Niqab ban... why is it always about clothing?

Assalam alaikum & Peace to all

Came across this article on the banning of Niqab in Egypt

Egypt cleric 'to ban full veils'

The niqab has become increasingly popular among Egypt's Muslim radicals

Egypt's highest Muslim authority has said he will issue a religious edict against the growing trend for full women's veils, known as the niqab.

Sheikh Mohamed Tantawi, dean of al-Azhar university, called full-face veiling a custom that has nothing to do with the Islamic faith.

Although most Muslim women in Egypt wear the Islamic headscarf, increasing numbers are adopting the niqab as well.

The practice is widely associated with more radical trends of Islam.

The niqab question reportedly arose when Sheikh Tantawi was visiting a girls' school in Cairo at the weekend and asked one of the students to remove her niqab.

The Egyptian newspaper al-Masri al-Yom quoted him expressing surprise at the girl's attire and telling her it was merely a tradition, with no connection to religion or the Koran.

I don't think this is a good idea... I don't like when people start banning things - headscarf or niqab or anything. Don't we have a right to wear what we want? Be it a full or half or no covering (I'm just trying to make a point) it's ultimately between me and my creator what I wear or don't wear? Ahhh sigh why is it that women and Islam always come down to what 'we are wearing/or not wearing' ?? I would love to see articles that promote the 5 pillars, and celebrate when women live up to those instead of hijab, niqab, etc!

I would love your thoughts and ideas on these topics!

Women's Dress - Part 2

Assalam alaikum & Peace to all

Just a continuation of the last post - where I posed a question about why women must cover their heads for Salah. These are some of the quotes I have read.

The fact that a woman’s clothing should cover all of her body whilst praying is indicated by the hadeeth of Umm Salamah (may Allaah be pleased with her) who was asked about what clothes a woman should pray in. she said: “She should pray in a khimaar (head cover) and a long chemise that covers the tops of her feet.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 639

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah does not accept the prayer of a woman who menstruates (i.e., an adult woman) unless her head is covered.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 641; al-Tirmidhi, 377; Ibn Maajah, 655; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 7747.
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/32993/why%20covered%20for%20prayer

All schools of law agreed that women shoul cover their heads in the prayers. According to Aisha’s relation, when Asma, Abu Bakr’s daughter, entered the Prophet’s presence with a thin cloth on her, the Prophet turned his face away an said: “O Asma! When a woman reached the age of puberty –pointing at his face and hands-, with the exception of this and that, she should not be seen –by the strangers. (Abu Dawud, Libas, 34). In another tradition: “God does not accept the woman’s prayer bareheaded when she reached the age of puberty.” (Hakim el-Neysaburi, Mustadrak, I, 251; Abu Dawud, Salat, 85, no: 641, I, 422; Tirmidhi, Salat, 277, no: 377, II, 215; Ibn Maja, Tahara, 132, no: 655, I, 214; Ahmad b. Hanbal, Musnad, VI, 150, 218, 259.
http://www.diyanet.gov.tr/english/karar.asp?id=7&sorgu=1

So there you go... that is what I have found regarding this.

I found something interesting in one of the 'answer' sections...
It was a question about women wearing pants

Based on this, it is not permissible for a woman to wear tight clothes that show her ‘awrah, such as pants or trousers.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:
Even if they are wide and opaque, because they distinguish one leg from the other, so they do not cover properly. Moreover there is the fear that this makes women resemble men, because pants are a man’s garment. End quote.

Now I find this interesting... because many women do wear pants, loose ones, but I know that there is that fear of imitating the opposite sex - so this is my other question - Do you wear pants and if so are you worried about imitation?

Women's Dress

Assalam alaikum & Peace to all

Muslim women struggle with a range of issues, none of them more prominent than that of hijab and of being modest (usually concerning clothing only)
I get upset when Islam is reduced to the fact of 'hijab or no hijab' when there are so many other important issues and concerns. While perusing the 'net' I came across one of the best articles to explain why women are told to cover and be modest. It answered so many of my concerns and questions - subhanallah - I am glad to have found such an enlighting article!

http://www.mwlusa.org/topics/dress/hijab.html

Here are some quotes from the article

These are the only verses which address the issue of clothing so specifically. Clearly, the basic principle is that of modesty. The first verse emphasizes the importance of one guarding her or his modesty, lowering one’s gaze in order to remain pure. This means that, in order for women and men to have respectful relationships (such as at work or school, etc.) they must focus on modesty in their behavior. This is enhanced by dressing in a way that reinforces one’s image as a modest person. It must be emphasized that behavior and appearance are both important in setting the tone of respectful interaction between men and women.

