MY NIQAB: MY NEW IDENTITY

'For some, it was just a Niqab. For me it was a reminder to skip the pleasures of this world, because Jannah is just far more tempting.'

GUEST POST BY SISTER TAWHIDA

I'm a 16 year old Asian Muslim girl, and my journey to wearing a Niqab was very spiritual, and forever memorable. :) I was living in America, and ever since just the age of 7, I always prayed 5 times a day and was good, but we all know how it's like these days.. Being the 'modern Muslim' is acceptable. I wore a Hijab with shirts and jeans from age 8 to age 11. And then seeing my sisters wearing the Abaya to school and all, I began wearing too, but only to school. I'd wear our traditional dress with no Hijab at all everywhere else. But then certain circumstances had us moving back to our home country, and that's when my journey started. 

In the beginning, I was just enjoying the new country, no Abaya to be seen, and a simple scarf placed on my head... lol not even wrapped. But anyway, this was going on for a year. After that I decided to wear full on Hijab, but sadly I would end up styling it, as it was a normal thing to do. The Abaya was on and off, as I went
to school and had to wear a uniform. But I would wear it wherever it would be 'suitable' like shopping. This went on for another 2 years. 

But then I got tired of all this... It would take hours dressing up. And take the rest of the day constantly fixing the hijab if it got 'out of place'. It was frustrating... I didn't want to care so much! And not to mention my prayers would get disturbed as I constantly thought of how many guys looked at me, or this and that. Then school began to be a real problem. Although I was shy and never had a slip-up of my morals, boys always bothered me, stalked me till my home even! It was really just disturbing. I eventually left school, and started home schooling instead. I was really depressed about staying home, as I would not be able to get out as often. But THIS is what changed my life, and I only know it now! I wanted to get closer to Allah, to get through my depressions, to just find peace. 

By now I wore Abaya and Hijab everywhere. But that just didn't cut it for me. I still got the same attention. I did not want to sin, because I knew my gaze would wander if I got such attention. Soon enough, Allah gave me a solution. My sister introduced to me the Niqab, the miracle, my peace. It was as if I was invisible, like I would get my work done with zero disturbances. Finallyy! 

To make such changes was Alhamdulillah very easy for me because I had 2 other sisters who went through the same phases as me. We were always together where ever we would go, and it was easy to be bold. People who knew us from before looked at us with respect, respect for our brave decision. I'm proud of myself and how much I have evolved! It all took time, but I finally got the peace I was looking for. Because no guy wants to bother the 'too good girl'. I mean, there was no fun in that right? Heck, I say that's just GREAT! This is a part of me now, my identity. Now that I feel firm in my faith, I'm ready to go back to America, In sha Allah, and be an inspiration to all my sisters in Islam! What better way is there to do Jihad, than to show the harsh disbelievers how much pride I have in my religion? 

This piece of cloth sisters, changed my life! It made my faith strong in so many levels, it's just unexplainable! It's my protection, my reminder to be aware of my actions, and I won't doubt that this very well acts as a reminder to the brothers as well SubhanAllah! 

Thanks for reading my story and please make Dua for me :) May Allah give us all courage and guide us unto the straight path.

- Niqab lovers -

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INTERVIEW: "YOU WILL NEVER BE AS FREE AS AN ISLAMIC WOMAN"

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu,

When I initially thought of starting on interviewing Muslim women for the blog, I honestly never thought it would be this beneficial. Even recently, I received an email from a sister telling me that reading the interviews from the blog had really helped her, so Jazakallah khair to all those lovely sisters for their amazing interviews. May your words continue to inspire many more Muslims and non-Muslims!

That said, here's another lovely interview we had with sister Dhilnawaaz (I'm sorry for the delay in posting the interview sister. Jazakallah khair for your patience!)

Do also check out her blog Diary Of A Secret Muslimah 


Tell us about how you found Islam

Well I live in a muslim community with 3 mosques within 5km radius of my house so I came into contact with muslims daily. I think what caught my attention was hijab, abayas and niqabs; there was just something about it I found so modest and beautiful especially women in niqab. Eventually I took an interest in Islam and started researching everything about it. I then realized that this is where I belong and I finally felt at peace with myself.

