DON’T BE SUBJUGATED BY “MAN”-KIND!

"Object of Despair" (by Fahim Firifiray - Abu Omar)

Emma is a lawyer, and Aisha is too
Colleagues going into court at circa half past two
Its 1 o'clock right now, they grab a bite before the trial
They chat about this and that, conversing with a smile

Aisha's in full hijab with a loose all over suit
Emma's in her business wear with accessories to boot
Emma's really quite bemused at Aisha's godly ways
She looks Aisha in the eyes and very firmly says:

"You're a smart girl Aisha, why do you wear that across your hair?
Subjugated by 'man'-kind, an object of despair
Take it off my sister, let your banner be unfurled
Don't blindly follow all around, DECLARE YOUR FREEDOM TO THE WORLD!"

Aisha is amazed, but not the least bit shy
She bravely puts her milk shake down and gives Emma the reply
"My dear sister Emma, why do you dress the way you do?
The skirt you're wearing round your waist, is it really you?"

"Now that we've sat down, I see you tug it across your thighs
Do you feel ashamed, aware of prying eyes?
I see the way you're sitting, both legs joined at the knees
Who forces you to sit like that? Do you feel at ease?"

"I'll tell you who obliges you to dress the way you do
Gucci, Klein and St. Laurent all have designs on you!
In the main, it's men my friend who dictate the whims of fashion
Generating all the garb to incite the basest passion"

"'Sex Sells' - there is no doubt, but who buys with such great haste
The answer is the likes of you because they want to be embraced
They want to be accepted on a level playing field
Sure, with brain and intellect, but with body parts revealed"

"Why do you douse yourself with creams, to make your skin so milky?
Why do rip off all your hair to keep your body silky?
A simple shower's all you need to stay respectable and clean
The time and money that you spend is really quite obscene"

"Why do you wake up at dawn to apply a firm foundation,
Topped with make up and the like in one chaotic combination?
And if you should have to leave the house devoid of this routine
Why do you feel so insecure that you should not be seen?"

"Be free my sister Emma, escape from your deep mire
Don hijab today my friend, and all Islam's attire
Avoid all those sickly stares, or whistles from afar
Walk down the street with dignity, take pride in who you are"

"Strength lies in anonymity, be a shadow in the crowd
Until you speak and interact when your voice will carry loud
You're a smart girl Emma, wear this across your hair
Don't be subjugated by "man"-kind, an object of despair"

"To use your very words my friend, Let your banner be unfurled
Don't blindly follow all around - DECLARE YOUR FREEDOM TO THE WORLD!

HANDSOCK – MORE THAN JUST COVERING YOUR HAND!

As Muslim women, we should know well which parts of our body are aurat and need to be covered. But is that only the matter of covering it? As what we’ve learned, there are certain criteria to be followed in covering aurat properly. It is not only covering your body so that your skins are not exposed, but it is more than that. The dress or clothes that you wear should not be tight as well whereby it can reveal the figure of your body.

The same principle goes with your arm, which is also included in the parts that you should cover. With regards to this, we can see many people nowadays wearing handsock. Basically, there are two different types of handsock due its length – one is up to the elbow, and the other one is up to the shoulder. By wearing handsock, aurat of the arm is not been exposed to others especially non-mahram as well as non-Muslims, which is something good I could say.

But what is actually the need for wearing handsock? Is it used just to cover the skin of arm from been exposed? Or is it something more than that?



Wearing handsock, in my opinion, should be considered as a supplement and a complement for the proper dressing, and not to be used just to cover the skin of our arm from been exposed. It means wearing handsock with short sleeve T-shirt to cover the arm is not yet considered as covering the aurat. That is not the way of covering aurat properly as taught by Syarak.

The same problem goes to those wearing handsock with attractive patterns. They might easily want to show their nice and attractive handsock to others, which is wrong. Wearing handsock with attractive patterns with that intention is against Islamic teachings of covering aurat properly for Muslim women.

However, if a woman wears long sleeve dresses such as Baju Kurung or Jubah, and also wears handsock raises up her hands to get something located in the high place, making her hands with the handsock appear to others, then in such a case, it is forgiven by Syarak.

In short, just to remind all of you, handsock should be worn with the proper dressing, i.e. dress with long sleeve, and not be worn with short sleeve T-shirt because whether they realize it or not, their handsock is tight and can show exactly the shape of their arm just like those wearing short skirt with the long sock… what for?