Interestingly, the Qur’an is really not that explicit about the exact definition of modest dress. By reading the Qur’anic verses above, women are advised to cover their breasts and put on their outer garments in a way that enables them to avoid harassment. In addition, women are advised not to draw attention to their "beauty" (zeenah). This term has been translated as both beauty and ornaments (as women used to strike their feet to draw attention to hidden ornaments such as ankle bracelets). Of note is that the Qur’an uses the term zeenah elsewhere, perhaps showing that in different contexts the word has slightly different meanings:
O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel (zeenah) at every time and place of prayer…(7:31)

The exact rules defining women’s dress have been determined based on interpretation of these verses and incorporation of concepts established in hadith. The inclusion of a head covering is derived from interpretation of the word khimar in 24:31 above. Most translators and commentators agree that this was a loose scarf worn at the time of the Prophet (pbuh) which covered a woman’s head, neck and possibly shoulders, leaving the rest exposed. Women were thus ordered to use the khimar to cover their breasts. Naturally, a woman would continue to cover her neck, head and shoulders and would then also cover her breast. This understanding of the khimar as a head-covering explains why Muslims believe that the Qur’an tells us to cover our hair. The injunction, however, regarding covering the hair in addition to everything else is implied, not specified in the Qur’an.

When reviewing both Qur’an and hadith, there is no precedence for how to deal with such violations; the Prophet (pbuh) or his wives and companions simply reminded others to follow the guidelines. Not a single example of violence, imprisonment, humiliation or coercion can be found during the lifetime of the Prophet (pbuh)that would imply that such practices today are consistent with his example.

The Qur’an also says "There is no compulsion in religion" (2:256). Those who choose to behave a certain way as a reflection of their belief in God and His message and thus accept the challenges therein are not the same as those who behave to satisfy other people or laws set in place. The freedom and ability to choose to do good make the reward that much greater.

One thing though... which I am too sleepy to research right now is why we have to wear a scarf to pray? We are at home in the privacy of our husbands, family so why is it a mandate to wear it?? Anyone know the answer to that I would greatly appreciate it!

Hijab & the Non-Hijabi

Assalam alaikum & peace to all

I've been on the hijab and no hijab struggle again. From time to time it comes to my mind and I feel that I am going to forever be lost and in a battle of right and wrong. Ok, this post is not really about if Hijab mandatory or not, it is however more about how non-hijabs are sometimes treated by hijabis. Now, I do realize that many, many good sisters do not judge other sisters in terms of what they are wearing, and all I can say to that is Mashallah that you are able to do that! However we all know that that is not always the case with some. I've compilled a few interesting articles about this very situation.

What are my thoughts...well I agree that non hijabis are treated differently, because in a way there is a big difference there. The ones who wear hijab are proclaiming to the world that, yes I am Muslim! The non-hijabis are more or less the 'quiet' type, basically they are not showing the world their religion. I've touched on this subject before, saying that my opinions are that sometimes I don't wish to be a 'flag bearer' of Islam - sometimes I wish to keep that private. I mean are all Jewish or Christians showing outwardly what they believe in? Not all, but some do yes, but maybe having a choice is a good thing as well? Anyway that is a whole other blog!

So read if you are interested... comment if you would like! But always keep learning !

Convertible Hijabi? Or Struggling Sister?

Have you ever heard of the commonly joked about character, “the convertible hijabi?” The drop-top nickname for sisters within our communities, particularly those who only cover during times like prayer, when Qur’an is recited, and during other Islamic instances, and will remove or wear it improperly during others. You all know of this concept and this popular term that has been assigned to it, right?

There’s also a possibility this sister is struggling with this part of the Deen. Mankind by nature struggles to perform duties on a day-to-day basis, and every Muslim struggles to worship Allah, some more than others. You can’t ever forget this, especially in light of our fellow Muslim sisters. Sisters who are having difficulty with hijab should be told that it’s completely okay to struggle, and not have their inner battles be turned into mockery.