How old were you when you reverted to Islam?

I started taking Islam seriously and reverted at the age of 16, but did my research from around 14/15. I unfortunately have not yet taken my shahadah, but In sha Allah will soon.

What is the greatest challenge you've had to face after reverting?

I think it would be Ramzaan, reading namaz, wearing hijab and abaya and especially learning more about Islam without someone to teach me.

How would you say you have changed after accepting Islam?

I'd like to think that I've changed quite a lot. As before I reverted I was a model, someone who would pose in the most revealing outfits, I used to drink alcohol, go clubbing, occasionally do drugs and I also used to curse God quite a lot when I had problems or something bad happened to me. Now as a muslim, I can't stand any of that, I absolutely love wearing hijab and abaya, I admire muslim women and I put all my trust in my Creator and believe that when Allah (SWT) takes something from you, He is most definitely preparing you for something ten times better.

If there was one thing that you could tell someone who is thinking of reverting to Islam, what would it be?

I'd tell them that Islam isn't just a religion, it's a way of life. You have to be very sure before taking such a big step, do research so you know what you're getting yourself into and be prepared for something amazing. Your whole life will change.

A lot of people believe that Muslim women are oppressed and that they have no rights in Islam. What were your thoughts on this before becoming a Muslim?

Ironically, I had the exact same mindset. I looked down on muslimahs and saw them as inferior and property of their husbands. But you'll never really understand the status of a women in Islam until you make an effort to find out more. 

“When she is a daughter, she opens a door of Jannah for her father. When she is a wife, she completes half of the deen of her husband.When she is a mother, Jannah lies under her feet - if everyone knew the true status of a Muslim women in Islam, even the men would want to bewomen" - (Shaykh Akram Nadawi)

How do you feel you've changed as a person after accepting Islam?

I think mentally and psychologically I've matured as I've learned that everything does happen for a reason, even if you cant see it at that moment.

Anything special you would like to address the Muslim youth of today?

Don't ever take Islam for granted. You will never understand how sad it makes me that I wasn't raised in a muslim home, that I couldn't start practicing this wonderful religion from an early age. Be proud of your religion.

What do you think about the Hijab and Niqab and how would you clear any misconceptions about it?

It probably sounds weird but I find niqabis radiantly beautiful. There's just something about them that I admire. As for hijab, I respect women who wear it full time as it takes a lot of dedication especially in the heat. It's sad that non muslims see us as oppressed when we wear our niqab and hijab. There's nothing oppressing about being modest.


You are new to Islam so you can relate to a lot of difficulties other reverts face. How do you deal with all the struggles?

Sabr. For now that's the only way I can deal with the struggles. I constantly make Dua for Allah (SWT) to grant me Sabr, because being a revert is very scary. Especially on your own.


The Quran is beautiful, but we always have that one verse which is especially special to our heart. What is yours?

I have not read the entire Quran yet but so far I actually have two. 

“…But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows, and you know not.” [2:126]

“But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.” [8:30]

Any misconceptions about Islam that you would like to make clear to any non-Muslims reading this?

Please people, Islam is perfect don't always slander our religion because of what muslims do. Get the idea out of your head that people's bad actions and ways represent Islam. Do yourself a favor and research it. You won't be sorry.


Any specific Duaas you would like readers to make for you?

That Allah (SWT) guide me on Siraatul Mustaqeem and that I never go astray, because I know that I'll never go wrong if I have faith in my Creator.


Finally, a few words to round up on how it is to be a woman of Islam.

You wear your bikinis, mini skirts, tight fitting tops and pants because society wants you to. We wear our hijab & niqab because we want to please our creator. So who is really oppressed? You will never be as 'free' as an Islamic woman.

Note: If you would like to be interviewed for our blog, leave us an email on niqablovers@gmail.com and we'll get back to you, In Sha Allah. Sisters only.