To all Muslim women, please don’t forget this hadith by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “That among the signs of the Day of Judgment is that there will be women who will be dressed but will be naked, so curse them because for they are truly cursed! And they will never ever smell the fragrance of Paradise”.

This hadith also related with this problem of wearing handcosk with short sleeve T-shirts because it can be classified as (part of the) dress that show the shape of your arm… so, let’s muhasabah ourselves... do we want to place ourselves in Hell for not covering aurat properly? Nauzubillaahi min dzaalik…

LONG - SLEEVE T - SHIRTS FOR MUSLIM WOMEN

Islam encourages men as well as women to participate in sports. Muslim women can involve in sports as long as they don the proper attire as taught by Islam. Sports attire for Muslim women should be long, loose, and not transparent, that is the same with th general principles on Muslim attire. It must cover their aurah properly, meaning that short-sleeve T-shirt, the attire which is designed for men should not be worn by Muslim women as it shows their arms. Wearing handsocks still show the shape of the arm.

So what kind of T-shirts can be worn by Muslim women when they want to participate in sports? And why does Islam determine such rules on the sport attire for Muslim women?

It is solely to preserve their dignity and honor, safeguard them against immoralities and indecency and preserve their chastity while preserving their right in sports. Here are some examples of the T-shirts that can be worn by Muslim women in sports …

The Muslimah’s long sleeve shirts are designed for those who wish to dress modestly for camping and casual activities. They come with above-knee body length, and most of them are made from high quality 100% fully combed cotton material. In short, the shirts can cover Muslimah’s aurat in a modest yet stylishly contemporary manner.

Since the T-shirts are designed in line with Shari’ah, many religious schools also use this kind of T-shirts for their co-curriculum activities including sports day. In other words, no matter who they are, whether they are school students, college or university students, workers, housewives, or even pregnant women, Muslim women can have this kind of T-shirts worn for their casual activities especially when practicing sports.

But where can they get this Muslimah’s T-shirts? It is quite difficult to find this kind of T-shirts in the market nowadays. Usually it only can be found at booths that sell Islamic clothes and attires. However, if you are interested to buy these T-shirts online, you can go to these websites for further information:

http://nurcahaya.wordpress.com/

http://islamtshirt.blogspot.com/

http://nisastyle.bizupnet.com/tshirtmuslimah.htm

kedainorazif.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html

http://www.cetakbaju2u.com/?lang=my&id=1&ACT=5&content=3&mnu=1&pwd=yes

http://tshirtlabuhmuslimah.blogspot.com/2008/12/katalog-t-shirt-labuh-muslimah-edisi.html

So now what are you waiting for? Sports attire is available for Muslim women who want to involve in sports. You should have this kind of T-shirts and enjoy playing any kind of game you like!

COMPARISON BETWEEN HIJAB AND NIQAB

As posted before, niqab is not compulsory to be worn by Muslim women. However, it is better and perfectly fine for those who wish to do so.

These are some comparison between hijab and niqab:

(1) Hijab is a screen of privacy → Niqab is a better screen

(2) Hijab helps develop taqwa → Niqab helps develop more taqwa

(3) Hijab is a jihad that purifies the soul → Niqab is a greater jihad

(4) Hijab is a protection for sisters → Niqab is a better protection

(5) Hijab is an assertion of Islamic identity → Niqab is a stronger assertion

(6) Hijab is fard → Niqab is mustahabb

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So, which one do you prefer? Hijab or Niqab? Just to remind all of you, wearing niqab is not obligatory, but it is the specific form of extra-modest dress set by the Shari'ah for Muslim women. As such, it is sunnah as well as mustahabb.

With regards to this issue, I think if a woman chooses to wear Niqab, make sure she really understands the reason/s for wearing it. Wearing the Niqab should be consistent, meaning that she must wear it each time she goes outside her home as well as in the presence of her non-mahram.

And Allah Knows The Best...

IS NIQAB (FACE VEIL) COMPULSORY FOR MUSLIM WOMEN?

Note: This might be too long to read, but it is very helpful for those who want deep understanding and explanation regarding on this issue of niqab, whether it is compulsory or not to be worn by Muslim women…

The Qur'an says (Al-Qur'an 4:59):
"O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those charged with authority among you. If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger if you do believe in Allah and the Last Day: that is best and most suitable for final determination."

As mentioned in the verse quoted above, when people in authority, the rulers, leaders, imams and scholars differ amongst themselves, our Creator instructs us to look into the Qur'an and the authentic Ahadith for guidance. The legitimacy, relevance and accuracy of the reasons and evidence provided by these people should be evaluated in the light of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. However, it should be borne in mind that infallibility belongs to Allah alone and a scholar, being a human, can make an error of judgment.

