HIJAB AS AN ISLAMOPHOBIA AND THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCES OF MUSLIM WOMEN PART (02)

HIJAB AS AN ISLAMOPHOBIA AND THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCES OF MUSLIM WOMEN

Some people believe that the Islamic faith is oppressive to women. In the west, particularly in France, the Hijab or headscarf that many Muslim women wear has become a symbol of this perceived oppression. This blog explores the experience of wearing the Hijab of Muslim Women of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It will draw attention that why some Muslim women consider it a mark of empowerment, what kind of motivation they have to wear the Hijab, and how the Hijab protects them.

MEMOONA ASHFAQ

Assalam o Alaikum wa-raḥmatu llāhi wa-barakātuhu. I am Memoona Ashfaq. I am a student. I am doing my graduation in BS Zoology from a great institute GC UNIVERSITY LAHORE. Today the purpose of my writing is to highlight the importance of the hijab for girls. Hijab is a symbol of modesty and protection. The Qur'an instructs Muslim women and men to dress modestly, and for some, the hijab is worn by Muslim girls and women to maintain modesty and privacy from unrelated males. I started to observe abaya and veil in my university life. Before that, I used to carry a scarf but the 1st day at the university was the 1st day when I started àbaya and hijab. And then I feel it is very comfortable and easy to carry. Initially in my 1st semester, one of my friends said it is just a start. It is a university. People just start this kind of hijab and are then unable to persuade it just because of the opinions of people around us. You will also not be able to persuade this. It was the time when I decided that I will continue to wear the hijab just because it is the beauty of our Islam. And now it's my 7th semester and still, Allah Pak blesses me strength to follow the hijab.

Hijab has three roles that should be considered by Muslim women: it should be not form-fitted, it should not be transparent, and it should not be attractive.

I, as a Muslim woman, feel very comfortable wearing the hijab. For me, the hijab means religious devotion, discipline, reflection, respect, freedom, and modernity. I am pro-democracy because for me democracy means having choices in how to live our lives. I also support and promote mutual respect between Muslim and non-Muslim women. I want the world to treat Muslim women with the same respect they treat other women, from other religions and cultures who wear headscarves such as Hindu women, Jewish women, Greek women, and Catholic nuns. The assumption that wearing a hijab is oppressive should change from an oppressive idea to a liberating one.

When it comes to Muslim women, Hijab is expressed in not only the covering of the head but also typically covering the body when dressing, without tight clothing. It can mean only showing the hands and feet and face- hence wearing long sleeves, pants, and the commonly worn headscarf, such as the hijab, which covers the head and shoulders. In South West Asia and North Africa, it is common to see women wearing Abayas, which are cloaks that cover the entire body. And why we as Muslim women are not following the basics of our religion that are safety tools for us. Because the hijab overtly indicates that she is a Muslim woman. She represents the values that she follows in Islam.

"The beautiful thing about it is that I'm representing a religion".

"So when I do something, I am seen as a Muslim woman that did something. After I talk to others, I hope they'll remember me as the hijabi who was kind, well-spoken, and outgoing. “I hope my words may have some positive impact on society. And as Muslim girls, it is our 1st priority to Follow Islam which is a very easy and beautiful religion. Thanks.

 

KAINAT FATIMA

I am Kainat Fatima, 22 years old and a student of microbiology. I started wearing Hijab or dupatta after my matriculation, I am still not obeying it the way I should but it is still better than before and will be perfect with time INSHALLAH.

The first thing that motivates me is the LIFE OF LADY ZAINAB ع (daughter of Hazrat Ali ع), the way she obeyed is extraordinary. Secondly, I feel better when wearing any such modest thing that I do wear western too so I can tell the comfort zone is being less exposed.

Does Hijab protect you?

Yes PERIOD.

Will you suggest other Muslim women to wear Hijab?

In this case, only advice to all the women including MYSELF is keep trying less is not the less if not stopped, everyone owes a different journey may be one day we will be obeying it perfectly so don't try to find arguments AGAINST HIJAB. Give others their time take your time. Live it up you all QUEENS.

 

 

RIDA IQBAL

My name is Rida Iqbal. I am from Karachi and 20 years old.I started wearing a hijab when I was in Class 8.

There are many things that motivate me to wear a hijab. First of all, it is the order of my Allah and his Rasool. And surely there is goodness in every order of his. In addition, in this period full of temptation, it is the best solution to avoid the evil eyes of the men. In my opinion, the beauty of every girl is in the hijab.