-Niqabi Nuances-

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INTERVIEW: FROM ONE SISTER TO ANOTHER

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu! Alhamdulillah, here we have another lovely interview with so much of inspiration, particularly for the youth of today. May Allah makes everyone reading this benefit from it, In Sha Allah! How would you describe yourself in a few words?

I'm Umm Abdillah, 16 years old. My Parents are from Morocco. I have a mother and sister who wear the Niqab. I'm busy with seeking knowledge about the Deen and memorizing the Quran.

Being a Muslimah is something that is terribly misinterpreted in the world today. How would you explain your life as a Muslim woman? 

Firstly, I'm not oppressed. I'm Alhamdulilah very happy with my life as a Muslimah, seeking knowledge about Deen and wearing the Niqab for Allah. It's a big gift from Allah that He chose you to be a Muslim in a world full of Kufr and corruption. Living for status and wealth isn't life. We are created to worship Allah, and if you do that then you feel free- not when you do the opposite

How old were you when you started wearing the Niqab? 

About 1 month after my 15th birthday, Alhamdulilah.

Any particular reason that inspired you to wear the Niqab? 

Yes. I had contact with sisters who also were young and wore Niqab outside school. So I talked with them and they inspired me. So I decided to buy a Niqab and try to wea it, and Alhamdulilah that Friday I put it on and went to Salaat Jumu'a. A sister who wore Niqab before me also inspired me a lot. Because she was a revert and that's what made me feel ashamed of myself. Barakallahufeeha!

If someone approaches you asking why you wear the Niqab, how would you respond to them? 

I'm convinced about the proofs that Niqab is obligatory. And even if it is Sunnah, you need that hasanaat on the Day of Judgment.

A lot of young Muslimahs nowadays delay wearing the Hijab because they believe that they can wear it once they get older. Any advise for them?

I want to say to them; ''Sisters fear Allah you can be dead earlier than you think. Wollahi if the sisters who died without wearing Hijab in their life could have one chance to live again for 10 minutes then Wollah they would cover themselves up from head to toe.
Sister don't let the day you'll die be the first day you'll be covered.

How different is it wearing the Niqab compared to wearing only the Hijab? 

It's a big difference. With Niqab you feel that you're really covered. When you wear Niqab, you feel sooooo free, because you know Alhamdulilah now I have the correct hijab. And men can't stare at me. And with only hijab you know this is not what Allah wills. And you're scared to die in such a situation. A lot of people don't realize that only a headscarf and a long dress isn't Hijab. And with only Hijab you can still feel man gazing at you.

Allah says: ''This will be more conducive to their being recognized and not annoyed''

So when you wear the full hijab then men will not harm you.

What ways do you think the Muslim youth has been lead astray and how would you say is the best way to get the youth back to Islam? 

Because of the phones, internet and television, the Ummah is lead astray. Because of the forbidden gaze, wasting time, talking to non-mahrams, music, men and woman chatting - wollahi they ruin each other- and looking with jealousy to sisters who uploads a beautiful picture of herself, and they lead brothers also away from the path of Allah. They don't realize that for every man who sees their picture, they bear the sins for that too. Internet is really the Fitnah of this time. It's just so sad. Instead of praying night prayer, they talk on Whatsapp with each other. Instead of reading Quran they talk the whole day with each other. Even in Ramadan. Then they say: "Well I learn a lot of the conversation with the sister.'' Not so much as when you read only 10 minutes Riyaa as- Saliheen. You learn a lot of wrong things from internet. So I really think that this is one of the reasons of the corruption of this time.
Ghair In shaa Allah, We have to do dawah, but Allah turns them back.


Tell us more about your blog 

Eehhm, on my blog you can find Fatawa, pdf Books, Ahadith, and stories. It's also in Dutch because a lot of the people around me don't understand English very well. 
You can find the blog here bintufulaan.wordpress.com

Parting words 

I want to say to sister who wants to and is thinking about wearing Niqab:

Wearing Niqab isn't so hard as you think. When I wore, I thought is this it? THAT what Shaytaan always say to Muslim Woman - ''Niqab is like a mountain that you should drag?'' Na'am, it is hard but when Allah tests you, we will be tested, because "Do the people think that they will be left to say, "We believe" and they will not be tried?" [Quran 29: 2]

But know that when you succeed in the test, Allah will reward you for your sabr. In shaa Allah

Know that it is the Shariah of Allah, if all woman would not be able to cover their face it would not be a rule in Islam.