Sure she might only cover when she’s praying or during Qur’anic recitation at wedding parties, but isn’t that a good thing? It shows that even though she’s not covering herself all the time, she still has something good within her. MashaAllah, that is amazing. So many Muslim women around the world straight up hate, mock, or reject hijab, and are rarely seen wearing it, let alone praying or practicing Islam at all. This sister, on the other hand, is much better. So instead of attacking her weakness, empower her strengths.

Hijabi Mentality

The mentality of some hijabi's, in which they feel as if they are superior to other non-hijabi muslim females.

The Hijabi Mentality makes a lot of hijabi's demand respect, only due to the fact that they wear a hijab. Often times, some hijabi women may not be the greatest of muslims, yet they still have the attitude that non-hijabi's are inferior, even if the non-hijabi is more religious than the hijabi.

Example: Please do not treat her like that, she is a hijabi (but not saying the same thing for other non-hijabi muslim women).

Please keep in mind that not all hijabi's have this mentality, there are a lot of great hijabi women out there. But with every good thing, comes at least a few bad things. Also, we should never judge our muslim brothers and sisters, whether they are very religious or not, and whether they were the hijab or not.

The Hijab

I have been wearing the hijab for twenty years now - not so regularly when a teenager, (on and off - you know), but strongly donning it into motherhood, and in my struggles to defend a woman’s choice to wear it. But I did notice something. People - especially Muslim men - tended to respect me more over my other Muslim friends for the mere fact that I had a piece of cloth covering my head. At first I thought I was imagining this….but the more I worked in the community, the more I noticed this. I used to notice that my non-”hijabi” friends would actually pray more than me, would follow the ”rules” more than me, not mix with men, or anything considered “unIslamic”, yet because I wore a hijab, I was treated better. I was TOLD that I was respected more than my non-hijabi friends because of my hijab. This concerned me greatly. It defied the whole reason for WHY I WAS WEARING IT:

Life as a Muslimah ... Hijab experiences

I thought I would share some of my experiences so far with wearing Hijab. The first time I wore it was of course to pray, it's kind of a nice feeling to have to prepare for prayer. We are told to make ourselves clean , both physically and mentally , before we pray - I think it helps to put you in the right frame of mind when you do the washing (wudu) and cover your head and body.
Other times I have worn it was going to the mosque during Ramadan - both years that I have gone were positive experiences but I was a bit frazzled and worried about how I would feel going out while being covered. So my Husband and I got ready to go, me all 'hijabed' (we were meeting up with another couple who was going to drive us to the mosque) I was ready to go out in the world - well at least a small street, if not the whole world! I distinctly remember feeling 'watched' as we waited for the couple to come downstairs from their apartment. A few people were looking at me, while others ignored me all together - but I just could not help but feel as if I was the center of attention. I couldn't help but think that wearing this scarf made me get more stares than usual - wasn't the point in wearing it to make you less 'of a visual distraction'? (shrug) It took me two years to really realize that the problem lies with me and not others - let me explain how I came to this realization.
Oh but before I get to that , let me also tell you that there were some other 'hijabed' women who looked at me, and of course when I saw them I was totally expecting them to say to me 'Salam' (so in my head I practiced my reply 'wa alaikum assalam', I was nervous about how I would say it and if it would be understandable). So, as the woman approached I smiled and waited for her to say it (ok, yes I could have said Salam first - but I got nervous) - I never got a chance to say my reply, she did not even smile at me. Hmm...I kind of sat there and thought 'well ok, maybe she is in a bad mood or just does not feel 'sociable' today. This must have happened about three more times, and each time I had no Salam's - I got depressed and had a bit of my 'balloon' deflate. I kept reading and seeing on-line of how Muslims interact with each other and how they greet each other - I found it so lovely that they would not say 'hello' but instead would meet each other by offering 'peace'. So here I was, proclaiming to the world that I am a Muslim yet I could not partake in the most simplest deed. I felt a bit down and it was always in the back of my head - for months I would casually observe Muslim women at the malls, or outside and see if they would offer Salam's - I did not see any.
Anyway, back to my original thoughts, I was going to tell you about how the problem was with me and not others.
A few weeks ago I was going to go meet up with a friend, another convert - we were going to go to a mall, and I had this idea come into my head that I would wear the hijab when I meet up with her. Now as a warning, I do not take this lightly, nor is this some attempt at being funny or making fun of wearing hijab - I am just at a point in my life and faith that I cannot wear it. I feel that if I can wear it 'sometimes', it will give me a sense of why I feel so uncomfortable with it. So the day comes, and all morning I am nervous about it, what will I wear, how to tie it, how will I feel going out in public with it, what if someone who knows me sees me with it??? Agg, all these questions and fears, were driving me crazy - so I just said: 'forget it, why am I doing this, what will I accomplish? After taking a few moments to really think about it, I kind of decided that I had nothing to lose and only something to gain. So, off I went!! All the way I was self-conscience about how people were looking at me while I was driving, so from time to time I would glance over at a another driver stopped at the red light, only to see each time nobody looking at me... hmm, I thought, and continued to drive along. Got to the mall, parked, walked towards the entrance - I thought for sure I would get a panic attack when I saw how many people were all gathered by the doorway ' oh my everyone is going to look and stare at me!" Got to the door - nobody really cared! Opened the door - ack more people ... at this point I had to slap my 'alter-ego' (you know the little voice inside your head that tends to push things out of proportion) and say 'relax, its fine. Nothing will happen, they are not going to eat you, look there is a sandwich shop there, they eat the bread not you! After that little 'pep' talk, I started to look around for my friend, nowhere to be seen (ugg) then my phone rang, it was her, letting me know where she was in the mall. Met up with her and another friend of hers, so here we are three 'hijabed' women walking around in the mall - not such a big deal as I had made it out to be. So we spent a nice few hours walking around the mall, looking at shoes and clothes, (fun fun) sat and talked a bit, and enjoyed our free time. The day came to an end and we parted ways, me with a smile on my face and a good feeling of accomplishment in my heart. So I start to walk back towards my car, I can feel there are some people behind me and I move to the right to let them pass. They pass and at the end there is a woman who passes by me and I look up and she says 'salam' and walks past me. I can't imagine the look on my face as she said it, I was so surprised (pleasantly) that she had greeted me! It all went by so fast that I had not had the chance to reply to her instantly, but had mouthed the words once I had regained my senses. After that I just could not help but smile all the way home. I also came to realize that there is no 'problem' with hijab. The problem is with our perceptions. I let this get to me way too much, and forgot that people are people, no matter what they wear!! I kind of also realized that without the scarf, you are not identified as a Muslim, you have no outward appearance that screams your religion, which sometimes is a good thing but in this case would have prevented me from receiving the Salam. This unknown woman, unbeknownst to her has made me see things in a different way. I am glad that I had chosen that day to wear the hijab, the experience was memorable and has set me on a new way of thinking.

