NIQAB (FACE VEIL)

Amazing story of niqab

2010-07-19T01:40:00.000-07:00

This was written from one niqaabi sister to a non-niqaabi sister to try and help her understand her reasons for wearing Niqaab.

As salaam alaykum,
I know that when ever you have asked me the question why I wear niqaab I fail to explain it. I can only say in most ways I cannot and inshaAllah I will flow with my fingers and give my account of wearing hijab.

In the beginning I didnt understand hijab properly, before converting I understood by covering yourself you could say to someone ” These are the limits you have with me. Dont push it further”. You could keep unwanted attention away. So as a westerner I dressed modestly in western clothing.

Two weeks after converting I realised that by wearing hijab people could then know that I was muslim. I was no longer this white girl walking down a platform at Liverpool Street, with ideas and values anyone could guess. By wearing hijab people knew I was muslim and the values I stood for.

The abaya came two weeks after. It felt like an extension to my hijab. Something that not only helped identify me as a muslim but gave me a greater protection. Where the western clothing lacked in trying to disguise my figure or how skinny I was, the abaya fulfilled the very purpose. I lost myself in the abaya. In loosing myself I found a new freedom. As the fabric flowed with my stride I felt more feminine.

Hijab and abaya, some feel is sufficient. I felt protected, however being white, and wearing hijab and abaya brought me attention. Both from non-muslims and muslims alike. Although I attracted more attention it was a different kind of attention. It wasnt “o my days, shes buff”, it was the astonishment of a white person being muslim. It made people think what on earth did she leave her past for? And for muslims some of them found it hard to understand why, just as equally as the non-muslims, just why I could convert. What good is there in Islam? It doesnt matter who you are. You can still lack knowledge. We are learning from the moment we are born to the time we die.

On converting, I started watching different sisters and how they went about life. A number of these sisters wore the niqaab. Dressed all in black, faces covered. Somehow it all seemed really serene. They all had this peaceful quality about them. It deeply intrigued me. I didnt look to the fiqh opinions or the fatwa of different groups. What attracted me to niqaab was the meaning it gave to those sisters and eventually myself.

Upon talking to a sister that wore it and my interest about it, she gave me my first niqaab, a day I can remember well. This small piece of fabric held so many meanings, so many mixed feelings to those that wore it, and those who would have to ” confront” it. Quite aptly I decided to try it one day upon traveling to uni. There was such a stark contrast from the previous day. I felt anonymous, people actually stared at me less, and I reveled in the freedom. I no longer had to worry about how my face looked, I was able to ditch the makeup, what little I still wore. I could loose those inhibitions, those insecurities I had developed in High School about how I looked and what people thought of me.

It wasnt until a couple of months later from that morning that I decided to start wearing niqaab more while out. I started wearing it to university and whilst out by myself without my parents knowing. They were still getting used to me being muslim, let alone niqaab.

Spiritually I now feel niqaab is my safety blanket. If I loose it I loose it all. Such deep feelings stem from the meaning niqaab now has to me. I mentioned how wearing niqaab I feel anonymous, and this gives me freedom. In a society where so much emphasis is placed on identity and in particular the face, many sisters deem wearing niqaab totally inappropriate. How can those who place so much value on the face cope with the niqaab, a small piece of fabric. A classic hadith that is used in tazkiyah or tassawuf goes along the lines of the Prophet SWS saying ” Travel in the world as if you are a stranger”. The main interpretation being that we should be so far from the dunya that we are a stranger to it. For me by wearing niqaab I become that stranger. I travel through the world detached from it.

There is a barrier between me and the world.

When I walk down the street people give me looks but nothing else. There may be the odd shouted insult and so forth. But these stem from people of little understanding and who feel intimidated by a small piece of inanimate fabric. People who are after passersby attention to sell items dont try to sell me their items. The dunya no longer sells itself to me. I am in my own world and by far it is not the dunya. My world revolves around trying to please my Lord. To try and embody those who surrounded the Prophet SWS. Like the wives of the Prophet SWS who are the best examples for muslimahs. Muslims forget the contribution they gave to Islam yet for them niqaab was fardh, and they got past this.

So here I am saying that I love the niqaab because it isolates me from others. But surely as social human beings it can be lonely?? Another general principle in tazkiyah or tassawuf as well as expressed in many ahadith is that being alone is better than having bad company. And having good company is better than being alone. By wearing niqaab yes I am lonely but I dont have the bad company. Because the bad company is repelled by the niqaab. Those who are able to get past the niqaab, and communicate to me, both muslims and the odd non-muslim have some morals or good qualities to them that make them good company. For the non-muslims they have a perception, an open-mindedness and questioning mind which will inshaAllah lead them down to accepting Islam. I need not explain muslims being good company for them being muslim in the first place gives them these good qualities.

InshaAllah I hope this helps you with trying to understand why I wear it.

Like I said niqaab is what you make of it. If you make it a barrier you will have a barrier. We are our own worst enemies. But if you look past it to what makes a person a person, their experiences, their morals and values, their personality, you will find the true essence of a person. People who are in the dunya are so far removed from their fitrah they have forgotten who they are. They have forgotten what they need and as such they find something missing. They are never able to connect with a person because they focus on everything except that essence. Everything external and not the internal. And of course they miss the most important thing of all. That link with Allah. The relationship between the master and the servant.

I pray that none of what I say here offends or insults. Please forgive me if it does as this was never my intention.

TAKEN FROM http://tearsofrealisation.wordpress.com/2008/09/28/niqaab/

Beautiful Niqab

2010-03-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaikum, I saw many people who came to this blog searching for niqabs to buy. I will list out the high quality and comfortable niqabs from SunnahStyle for you to quickly decide which one suits you. Click on the pictures to buy.

Why i said high quality? I'm a seamstress. I make my own dress and niqab. When i see the niqab from SunnahStyle, i can tell that their niqabs are high quality.

Okay. We'll start with the half face niqab. I wore this kind of niqab after i decided to cover my face. I think this is good for a beginner because we can get used to face covering first before wearing the full face niqab.

Half Face Niqab (Black)

Front

Side

Back

Description from Sunnahstyle : Our Half Face Niqab is a simple niqab that ties around the head for an adjustable fit. It is designed to cover the bottom half of the face only (from the nose down), making it perfect for niqabis who already wear their hijab over their eyebrows. The niqab is made of soft, lightweight fabric that is both breathable and comfortable for all day wear.
Note: This niqab style is usually tied underneath the hijab but is pictured on top of the hijab to show detail.

Price: $4.99 USD

Next, after wearing half face niqab, i changed to this full face veil. I prefer to tie it inside the hijab. I mean i tie this niqab on my head then i put on hijab.

One Piece Tie Back Niqab (Black)

Front

Side

Back

Description from Sunnahstyle: Our One Piece Tie Back Niqab is a simple Saudi style niqab made of soft, lightweight fabric that is comfortable and breathable. The niqab ties around the head and features a larger than average eye-slit for all day comfort.

Price : $9.99 USD

I also wear this type of veil

Two Piece Tie Back Niqab (Black)

Desciption from SunnahStyle : Our Two Piece Tie Back Niqab is a Saudi style niqab made of soft, lightweight fabric that is comfortable and breathable. The niqab ties around the back of the head and has two layers: a bottom layer which covers the face and a top layer which can be flipped back over the head or left down to cover the eyes.

Price : $10.99 USD

And this next veil caught my attention. Why? Because it is different from other type of veils. I've never seen this type before. I think it is practical, easy to wear, comfortable, easy to adjust and for better vision. Well, let's see what i'm talking about.

No-Pinch Two Piece Tie Back Niqab (Black)

Front with top layer flipped back

Eye-slit Close up (can you see that 'V' shape on the corner of the eye slit?)