Jazakallah khair for the interview Ukhty. I pray that everyone reading it benefits from it as much as I did. Alhamdulillah!

~Niqabi Nuances~

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You Are So Beautiful

This is just sad. Heart breaking. 

My sister, look at you, you are so beautiful, yet you let the society bribe you. Wake up! Straighten up.  

You are so beautiful no title in this world can fathom your beauty. Did you even know that?

You know actually, you are too beautiful for the world to see because Islam made you so.

Maan, you’re damn beautiful. So what makes you adhere to the calling of this world?

_____

I have come to talk about this issue because there’s another thing that has been viral again, this pageant about Muslim women. 

I know a lot of you might bombard me with a lot of hate or so, but I need to address this, and Allah Azza Wa Jall knows best what my intentions are. 

Are you this deluded by media?

Has the psychological results of advertisements of fair and lovely is “in” not enough, this mindset has placed such drastic effect on how our brothers and sisters see our fellow muslims from Africa, and do you know how much this breaks the hearts of these Muslims? How this contradicts the last words of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalaam? Is this not enough? 

Do you really think that creating such pageant where Muslim women, our beautiful chaste muslim women, walking on the isle, seen and thoroughly being judged & “officially” criticized like that, as a woman empowerment?

Look, they walk and they are being judged by those people who will determine who will wear the crown! That is the truth! Astagfirullah!

What makes you think that comments and praises of mere people are key to women empowerment, what else can bring such empowerment to you other than Islam?

Because this brings honor? Really? 

Have we ever heard the Sahabiah Radiyallahu Anhum walked in such way, with heels, embellished and beaded gowns, shining shimmering hijabs? 

These women, they didn’t even had to wear a title for beauty for thousands of Muslim women to remember them, because Allah Azza Wa Jall talked about them in the Qur’an and has raised these women their statuses because they adhered to the commandments of Allah Azza Wa Jall, Indeed, such were the women that were described in Azhab.

Have you ever realized how wonderful it is to see such beautiful young ladies in hijab, simple and not attention-grabbing hijab. There’s so much peace on seeing that, wallahi. 

I am not by any reason telling Muslim women to stop beautifying themselves, I’m just pointing out that you have to be moderate on it, do it in right places, in accordance to your belief. 

O Queen, never try to fit in for you are made to reign. So be not a keen victim of your lusts and whims!

Did you know that putting a “fashion” and “standard” on hijab also discourages as much as it encourages Muslim women to wear hijab?

Yes, they wear it and they go want to understand it more, and they see these tutorials out with all these things on hijab and then depression comes because they can’t be like how they see these women online.

Sad. This is the sad reality. 

If we really honor the hijab then we have to understand that the concept of hijab is to cover, conceal and protect, it was never to flaunt nor to showcase your beauty in the eyes of this world. 

We are very keen on making ourselves beautiful for this world to praise and comment about us, but have we thought about Allah? 

How He would address us on the day we would be standing in front of Him?

Are we this attached to this world, that we forget that indeed all these beauty titles, praises and compliments will come to an end and all that will matter will be his judgement?

So think about it, you do good and are fine in the eyes of this world, but how about Allah!? ASTAGFIRULLAH! 

A lot of us advise and speak of istighfar when very few bring their worlds to life and do istighfar. - This is the reality.

Please before you go out or after you have read this, set aside the anger or hatred (for me) that my words might have brought you and just ask yourself,

Why do you need to put so much make up on when you go out?
Why do I have the need to put such bright colors on your lips?

Why do you put so many layers that sometimes the hijab looks like a flower vase already on top of your head? Is this the hijab?

Is this how you carry the ayah of hijab?

Please, let us all renew our intentions on why we are wearing the hijab. 

Whenever we clothe ourselves, let us be guided with the fear of Allah.

