The Many Reasons for Wearing Hijab:

You please Allah. You are obeying the commands of your Lord when you wear the Hijab and you can expect great rewards in return.

It is Allaah's protection of your natural beauty. You are too precious to be "on display" for each man to see.

It is Allaah's preservation of your chastity.Allaah purifies your heart and mind through the hijaab. Allaah beautifies your inner and outer countenance with hijaab. Outwardly your hijaab reflects innocence, purity, modesty, shyness, serenity, contentment and obedience to your Lord. Inwardly you cultivate the same.

Allaah defines your femininity through the hijaab. You are a woman who respects her womanhood. Allaah wants you to be respected by others, and for you to respect yourself.

Allaah raises your dignity through the hijaab. When a strange man looks at you, he respects you because he sees that you respect yourself.

Allaah protects your honour 100% through your hijaab. Men do not gaze at you in a sensual way, they do not approach you in a sensual way, and neither do they speak to you in a sensual way. Rather, a man holds you in high esteem and that is just by one glance at you!

Allaah gives you nobility through the hijaab. You are noble, not degraded, because you are covered and not naked.

Allaah demonstrates your equality as a Muslim woman through the hijaab. Your Lord bestows upon you equal worth as your male counterpart, and gives you a host of beautiful rights and liberties. You express your acceptance of these unique rights by putting on the hijaab.

Allaah defines your role as a Muslim woman through the hijaab. You are a someone with important duties. You are a reflection of a woman of action not idle pursuits. You display your sense of direction and purpose through your hijaab. You are someone that people take seriously.

Allaah expresses your independence through the hijaab. You are stating clearly that you are an obedient servant of the Greatest Master. You will obey no one else and follow no other way. You are not a slave to any man, nor a slave to any nation. You are free and independent from all man-made systems.

Allaah gives you the freedom of movement and expression through the hijaab. You are able to move about and communicate without fear of harassment. Your hijaab gives you a unique confidence.

Allaah wants others to treat you – a Muslim woman - with kindness. And the hijaab brings about the best treatment of men towards you.

Allaah wants your beauty to be preserved and saved for just one man to enjoy: your husband.

Allaah helps you to enjoy a successful marriage through wearing hijaab. Because you reserve your beauty for one man alone, your husband's love for you increases, he cherishes you more, he respects you more and he honours you more. So your hijaab contributes to a successful and lasting marital relationship.

Allaah brings about peace and stability in the society through the hijaab! Yes this is true! Men do not cause corruption by forming illegal relationships because you - the Muslim woman - calm their passions. When a man looks at you, he feels at ease, not tempted to fornicate…

So a Muslim woman in hijaab is dignified, not dishonoured, noble, not degraded, liberated, not subjugated, purified, not sullied, independent, not a slave, protected, not exposed, respected, not laughed at, confident, not insecure, obedient, not a sinner, a guarded pearl, not a prostitute…

Dear women! Come towards the gates of Paradise with us! Fulfill your duties towards Allaah, put on your adornment - put on your hijaab, and race towards Jannah (Paradise) by doing all good actions. You should agree by now that wearing hijaab is extremely beneficial – it must be - because Allaah only commands what is good……and believe me, dear sister, it is good to obey the commands of your Lord…

"Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of Eden underneath which rivers flow wherein they will dwell for ever; Allaah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him; this is (in store) for whoever fears his Lord."

[Sooratul-Bayyinah 98:8]

SOURCE:

Written by Hussein Revivalism

International Media

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I really want to wear a scarf...but I'm too scared to start?

Question:

I wish I could erase all of my history and just wear a hijab. Everyone around me knows me as something else, something that isn't anywhere near a hijabi. The reason I don't want to wear it is because I care what others will think ..."this girl was wearing this yesterday...and now she decides to put on a hijab?" I just feel like I will be completed if I wear a hijab. Any advice?


Answer:

Salaam Sis,
I remember when I first started wearing hijab. The first thing Shaytan tries to do is create excuses on reasons why you shouldn't wear hijab. I have friends who want to wear them and yet years have gone by and still they have not had the courage to wear it because they have given into the excuses suggested by Shaytan. 

These excuses are:

- only when I become really pious will I wear it
- what will others think of me
- (if you're working) my workmates won't accept me
- when Ramadan comes then I'll start
- I don't have enough modest clothes
and the list goes on and on...