Desciption from SunnahStyle : Our exclusive No-Pinch Two Piece Tie Back Niqab features an eye-opening that is designed 3/4" high with V-shaped corners for style. This design keeps the fabric away from the eyes and prevents the bottom piece from riding up and pinching the eyes. The result is a super-comfortable niqab that will not need to be pulled down to give the eyes more room. It will also work very well for sisters that wear glasses and have trouble getting them in and out of a thin slit.

Like our regular two piece niqabs, the niqab is made of soft, lightweight fabric that is comfortable and breathable. It ties around the back of the head and has two layers: a bottom layer which covers the face and a top layer which can be flipped back over the head or left down to cover the eyes.

Price : $12.99 USD

You also can buy No-pinch One piece tie back niqab but right now it is out of stock so you have to wait until it is available to buy.

Finally, my favourite niqab. Isn't it beautiful?

Tie Back Butterfly Niqab

Front With top layer flipped over eyes

Desciption from SunnahStyle : Our Butterfly Style Niqab is a unique and versatile Khaleeji two-layer niqab style that ties at the back of the head. The niqab is made of soft, lightweight fabric designed to be both comfortable and breathable.

The top flip layer of the niqab is designed with a rounded edge which makes it possible to wear the niqab in a number of different ways. When flipped back, the top layer reaches halfway down the back and the sides of the top layer cover the shoulders giving the appearance of a hijab. The top layer can also be flipped back and the rounded part can be brought forward over the forehead or eyes to create a wavy effect around the face. It can also be worn with the top layer down to cover the eyes and provide extra coverage.

Price : $19.99 USD

If you are interested in other colour than black, you can browse the sunnahstyle website and choose your desired colour. There are many other styles available at sunnahstyle for you to buy if this list doesn't meet your interest. I hope this list will help your decision in buying niqab online. Wassalam.

Ban the face veil??

2009-10-09T05:34:00.000-07:00

Kelantan ready to ban purdah if it’s a security threat
By SYED AZHAR
KOTA BARU: Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is ready to ban the wearing of the purdah if it becomes a menace to the state’s population.
He said Islam only requires a Muslim woman to cover her head and hands and that nowhere in the Quran is it stated that she must also cover her face.

“As I have said a long time ago, Muslim womenfolk need not cover their face because women who enter the Masjidil Haram (in Mecca) only need to wear a telekung (women’s prayer garb) that only covers their hands and feet and not their face.

“However, lately, men have taken up wearing the purdah to commit crime, making it hard for the police to tell whether the person behind the purdah is a man or a woman,” he told reporters at his office at Kota Darul Naim.

He said this before receiving a courtesy call from Ulama Syed Ahmad Mohammad Alawi Al-Maliki from Mecca who was accompanied by four of his assistants.

Nik Abdul Aziz, who is also the PAS spiritual leader, was asked to comment on a report that the Sheikh of Al-Azhar University, Mohammad Sayyed Tantawi, was proposing to bar students from wearing the niqab (a veil covering the face) in schools in the Al-Azhar system in Egypt.

Mohammad Sayyed reportedly wanted to impose the ban because the niqab has nothing to do with Islam and is merely a customary practice among the Arabs.

Nik Abdul Aziz said face veils were especially dangerous in countries with a high incidence of suicide bombings, adding that if it were to happen in Kelantan it would only be appropriate to ban face veils for security reasons.

He also cited the example of a vice-president of an Arab country who had tried to escape from his war torn country by wearing a purdah. The man was eventually arrested after his shoes gave him away.
www.thestar.com.my

Assalamualaikum,

When i read this news, i was like.. Astaghfirullahal azim.. What more can i say? I am so shock to hear this news. I can't believe my eyes. If they really do it, banning the purdah which i hope they won't then i guess i won't go to Kelantan because i don't want to remove my veil and let men see my face. To me, if the authorities want to see my face for identification then i will lift my veil but do they really need to ban the niqab for security reason? This will be unfair to women who choose to cover their faces for the sake of Allah. Some of you may ask why do you want to cover your face so much? or why would Muslim women want to cover their faces so much? I have more reasons to cover my face than not to.

1. I choose to cover my face full time because i want to follow the footsteps of the Prophet's wives and the female companions. I want to imitate them and i dream to be with them in Jannah IshaAllah because

"The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: He who copies any people is one of them." - Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 32, #4020 - Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar.

2. I don't like men to see my face. Before i wear face veil, i felt uncomfortable when men look at my face so i decided to cover my face.

I wore niqab after high school with a little knowledge of it. I only knew that wearing niqab is highly recommended but i never knew that some scholars say it is obligatory. After i figured it out i was shocked to know that. Then i started to read everything about niqab. I'm afraid what if it's really obligatory but i don't wear it then what will i answer when Allah question me about it?

I cover my face in front of non-mahram men not because my father or brother ask me to . Nobody force me to wear face veil. I believe this is the best dress for me and i believe this is the best dress for all women. I am a Muslim woman and i want to be recognize as a Muslim woman. Face veil/niqab/purdah is my protection. I feel protected, secured, modest when i wear this dress. Niqab is really a great blessing from Allah for Muslim women. Only the wearer of niqab understand it's value.

I want to tell the Muslims and the authorities, don't ask Muslim women to remove their face veil without a valid reason according to shari'ah and don't even think of banning the niqab. This is our rights and we are free to fully cover ourselves without your permission. To those who claims that niqab is not part of Islam, ask forgiveness from Allah. Wake up Muslims! You have other important things to focus on then doing this 'banning' thing which is harmful to this ummah. Bear in mind that the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad Salallahu alaihi wasallam is the correct path and have success in it.

The niqab, fact v fiction

2009-07-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

How much do you really know about the niqab? An insider guide to common misconceptions

by Fatima Barkatulla

1.The niqab is a symbol of female subjugation.

None of the niqab-wearing women who I know, wear it because they have been forced to. They see it as an act of devotion to their Creator: the culmination of a spiritual journey. In fact most of them are women who were born and brought up in the UK; many are White or Afro-Caribbean Muslim converts to Islam who have chosen to observe it. The hijab, niqab and abaya are outer garments and are worn only when outdoors or in the presence of men who are not close relatives and so, contrary to popular belief, underneath their robes, in family and female-only settings Muslim women are often very fashion conscious and outgoing. They dress in everyday clothing; they get their hair done, go on holiday and even buy lingerie!

2. Women who wear the niqab cannot possibly contribute to society

People are surprised to hear that niqab-wearers come from varied vocational backgrounds. They include doctors, teachers, dentists, authors, social workers, university graduates, lecturers and more. They usually prefer to work in a female environment and so would not wear the face-veil all the time. Other women say that wearing the niqab actually makes them feel more comfortable when they are working with men. It is ironic that the very women who are the subject of debate are far from being a burden on society: they don’t get drunk and disorderly, don’t smoke and are likely to be very good citizens. Many of them are full-time mothers who take pride in raising well-educated children who will be an asset to British society.

3. The niqab isn’t in the Qur’an

The Qur’anic worldview presents a complete system of living, which permeates the daily lives of observant Muslims. This includes everything from rituals of personal hygiene, advice on neighbourly behaviour and animal rights to regulations for dress. Some women see the niqab as a religious obligation, others, as an act of worship following in the footsteps of notable Muslim women of the past. Numerous verses in the Qur’an contain directives for Muslim women’s dress, amongst them:

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the Believers to draw their outer garments all over their bodies. That will be better, so that they may be known and so as not to be annoyed, and God is Ever-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (33:59)

The Qur’an was interpreted by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his disciples and their teachings form the basis of Islamic law. There are two orthodox schools of thought with regards to the interpretation of this verse. One orthodox interpretation is that it means covering the whole body including the face. The other school of thought is that, though not obligatory, covering the face is a virtue.