My beautiful sister, do not try to fit in because its a trend nowadays to have butterfly or flower vase hijabs, you are a stranger to this world, and indeed glad tidings await you. 

You know when you wear the hijab, you carry a verse from the Qur’an, so honor that, properly, cover accordingly. 

Never try to fit in, because by Allah Azza Wa Jall, you will never fit in a world that you aren’t made for, Jannah awaits you, you were born to stand out, 

so stand out embodying the wisdom and beauty of Islam!

_____

And I pray that Allah Azza Wa Jall gives us proper guidance to live accordingly to His commandments.

Please forgive me if I have cause anger and hatred in your hearts, but in a world like this, let love amongst the sisterhood of Islam flourish for indeed that is the only thing that will keep us on the path to Allah Azza Wa Jall, everyone needs a reminder, so please take the good and leave the bad on this, and at the end we pray that Allah Azza Wa Jall forgives us all.

Aamiin.

~Zohayma~

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INTERVIEW: HOW ACCEPTING ISLAM HAS CHANGED ME

It has been ages since I last updated the blog and with the pre-Ramadhan preparations, I had hardly any time. Anyway, here it is- an interview we had with a revert to Islam on how she found Islam, how her life has changed afterwards, her love for the Niqab and some words of wisdom for Muslimahs in general. Jazakallah khair Ukhty for your time and effort for this interview. May Allah reward you for it!

May Allah make everyone reading this benefit from it, In sha Allah!

How did you find Islam?

Alhamdulillah, Allah subhana wa ta'ala guided me to the right way.
I grew up while my parents never said that there is no god – but also not that there is a god – my fitra wasn't that broken. I always knew that there is a Creator, "God" who knows everything and hears the dua. I prayed to Him, but never was in a religion.
At school we could decide between religions and ethics and I always was interested in religion. Since I was around 14, I started to search for God- in religion.
When I finished my school exams, I was 21 years old and Islam was like my favorite religion with no contradictions but I didn't want to convert to any religion just because I liked it. I wanted to KNOW that I choose the only one religion, which is from God.
One day I was very sad and cried because so many things happened and I wanted to thank God for being there for me but how? I prayed to him like the muslims do with the head on the ground – which I later found out. And then Islam really came into my heart and Allah subhana wa ta'ala gave me signs alhamdulillah.

How difficult was it for you to adjust to being a new muslim?

Actually it wasn't difficult for me, because I didn't had that pressure that many converts have to make everything right and to have to know and to do everything.
I started reading the Quran and the sunnah of our beloved Prophet salalahu alaihi wa salam, and I prayed somehow.
I didn't want to go to lessons in a masjid (after school I moved to Hamburg where many masjids are) because I didn't want to learn something wrong - wanted to know the basics before. After half a year, I get to know some muslims and I went to lessons in 3 different masjids.

What were your greatest challenges after accepting Islam?

I loved the Hijab and I knew that I wanted to wear it some day. When I learned that it is my duty to cover, I did so.
I also haven't got any problems with my family or friends.
What was tough for me was to stop dancing and listening to music. I danced since I was 9 years old and had gigs and so on – and in Hamburg I danced newstyle – my "trainer" was a famous dancer there. But I stopped dancing and some months later I was very proud that I erased every music from my laptop. It was hard – but I was proud to do so for my Rabb.

How do you feel you have changed now?

I'm not hyperactive anymore…. I always had to do sports (next to dancing) to be balanced, but after accepting Islam I calm down – my parents also saw that.
I don't have bad friends anymore – actually it was the first time in my life I really could trust people… my lovely sisters in Islam.
And most importantly – I found Allah and that made me happy and alhamdulillah I changed myself in a better way while following His commands and the example of our beloved Prophet, sallalahu alaihi wa salam.


Tell us about what inspired you to start wearing the Niqab?