Shaytan will always give you reasons why you are not ready enough to wear it. And I only needed one reason to wear it and that is, "I'm doing this for Allah. I'm following His commandment."

When I was having doubts about when to start and Shaytan would give excuses not to, I decided to imagine myself before Allah on Judgement day. And Allah asking me why I had not worn the Hijab knowing that He had commanded it in the Quran. Why even having that knowledge I still did not wear it.

I realised then that no excuse I would give is good enough to disobey Allah. "I was afraid what people would think" was not a good excuse. "I didn't have enough modest clothes" is not a good excuse. "I was waiting to be more pious" is not a good excuse. Hijab is a must, you don't have to be perfect to wear it, you just have to be Muslim.


SOURCE:
Yahoo!Answers: Ramadan:
 http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmoDTsVOExf24LIg4RxNi5zty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20120616141617AAPOb2m

Should I introduce this non-Muslim boy to Islam?

Question:

Firstly he likes me in 'that way', but I definitely do not intend on pursuing a relationship with him. Before I thought to myself that I would just ignore him seeing as we had no future together/ nothing in common (he is a musician, swears a bit and can be quite rude). He always treats me good though, and although many other girls try to pursue him he seems to only like me (apologies if I sound arrogant). I think the reason for this is because he indirectly likes my Islamic qualities (chastity, honesty, respect my teachers etc.), and lately I have thought to myself a lot 'he probably wants to be Muslim, but does not know what Islam is yet'.

I know he grew up in a non religious family, and he's one of those people who look for a deeper meaning to life (I guess in his case he thought it was music). So my question is, should I mention Islam to him, and if so, how do I? e.g. just bring it up in a conversation?


Answer:

Salaam Sis,  

Of course da'wah is important in Islam. But I don't think that it's your responsibility in this situation. You know that the guy likes you and once you're alone with him Shaytan will create situations for you to do sin.

Shaytan has already made you think that he likes you for your "chastity, honesty, respect" etc. This makes your heart draw closer to him. Not realizing that if you give him da'wah this allows the two of you to be alone and one thing could lead to another thus your "chastity, honesty, and respect" will be taken away just like that.

I think you should stay away from him, because if others find out he likes you, gossiping will start and the first thing you will lose in those people's mind is your Chastity. Once people will start thinking of you that way your respect and honesty will go too.

You have more to loss here as a Muslimah than you think.


SOURCE:
Yahoo!Answers: Ramadan:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Arw.NpZ9albwlwus017dnzbty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20120617033939AAMGzwT

Muslim girls, what motivates you to wear the headscarf?

Question:

I know a few Muslim girls wearing the headscarf (from uni) and they can open it and show their hair in front of girls. And every time i see them without one, i always think: they are far far far more beautiful without the headscarves! Don't they feel like taking it off and flaunt their beauty? And they look so different. Also, not to mention when it is hot! How can you guys handle the hot weather? When at home, those friends i know will make braids in their hair, wear cute hair clips, but as soon as they wanna go out they cover it all! What motivates you guys?? I mean when you look in the mirror you can tell you are beautiful without wearing the headscarf, and yet you have all the determination to put it on. Sorry if this is a stupid question. ( actually i just got back from a Muslim friend's house and i kept staring at her, she is so beautiful without the headscarf, much more beautiful than girls you see on the magazine, but when she wears it she looks.....different, i don't know, not beautiful? :/ )

Answers by Muslimahs:

Muslimah 1:

I used to think this as well- I wanted people to look at me and think 'wow she's pretty' and I enjoyed it when I found out a boy had a crush on me or thought I was cute. But recently I've learnt that these things really do not matter- when I'm old and wrinkly, will boys look at me and call me cute? Why should I rely on (for my happiness and satisfaction) something so shallow and so easily lost with age?
There are also other important aspects to hijab (apart from covering beauty). You tend to 'repel' racist and unintelligent people who you probably wouldn't want to associate with in the first place. You also feel united with your sisters in Islam.  and people will watch the way you act and say 'this Muslim girl did so and so' -thus wearing hijab constantly reminds you to be of good character. Lastly (I don't think I covered all the importances of hijab but then this post would be too long!) it serves as 'dawah'- the 'spreading of Islam' as in curious people will ask questions and we can teach them about Islam (e.g. you), and maybe they will even end up reverting.


