading, it says, but the positive side is that "the Web has allowed some of these women to become entrepreneurs by marketing their own physical assets." Is it any wonder that despite the fact that he had been accused and generally believed to have performed indecent acts against women, the President of the U.S. received more votes from the women? Probably nobody cares as sexual harassment in all segments of society has become everyday news.

The destruction of the home is a direct result of this progress. In 1994, 1.2 million divorces took place in the U.S. And experts predicted that half of all new marriages would end in divorce.

An unjust system has only changed the forms of exploitation. They could not improve things at home. So they "freed" the woman from it.

Islam, on the other hand, gives her her God-given rights without forcing her out of the home. She has rights of property ownership, and inheritance, She has rights in her marriage similar to the rights of the husband. Far from the non-adult she is depicted to be, she is responsible for effective management of the home and the upbringing of the children, a most challenging job.

The paradise of her children lies at her feet; the righteousness of her husband is to be judged by his kind treatment to her; to bring her up in a loving caring manner, assures her father protection from hell fire. While the feminist model depends on friction, here the relationship is one of love and respect, leading to peace and harmony.

This is real gold. Why should any body trade it for glitter?

Real Purity. Real Beauty.

Living in the West, wearing the hijab (full, loose, modest clothing and headscarf) may be the most rewarding and liberating experience a Muslim woman undertakes, but the attitudes and reactions of others can make this noble effort seem titanic.

There are many sisters out there who are confused in this regard. They earnestly desire to please Allah on one hand, yet are vulnerable to strong societal and familial pressures on the other. They are looking for answers. They are imploring the Almighty for His infinite Mercy and Guidance.

One such sister, as a silent plea for direction, reached out to other sisters with the hope of remaining steadfast on her hijab. This is one of the responses she received. I hope other sisters can read this and be inspired.

With peace,
Shamira

***
One important question to ask youself is "Why did I start wearing hijab?" Hopefully, what inspired you to start wearing hijab will help you to keep wearing hijab on a daily basis inshaAllah. Have you always been inspired by the good Muslim women around you who wore hijab? Perhaps the great Muslim women from the past? Or did you want to command respect, especially in front of men, and insist they know and understand you for your thoughts and views rather than your physical being? Perhaps you want to be an ambassador of Islam --you know--everyone likes you, you're the top student, etc etc- you might as well proclaim the fact that you're Muslim! Perhaps just plain and simple, you want to follow the Sunnah and believe that hijab is part of the laws send down from Allah Subhanahua T'ala. Whatever the reason may be, try and remember what it was that made you start in the first place. The last thing you want is to wear hijab for the wrong reason ("all my friends do it" or "my mother said so" or "the guy I like said he wants to marry a muhajabah").

Of course, it is not easy. Now more than ever, we feel pressure from not only non-Muslims, but also Muslims (sometimes even family members), who want us to "dress more conventionally." We have to stay strong in our convictions. When you know you are right, don't be afraid. If you know that the company you keep is affecting your decision, then you know it is time for a change:

"Your (real) friend can be only Allah; and His messenger and those who believe--who establish prayer and pay the poor due and bow down (in worship). And whoso turns (for friendship) to Allah and His messenger and those who believe: lo! The Party of Allah, they are the victorious." (Al-Qu'ran 5:55-56)

But all in all, the daily struggle for some Muslimahs who wear hijab is not knowing what is right and wrong, but it is being plagued with looking "pretty" according to what is considered attractive in the latest fashion magazines or even in our respective cultures back home. Or perhaps you know you are pretty and feel you are unappreciated by men. Is that good looking guy not interested in your hijabiness? Believe me girlfriend, he's not that important. It sounds cliche, but if someone cannot like you for who you are then he or she is not worth it...., here's a little (long) story:

I remember I had gone to a MYNA conference almost ten years ago and heard one of the speakers (perhaps Imam Siraj Wahaj but Wallahu Alam). He started off by saying that recently a handsome young Muslim man had come up to him and asked him to refer a Muslimah to him for marriage. When asked what type of Muslimah he was looking for, the man replied, "A simple devout Muslimah who truly wears hijab and guards her modesty." The Imam was so impressed by this young man's answer, that it inspired him to recount a trip he had taken to the Middle East.