4. Wearing the niqab implies that all men are predatory

Just as locking our doors at night doesn’t imply that all members of society are burglars, wearing the niqab doesn’t imply that all men are predatory.

The Islamic worldview recognises that attraction between men and women exists and, if left unharnessed, has the potential to break down the moral fabric of society. It also acknowledges the physiological and physical differences between men and women and therefore Islamic legislation for dress and behaviour reflect these differences and aid adherents to avoid situations that could lead to extra-marital sexual relations. Hence both men and women have been commanded to lower their gazes and given directives on dress.

5. The niqab poses a security risk at banks and airports

By simply going to the side and showing their faces and ID to female members of staff, Muslim women who wear the niqab, have been, for decades, passing through airport security in major airports all over the world without cause for security concern. The same sort of arrangement can be made for any situation where ID needs to be checked.

6.Niqab wearers can’t possibly be teachers.

There are many highly qualified and experienced Muslim teachers. A Muslim teacher, who wears the niqab, would not need to do so if men were not present, therefore many female Muslim teachers choose to teach women or children and uncover their faces whilst teaching.

7. Banning the niqab will free those Muslim women who are coerced into wearing it.

Banning the face-veil would be totally counter-productive: it would cause many Muslim women to feel targeted and persecuted and is likely to cause many talented women to withdraw from society. The majority of niqab-wearing women in Europe, wear it out of personal choice, so if, for the sake of a suspected minority, the niqab was to be banned, this would be clear discrimination against the majority. If we want to empower women from any community who are oppressed or abused, effective public services where such abuse can be reported need to be made more available and accessible to the women involved.

Fatima Barkatulla is a regular columnist on SISTERS, the magazine for 'fabulous Muslim women'

taken from : Times Online

Confused about women covering their faces

2009-05-31T08:08:00.000-07:00

Question

First of all I must make clear that I have read your articles related to this topic. Although I have heard other evidences to suggest that the FACE veil is optional, due to the following:
(1)When the ayah was revealed commanding the believing women to cover (24:31) only the wives of the prophet covered themselves with a facial veil. The other Muslim women did not take steps to veil their faces.
(2)When some of the sahabah intended to propose to a women they would go and look at her without her knowledge. And of course if she had worn a facial veil they would not have been able to see her?
This topic is causing me much confusion please clarify the importance of the niqaab, I only want to do the correct thing for the sake of Allah.

Answer

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

We appreciate your keenness to find out the truth and follow it, and we ask Allaah to show us the truth as truth and enable us to follow it, and to show us falsehood as false and enable us to avoid it. The correct view regarding this matter is that it is obligatory for women to cover all of their bodies in front of men. See question no. 21134.

Secondly:

Your saying that “the rest of the Muslim women did not cover their faces” is not correct. Rather the command to observe full hijab applied to the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his daughters and the believing women. The evidence for that is the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful”

[al-Ahzaab 33:59]

And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)”

[al-Noor 24:31]

The command in these two verses is general and applies to all believing women.

Al- Bukhaari narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: “May Allaah have mercy on the first Muhaajir women. When Allaah revealed the words ‘and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)’ they tore their aprons and covered their faces with them.” See also question no. 6991.

Abu Dawood (4101) narrated that Umm Salamah said: “When the words ‘to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies’ [al-Ahzaab 33:59] were revealed, the women of the Ansaar went out looking as if there were crows on their heads because of the covering.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.

The Muhaajir and Ansaari women obeyed this command and covered their faces.

Thirdly:

With regard to a man looking at the woman to whom he wishes to propose marriage, this is part of the Sunnah. Abu Dawood (1783) narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘When any one of you wants to propose marriage to a woman, if he can look at that which will motivate him to go ahead and marry her, then let him do so.’ I proposed marriage to a girl and I used to hide myself until I saw that which motivated me to go ahead and marry her, then I married her.” Classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, no. 1832. In the report narrated by Ibn Maajah it says that he hid in her garden to see her.

This hadeeth indicates that the women of the Sahaabah used to cover their faces, because if it had been the custom for women to uncover their faces, there would have been no need to hide, because he would have been able to see her in any place if she had been uncovering her face.

But because it was the custom for women to cover their faces, he needed to hide. It is well known that if there are no non-mahram men around, a woman does not cover her face, such as when she is in her house or in her garden, as in this hadeeth.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

source - http://islamqa.com/en/cat/56

Niqaab According to Quran and Sunnah

2009-02-05T21:56:00.000-08:00

Niqaab
According to Quran and Sunnah

Revelation of Al-Hijab

Hadith - Bukhari 1:148

The wives of the Prophet used to go to Al-Manasi, a vast open place (near Baqia at Medina) to answer the call of nature at night.

'Umar radhian Allaahu anhu used to say to the Prophet "Let your wives be veiled," but Allaah's Apostle did not do so.

One night Sauda bint Zam'a radhian Allahu anha the wife of the Prophet went out at 'Isha' time and she was a tall lady. 'Umar radhian Allahu anhu addressed her and said, "I have recognized you, O Sauda." He said so, as he desired eagerly that the verses of Al-Hijab (the observing of veils by the Muslim women) may be revealed. So Allaah revealed the verses of "Al-Hijab"

The Noble Qur'an - Al-Ahzab 33:59

"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils)** all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. "

**the arabic word here is Jalabeeb (plural of Jalbaab), which is the loose outer garment that covers all a woman's body. It says here to use the Jalabeeb to cover all, and scholars say this means to use it to cover her head (agree upon by all scholars) and her face (agreed by many scholars, not all) and one or both eyes, in order for it to be known that she is a free woman and so not to be exposed to any harm.

Hadith - Bukhari 6:282

'Aisha radhian Allaha anha 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."

Hadith - Abu Dawud, Narrated Umm Salamah, Ummul Mu'minin

When the verse "That they should cast their outer garments over their persons" was revealed, the women of Ansar came out as if they had crows over their heads by wearing outer garments.

The lower half of the hijab is a garment that does not show the woman's figure. Jeans and certain obvious garments do not meet this requirement.

Hadith - Abu Dawud, Narrated Dihyah ibn Khalifah al-Kalbi

The Apostle of Allah was brought some pieces of fine Egyptian linen and he gave me one and said:

"Divide it into two; cut one of the pieces into a shirt and give the other to your wife for veil. Then when he turned away, he said: And order your wife to wear a garment below it and not show her figure. "

Prescribed Methods of Covering

Tafseer - Ibn Katheer

"Allaah commanded the muslim women to cover this sheet on top of them to cover their bodies except one eye, when it is necessary for them to come out of their homes."

Tafseer - Commentary by Ibn Jarir and Ahkam-ul-Quran, Vol.III, p.457

Imam Muhammad bin Sirin said: "When I asked Ubaida bin Sufyan bin al-Harith radhian Allahu anhu the meaning of this verse and how the jalbaab was to worn, he demonstrated it to me by pulling a sheet of cloth over his head to cover his entire body, leaving the left eye uncovered. This was also the explanation of the word 'Alaihinna in this verse"

Tafseer - Alu'si, Rul-ul-Ma'ani, Vol. 22, p. 89

"Ibn Jarir Tabari and Ibn Al-Mundhir described the method of wearing the jalbaab according to Ibn Abbas and Qatadah radhian Allahu anhuma. The sheet should be wrapped around from the top, covering the forehead, then bringing one side of the sheet to cover the face below the eyes so that most of the face and the upper body is covered. This will leave both eyes uncovered (which is allowed in necessity). "

Colour of Garment

The female companions were known to wear black and dark colors (such as the hadith above, "crows on their heads"), but other colors are also permissible for a woman to wear. She must not wear any color, however, in vanity.

Hadith - Sahih Al-Bukhari 7.715

...'Aisha radhian Allaahu anha said that the lady (came), wearing a green veil ...