I prayed to Allah ta'ala to give me a good spouse and I married alhamdulillah. He travels from time to time fisabilillah and one day I accompanied him. In this time, we tried to practice as much sunnah as we can and I also wore the niqab….. and I fell in love with it.
As non-muslim guys and old men looked at me - when I wore hijab many "brothers" came to me (on the street!) and wanted to marry me or something like that, when I wore the abaya and khimar it was far better – but the non-muslims stared at me.
When I started wearing the niqab it didn't matter who looked, because they can't see me and I felt free the first time. I didn't feel exposed.
For 2 years I wore the Niqab when I went to Friday prayers or to meet sisters to remember Allah ta´ala – and alhamdulillah last year I decided to wear it always.

How do you deal with people who are not supportive of the Niqab?

Well it doesn't bother me if they are non-muslims, but if muslims say something against the niqab I'm always confused… they speak without knowledge about something so special – I mean do they know that they also insult our mothers in Islam?

Well that just shows that they are actually displeased with their own effort for Allah.
May Allah ta´ala give us understanding of His deen and guide us all to Jennah. Amin.

So to answer your question, if the person has a little bit understanding and knowledge I will explain – but mostly I just ignore those words.


A lot of Muslim women struggle to wear the Niqab. Any advice for them?

Yes! In this case (and every other struggle fisabilillah also) Say Alhamdulillah! Because this struggle means Jihad for Allah.
I met women from India and Qatar and they say, that our reward for wearing Niqab in Europe is much more greater! Alhamdulillah.
And to make it easier there is one very successful way: to read everyday Hadith and Quran to strengthen your Iman.
So it becomes easier because you always know you do it for Allah ta'ala and you remind yourself that this life is short and our struggle will be requited.

Words of advice for Muslimahs who don't wear the Hijab?

Please sisters read more about death and live in the grave and hereafter. Just think about what He gives you daily. We are healthy, we live in a peaceful country where we can practice our deen, we've got to eat, we have everything subhanAllah. He takes care of us every second and listens to our problems and hears the duas….. but what do we do?
To wear the hijab is our duty, no matter what everyone else around us thinks – we should worry about what HE thinks.
And we could die in this second – who knows how long our lives will be? And how do you want to stand in front of your Rabb? Your creator? He knows what is in our hearts, and how embarrassing would it be when He looks at you – both knowing that you ignored Him because a handful people who don't really care about you. Our friends are those, who remind us to remember HIM <3

Your favourite verse from the Quran?

SubhanAllah…… that's not easy….. I love reciting Ayatul Kursy because it's a protection against evil and the Shaytan runs away. He annoys me – so I annoy him as well ;)

How do you feel your life has changed after accepting Islam?

Well….. I feel pure, free, balanced, complete… and my life now makes sense… no matter what happens I know it comes from Allah ta'ala and I will be rewarded according to how I react.

***

Note: If you would like to be interviewed for our blog, leave us an email on niqablovers@gmail.com and we'll get back to you, In Sha Allah. Sisters only.

source : Niqabi Nuances

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INTERVIEW: THE LIFE & FREEDOM OF A NIQABI

Assalamu 'Alaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakatuh!

It's been really amazing to have had the opportunity to interview so many Muslimahs, and Subhanallah, it's all so enlightening. Personally, I've learned so much through all the interviews (and still learning in fact- there's another interview to follow soon, In sha Allah).

So, here's an amazing interview. Do read it and may Allah help all those who are reading to benefit, In sha Allah!

Tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Kareema Badawi. I am 18, African American/Egyptian, born and raised in Washington, DC. I attend a community college and work in a library in the children's section. I am studying early childhood education with plans to either own my own daycare or teach children somewhere in the world.

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are YOU free?

"Truly, the life of this world is nothing but a [quick passing] enjoyment, and verily, the Hereafter that is the home that will remain forever.)" (Qur'an 40:39)

Sorry for the LONG gap, I have been very busy with some personal matters and it has been taking up much of my time! But insha'Allah i will try my best to keep writing (BidhniAllah) ....

It has now been three years since I took my Shahadah (March 2011) and though I am still fairly new to Islam, I have learnt a lot about myself and what being a Muslim woman is all about. I still remember the day I took my Shahadah like it was yesterday; when I repeated those mighty, heavy words it was as if a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and it was as if I was finally free from all the heavy burdens I had been carrying for nearly 26 years of my life. I could finally breath. I was free from my past, I was free from oppression, I was free from being a slave to my own desires and from being a slave to society. I WAS FREE!!!!!!!! Allahu Akbar.