He related how he had stopped in Syria or Jordan where he was taken by some of the villagers to see the sites. As they traveled, several of the villagers told him to take a trip to the mountain range nearby to drink the fresh mineral water. "Ahh Imam you have to taste the water!" said the villagers. "It is the most pure, best tasting, refreshing drink you will ever have!" The Imam recounted how he was intrigued by this drink that everyone spoke of, and decided that he wanted to go to the mountain to get this water. After a long journey and some minimal climbing, they got to the site where the spring began and the leader of the group dipped a cup into the cool clean water and gave it to the Imam. The Imam could not wait to taste this rare and refreshing drink. But when he took a sip of it, he felt....he felt...it tasted...ugh! It was bitter on his tongue because of the healthful minerals, and all in all he didn't think it was as great as everyone around him.

The Imam was suprised. Then he took another drink, and another. As he drank, he could taste its sweetness suddenly, and the bitterness he had initially felt was gone. The villagers stood around him awaiting a response. Then finally the leader asked him, "So what did you think of the water?" The Imam was silent. Then suddenly he knew why he was not pleased with the water. "My taste buds have become accustomed to the pollution," he said. "They have become used to the chemicals, and the industrial city water. When I finally tasted real water, I did not immediately love its purity and realize that it was better than any water I had ever tasted." The Imam went on to make the analogy that we in this day and age have forgotten what real purity and real beauty is. The commercialized, plastic, bling, materialistic--that's what has been synthesized and accepted as beauty, pure, as feminine. So when some men, or even some women, see a truly pure face, just in hijab or without make-up, their first reaction is...ugh! Not because that is not real purity and beauty, but because we have forgotten what real purity and real beauty is. He ended by saying how proud he was of the young gentleman who had the ability to see clearly.

In any case, this is a long response to your entry. Hopefully it was helpful. May Allah T'ala help to keep your Iman (and mine) strong, inshaAllah. Ameen

More Precious than Diamonds and Pearls

The following incident took place when Muhammad Ali’s daughters arrived at his home wearing clothes that were not modest. Here is the story as told by one of his daughters:

When we finally arrived, the chauffer escorted my younger sister, Laila, and me up to my father’s suite. As usual, he was hiding behind the door waiting to scare us. We exchanged many hugs and kisses as we could possibly give in one day.

My father took a good look at us. Then he sat me down on his lap and said something that I will never forget. He looked me straight in the eyes and said, “Hana, everything that God made valuable in the world is covered and hard to get to. Where do you find diamonds? Deep down in the ground, covered and protected. Where do you find pearls? Deep down at the bottom of the ocean, covered up and protected in a beautiful shell. Where do you find gold? Way down in the mine, covered over with layers and layers of rock. You’ve got to work hard to get to them.”

He looked at me with serious eyes. “Your body is sacred. You’re far more precious than diamonds and pearls, and you should be covered too.”

Source: Taken from the book: More Than A Hero: Muhammad Ali’s Life Lessons Through His Daughter’s Eyes.

Shaking Heads...and Wagging Tails

It's quite fascinating to observe non-Muslims' reactions to women in hijab (the modest dress code Muslim women observe in public, which fully covers their hair and body) and to Muslims in general.

Just the other day I was driving to my aunt's house with my mom in the passenger side of the car, both of us dressed in Islamic garb. Little did I know there were two American teenagers in the neighboring car driving alongside us shaking their heads, as if they were scolding a naughty child by saying "tsk tsk, you should know better than that."

My mom's immediate reaction was "Shamira, go into the other lane! Let's move away from these people. They are shaking their heads at the way we're dressed." While respectfully changing lanes, my immediate thought was "Well, why not shake our heads back at them? I mean, must we be fearful of others' ignorance?" I actually felt sorry for them and I recalled a short interview I had seen the day before about a Jewish teenager who based his ideas and opinions about Muslims solely on the news and propaganda he received from the media. After he accepted Islam, however, he saw Islam and Muslims in a totally different light.

http://Islamicity.com/m/recommendD.asp?RecID=12463407910578

Thus, I entertained hope for the teenagers in the car next to us...that one day they will be able to wean themselves off the spoiled milk of the tainted media, and be able to expand their minds and hearts to see the beauty of true Islam through deep introspection, reflection and action.

Life is too short...we need more love and understanding in this world, less shaking of heads in anger and hate, less wagging of tails to the injustice being perpetrated throughout the world, and more reaching out and working together for social justice and the greater good.

Peace on,
Shamira