Hadith - Sahih Al-Bukhari 7.733

..that he had seen Um Kulthum radhian Allaahu anha, the daughter of Allaah's Apostle , wearing a red silk garment.

Hadith - Sahih Al-Bukhari 7.713

The Prophet was given some clothes including a black Khamisa. The Prophet said,

"To whom shall we give this to wear?" The people kept silent whereupon the Prophet said, "Fetch Um Khalid for me." I (Um Khalid) was brought carried (as I was small girl at that time).

The Prophet took the Khamisa in his hands and made me wear it and said, "May you live so long that your dress will wear out and you will mend it many times."

On the Khamisa there were some green or pale designs (The Prophet these designs) and said, "O Um Khalid! This is Sanah." (Sanah in a Ethiopian word meaning beautiful).

Hadith - Sunan of Abu Dawood #4055,

Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'As radhian Allaahu anhu,

"We came down with the Apostle of Allaah from a turning of a valley. He turned his attention to me and I was wearing a garment dyed with a reddish yellow dye. He asked: "What is this garment over you?"

I recognised what he disliked. I then came to my family who were burning their oven. I threw it (the garment) in it and came to him the next day. He asked: "Abdullah, what have you done with the garment?"
"
I informed him about it. He said: Why did you not give it to one of your family to wear, for there is no harm in it for women."

Must a Woman Wear Niqaab (Veil)?

The general understanding in Islam regarding Sunnah, is that if the Prophet or any of his wivesradhian Allaahu anhuna or companions radhian Allaahu anhum are recorded in authentic hadith to have engaged in an act that is not haram (prohibited) as defined by Qur'aan or Sunnah, then the act is declared halal (permissible). If the companions engaged in an act that the Prophet was aware of and did not speak out against, it is halal.

It is well-known that the wives of the Prophet covered their faces any time non-mahram men were near. A woman named Asma, who was not a wife of the Prophet , was also recorded as covering her face. Easily, one can conclude that wearing veil is halal (permissible).

However, Muslims and Muslimahs across the world have been in "hot debate" for centuries, over the issue of whether or not covering the face is obligatory upon a Muslimah. Those who argue that it is not required, point to the use of the word khimar in the Qur'aan, and explain that today's modern khimar does not cover the face, and argue that khimar has never referred to the covering of the face, but only to that of the hair, neck, and bosoms. While one cannot deny the support of Hadith that indicate that the Prophet's wives wore khimar, one must realize that they also covered their faces at all times in the presence of non-mahram men.

The group of scholars agree that it is a highly recommended act to cover the face. The scholars also agree that a woman must cover her adornment, yet some scholars argue that this does not include the face.

BASING ON CULTURE VS. QUR'AAN AND SUNNAH. ...Most Muslim men, even in America, would be pleased if their wives veil, but some state that a veil draws too much attention, causing men to look upon her more than normal. However, one must realize that when men 'look', they have nothing of her to see! Regardless, this issue must stick to understanding and implementing Qur'aan and Sunnah, and not making excuses based on the current culture. Muslims are ordered not to imitate the dress of any non-Muslim culture, so, surely, we cannot make the choice to wear Niqab based on the pressures of modern day society; instead, we choose, insha^Allaah, to fear Allaahu Ta'ala, and not mankind!

When in a state of ihram, the muslimah cannot wear niqaab. However, according to several scholars, such as Sheikh ibn Baz, even when in a state of ihram, "she should lower her headcovering or outer cloak over her face when she is in the presence of non-mahram men." So, it is to say that she should not cover her face around the other women during ihram, but that she should cover it if a non-mahram man approaches. He bases this on the hadith below, narrated by 'Aisha radhian Allaahu anha.

In Fathul Bari, chapter Hajj, a tradition reported on the authority of Aisha (RA) says:

"A woman in a state of Ihram (during Hajj and Umrah) should stretch her head - cloth over to her face to hide it."

Hadith - Recorded by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and ibn Majah,

Narrated 'Aisha radhian Allaahu anha. [In his work Jilbab al-Marah al-Muslimah, al-Albani states (p. 108) that it is hasan due to corroborating evidence. Also, in a narration from Asma radhian Allaahu anha, Asma also covered her face at all times in front of men.]

Narrated 'Aisha radhian Allaahu anha who said, "The riders would pass us while we were with the Messenger of Allah ). When they got close to us, we would draw our outer cloak from our heads over our faces. When they passed by, we would uncover our faces."

According to Shaikh ibn Uthaiymin, "she is not required to cover her face during the prayer unless there are non-related men around her. She must then cover her face from them, as it is not allowed for a woman to uncover her face except to her husband and her male relatives i.e., mahram."

If a woman is not around any non-mahram men and does not fear that any will enter her area of salah, she may reveal her face and hands. This is agreed upon by the group of scholars.

So, whether agreeing that niqab is required or not, one must surely acknowledge that it is a desirous sign of piety. What better example of sunnah to follow for a muslimah than that of the Prophet and his wives RA. Every Muslimah is encouraged to cover to the fullest, showing only one or both eyes.

A woman does not have to wear a niqab (affixed veil), but she should emulate the female companions by using her hijab or other items, to lift and cover her face when a non-mahram man approaches, even during ihram (hajj), as this is in accordance with sunnah.

Hadith - Muwatta 20.16

Yahya related to me from Malik from Hisham ibn Urwa that Fatima bint al-Mundhir said,

"We used to veil our faces when we were in ihram in the company of Asma bint Abi Bakr as-Siddiq radhian Allaahu anha."

The following Fatawa is from Sheikh Ibn Uthaiymin:

"The Islamic hijab is for the women to cover everything that is forbidden for her to expose. That is, she covers everything that she must cover.

"The first of those bodily parts that she must cover is her face. It is the source of temptation and the source of people desiring her. Therefore, the woman must cover her face in front of those men that are not Mahram (i.e. father, husband, etc.).

"As for those who claim that Islamic hijab is to cover the head, shoulders, back, feet, shin and forearms while allowing her to uncover her face and hands, this is a very amazing claim. This is because it is well-known that the source of temptation and looking is the face. How can one say that the Shariah does no allow the exposure of the foot of the woman while it allows her to uncover her face?

"It is not possible that there could be in the Esteemed, Wise and Noble Shariah a contradiction. Yet everyone knows that the temptation from uncovering the face is much greater than the temptation that results from the uncovering of the feet. Everyone also knows that the most sought after aspect of the woman for men is the face. If you told a prospective groom that a woman’s face is ugly but her feet are beautiful, he would not propose to such a woman.

"However, if you told him that her face was beautiful but her hands, palms, or shins were less than beautiful, he would still propose to her. From this one can conclude that the face is the first thing that must be covered.

"There are also evidences from the Book of Allaah Ta'ala and the Sunnah of our Prophet . There are also statements from the Companions radhian Allaahu anhum , the leading Imams and the great scholars of Islam that indicate that it is obligatory for the woman to cover all of her body in the presence of non-Mahram men. This obviously indicates that it is obligatory upon the woman to cover her face in front of such men."

Refutation For those who claim niqaab is not wajib and the face and hands of a woman can be seen by (ghairMahrrum) strange men.

Refutation from Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen

This is taken from the book "Hijaab" by Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen from Saudi Arabia. Printed by Madrasah Arabia Islamia Azaadville- South Africa.

Translated by Hafedh Zaheer Essack, Rajab 1416 (December 1995)

The Ulamah who are of the opinion that it is permissible to look at the face and hands of a strange woman (who is not mahrrum) say so mainly for the following reasons.

The hadeeth of Ayeshah radhian Allaahu anha when Asmaa radhian Allaahu anha the daughter of Abu Bakr radhian Allaahu anhu came to the Rasulullaah while wearing thin clothing.