The hijab is the best protection for all girls. I feel very protective and comfortable when I am in a hijab. The identity of hijabis girls is unique and different from all others. Hijab represents all the girls as Muslim women.

I love wearing a hijab and I am proud of it.

 

AFSHEEN RIAZ

I am 17 years old and a student in my first year. I started wearing hijab from 6 class and niqab from 9^th standard. Alhamdullilah

I started it because, I feel awkward and I used to see my family girls in hijab afterward. When I read Quran with Urdu translation so I learned that it is not a choice it's an obligation from Allah almighty then I started niqab. Absolutely hijab protects me because it's a barrier between me and the evil eyes of people. Surely, I will suggest girls wear it because it's a commandment of Allah. Sunnah of Hazrat Fatima(R.A) and inshallah it will become a deed which will take us to Jannah because ONE GOOD DEED WILL OPEN THE DOOR FOR OTHER GOOD DEED.

 

 

AREESHA ANSARI

My name is Areesha Ansari. I'll be 20 years old in the next month InsjaAllah. I am currently a first-year MBBS student. I started wearing a hijab when (1) I was 12 years old. I would wear it all day all night.. even in front of my family... because I felt comfortable in it... I was demotivated by many far-related individuals who thought I was being forced to wear it by my parents. I feel like hijab is my uniform...something that constantly reminds me of my boundaries, my haya, and my individuality as a Muslim.. to me it's a submission to Allah that I follow his commands.

And since the Prophet (ﷺ) said: If you don't feel ashamed (from Haya') do whatever you like." This hadith is sacred to me, Because haya is what brings life to the soul. Hijab indeed is a blessing and protects me from my desires and helps me in controlling them. I feel protected from shaitan at some levels only because the hijab reminds me constantly of my goal for Jannah. I as a hijabi felt comfortable and secure in it. Hijab is a command not only to women but also men. We all have to be in our uniforms and show the world that it isn't oppression.

EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN RELIGION ISLAM

EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN RELIGION ISLAM

In Islam, education is one of the Commandments of Allah Almighty for both men and women. The first guidance revealed by Allah Almighty to the whole of humankind in His last and final revelation the Glorious Quran was not about prayer, charity, or fasting but it was about education. It was;

ٱقۡرَأۡ بِٱسۡمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَ 

Recite in the name of your Lord who created -

خَلَقَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ مِنۡ عَلَقٍ.

Created man from a clinging substance

ٱقۡرَأۡ وَرَبُّكَ ٱلۡأَكۡرَمُ

Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous -

ٱلَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِٱلۡقَلَمِ

Who taught by the pen -

عَلَّمَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ مَا لَمۡ يَعۡلَمۡ

Taught man that which he knew not

(Surah Al-Alaq: 1-5)

The first guidance was about reading for both males and females.

It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim, and he who imparts knowledge to those who do not deserve it is like one who puts a necklace of jewels, pearls, and gold around the neck of swine." (Sunan Ibn Maja: 224)

Every Muslim man or woman must acquire knowledge. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) specially told the parents to educate the children, especially the daughters, and husbands must arrange a source of education for their wives, especially religious education. If parents, husbands, or guardians do not give educational Rights to a female, she has the right to go to the court to judge and demand it. If they cannot teach their girls by their selves they have to send them to a safe place to acquire an education.

 

Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:

Some women requested the Prophet (ﷺ) to fix a day for them as the men were taking all his time. On that, he promised them one day for religious lessons and commandments.( Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol: 01, 101).

In the history of Islam, we have several women scholars, and the best example of this is Ayesha (May Allah pleased with her) the daughter of Abu Baker (May Allah pleased with him) and wife of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him).