There is no clear-cut authentic hadith to the effect of making the face veil obligatory. Those scholars, who insist that covering the face is obligatory for Muslim women, interpret 'al-idnaa' in the verse of the jilbaab (Al-Qur'an: 33:59) to mean, "covering the face". This interpretation is erroneous because the basic meaning of the word in Arabic is "to come close", as the well-known scholar, ar-Raaghib al-Asbahaanee mentions in his authoritative dictionary 'al-Mufradaat'. Some people claim that jilbaab is "a garment which covers the face". This too is a misinterpretation as it is contrary to the interpretation of the leading scholars of past and present as well, who define jilbaab as a garment which women drape over their head scarves (khimaar).

Some people claim that the khimaar (headscarf) in Al-Qur'an 24:31 covers the head and the face, whereas linguistically the word only means a head covering. The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said "Allah does not accept the prayer of a woman who has reached puberty unless she wears a khimaar". (Sunan Abu Dawood, vol. 1, hadith No. 641)

However, no scholar insists on covering the face in Salaah for women based on the hadith quoted above, which further substantiates that khimaar does not mean covering the face. Shaykh Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee, one of the foremost scholars of recent times has clarified in detail, the errors made by these scholars who insist on the obligatory nature of the face veil in his books ar-Radd al-Mufhim & Jilbaab al-Mar'ah al-Muslimah (3rd edition, 1996, al-Maktabah al-Islaamiyyah). Likewise, other scholars like Ibn Muflih al-Hambalee, an-Nawawee, al-Qaadee 'Iyaad are too of the opinion that covering the face is not obligatory.

As stated earlier, that there is not a single authentic hadith that makes covering the face obligatory. On the other hand, we find several ahadith which prove that covering the face is not compulsory in Islam. For instance, once while the prophet was admonishing and preaching to a group of women after having admonished the men on the Id day, "...a woman having a dark spot on her cheek stood up..." seeking clarification on the subject the prophet was discussing. (Sahih Muslim, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 1926)

It is understood from the above-mentioned hadith that the woman having interaction with the prophet was not covering her face nor did the prophet command her to do so. It is incumbent upon every Muslim to enjoin right and forbid wrong, as Allah instructed us in the Glorious Qur'an. Thus we cannot expect the prophet, on whom the Qur'an was revealed, to let the woman keep her face uncovered after having known the obligation of covering the face. Narrated Ata bin Abi Rabah (R.A.).

Ibn 'Abbas said to me, "Shall I show you a woman of the people of Paradise?" I said, "Yes." He said, "This black lady came to the Prophet and said..."(Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 555 - Dar Al Arabia- Beirut- Lebanon & Sahih Muslim Hadith No. 6571-Darusslam- Arabic)

The hadith quoted above proves that the 'woman of the people of the paradise' was not covering her face when she had visited the prophet nor was she covering it when Ibn 'Abbas was discussing about her later. Some may argue by saying she could be recognized owing to the dark complexion of her hand and not due to the exposure of her face. However, this argument would carry no weight since she was not the only black woman at the time of the prophet. Moreover, to identify a person, the aspect of exposure of the face is of immense significance.

The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said, "...The Muhrima (a woman in the state of Ihram) should not cover her face, or wear gloves." (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 1838)

With regards to the hadith quoted above, some people say that the commandment of the prophet (pbuh) not to cover the face is specifically for the women in the state of Ihram, thus it cannot be used as an evidence because in Ihram certain rules and regulations change. However, the point to be noted here is that the things that are Mustahab (recommended) can be made Haraam (forbidden), like the cutting of nails, even the things that are Mubah (permissible) or Mustahab (recommended) can be made Fard (obligatory), e.g. wearing two pieces of white unsewn cloth is made Fard for a man, while normally it is Mubah (permissible). But anything that is Haraam in the normal course of life can never be made Fard. Hence, if exposing the face is Haraam for women, then how can it be made Fard in Ihraam?