'Also, not to mention when it is hot! How can you guys handle the hot weather? '
When a Muslim loves Allah SWT so much he will makes sacrifices readily. For example in the month of Ramadan we fast from sunrise to sunset- of course this is painful, but Allah SWT rewards us in equal amounts to what we sacrifice (and sometimes even greater). Thus when a hijabi goes out on a hot day, you may think it is better for her to remove hijab, but in reality it is better for her to keep it on (she may experience heat, but she is also experiencing a reward in this life/in the Hereafter for her sacrifices and commitment to Islam. And really what is a little bit of sweat in relation to eternity in Paradise?)
And lastly, of course we do not look 'beautiful' with hijab! I forgot to mention this but in modern times hijab also serves against a rejection of today's 'fashion'- we do not feel the need to 'dress to impress', or be ashamed if we wear 'old fashioned' or 'ugly' clothing.
In summary, the hijab serves to force a person to judge you by your character rather than looks, amongst other things. 


Muslimah 2:

Obeying Allah is what motivates me. It also makes me feel respected, not just cos the head scarf but dressing modestly head to toe. Some women wear it just to wear it I noticed, like as a 'fashion style' cos they still have makeup, tight clothes, heels, etc. When I first wore it I thought I would take it back off but I felt like I was pleasing Allah and like it kept me protected and many people showed respect, as for the ones that show disrespect it only makes me wanna keep it on more
Do I ever feel like I wanna take it off, honestly I do sometimes but I know that it's not the right thing to do and it's for my own good so I leave it on and Insha Allah I'll continue to wear it.


Muslimah 3:

We wear the headscarf because it shows our modesty.We don't go around showing our beauty to stranger men, but we show it to our husbands. The one who really deserves to see it.


Muslimah 4:

When I wear the headscarf it teaches me the importance of Character. People look at WHO YOU ARE rather than WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE.

I love this quote: "I cover my hair, not my brain."

There are some people in this world who get ahead by their beauty rather than their qualifications. Qualifications can not be taken from you but your beauty can.

We wear the headscarf because:
WE dress to impress NO MAN,
WE dress to impress Allah.

You mentioned how we can handle the hot weather. Cancer organizations educate the public to cover up when going in the sun. That wearing long sleeve shirts will keep you cool. Its actually cooler to be all covered up than to be exposed in the sun. Because when the sun's heat touches an exposed skin you feel the heat more than one that is covered.

My DETERMINATION to wear the headscarf comes from BELIEF and FAITH.
I love this quote by the boxer Muhammad Ali:

"...everything that God made valuable in the world is covered and hard to get to. Where do you find diamonds? Deep down in the ground, covered and protected. Where do you find pearls? Deep down at the bottom of the ocean, covered up and protected in a beautiful shell. Where do you find gold? Way down in the mine, covered over with layers and layers of rock. You've got to work hard to get to them.
Your body is sacred. You're far more precious than diamonds and pearls, and you should be covered too."

"Superheroes allows their capes to hang off their backs,
but our SUPERWOMEN choose to wrap them around their heads"
~Boona Muhammad

To conclude:
My headscarf has taught me:
I'm more Precious than diamonds,
I'm a Superhero,
It's my Character that's important &
And I dress to impress only Allah.


SOURCE:
Yahoo!Answers, Ramadan:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20121229004142AAnp98m

How to encourage children to select good friends?

There is no doubt that the Muslim is influenced by his friend, especially if he loves his friend dearly, because that love makes him turn a blind eye to his friend’s sins and errors, and it may lead him to admire him to such an extent that he begins to imitate him in everything, even the way he walks. This is something that is seen a great deal but no one can deny it.

Allah says: 

“Friends on that Day will be foes one to another except Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” 

[az-Zukhruf 43:67]

Al-Qurtubi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

“Friends on that Day” i.e., the Day of Resurrection “will be foes one to another” i.e., they will be enemies to one another and will curse one another “except Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” who will be friends in this world and in the Hereafter.

Help your child make positive choices by teaching him the characteristics of good friends:

-Are kind to animals and younger children.
-Are respectful of others.
-Support you and are happy for you when you win a race, get a good grade, or have some other positive happening in your life.
-Avoid gossiping and are loyal to other friends, even when they are not around.
-Follow school rules and do not try to talk you into breaking rules, lying, cheating, stealing, or other activities that can hurt you or others.