 

The Islamic scholar and Tabi'i Urwah Bin Zubair said about Aisha: "I did not find anyone more proficient (than Aisha) in the knowledge of the Holy Quran, the Commandments of Halal (lawful) and Haram (prohibited), Genealogy, and Arabic poetry. That is why even senior companions of the Prophet used to consult Aisha in resolving intricate issues." (Recorded in Jala-ul-Afham by Ibn Qaiyem and Ibn Sa'ad, Vol.2, p.26)

 

The Sahaba Abu Musa al-Ashari (r) said: "Never had we (the companions) any difficulty for which we approached Aisha for the solution and did not get some useful information from her." (Recorded in Sirat-I-Aisha, on the authority of Tirmidhi, pg. 163)

 

The strength, character, and dedication of Hazrat Ayesha (May Allah pleased with her) to knowledge make her an inspiration for all Muslim women. She was the scholar of scholars. We also have many examples of Muslim women scholars in the history of Islam,

• Fatimah (daughter of Prophet Muhammad PBUH)
• Zaynab bin Ali
• Hafsa bint Umer
• Umm e darda as Sughra
• Umme Hakim
• Al-Shifa bint Abdullah
• Hafsa bint Sirin
• Umme Salamah
• Aisha bint Talhah

The conclusion of all discussion is, imagine the time when people were hardly educated and most of them did not have proper awareness of education, from that time we found many Muslim women Scholars who were higher in the rank of education than many Muslim men scholars. Education for women is an integral part of the religion Islam. Muslim women have to respect the divine obligation to acquire knowledge.

 

 

 

HIJAB AS AN ISLAMOPHOBIA AND THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCES OF MUSLIM WOMEN PART (01)

 

HIJAB AS AN ISLAMOPHOBIA AND THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCES OF MUSLIM WOMEN

Some people believe that the Islamic faith is oppressive to women. In the west, particularly in France, the Hijab or headscarf that many Muslim women wear has become a symbol of this perceived oppression. This blog explores the experience of wearing the Hijab of Muslim Women of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It will draw attention that why some Muslim women consider it a mark of empowerment, what kind of motivation they have to wear the Hijab, and how the Hijab protects them.

 

SHAZHANA SALEETH

I'm Shazhana Saleeth, from Sri Lanka. I'm a student. I started wearing the hijab during my teenage. Since I'm a Muslim and I was brought up in a religious background my parents explained to me the concept of the hijab and after that, I started to wear the hijab.

In the beginning, I wore a hijab as they taught me. They didn't force me to wear a hijab but I obeyed the religious commandments as my parents taught me. So, I continued to wear a hijab. And when I started to learn about Islam, I started to realize the rationale and logic behind the hijab. Whatever the crime happening now around the globe to women, proved to me the value of wearing a hijab. Our creator knows what's best for us. It is also a scientific and logical belief. Psychology explains to us the fact that whatever we wear has an impact on our thinking and behavior. Wearing hijab changes our behavior in a very positive way, I realized it. So, now I would say Hijab is my choice. Choice of dignity and modesty!

I feel secure and protected when I wear the hijab. Islam gives the proper dignity and status to women. And it is the way of life, which regards the women as a pearl to be well protected. Also, on one hand, it's a sign of 'haya' shyness and modesty for women. On the other hand, it makes us stronger and more courageous to face the challenges in our lives.

 

I would suggest wearing a hijab to all my sisters whoever reads this if you are not wearing it. Also, I would like to remind you, that it should be a choice for the sake of our creator, not a forceful effort. Read and learn more about it you'll get convinced and realize what the real meaning of hijab is and make a life-changing choice to seek the best in this world and Aakhira! May Allah make us all amongst the people who earned the pleasure of Allah, and protect us from the temporary, evil, and obsessive materialistic desires Amen!

 

***********

I'm a girl in her late teens. I started wearing a hijab from my 12th age. When I started wearing I wore it just because it was a culture in my area. But later on, I understood the importance of the hijab which is the reason why I have never taken it off in front of a non-mahram.

Whenever someone asks me why do you cover myself I give them a very simple example, will insects approach a candy that is wrapped properly or the opened, uncovered candy?

Insects will approach the unwrapped one. So, I consider the hijab my wrapper which protects me from all sorts of lusty sights.

When did someone ask me why would I recommend them to cover? For that question also I would approach them with another illustration.

Do you put a gem carelessly on road or will you beautifully protect it, keep it wrapped inside a safety locker? Even when you have to expose the gem, you won't bring it out barely, rather you'll place it engraved on a gold ring wear the areas to be visible would be out and other areas would be covered so that the gem would remain safe and secure.

Don't you consider yourself a gem? Aren't you a precious creation of Al-Musawwir? Didn't he design you so beautifully? Why would you let that beauty be admired by everyone who doesn't deserve it?

Precious ones need protection. If you consider yourself precious, protect yourself with a hijab.