Hijab of the heart

Hijab is not only a piece of fabric that is draped across a Muslim woman's head, it is so much more.

“Allah wishes to lighten the burden for you; for certainly man has
been created weak!” (An-Nisa’: 28)

Certainly the Hijab covers our bodies from the leers and stares that men will enflict on a woman. It is a protection but above all it is a sign for the people that this woman is a Muslim.
Most women know that the Hijab is a covering; a headscarf covering the head and shoulders, a loose garment covers the body, but do Muslim women know that there is a Hijab of words and actions?

"Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right,
forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. (3:110)

As muslims we are told to enjoin the good and forbid the evil, we are fulfilling that by wearing the hijab, our outward appearence is modest - but are our actions and words modest as well?

Hijab of the heart - lets look at that for a moment and think of what that really means?
Hijab in definition is a 'covering', we cover our hearts from the evil of the world from affecting our hearts and minds. We are immediately identified as being Muslilms from wearing
the Hijab so therefore it is our great responsibility to show people what that exactly means.
Hijab of the heart, mind & speech is the final aspect of modesty - I mean lets face it many women do not know the true meaning of why they are wearing the Hijab.
It is a commandment from Allah;

"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 (must ordinarily) appear thereof..." (24:31)

These women will say they are following Allah's commands, which is true, but then only moments later you will perhaps see that woman engaged in lies, or backbitting, or acting in an immodest way all while wearing the headscarf.
Now that is not correct, yes they are observing Hijab, but in terms of 'fabric' only.
The complete package of Hijab will reflect the Muslim woman's thoughts, actions, and speech - one is not complete without the other. The piety of a Muslim woman will show in all of her actions, not in just the one single act of wearing a scarf on her head, if it were only that simple!

The Muslim woman will keep her modesty in all areas of her life, within her community and within the confines of her home. She will show other women perhaps of differing faiths as well as her own 'sisters' the beauty of a complete Hijab. She becomes an example to all women of how they should be acting in their community and in effect how they should be
acting world wide.