He approached her and said: 'O Asmaa! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to the face and hands. But this hadeeth is WEAK because of 2 main weaknesses.

There is no link between Ayeshah (Radhiallaahu Ánha) and Khalid bin Dareek, who narrated the hadith from her. And in every chain of narrators Khalid bin Dareek is mentioned.

In the chain of narrators Sa'eed bin Basheer appears, who is known by most of the Muhaditheen as being a weak narrator.

This has been mentioned by Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal (Rahimahullah), An-Nasai (Rahimahullah), Ibn Madeeni (Rahimahullah) and Ibn Ma'een (Rahimahullah). This is also why Imaam Bukhari (Rahimahullah) and Muslim (Rahimahullah) did not except this hadeeth to be in their books. (From Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen in the book "Hijaab" pages # 17 and 18.)

We also have to see that the Muhadith Abu Dawood when he quoted this hadeeth put with it that it is Mursal (with a broken chain that does not lead up to the Sahabah).

(From The Book "Hijaab wa Safur" under the fatwaa of Shaikh Abdul Aziz Bin Bazz on Page #61. Also stated as being weak by Shaikh Nasiruddeen Al-Albaani in his Daeef Sunan Abu Dawud in Kitab-ul-Libas under hadeeth number 4092 (which is the original hadeeth number.)

An other thing that shows the weakness of this hadith is that after the ayah for hijab (Surah Al-Ahzaab – Verse #59) was revealed then the women of Sahaba wore a complete veil and covered the faces and hands. This includes Asmaa (Radhiallaahu Ánha) the daughter of Abu Bakr, who is supposed to have narrated this hadeeth. Asmaa (Radhiallaahu Ánha) covered herself completely including the face, this has been narrated in authentic hadeeth in Imaam Malik's "MUWATTA Book 20 Hadeeth # 20.5.16."

What Age Must a Female Wear Niqaab?

It is unquestionable that a female must begin covering by the age of puberty. In all situations, Muslims are to use the Prophet's example for guidance. The Prophet married 'Aisha radhian Allaahu anha before she had reached puberty and consummated the marriage when she was approximately 9 years old. Getting married at such an age was not uncommon until recent times.

Puberty begins two weeks before the onset of the first menstrual period, i.e. this is the time in which she is capable of becoming pregnant.

May Allaah Ta'ala guide each parent to adequately prepare the daughter for hijaab and their other responsibilities, in time for puberty. Amiyn.

If a mother or father recently converts to Islam and has a daughter who has reached puberty, s/he should immediately begin covering the daughter. The parents should educate the daughter to understand and appreciate the reasons and advantages for covering as a Muslimah is instructed to.

The new revert to Islam should not feel apologetic for covering a daughter who was not previously covering. It is as much of an advantage to her as to the new adult muslimah revert, and children do not always know what is best for them, so, like other decisions you make daily for your children, do not leave the issue of wearing hijab up to your children. Make the transition as a family, not you first, then just hoping the children follow suit on their own.

Some guidelines for preparing a child for hijab. [/center]

It is encouraged that as soon as the child is able to walk, she does not wear clothes that resemble the kafr, and that she should always have her knees and as much as possible of the arms and legs covered when leaving the house or having guests over.

She should be taught modesty in behavior and dress from the cradle.

It is ideal to sew small jilbabs (light overcoats) and khimaar (head/neck/chest covering) for the young muslimah, properly preparing her for full coverage at puberty. It is actually less fitnah on the parent to dress her in the simple attire of a muslim, as compared to looking for fashionable clothes in a shopping mall.

At the age of 7, the parent should order her to pray salaah, and of course, she must be wearing hijaab (the entire head and body covering) for the salaah.

By the age of 10, her parents may and should punish her for missing fard (obligatory) salaah, and once again, she must be wearing hijaab to perform salaah.

When she reaches puberty, insha^Allaah, she will wear niqaab (literally: draw the khimaar over her face).

By the age of puberty, she should already be used to wearing hijaab (which is in her fitrah [natural state] to be covered).

She may have already chosen to veil prior to reaching puberty, and with the proper instruction, she will look forward to and embrace this step in becoming a young woman.

Hijaab is not something a muslim parent gives as an option to a child. The muslim parent is responsible for seeing that the young muslimah is properly covered according to Qur'aan and Sunnah.

Parents will have to determine when their daughter has reached puberty, not the child, unless of course, she is a muslim revert with non-Muslim parents, in which case she should seek the counsel of a Muslim wali.

Depending on a woman's environment, she may simply keep her face uncovered and then draw the khimaar up over her face on the rare occasion of a non-mahram's presence; or, if this is too much fitnah to constantly draw it over her face, such as circumstances when men are frequently present, she may choose to affix a screen (i.e. the Niqaab) that does this for her without her needing to use a hand to hold it over her face.

Hadith - Bukhari, Narrated Hishams father

Khadija radhian Allaahu anha died three years before the Prophet departed to Medina. He stayed there for two years or so and then he married 'Aisha radhian Allaahu anha when she was a girl of six years of age, and he consumated that marriage when she was nine years old.

Hadith - Abu Dawud, narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin
[Also recorded al-Tirmidhi, Ahmad, and ibn Majah. Al-Albani says it is sahih. Al-Albani, Sahih al-Jami, vol. 2, p. 1280.]

The Prophet said: "

Allaah does not accept the prayer of a woman who has reached puberty unless she wears a khimaar. "

Hadith - Dawud, Narrated As-Saburah

[Also recorded by Ahmand and al-Hakim. Al-Syuti has give in a notation signifying that it is authentic. Al-Albani has graded it hasan. Al-Albani, Sahih al-Jami, vol. 2, p. 1021.]

The Prophet said:

"Order your children to pray at the age of seven. And beat them [lightly] if they do not do so by the age of ten. And separate them in their bedding."

Who Can She Uncover in front of?

A Muslimah should not uncover her adornment in front of any non-Mahrahm male. Muslimahs should especially be careful and remain covered, modest, and quiet around in-laws.

If a gay male is aware of female body parts, he should not be allowed to view a woman uncovered. And, of course, a bi-sexual male should not be allowed to view a woman without proper covering.

In addition, a Muslimah should not uncover that which she normally uncovers, in front of any non-Muslim female whom she fears may describe her to others. She may also choose to remain covered around any Muslim female whom she fears may describe her physical attributes to their husband or others.

The Noble Qur'an - An-Nur 24:30-31

"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.). That is purer for them. Verily, Allaâh is All-Aware of what they do."

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils* all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons, their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islâm), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful."

* the arabic word here is Khumaar, which is the plural form of Khimaar.

Hadith - Bukhari 7:167

The Prophet said,

"A woman should not look at or touch another woman to describe her to her husband in such a way as if he was actually looking at her."

Hadith - Muslim, narrated Aisha

A eunuch used to come to the wives of Allaah's Apostle and they did not find anything objectionable in his visit considering him to be a male without any sexual desire.

Allaah's Apostle one day came as he was sitting with some of his wives and he was busy in describing the bodily characteristics of a lady and saying: As she comes in front four folds appear on her front side and as she turns her back eight folds appear on the back side. Thereupon Allah's Apostle said: I see that he knows these things; do not, therefore, allow him to enter. She (Aisha) radhian Allaahu anha said: Then they began to observe veil from him.

Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #3109, narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud [Tirmidhi transmitted it.]

The Prophet said,

"A woman should be concealed, for when she goes out the devil looks at her."

Muslimahs should not socialize with non-mahram men, and should only speak out of necessity to non-mahram men. Allah swt knew that mankind would be tempted to let their guard down and their hijab down, around in-laws. Surely Allah swt is all merciful to provide us the guidance we need in every aspect of our lives. In reference to socializing with in-laws, such close relations can easily lead to adultery which has the death penalty.