AYESHA NAZIR

I'm Ayesha Nazir, 21 years old, I am a student. I started the hijab at the age of 17 years.

I don't want to go into sins, that thing motivates me the most, I want to be that lady who is confident, topper and a Hijab, The most interesting thing was that I want to challenge myself and I put myself into trouble without the Hub of Allah SWT and the most beautiful part is that He gave me his Love and Rahma. The hijab always protects me from sins of public and private life. I realize all the time that I am wearing the Hub of Allah.

I will suggest all Muslim young girls wear Hijab because it not only makes them different but also helps others to respect them more than anybody.

Hijab is my pride. May Allah SWT accept it. Amen

(Video recorded by aforementioned responder to share the experience of Wearing The Hijab)

 

JAVARIA ARIF

I am Javaria Arif and I completed my graduation in Mathematics. Currently, I am serving my country through the profession of teaching. Alhamdulillah

I started to wear a hijab after my matriculation at the age of 15. During the whole journey of my education, I have the experience of wearing the Hijab. When I went to University (co-education), I was one of the few female students who wore the Hijab. No doubt, sometimes I am attracted to showing my beauty to everyone like many other female students but the thing that always stopped me is my family's dignity because I belonged to a religious family. Alhamdulillah. I believe that sometimes other than Islamic teaching, girls need some kind of experienced motivation from their elder women and for this, I have my mother who always teaches me many good things for my successful life in this world and hereafter.

Hijab is the beauty of a Muslim woman and when you wear hijab people respect you a lot especially men. So, these things motivate me to wear a hijab.

The hijab protects me because when I wear a hijab I feel more comfortable than without a hijab. Yes, I suggest other Muslim women wear hijab because in hijab women look more beautiful.

 

SUNDAS NAYYAB

I am Sundas Nayyab, 27 years old, working as a Lecturer at a Government institute. I started wearing a hijab at the age of 14 when I was a matric student. Hijab protect me and made me unique from other religions. A hijab always protects me I feel much easier by wearing a hijab. I consider this thing to motivate myself to wear Hijab and that is "the Hijab is the identification of Muslim Women and I don't want to lose this identification".

Yes, I strongly recommend the hijab to other Muslim women because it's a beautiful sign of Muslim women. It gives you more beauty. I would also like to add this thing, parental teachings are very important for this type of activity, if every mother or father starts teaching their daughters the benefits of the Hijab in this world and hereafter from their childhood, then more daughters will be able to sustain their identification.

 

 

TAHIRA KHALID

This is Tahira Khalid. I'm 21 years old and a student of BS botany Semester 7th in Government College University Lahore. I started the hijab after FSC. On my first day at GCU, I decided to wear a hijab. People usually asked me, "Have you any orders from your family to wear hijab?" And I always replied, "No, it's my personal choice. I don't feel comfortable without wearing a hijab".

In class 12th, I read the famous novel "JANNAT K PATTY" and this was my turning point. I got the most satisfactory answer from this novel and that was " I wear hijab because Allah likes women who wear hijab". Most important, the hijab is protection. It protects us from evil people and shows us as Islamic girls. It also bounds us to not be free with random boys and helps us to have a positive attitude toward others.

I suggest girls do hijabs as It helps women to survive in this society respectfully and to become beautiful women.

 

RIZWANA SARFRAZ

I'm Rizwana Sarfraz. I'm 22 years old. Currently, I have submitted my thesis and I am CSS Aspirant. I belong to a well-educated and religious family. So, Pardah is my family's legacy as well. Till my school level, I used to follow a school uniform that was completed with a dupatta and stroller scarf. From Intermediate I used to wear Abaya and Hijab with Niqab also. Now Hijab has been my identity and with Abaya, I feel comfortable and secure.

Yes, Hijab is a matter of pride for me as well as Abaya. I have a collection of different abayas and strollers.

What I see here is that my class fellows used to wear an abaya and hijab but after 2 to 3 three semesters they were completely different personalities with tight dresses, dyed and straight hair, etc...Even once I was trolled by my class fellow from Lahore that we all are now wearing dresses and look modern only you are wearing Abaya and hijab, don't you have dresses to wear??? I laughed and replied what you wear is your choice, and what would I wear should be my choice. I belong to a well-earning family as well as I am the only sister of three brothers.