"On no soul doth Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear.
It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray:)
"Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not
on us a burden Like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; Our Lord!
Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear.
Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness.
Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Help us against those
who stand against faith." (2:286)

Keep your modesty always, in thoughts, actions and words. Show to the people the true face of the Muslim woman, and let all the world see what true faith and obedience mean. Let all the world see when you walk to the mosque wearing your Hijab that you are going to give worship to your Lord. Let all see when you bend down to console a crying child the compassion in your heart. Let your family see your devotion when you prostrate yourself infront of your Lord and offer sincere rembrance of Allah in the early light of dawn.
Let all see that you are a woman of faith and love.

Dressing Modestly

Salam and peace to all...

One of the biggest debates and controversy in the life of a Muslim woman is the debate
about Hijab and all aspects of it! I found it very funny that after my reversion that the
questions I was getting from other Muslims was not about 'how are your prayers
going, or have you been to the mosque to pray...but rather
' are you wearing the hijab' ?
Now don't get me wrong... I'm not saying that Hijab
(not just the headscarf - but the entire dress) is not a very important fact in any
Muslim woman's life...in fact it plays a very big role indeed...
but having said that is that is Hijab more important than establishing prayer?
Well here are my 2 cents worth of ideas.

I do not wear the headscarf (ok shock, horror, weak at the knees...gotten over it now?)
It is not that I do not believe that it is a commandment but I am still too 'new' I think to
digest all these things... when I read this verse in Quran:
"And say to the believing woman that they should lower their gaze and guard their
modesty: that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what
(must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their
bosoms and not display their beauty 24:31

I see this verse as covering their bodies... it does not say head? Basically to dress
modestly and not show your body outside.
Ok, I also have seen this hadith:
"Narrated Safiya bint Shaiba 'Aisha used to say: "When (the Verse):
"They should draw their veils over their necks and bosoms," was revealed, (the ladies)
cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their faces with the cut pieces."
Volume 6, Book 60, Number 282
But then if we take this then we should all be wearing the face veil (niqab) -
we all know about the debate for and against that!

"Narrated Umar: I said, "O Allah's Apostle! Good and bad persons enter upon you, so
I suggest that you order the mothers of the believers (i.e. your wives) to observe veils.
" Then Allah revealed the Verses ofAl-Hijab. Volume 6, Book 60, Number 313:

Now from the above, would this not imply that the 'mother's of the believers'
(wives of the prophet) are the ones who had to only observe the veil?
Does it necessaritly imply us as well?
Look at this next hadith:
"The Muslims said amongst themselves, "Will she (i.e. Safiya) be one of the mothers
of the believers, (i.e. one of thewives of the Prophet ) or just (a lady captive) of what his
right-handpossesses" Some of them said, "If the Prophet makes her observe the veil,
then she will be one of the mothers of the believers (i.e. one of the Prophet's wives),
and if he does not make her observe the veil ,then she will be his lady slave."
So when he departed, he made a place for her behind him (on his and made her observe
the veil Volume 5, Book 59, Number 524: Bukhari.

So does that mean if that woman was not a wife but believed in the message
of Islam that she did not need to observe the veil?
A bit confusing I must say...needs further investigation...anyone have any thougths on it?
So that is my reason for not wearing the headscarf - confusion - but that is not
the only reason. Another is the fact that nobody in the 'real' world knows about
my reversion. I work in an office and its just not an option to show up one day
and be wearing a headscarf, I do dress in long skits and long sleeves.

So this blog is about my confusion about the Hijab issue... but I am giving
myself time to adapt to things. I need to concentrate on my Salah and get
that done well... it is one of the pillars we all need to adhere to
I've said it hundreds of times but Islam was revealed in a period of 23 years,
I think we can give ourselves some time to seek knowledge and make
things clear to ourselves. I want to know the reasons I'm required to do the things
I am doing, it has to make sense to me - right now the headscarf does not.
Inshallah I will be able to make sense of things!

I must also add that I have great admiration and respect for those out there that
start to wear the headscarf right away, it takes a level of faith that I may not have
right now. It takes courage to go out and proclaim "I am Muslim",
I pray that we all are kept on the right path!

All comments are welcomed...I really like this topic and feel its important
to talk about it in a good way!