During the day of Nahr (10th Dhul-Hijja), when Al-Fadl bin 'Abbas was riding behind the prophet on his she -camel, "...a beautiful woman from the tribe of Khath'am came, asking the verdict of Allah's Apostle. Al-Fadl started looking at her as her beauty attracted him. The Prophet looked behind while Al-Fadl was looking at her; so the Prophet held out his hand backwards and caught the chin of Al-Fadl and turned his face (to the other side) in order that he should not gaze at her..." (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 6228)

In the above-mentioned hadith we find Al-Fadl looking at the lady because her beauty attracted him. Here too, it is understood that the face of the lady was exposed as the hadith says that the woman was beautiful. Obviously, it is the face that plays the most significant role in making a person being perceived as ugly or beautiful. In spite of this, the prophet didn't instruct the lady to cover her face but instead turned the face of Al-Fadl in order to prevent him from staring at her, further substantiating the verse of the Qur'an from Surah An-Noor, 24:30, which says:"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do."

The Qur'an further says in the next verse:
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... (Al-Qur'an 24:31)

When Ibne Abbaas (RA), the leading commentator of the Qur'an was asked about the verse mentioned above as to what it meant, he replied, "it refers to the face and hands". (Collected by Ibn Abee Shaybah in al-Musannaf, Vol. 3, p. 540 & 541, hadith no. 16997 & 17012 and al-Bayhaqi in Sunan al- Kubraa. Al-Albaanee ruled in Jilbaab al-Mar'ah al-Muslimah, pp 59-60, that the isnaad of this statement is saheeh.)

Some scholars argue that all the ahadith, which speak of women's faces being seen, are of the time earlier than the revelation of the verses of Al-Qur'an 33:59 & 24:31, which make covering the face compulsory. Firstly, as discussed earlier, these Qur'anic verses do not make covering the face compulsory for women. Secondly, to prove that these verses make the covering of women's face compulsory, they have to quote an authentic hadith for it, which they don't. Thirdly most of the ahadith quoted above, are of the time after these Qur'anic verses were revealed.

Thus, it can be concluded that covering the face is not obligatory for women. However, covering the face was obligatory for the Ummul Mu'mineen, the wives of the Prophet (pbuh) as was Tahajjud obligatory for the Prophet (pbuh). Although Muslims are exempted from its obligation, it is still a highly recommended Sunnah for the Muslims. The scholars unanimously agree that it is preferable for Muslim women to cover their faces. Thus it is not compulsory for Muslim Women to cover their faces but those women who cover their faces may continue to do so if they wish.

And Allah knows the best.

Source: http://www.islamicvoice.com/july.2003/religion.htm

REASONS WHY YOU WEAR HIJAB

Reasons for wearing the hijab:
[compilation from various muslimahs]

1. Because the Qur'an and Sunnah states so. Allah ordered us to wear the hijab and cover up to protect ourselves so we get the proper respect we deserve and not be treated like we are a piece of meat.

2. You can dye your hair any colour you want and no one can say anything at all, because its all hidden, you can have blue hair, or purple, or bright red, or neon pink or green, long or permed or short, or rainbow colors with sparkles and glitter, jewellery in your ears, and all over.... :D

3. Children think you are a ninja, and you can say you are 'niqabi ninja' They will think of you as this heroine and will admire you.

4. People think it is your costume. Or at least some will think of it as a costume you are wearing for your party, or work, or that you were forced to wear it. LOL and you have to explain to them no it is your CHOICE to wear it though in the Qur'an it says it will Protect you.

5. People think you might be bald, but then you have to tell them no, I have hair...no I don't have cancer. You can show to the little kids, see I have hair....

6. You get a lot of respect in the hijab from all your brothers and sisters and other people, than you did before your hijabi days.

7. You can wear whatever you like under the abayah, light and cool dresses are good.

8. Despite that this world has hot weather, HELL IS HOTTER, so you rather suffer a bit on this world than the Hereafter.

9. Have you noticed that some people that are really maybe ignorant about Islam and women and Muslims that they speak extra loudly and clearly to you wherever you go. "Wwwoould yooooou llike ttthat in beeeeeels/noooottes or ch change ma 'am?""I speak english clearly, change please."

10. No bad hair days to worry about!.

11. People know that you're a Muslim. You can distinguish yourself in this society.

12. Your hair isn't exposed all kinds of crappy pollution and UV rays.

13. Your hijabs smell nice cause they start smelling like your shampoo.

14. Only the people you want to see your awrah, will see it...not every wierdo walking on the street.

15. your skin is protected under the niqab.

16. No bugs in your hair (no having to worry about catching nits from other people!).

17. you won't age prematuredly, since you don't wear makeup.

18. you won't have to waste time in the morning deciding on the perfect outfit in the morning, if you wear jilbab.

19. because you know your beautiful and you can keep all that beauty to yourself.

20. No one dares to mess with a hijabi sis while taking a walk. :D

21. you will feel a closeness to every muhajabah you see on the road and to every muslim you ever encounter.