Hadith - Bukhari and Muslim

The Prophet said, "The in-laws are death."

Ridiculing a Woman in Niqaab

The Noble Qur'an - At-Taubah 9:64-67

"The hypocrites fear lest a Sûwrah (chapter of the Qur^aân) should be revealed about them, showing them what is in their hearts. Say: "(Go ahead and) mock! But certainly Allâh will bring to light all that you fear."

"If you ask them (about this), they declare: "We were only talking idly and joking." Say: "Was it at Allâh (swt), and His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and His Messenger that you were mocking?"

Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after you had believed. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others amongst you because they were Mujrimûn (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, criminals, etc.).

The hypocrites, men and women, are from one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief and polytheism of all kinds and all that Islâm has forbidden), and forbid (people) from Al-Ma'rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and they close their hands [from giving (spending in Allaâh's Cause) alms, etc.]. They have forgotten Allaâh, so He has forgotten them. Verily, the hypocrites are the Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allaâh)."

source - http://www.turntoislam.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25418

MY NIQAB

2009-02-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

taken from - http://ahliajannah.blogspot.com/

Quite recently, I've started to put on the niqab. In Malaysia, niqab is not that prevalent. Although most of the muslim women do cover their hair, still... muslim women covering their full aurat is quite sparse. It's quite challenging wearing the niqab. Wherever I go, all eyes are on me (...well anyway that's how I feel) . The worst part is when, sometimes, small kids run away from me because they are scared of me. Look ma...hantu/ghost/zorro/ninja.....Sigh. I really feel bad about this. I do try to smile at them (although they can't see me from behind the veil) hoping that my warm and friendly aura can penetrate thru the niqab. I really don't want to frighten children. I know they do not understand. SubhanALlah, even adults do not understand, then, how can small children be any better?

There are varying reasons why I have decided to put on the niqab. My main belief is that the niqab is a form of sunnah. As much as I feel strongly that eating with my right hand is sunnah, so too, I do believe that covering of my face is sunnah. InsyaAllah, Allah swt has promises that there is success in adhering to Rasulullah saw's sunnah. With each sunnah that a muslim adhere to with istiqamah, Allah swt will grant him/her with 100 rewards of a syahid. Adhering to sunnah is totally alien nowadays. In this world of fasya and mungkar, following the sunnah or the way of rasulullullah saw's life is going against all that everyone else believe in. It is like swimming upstream against the flowing river. In fact, in a hadith, rasullullah saw has prophesized and told his sahabah that there will be a time when following the sunnah is like holding on to a burning wood fire.

Dikeluarkan oleh Abu Hakim daripada Ibnu Mas'ud ra sebagaimana dalam Kanzul Ummal dan Jami'us Saghir Rasulullah saw bersabda mafhumnya " Org yg berpegang kepada sunnahku di zaman perselisihan ummatku adalah seperti org yg menggenggam bara api" (Hayatus Sahabah Jilid 1 versi Melayu)

Truly, what rasulullah saw said applies to our time now. We are the "umat akhir zaman".

Everyday, we can see muslim women wearing skimpy clothing. In fact, in newspaper, magazines and tv, some muslim women wear very little clothing. However, nobody bats an eye at this. I bet no one will run away from these ladies and call them names...Look ma...almost naked lady! In fact, knowing the boys, I bet they will try to inch closer to get a better look at what is on display.

I bear no grudges to these semi-clothed ladies or the public who look down upon people who choose to cover their face. After all, this is my battle...my jihad. I am doing this first and foremost for myself. For my iman. It is said that adhering to sunnah is likened to a shield. A protection for our iman. The more sunnah that we practise in our life, the stronger the shield that you built for your iman.

When i first started to put on the niqab, I was overly conscious. Fearing that all of my actions are under close scrutiny by the misunderstood/misinformed public. I chose to stay indoors. Feeling that my iman is too weak to face any criticism from anyone, I felt that it is best if I stay clear of the general public. Closing myself off from even friends and family. In fact, I barely venture out of my home. Even to step off my front lawn to water the plants or hang my laundry became such a chore. Somehow, I've become pseudo-agoraphobic ( is there such a word). My hubby was at his wits end. Suddenly his outdoorsy and independent wife has become sooo timid and introverted. What to do??? I guess I kinda put my hubby through quite a rough couple of months.

Alhamdulillah, as days passed by...slowly ALlah swt gave me understanding. It is not important that people around me do not understand the niqab. It is true...tidak kenal maka tidak cinta. Before this, I used to feel the same way about the niqab. I am helpless to change the public's opinion. Only ALlah has power to do this. I am the person who must first change. Granted, I am wearing the niqab as a journey for my iman...but to have peace with my niqab, I must also understand that I should wear my niqb with pride. Not because I feel that I am far better off than the average muslim women...NO...I must feel proud because I have been blessed that Allah swt has shown me to this path. So, it is my duty to wear the niqab in public. To show to the rest of the people that it is not an ugly and fearful clothing. To show that I am just an ordinary person..yet I put on the niqab. Not because I am superior in knowledge or amal. But because it helps me to control my eyes and my attitude. It helps me to be wary (tawajjuh) of ALlah swt. To reinforce in me the idea that ALlah swt is ever watchful of me.

Thus, it is sad but true...I am just an average muslim lady. Battling everyday against my personal weaknesses and devils. My hubby said, we aredefinitely not the best of people...But everyday, we strive to better ourselves. Sometimes we fault and err but, we try outmost to never give up. After all, we are weak insans covered with much sin. Only ALlah is Most Rahman and Most Rahim. He understands and helps us through the bumps and dips in our journey. Life is too short. Barely seconds compared to the infinite akhirah. Who knows when my number will be up. Hopefully, through this small effort on my part, I pray that I shall obtain ALlah swt's benevolence. Insya ALlah. AMin.

Varieties of niqab (face veil)

2009-01-29T21:17:00.000-08:00

Assalamualaikum, I want to share with you the types of niqab. I'm putting these niqabs on this blog because i want to make it easier for the sisters and brothers to find them. These niqabs are from different Islamic clothing stores and available to buy online. Click on the pictures to buy niqabs.

Tie Back Butterfly Niqab

One Piece Velcro Niqab /w Satin Headband

One Piece Tie Back Niqab /w Satin Trim

One Piece Tie Back Niqab

Two Piece Tie Back Niqab

One Piece Velcro Niqab

Half Face Niqab

Extra Long Tie Back Diamond Niqab

Niqab Three Layers

Frill edge Niqab(4 Layers)

Long Niqab (3 Layers)

Short Niqab (3 Layers)

Niqab Set with Matching Shayla

Niqab With Satin Ribbon (4 Layers)

Extra Long Throw Back Niqab(4 Layers)

2009-01-20T05:23:00.000-08:00

My Niqab Story

Al-Muhajabah

Prelude: I currently wear niqab "when I feel like it" rather than full-time. This story was written in 2002 shortly after I first started wearing niqab and focuses on my experiences getting started.

It seems fitting that I open this page with my own niqab story. I began wearing niqab on Wednesday, January 14, 2002.

When I first accepted Islam, I thought that niqab was oppressive. I accepted the need for hijab, and in fact began wearing it within a month of my reversion. But I thought that niqab was a cultural practice only, or that it was a case of men putting extra restrictions on women rather than taking the responsbility of controlling their own desires.

However, as I came to read and learn more about the rules governing Islamic dress for women, I discovered that in fact niqab was firmly established among the sahabiyat - it is part of Islam as the Prophet (sAas) brought it, not a cultural tradition. Once I saw this, it opened my mind to consider the benefits of niqab.