The feeling of FREEDOM still remains with me and not a day goes by do I thank Allah for the gift of guidance to His BEAUTIFUL RELIGION, Islam. However, not a day goes by do I struggle with the media and society trying to dictate to me what MY religion is. The western society and media feel that they are entitled to make ignorant assumptions about WHAT Islam means, WHO Muslims are, and WHY Muslim women are oppressed. Well, as a Muslim woman AND as a convert to Islam, I feel that it is MY duty to clear up some misinterpretations which not only make the beautiful religion of Allah look terrible, but I'd love to also let the media know that it is not the HEADSCARF or the NIQAB that oppresses us, but it is merely your IGNORANCE that oppresses us.

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INTERVIEW: HOW I FOUND MY FREEDOM THROUGH ISLAM

Assalamu 'Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu

I love reading stories about reverts to Islam describing their journey to Islam, and Alhamdulillah, this is such an amazing interview we had with a Muslimah. Do make sure you read it right up to the end, because trust me, it is such an inspirational one. MashaAllah!

So here it is:


TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO ISLAM

I lived a life knowing that God was one and in charge of me. I didn't really understand the significance of Jesus in Christianity. I would pray to God and end with "in Jesus' name" because that was what I was used to. Ironically I chose to get baptised at a young age but my mom prevented me because she wanted us to do it together. I lost that "high". I actually never liked church. My palms would sweat. We only went occasionally. What really got the ball running was when a former boyfriend, who is Catholic, asked me if I pray to God or Jesus, I said so quickly God. That's when I realized my faith didn't align with Christianity. 

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ADVICE FOR SISTERS WHO ARE THINKING OF WEARING THE NIQAB

MashaAllah, there are so many sisters out there who genuinely love to wear the Niqab but are afraid of wearing it for fear of what people might say. To these sisters, here are a few words of advice:

If you have made the intention of wearing the Niqab, Allah will help you- despite your family's or societies disapproval. What is our purpose in life? To worship none but Allah and this also means to be obedient first and foremost to Allah. The moment you start considering the Niqab, ask yourself just one question: Who should I please- Allah or people?

Once you make that decision, you can follow whether you ought to wear the Niqab or not.

I know sisters, saying it is easy enough. But you know what? Allah can make the difficult easy and the easy difficult. Everything is in His Hands and so long as we place our trust in Him, He and He alone will suffice for us.

 “And whoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty) and He will provide him from sources he never could imagine” [Sura At-Talaaq 65:2-3]

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MUSLIM WOMEN ARE OPPRESSED? READ THIS AND THINK FOR YOURSELF!

Islam has honoured women, given them the purest of rights, granted them the best of privileges, adorned them with modesty and blessed them in so many ways! So, why is that so many non Muslims looks down on Muslim women with the infamous label: oppressed?

I am a Muslim woman and let me tell you what true liberation is.

Liberated are not the women who shamelessly strip themselves and pose for magazines and cars to make sales. Liberated are not those women who feel insecure with themselves so much so to the extent that they spend billions of dollars on cosmetic makeovers just so look more presentable to the world. Liberated are not those women who dress provocatively so they a man would flash them a 'You're so hot' comment.

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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). 

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INTERVIEW: HOW ISLAM HAS CHANGED ME

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu! 

It's been a while since I interviewed a Muslimah for the blog, so Alhamdulillah, here's one. The sister decided to go anonymous for the interview, but do make sure you read it right up to the end, In Sha Allah. It is wonderfully insightful, MashaAllah. May Allah make everyone reading this benefit.

Tell us your story to Islam and what inspired you to accept it

As Salam 'Alaikoum Wa Rahmatoullah Wa Barakatouh,

All praise is due to Allah, and Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon His Final Messenger, his pure family, his noble Companions, and all those who follow them with righteousness until the Day of Judgment

I was born into a Muslim family but who was not practicing Islam.  The only pillar we used to practice for so many years was Ramadan out of habit. I used to fast from the age of 12. I was very serious about it but never did make up for the days I did not fast (did not know the rules).