I was committed enough that I would not do that from the start wear abaya and in the end, show myself to everyone in the university. Because I believe that Islam considers women very precious like diamonds and diamonds should be wrapped under covers so that no one can have access to open the cover and see the diamond. Secondly, I don't know why but I believe as long as we women will protect our beauty it will be long-lasting and as soon as it would be open to every hungry eye we will be lost our attractiveness.

Yes, I will suggest other Muslim Women wear Hijab as we are going somewhere else that's opposite to our religion. In the end, I would love to say something that my dear Girls! Instead of showing ourselves to others, we should have the confidence that yes! I'm precious enough so that everyone cannot see my beauty. And this confidence is more beneficial both in this world and in the Akhirah.

 

NUKHLA FIRDOUS

I am 22 years old and a student by profession. I started wearing a hijab when I was in 8th class. My family was my motivation behind wearing a hijab. Hijab is actually for the protection of females.

In Quran in hijab ayah the words:

ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰ أَن يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ

"That is near for them to be known and not to be offended."

That shows that the hijab is for protection. Alhamdulillah hijab is my protection.

Allah ordered females to wear hijabs. This is a source of protection for them. Yes, I also suggest Muslim women must wear hijabs. You cannot imagine how the feeling of protection or safety in a hijab without its wearing so must do veil.

 

ANILA FATIMA

I'm Anila Fatima, 22ys old and a graduate student. I started wearing a hijab when I was in 8th class. In the beginning, my mother asked me to wear a hijab as it is obligatory in İslam. But when I have grown up I realized this is an order by Allah SWT to do Pardah. Then from my 1st year, I started wearing a hijab of my choice and I'll say Alhamdulillah that Allah selected me for this deed.

Some reasons made me wear a hijab. 1stly this is Allah's order. 2ndly as every order of Allah is for our betterment I realized that this is also for our betterment. So being a Muslim girl is the largest factor to wear a hijab.

Yes! İn my opinion, it protects us. As we feel relaxed when we are in hijabs, especially in the veil. We don't feel much awkward if someone looks at our face as we knew it's covered. Moreover, people also get the clue that this girl is within her boundaries. And wearing a hijab also limits us in a good way as we knew that if we do a hijab then we must have to follow a few rules being a hijabi Muslim girl.

Yes! For sure. Every girl should do a hijab not for the people but for herself because if Allah has ordered us to wear a hijab then it's beneficial for us of course. Every girl should understand the importance of the hijab as a Muslim girl. Hijab protects us and stops us from many evil deeds.

 

********

I am a 23-year-old girl. I am a student. I started wearing the hijab at fourteen. I don't know exactly but even before starting wearing Hijab I wanted to start it as soon as possible because it fascinated me.

It helps me to stay within my limits without even realizing it. I feel more confident, dignified, and protective. Nowadays it's a common and very unethical act that anyone can capture you in any condition on their camera without your realization or permission. Wearing a hijab makes me feel free of all such worries as I know that I am always in an appropriate getup with my face covered. We cannot stop others but we can make ways easy for ourselves.

********

I am a Muslim Girl. I have recently completed my graduation. I started wearing Hijab when I was 7 years old. First of all, the teachings of Islam motivated me to wear a hijab. Secondly, the big motivation was my family, where all women wear Hijab.

Surely, it protects me. I feel confident in my Hijab. Most women comments it is not necessary to cover the face, but It is an order of Allah. At the revelation about Hijab, All Sahabiya

 

HIRA MOBEEN

I am Hira Mobeen and I am a student of Bs (Hons) at Govt. College University Lahore. I am 21 years old. I belong to a very humble background. I started wearing Hijab at the age of 15 when I started college. Initially, I started wearing Hijab because I had to go to the academy and it was quite uncomfortable for me to go outside without Hijab. But over time, I learned that it is a religious obligation to cover ourselves properly.

Now, wherever I go, I feel like the hijab is protecting me and I believe that there is always some benefit in everything Islam asks us to do. I will also suggest other girls wear hijab and I am sure they will also feel a kind of peace in it.

 

 

RESPONSIBILITY OF HIJAB FOR MUSLIM WOMAN

 

RESPONSIBILITY OF HIJAB FOR MUSLIM WOMAN

What kind of motivation we can get to do Hijab? Or how we can start Hijab? How Hijab shows modernization?

These questions are answered in the following lines.