The more I learned about niqab, the more I saw its beauty. All the benefits that hijab brings, niqab can bring more of. Niqab is haya. Niqab is taqwa. Niqab is a way of pleasing Allah SWT and of seeking to draw near to Him, inshallah.

By the summer of 2001, I had come to decide that niqab was something that I would like to do. I was not sure that I was ready, but I purchased my first niqab and one weekend in early September, I made my first brief expedition outdoors while wearing it. I was still pretty nervous about it even after this and not sure what to do next -- then a few days later came the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

In the first days following the attacks, it took a lot of courage just for me to go out wearing hijab, although I was completely determined that I would do so. Al-hamdulillah, I never faced any worse trouble than some nasty looks and rudeness. But the thought of going out in public in niqab almost made me panic. I was filled with fears and worries. What if people thought that I was a terrorist or a criminal because I had my face covered, and tried to do something to me? I read stories about sisters elsewhere being harassed and persecuted for wearing hijab, and niqab is an even more obvious symbol of Islam than that. Would the same happen to me?

For the next four months, I continued to fret and worry over niqab. I really should have known better. I would have told any other sister in my place that it was the shaytan playing with her mind, trying to keep her away from what pleases Allah SWT. I would have given her lots of bracing advice about having courage. But somehow, when it came to myself, I couldn't seem to get past it.

I did join some online discussion clubs about niqab and began sharing experiences with niqabi sisters, and other sisters like me who were interested in niqab but had not yet started wearing it. This was really the best thing I could have done for myself. In fact, it provided the impetus that finally pushed me forward to niqab. In the course of a discussion with another sister who was skeptical about niqab, I started feeling like a hypocrite. Here I was telling her that sisters should be proud to wear niqab in the West and yet I was too scared to do it myself. What a hypocrite. What a coward. I realized I had to confront my fears once and for all. I offered salat al-istikhara and asked Allah SWT to make niqab easy if it was what He had willed for me.

Over the following week, I made several brief expeditions near to where I live while wearing niqab. This was good, but I knew it was not enough. I generally don't go out except for my needs, and to work (I have to work to support myself since Allah SWT has not yet blessed me with a husband, and my family are not Muslims.) I knew that until I wore niqab out to work, I was still not really wearing it.

During the weekend after those expeditions I began to have this very strong feeling that grew stronger as the weekend went on. It is hard to describe it, but it was a kind of urgency. I knew that I had to find the courage to wear niqab for real, or fail the test that Allah SWT had set for me. This was the answer to my istikhara.

I offered salat al-istikhara again Sunday night then Monday morning when I dressed to go out for work, on went the niqab. I was so nervous! You would not believe how scared I was inside. But I kept making du'a constantly. Ya Allah, give me strength. Ya Allah, help me.

At that time, I worked in an office with other women only and we did not have walk-ins, so there was little danger of non-mahram men coming by. I would take off my niqab there (although I did wear hijab). It was the commute by bus to and from work, an hour each way, that was the hard part, and the one I so feared. That morning, as we completed each stage of the trip, I gave thanks to Allah SWT for making it easy for me. And I kept making du'a.

By the grace of Allah SWT, I made it safely through the day and back home and did not face any trouble. When I got back inside my apartment, I almost literally dropped to my knees giving thanks to Allah SWT.

The marvelous thing is that each day since then it has become easier. It was the first day that was by far the most difficult. Once I had faced that down, then I could do the rest with confidence. The funniest thing of all is that this is almost an exact replay of what I went through when I started to wear hijab, just more so. I almost laugh now looking back at it. First the stage of fear and indecision, then determination and I do it. And then, having faced my fears, it becomes easy for me, al-hamdulillah. If I had been able to look at it from the outside I could have predicted it, and told myself what I needed to do.

Inshallah, I would like to close with some advice for sisters who may be in the same position I was, wanting to wear niqab but afraid. You really have to just do it. If you wait for a time that you are not afraid, you will still be waiting when Allah SWT takes your soul. Courage isn't being fearless. It's doing what you know is right even though you are terrified inside.

Put your trust completely in Allah SWT. Ask Him to help you and give you strength, and have faith that He will. Offer istikhara, as many times as you need to. And make du'a. Make du'a constantly if you need to. Ask Allah SWT for every moment of courage that you need, then give thanks to Him when He gives it to you. When you trust in Him, He will help you. He will give you the strength and the courage you need. When you put your faith in Him, you can do anything. Gather your courage together and JUST DO IT. I finally did, and it was worth it. I feel now like such a great burden has been lifted from me. I didn't realize how much it was weighing on me that I was letting my fears keep me from doing what I want to do to seek the love of Allah SWT. Now I feel at such peace. I offer my prayers with a light heart again. This is the feeling of freedom that comes when you submit yourself to Allah SWT. Truly, He is the most Merciful and the most Gentle to His weak and pitiful slaves.

For me, niqab was truly a jihad an-nafs. I think it was harder than just about anything I have done in a long time. But it is worth it, all praise is to Allah, it is worth it.

Ma'a salama,
The webmaster of Al-Muhajabah's Islamic Pages

P.S. When you have niqab on, nobody can see how scared you are!

Explanation of Veiling

2009-01-09T00:58:00.000-08:00

DEFINITION OF THE VEIL
--------------------
Veil is legitimately defined as the dress that covers the whole body of the woman including her head, face, hands and feet. It should be long, loose and plain not defining her shape. Veil has been prescribed for women to block the road to sin. In short, veiling is a source of covering the face, hands, feet and other parts of the body. Allah Ta’ala states, ‘And they should draw their veils over their bosoms.’ (24:31)

‘O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (except eyes to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed.’ (33:59)

The Purpose of Veiling
The purpose of veiling is to safeguard woman from the biased looks of men and provide her a pure atmosphere at home so that she can perform her household duties properly and contribute to improve the whole society as Allah states, ‘And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the former times of ignorance.’ (33:33)

History shows that the children, who were brought up by their mothers in observance of the social values and religious obligations, later became the leaders of the nation. They admitted that the credit of their booming career goes to their mothers who bestowed on them the qualities of sincerity, faithfulness, honesty, self-reliance and social service; and encouraged them to continue their education. Veiling gives an esteemed position to woman and protects her from sexual harassment by people. On the other hand, a woman, who displays her beauty and wears tight, short and transparent clothes, attracts men towards her. Consequently, they try to exploit her sexually using all possible techniques. Sometimes, woman also becomes weak and surrenders herself to the lust of men. Veiling provides security to woman and promotes a pure atmosphere in the society. But those who consider themselves as modern people, consider it a disgrace and construe it as shackles for the woman. In comparison to the right and wrong, this world and the hereafter, paradise and hell, the observance of veiling is much smaller than that.

The rationale of veiling
Woman is Allah’s beautiful creation. On one hand, she satisfies man’s sexual desires and on the other hand, she plays a significant role in the growth of the human generations. No doubt, woman has a great attraction for a man. Due to this attraction, it is feared he will indulge in sins. Therefore, Allah has forbidden man strictly from fornication and adultery. He has also forbidden woman from exhibiting her charm. Regarding make-up and perfume, it is permissible for woman to wear them in front of her husband and closely related members of the family as Allah states, ‘They will not reveal their adornment except to their husband or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women.’ (24:31)

The conditions of Veiling
For proper veiling, it is not enough to wear a scarf, face veil, headcover or an outer garment. There are certain conditions to be met. They are as follows:

1. The outer garment should be long, loose and opaque.

2. It should hide the entire body of the woman starting from her head, hair, face, hands and bosom down to the toe of her feet.

3. Her anklets and bracelets should not tinkle to allure men towards her.

4. It must be plain and close in texture not to draw attention to the woman. Also, it should not be decorated with ostentatious colours and designs.