My only friends were French from an early age. We are living in the middle of nowhere in France in the countryside. In the schools I went, the Muslims by name were very few. So I don't speak Arabic and my culture is French (though we had this double culture at home (Arabic by my parents). Really we considered ourselves French (I am speaking of the children in the family). All our friends have always been French.

Here is the context to understand better:

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GUEST POST: YOUR UKHT FROM TURKEY

I was born and raised in the Netherlands and began wearing Hijab on the first day of Ramadan of 1996, after my grandpa died. He always asked me so caring and softly "Why don't you cover your hair my daughter?"

His death would become my birth Alhamdulillah.. May Allah Ta'la reward him with Jannah. They were the ones that knew little but worshiped a lot, while we are the opposite! May Allah Ta'ala guide us.

Alhamdulillah, little by little I learned about my Deen. I tried to practice that which Allah Ta'ala taught me and I know that real knowledge can grow only by practicing what you learn.Sincerity is the most important thing in our worshiping Allah Ta'ala, for those are the ones Satan has no power over!

I became friends with an Egyptian sister named Soha. She was married with a Dutch revert mashaaAllah.

So when she came visit us one day we had a conversation about the Niqab. She wasn't sure about the necessity of it, while I in fact, was ready with my proof that it must be fard. And I wasn't even wearing one, SubhanAllah! My so-called proofs were in fact just a few things I read about it but that made me think. For example, why should Rasulullah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam tell the women in Ihraam to uncover their faces? Hmm, so they must have been covering them! And so on, there are so many proofs that in fact this is the way most proper and pure to cover and the way Allah Ta'ala wishes from us. I can't remember which examples I exactly gave her.

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WHY I SHED BIKINI FOR NIQAB- SARA BOKKER

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

* * *

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

Years went by, only to realize that my scale of self-fulfillment and happiness slid down the more I progressed in my “feminine appeal.” I was a slave to fashion. I was a hostage to my looks.
As the gap continued to progressively widen between my self-fulfillment and lifestyle, I sought refuge in escapes from alcohol and parties to meditation, activism, and alternative religions, only to have the little gap widen to what seemed like a valley. I eventually realized it all was merely a pain killer rather than an effective remedy.

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

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The Wisdom Behind The Niqab And Hijab

''O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their veils all over their bodies. That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested." (Surah Al-Ahzab: 59)

Subhanallah, I couldn't agree any better! But what else can we expect? It's the words of Allah, and the words of Allah are always true. 

I know that lots of non-Muslims have a hundred insults up their sleeves for Hijabis and Niqabis, but it's very clear that even under all their insults, they have some respect for Muslim women who are covered as Allah has asked them to. You may wonder why? Well, it's for the simple reason that when you see a woman who respects herself and her body, people are naturally inclined to respect her. 

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Why They Hate Our Niqab

When I first started wearing the Niqab, I felt very awkward when people threw rude comments at me. Later, when the comments started to increase, my awkwardness converted to anger, and there were times when I stared hard and straight at those who offended my Niqab and let them know how angry I was. I know some people who take these comments coolly, but some others, really tend to lose their temper.

Now, thankfully, not many people abuse Niqabis in my country Alhamdulillah. Apart from the occasional ‘ninja’ there’s really nothing much. But at times when they do or when they stare at us as though we are dirt, I’ve learnt to control my anger. I’m no longer intimidated by any comments people throw at my Niqab, because deep down, I know that the only reason they hate my Niqab so much is because they find something undeniably beautiful about it.

Let’s face the fact: Would any of us approach and throw rude comments at a woman who is semi-naked? As Muslims, all of us hate the sight of women dressed that way, because it’s nothing short of a disgusting sight. But would we insult her for her clothing? Obviously not, because we just don’t care about what or how they dress. We might hate it in our hearts, but we would never go to the extent of humiliating them. So long as we are covered, Alhamdulillah, we are happy. And that’s what matters. 

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