Islam gives the order of the Hijab for both men and women but the Islamic framework of the Hijab for both sexes is quite different. In the Noble Quran, Allah Almighty first mentioned the responsibility of the Hijab for Muslim men, and then in the next verse, Allah Almighty explained the responsibility of the Hijab for Muslim women.

Responsibility of Hijab for Muslim men

 

And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.

(Surah An-Nur: 31)

 

Islamic Hijab symbolizes the ideologies of humility, dignity, and modesty in terms of dressings and manners of both Muslim women and men. The aforementioned verse depicts the total responsibility of the Hijab for Muslim women.

One of the most important questions often asked by Muslim women is, what kind of motivation we can get to do Hijab? Or how we can start Hijab? The answer reclines in understanding the quintessence of one's existence as mentioned in Islam.

Muslim believe that the basic purpose of their lives is to worship Allah Almighty according to His commandments, as mentioned in the Glorious Quran and through the teachings of the final Prophet Muhammad PBUH. In Islam worship is a comprehensive concept that motivates Allah Almighty's consciousness in every aspect of daily life, from the act of charity and neighborliness to honest dealings and prayer. When the verse related to Hijab was revealed to Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him), the Muslim women around the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him), directly adopted these instructions. In the same way, through the obedience of spirit, Muslim women have continued modest dressing (Hijab) ever since.

Therefore, the primary motivation for Hijab is to comply with the instructions of Allah Almighty.

 

The hijab expresses modest behaviors, manners, and speech. So, it is a constant reminder for Muslim women that they cannot adorn their beauty for men. They wear hijab to achieve the pleasure of Allah Almighty and to sustain Islam's code of dignity and modesty.

There is another problem in our society that people consider that if a woman is wearing a hijab, she is not modern and has no sense of modern dressing or dressing style. The answer for them is;

Islam is the religion of modernization and balance and it is the most modern religion but people who speak against it, don't have an idea that the true meaning of being modern. Modernization means “Upgrade yourself as sensible in the way you do things". The women, who do not wear hijabs, know what kind of problems of harassment they can face because of showing their Bodies to non-mahram men. It is estimated that approximately 35% of women worldwide have experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime. Nonmuslim countries are facing this issue more than Muslim countries and it is because of dressing styles. In Muslim communities, when Muslim women wear hijabs and save their bodies from the eyes of non-mahram men being sensible in the way they do this, they are the most modern women in the world.

Hence, the motivations to wear the Hijab are,

1. The pleasure of Allah Almighty
2. A constant reminder for Muslim women to obey Allah's commandments
3. The most modern dressing style

Honor of Women in Islam 

 

HOW TO BECOME MORE GRATEFUL TO ALLAH ALMIGHTY?

 

HOW TO BECOME MORE GRATEFUL TO ALLAH ALMIGHTY?

What are the benefits of showing gratitude to Allah Almighty?

Nowadays Muslims are busy with various worldly matters and they sometimes because of difficult times say such words that show ungratefulness to Allah Almighty and sometimes they forget the splendid blessings that they have. However, it is obligatory upon all Believers to feel and show their gratitude to the most Beneficent and the most Merciful Allah Almighty throughout every day of our lives and ultimately it will strengthen our faith and helps to gain the goal of "Total submission to Allah Almighty's will. No doubt, Allah Almighty had designed us as an intelligent specie and blessed us with numerous things. Everything, we achieve related to professional, personal, or spiritual life - is eventually from Allah Almighty. In the Glorious Quran He mentioned;

 

وَءَاتَىٰكُم مِّن كُلِّ مَا سَأَلۡتُمُوهُۚ وَإِن تَعُدُّواْ نِعۡمَتَ ٱللَّهِ لَا تُحۡصُوهَآۗ إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ لَظَلُومٞ كَفَّارٞ

And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful. (Surah Ibrahim: 34)

 

The above-mentioned verse of the Noble Quran depicts the need to regularly show gratitude to Allah Almighty. However, there is some confusion among people like what types of acts can show our gratitude? Some very simple acts, attitudes, or practices that you can adopt to express gratitude to Allah Almighty are mentioned below.