22. The inner feeling of peace you get when you wear it.

23. little girls or little boys look up to you, and want to be like you.

24. When guys see you, they respect you, they cross the street so they dont pass by you and offend you.

25. They see muslims as trustworthy people and give you discounts at stores, and restaurants, and esp if you are in hijab they give you like 5 or 10 dollars/pounds off what you buy.

26. because most pious brothers WON'T EVEN CONSIDER marriage with a non-hijabi (caution: your intention for wearing hijab should still be to observe the command of Allah).

27. If you ever get in trouble.. you can pretend like you dont know any English and either flip out on them in Arabic/Urdu/any other language or run away crying as if they offended you.

28. Because theres more freedom in deciding who gets to see you rather than having anyone look at you and your beauty.

29. People treat you for your mind not your body. In the sense that you succeed in things (ie. job because of your performance and intelligence and not because how short your mini skirt is.

30. Because Muslims are required to practice Islam in every aspect of ur life including everyone, not just nuns like in Christainity or only on saturday. for Jews, or only Sunday for Catholics all of whom cover on those days, I am told as a respect to God. Muslimahs should respect God at all times.

31. Beauty fades eventually, and with hijab people learn to love your inner beauty without the hindereness of your outer beauty.

32. Your husband and loved ones learn to appreciate your beauty both outside and in more, and these tend to be the most important people in your life of which you grace those special people with your gifts from Allah.

33. You are a shining example how women in Islam are sooooo highly respected and valued and powerful in islam. For example you are no mans torphy to adorn his hand, you are a companion, mother and friend of the insha'Allah religous brother who appreciates you and your beauty. There are other things where this applies as well.

34. Thourghout history those that where scandalessly dressed and showing off there beauty, etc. tended to be the whores and prostitutes of the street, dancing girls etc., and those that were coverd tended to be the pious, respected women of history and many times they were the more powerfull then the other. (Sorry if I offeneded anyone with this one just a thought that has been in my head. I am not saying that these days that the people that don't dress correctly do things that I mentioned, I am just saying in history in the past this tened to be the case).

35. Hijab is a source of confidence. Non-Muslims easily recognize you to be different and do not stare when you stand up for you Islamic rights and beliefs which are often considered strange in the western society.

36. It keeps you warm in the winter. You dont have to worry about trying to keep a hat on to stop your ears from freezing up! Plus the head is medically known for the place where a HIGH level of heat is released from the body!

37. Long Lasting. Hijab protects your hair for longer and keeps it shiny, healthy and in good condition.

Source: http://www.geocities.com/mutmainaa/quiz/reasons_for_hijab.html

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So, why do you wear hijab? I think the most acceptable answer should be no.1…

Whenever it is something that comes from the Almighty God, and together supported by the Sunnah, therefore, as a Khalifah in this earth, we should not give any excuse for not following the commands.

And remember, whatever we do in our daily lives, we should always do it for the seek of Allah… May God Bless you in every good thing you do in your life…Aaamiiin….

ISLAMIC FASHION FESTIVAL (IFF): NEW FORMATION OF ISLAMIC WEDDING STYLE

The premier fashion festival for Muslim, Kuala Lumpur Islamic Fashion Festival (IFF) was held from November 24 to 27 at the J W Marriot Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

The four days biggest fashion festival highlight on Muslim dress code from casual dress to Muslim bridal collection.

The event showcased 44 designers from five countries, including Malaysia. Among the Malaysia designers taking part in the festival are Bernard Chandran, Tom Abang Saufi, Melinda Looi, Micheal Ong, Khonn Hooi, Albert King and young fashion designers like Syahirah that came up with ‘ Aroosah’ theme for her bridal collections.

Among the interesting themes held were ‘Interpre-tations’, ‘Aroosah- Islamic Bridal’, ‘Enchanting Gamelan’, ‘Bolly-wood Flavour’, and 'Ethnic and Glamour'.

Islamic Bridal took part on the second day of the festival with new outlook and version of Islamic wedding styles.

For those who never neglect their appearances especially for special event, these various wedding dress could be one of their interests. What do you think about it?

For further information about Islamic Fashion Festival you can go to:

http://thehijablog.wordpress.com/2008/11/25/kuala-lumpur-islamic-fashion-festival-2nd-day-wedding-style/

http://www.yousaytoo.com/Kauser/islamic-fashion-festival-held-in-kuala-lumpur/15377

http://www.ladybrilleblogazine.com/2008/12/islamic-fashion-festival-2008.html