-Model these characteristics yourself and encourage others in the household to follow them as well.

-Look for teachable moments to talk about these concepts with your child. For example, if she shares information about other children in her class who were disciplined for bullying, ask her guiding questions about it. Was anyone hurt? Was the victim very upset? What could a good friend do to help the child feel better? What are some ways you could prevent bullying if another child asked you to help them pick on someone else?

-Have your child talk about people they enjoy being with. Ask them what they like about them. What is it about these people that makes them fun to be with?

-Share and exchange stories about others being good friends.

You can teach these ideas to your child in ways appropriate to her age and developmental level.

 -Are respectful of others.
-Support you and are happy for you when you win a race, get a good grade, or have some other positive happening in your life.
-Avoid gossiping and are loyal to other friends, even when they are not around.
-Follow school rules and do not try to talk you into breaking rules, lying, cheating, stealing, or other activities that can hurt you or others.


-Model these characteristics yourself and encourage others in the household to follow them as well.

-Look for teachable moments to talk about these concepts with your child. For example, if she shares information about other children in her class who were disciplined for bullying, ask her guiding questions about it. Was anyone hurt? Was the victim very upset? What could a good friend do to help the child feel better? What are some ways you could prevent bullying if another child asked you to help them pick on someone else?

-Have your child talk about people they enjoy being with. Ask them what they like about them. What is it about these people that makes them fun to be with?

-Share and exchange stories about others being good friends.


You can teach these ideas to your child in ways appropriate to her age and developmental level.

What the Muslim must do is to keep away from bad companions and choose righteous friends who will guide him towards what is good and help him to obey his Lord, may He be exalted. As the saying goes: tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are.

It was narrated that Abu Moosa al-Ash‘ari (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:

“The likeness of a good companion and a bad companion is that of one who carries musk and one who works the bellows. With the carrier of musk, either he will give you some or you will buy some from him, or you will notice a good smell from him; as for the one who works the bellows, either he will burn your clothes or you will notice a bad smell from him.”

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1995; Muslim, 2628 

Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Keeping company with good people is one of the best of deeds that bring one closer to Allah, and is one of the best means of attaining blessing. On the other hand, keeping company with bad people such as disbelievers and those who commit sin openly is not permissible, and is one of the things that lead to a bad end and cause one to adopt their attitudes and deeds. 

What the believer must do is try hard to keep company with good people and avoid keeping company with bad people. It is not permissible to obey parents or others with regard to keeping company with bad people or forsaking good people, because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: 

“Obedience is only with regard to that which is right and proper.” And he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “There is no obedience to any created being if it involves disobedience to the Creator.”

  Fataawa Islamiyyah, 4/206, 207

SOURCE:

Islamqa, Fatwa no. 114787

About.com :  http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/socialskills/qt/goodfriends.htm

A true friend..,

Oh Allah...

My Hijab...

Seeing...

How should the Muslim honour his parents?

Allah has mentioned kind treatment of parents alongside the command to worship Him alone. Allah says:

 “And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents”

[al-Isra’ 17:23] 

“Worship Allah and join none with Him (in worship); and do good to parents…”

[al-Nisa’ 4:36] 

This is indicative of the importance of honouring one’s parents and treating them well. 

Honouring one’s parents means obeying them, respecting them, praying for them, lowering one's voice in their presence, smiling at them, lowering the wing of humility to them, not showing displeasure towards them, striving to serve them, fulfilling their wishes, consulting them, listening to what they say, not being stubborn towards them and respecting their friends both during their lifetime and after they have died. 

That also includes not travelling without their permission, not sitting in a place higher than theirs, not starting to eat before they do, and not showing preference to your wife or child over them. 

Honouring them also means visiting them, offering them gifts, thanking them for bringing you up and treating you kindly when you were small and after you grew up. 

It also means striving to reduce the arguments between them, by offering sincere advice and reminding them as much as you can, and making excuses to the one who is wronged, and saying and doing things to calm them down. 

No matter how your father treats you, you should follow the good manners described above, so as to avoid everything that may make him angry or upset, so long as that does not lead to sin or disobedience towards Allaah, because the rights of Allaah come before the rights of other people.

SOURCE:

Islamqa

Fatwa no. 22782

Prayer

If You Failed To Pray Your Fajr Salah In The Morning, You Started The Day With A Great Failure.