 

1. Make the Habit of saying "Alhamdullilah" whenever you feel something grateful to you. If a person is continuously facing a tough time in his life, he also has so many blessings of Allah Almighty including, Allah creating him and sustaining him, making him Muslim, giving him faith, and keeping the devil(Shaitaan) away.
2.  Make the Habit of spending a few minutes after each prayer thanking Allah Almighty- Everyone has some little or some big blessings in his life. Acknowledge that Allah Almighty always deserves our gratitude and feels unhappy when we are ungrateful to Him. It is not because He needs our gratitude, but simply because He knows that our gratitude to Him is good for us.

لَئِن شَكَرۡتُمۡ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمۡ

"If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]" (Surah Ibrahim: 7)

So after each prayer try to say "Alhamdulillah" 33 times at least.

3.  Make Habit of reciting Du'a for waking up every morning. Express gratitude to Allah Almighty for making night and for giving you a new day to live. Thank Allah Almighty for a specific Du'a and for other limits or laws that He has to establish for us and promise an excellent reward for following them. 

4.  Make habit of making Dhikr while traveling or going somewhere. It would not become an excessive burden but you will feel comfortable and find the courage to face the difficulties of life. Whenever you feel hardships in life, try to remind the blessings that you have and express gratitude. This practice will build confidence in you and you will feel happy or comfortable.

You can use some little phrases to express gratitude e.g. "Astaghfirullah", "Subhanallah-Allahi wa bihamdihi" ( Allah is free from imperfection and all praise is due to Him).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESPONSIBILITY OF HIJAB FOR MUSLIM MEN

HIJAB FOR MEN IN ISLAM 

As men attract women and Islam asks women to do the hijab, in the same way, women also attract men, does Islam also asks men to do the hijab? Why do men need to do hijabs?

 

Islam has highlighted the concept of dignity and modesty in the interaction between the members of the opposite sex. Dress code is the portion of all that teaching. Along with the topic of hijab for women, there is also another topic which hardly ever emphasized and that's the hijab for men in Islam.

 

In Islam, the hijab is both for men and women and most of the aspects of the hijab are the same for them but in some aspects, they differ. The extent of clothing is the only difference in hijab for men and women and the reason is that the man gets more attracted by looking at the woman as compared to the woman getting attracted by looking at the men and this is scientifically proven. There are many types of research done on this and today science tells us that when a man looks at a woman, his pupil dilated more and he is sexually more excited as compared to when a woman looks at a man, her pupil dilated less. So, based on human nature, the extent of hijab for women is much more as compared to the extent of hijab for men. In the Glorious Quran, Allah Almighty speaks about the hijab first for men and then for women. It is mentioned in Surah An-Nur:

 

قُل لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ يَغُضُّواْ مِنۡ أَبۡصَٰرِهِمۡ وَيَحۡفَظُواْ فُرُوجَهُمۡۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَزۡكَىٰ لَهُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا يَصۡنَعُونَ

Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. (Surah An-Nur: 30)

 

 

So, the hijab for men is to lower their gaze and to dress in loose clothing. So a Muslim man has this duty that he cannot show all his limbs or organs proudly, "I'm a Man". Hijab is not just for women. When Allah Almighty speaks of lowering the gaze and hijab, He speaks about the men first and then women. Nowadays, most men always think that hijab is just for women and they claim that most of the sins happening in society are just because of those women who do not take hijab. Yes, it is the cause of sin but not as a whole. Men who do not take the hijab that Islam teaches them, are also responsible for this.

 

Regarding the criteria of clothing or hijab for men, there are six criteria in Islam.

1. Covering the body from navel to knee
2. The clothes you wear shouldn't be so tight to reveal the figure
3. The clothes you wear shouldn't be transparent or translucent that shows the body
4. The dress you wear shouldn't be glamorous that can attract the opposite sex
5. The dress you wear shouldn't resemble the dress of the opposite sex
6. The dress you wear shouldn't resemble the dress of non-believers

 

The entire above mentioned are the hijab of clothing for Men, and besides this hijab is for the way of person talk, walk, looks, and thinks. It means the hijab is not only following all these rules but has deeper inside meanings that apply to both men and women. In Quran Allah Almighty mentioned the idea of righteousness and piety as more important than the physical covering of a body.

 

يَٰبَنِيٓ ءَادَمَ قَدۡ أَنزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكُمۡ لِبَاسٗا يُوَٰرِي سَوۡءَٰتِكُمۡ وَرِيشٗاۖ وَلِبَاسُ ٱلتَّقۡوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيۡرٞۚ ذَٰلِكَ مِنۡ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَذَّكَّرُونَ 

O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember. (Surah Al-A'raf: 26)

 

Hence, the concept of the Hijab in its most popular understanding today has lost its true meaning. It has come to narrowly appear as a physical idea for women, whereas it was meant to be more spiritual for all. It has become a political tool utilizing gender politics within Islam, and socio-cultural politics within the world. Very few people are aware of the personal connotations that the Hijab holds. It is not simply a case of misinterpretation, but rather that of selective overlooking of facts and doctrines over time, to make the religion better suited for a patriarchal society.

 

 May Allah Almighty protect us and guide us. May He forgive us for what we do and don't do and may He open our eyes and grant us hidayah.

 

  

HONOR AND DIGNITY OF HUMAN IN ISLAM

 

HONOR AND DIGNITY OF HUMAN IN ISLAM

Islam is the religion that derives the source and origin of dignity from Allah Almighty. Absolute honor and dignity belong to Allah Almighty and all other dignities that exist are driven from Him. Islam depicts man as vicegerent of Allah Almighty on earth. Every mundane component has been created to facilitate the accomplishment of man's aristocratic mission of Vicegerency. When Allah Almighty created Man (Adam), angels, the most exalted and impeccable creatures, were asked to witness the divine act of creation and then after completing this creation, Allah Almighty asked them to prostrate themselves before Man (Adam), that was, to prostrate to Allah Almighty, for there is no prostration except to Allah Almighty alone and to admit thereby the merit and wisdom of Allah Almighty's creation, and to give respect to Man and his empirical capabilities as the crown of Allah Almighty's invention.

In the Glorious Quran Allah Almighty mentioned this dramatic occurrence as;

And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority." They said, "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?" Allah said, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know." And He taught Adam the names - all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, "Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful." They said, "Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise." He said, "O Adam, inform them of their names." And when he had informed them of their names, He said, "Did I not tell you that I know the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed." And [mention] when We said to the angels, "Prostrate before Adam"; so they prostrated, except for Iblees. He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 30-34).

 

 

Hence, the main source of dignity is Allah Almighty and is the complete source of honor just as He is the source of light:

 

وَمَن لَّمۡ يَجۡعَلِ ٱللَّهُ لَهُۥ نُورٗا فَمَا لَهُۥ مِن نُّورٍ

And he to whom Allah has not granted light - for him, there is no light. (Surah An-Nur, 40).

 

And in another verse, Allah Almighty mentioned that dignity only belongs to Him but it does not mean no man can achieve it; rather, it means that all honor (izzaah) belongs to Allah Almighty as the main source, and then He spread it to Man. It is a precious gift to Man from Allah Almighty. Man does not own it but gains from Allah Almighty. Then the verse describes it as;

 

مَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ ٱلۡعِزَّةَ فَلِلَّهِ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ جَمِيعًاۚ إِلَيۡهِ يَصۡعَدُ ٱلۡكَلِمُ ٱلطَّيِّبُ وَٱلۡعَمَلُ ٱلصَّٰلِحُ يَرۡفَعُهُۥۚ

Whoever desires honor [through power] - then to Allah belongs all honor. To Him ascends good speech, and righteous work raises it. (Surah Fatir, 10).

 

Islam is the guidance for man; it is meant for him. Man in turn is a follower of Islam. As man's entitlement, Islam through the Glorious Quran invites man to a righteous path by discovering the laws of nature and the universe's existence. Though every living or nonliving things creature from large mountains to the smallest insect or plant is made by Allah Almighty, no one has the book of Guidance, intellectual mindset except Man. We are all distinguished from birth. Allah Almighty has provided us some extent of honor as our capital.

 

وَلَقَدۡ كَرَّمۡنَا بَنِيٓ ءَادَمَ وَحَمَلۡنَٰهُمۡ فِي ٱلۡبَرِّ وَٱلۡبَحۡرِ وَرَزَقۡنَٰهُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَٰتِ وَفَضَّلۡنَٰهُمۡ عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٖ

 مِّمَّنۡ خَلَقۡنَا تَفۡضِيلٗا

And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference. (Surah Al-Isra, 70)

 

The need is to make use of our capital and add to it. If we lose it, then this would be a great loss. We are to cherish, safeguard, and put to it. A majestic or dignified person deals others with majestically, and never embarrasses them. Dignified people never use abusive words and a strong believer comes down to dishonor.