5. It must not be transparent that reveals the woman’s shape or her inner clothes.

6. It should not be designed to resemble the clothing of the disbelieving women.

7. It should not be similar to men’s outfits in colours or design as the prophet [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] is reported as having said, ‘Allah condemns those men who behave or act in a womanlike manner, and those women who behave or act in manlike manner.’

8. It should not be perfumed at all as it is not permissible for the Muslim woman to wear perfume while leaving home for an outing. Rasulullah [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] has said, ‘Every eye is adulterous and when a woman perfumes herself and passes by a company (of men), she is such and such (meaning adulterous.’ (al-Tirmidhi)

The first verse regarding veil was revealed in al-Madina when Umar ibn al-Khattaab admonished the prophet’s wife, Sawdah bint Zam’ah, while going outside without a veil. Allah Ta’ala states, ‘O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (except eyes to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed.’ (33:59)

Generally, the veiling covers the whole body including head, face, hair, bosom, hands and feet. But in the absence of men it is permissible for woman to uncover her face as narrated by Aaisha [Radhiallaahu anha], ‘Some riders passed by us while we were with Allah’s Messenger [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] in the state of ritual consecration. When they came face to face, one of us let down her cloak (veil) from her head on her face and when they preceded us, we uncovered it.’ (Abu Dawud)

The Advantages of Veiling
The veiling system contains a number of advantages particularly in a society where the rape, sexual molestation and disrespect of woman are very common. Some of them are listed below:

1. Veiling is a protection for Muslim woman against the behaviour of the wicked;

2. It is an identify of the Muslim that distinguishes her;

3. It gives her an honoured position in the society;

4. It acts as a barrier between men and women to keep them away from sins;

5. It is a means for observing chastity of woman;

6. It awakens the fear of Allah in the heart of man and woman and saves them from falling in the abyss of evil;

7. It teaches man to respect the veiled woman, provide her protection from the curious persons and ensure the uplift of the high morals and social values in the society.

The Disadvantages of Unveiling
Due to mixing up with the non-Muslims, particularly, in the countries where the Muslims are in minority, the practice of unveiling has become a regular feature. But it is very harmful for the Muslim society. Unveiling has a number of disadvantages. Out of them, some are as follows:

1. It is a violation of the Qur’aan and Hadith;

2. It shows woman’s weakness in belief;

3. It is a cause of temptation for men and women;

4. It strips off her modesty that is an integral part of Faith as the Prophet [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] said, ‘Modesty is part of Faith.’ (al-Bukhari)

5. It subjects her to sexual harassment;

6. It hurts her dignity and feelings and it stains her chastity;

7. It prompts woman to take part in commercial advertisements and films as a showpiece and a source of enjoyment for the viewers.

Recommendations
Here are some recommendations that must be adhered to by a veiled woman when going out. They are as follows:

Veiling is the tradition of Muslim women. Since its prescription, the prophet’s wives, daughters and other believing Muslim women have strictly observed it. Today also, the Muslim ladies must keep it up. The veiled woman must understand the rationale of veiling and fulfil its requirements.

She must avoid wearing perfume and showing her finery in any way.

She must not be encouraging while dealing with men at the time of need.

She must be harsh in voice and avoid speaking softly, because it can be misconstrued as an invitation to strangers.

She must not stamp her feet letting her anklets tinkle or any other action that calls attention towards herself.

She must be careful and reserved in her motions and even in looks while walking outside.

The women who display their beauty are often subjected to sexual exploitation by immoral people.

It is a fact that the life of the world is nothing but superficiality while the actual life is the life if the Hereafter where everyone will be rewarded for their deeds. The righteous will enjoy Allah’s pleasure. All blessings will be at their disposal. While the sinners and transgressors will be doomed to punishment that cannot be imagined. The evidence from the Qur’aan and Hadith confirm that Allah’s punishment will be severe.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon them to be chaste and veiling is a must for woman. However, she can uncover her face in the presence of the people who are closely related to her. She can freely move in front of the men in her common dress that has prescribed in the pleasure and comfort of her home.

It is the face from which the brands of beauty gush forth, passions are stirred up and the lusts are excited. The woman is bound to veil her hair, face, bosom, palms and feet according to the teachings of Islam.

As a matter of fact, the charm of woman is incorporated in her personality and dress. So, Allah has ordered woman to draw cloaks and hide her beauty from the strangers and distant relatives.

'Islamic Dress Code for Women' Abdul-Rahman Abdullah Manderola

source : www.askimam.org

Hadeeth about women uncovering their faces

2009-01-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

Question

How sound is that hadeeth in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is reported to have said, “When a woman reaches the ages of adolescence, nothing should be seen of her except her face and hands”? How should the Muslim woman dress, based on this? What if extreme hijab will cause problems for a woman in the society in which she lives?.

Answer

Praise be to Allaah.

The hadeeth mentioned in the question was narrated by Abu Dawood (4104) from al-Waleed from Sa’eed ibn Basheer from Qataadah from Khaalid ibn Durayk from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), that Asma’ bint Abi Bakr entered upon the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) wearing a thin dress. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) turned away from her and said, “O Asma’, when a woman reaches the age of puberty, nothing should be seen of her except this and this” – and he pointed to his face and hands.

Abu Dawood said: This is mursal; Khaalid ibn Durayk did not meet ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her).

This hadeeth is da’eef (weak) and is not fit to be used as evidence. The reasons why it is da’eef are as follows:

1 – Its isnaad is interrupted, as was stated by Imam Abu Dawood (may Allaah have mercy on him) when he said, “This is mursal; Khaalid ibn Durayk did not meet ‘Aa’ishah.”

2 – Its isnaad includes Sa’eed ibn Basheer al-Azdi (or it was said al-Basri) Abu ‘Abd al-Rahmaan. Some scholars of hadeeth regarded him as thiqah (trustworthy), but Ahmad, Ibn Ma’een, Ibn al-Madeeni, al-Nasaa’i, al-Haakim and Abu Dawood regarded him as da’eef. (weak).

Muhammad ibn ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Numayr said of him: His hadeeth is to be rejected and he does not amount to anything, and he is not strong in hadeeth. He narrated munkar reports from Qataadah.

Ibn Hibbaan said of him: He has a bad memory and makes grievous mistakes.

Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar said of him: (he is) da’eef.

3 – Its isnaad includes Qataadah who is mudallis (i.e., gives false impressions concerning the narration of the hadeeth) and did not clearly state that he heard the hadeeth from another. It also includes al-Waleed ibn Muslim of whom al-Haafiz said: (he is) trustworthy but he was also mudallis and did not clearly state that he heard the hadeeth from another.

These are the faults in the hadeeth because of which the hadeeth was judged to be da’eef (weak). See Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, Majallat al-Buhooth, 21/68.

Even if we assume that the hadeeth is saheeh or is strengthened by corroborating reports, the scholars have also noted that this incident occurred before hijab was enjoined. Ibn Qudaamah said: “With regard to the hadeeth of Asma’, it is to be understood as having occurred before the verse of hijab was revealed.”

Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “Even if we assume it is saheeh, it is to be interpreted as referring to the time before hijab was revealed.” See ‘Awdat al-Hijaab, 3/336.

If we study the text of the hadeeth , we will find that it is extremely unlikely, because Asma’ (may Allaah be pleased with her) was very pious and modest, so she would not have worn these thin clothes and appeared in them in front of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

The correct view on this matter is that it is obligatory for women to cover their entire bodies in front of non-mahram men. See question no. 21134.

If hijab is going to lead to problems for a woman in the society in which she lives, then she must be patient and seek reward for the problems she encounters for the sake of adhering to her religion and obeying her Lord. We have a good example in our righteous forebears, may Allaah be pleased with them, because they were persecuted severely for the sake of Allaah, but that did not turn them away from their religion, rather the persecution and torment only increased their adherence to their religion. Perhaps the days we are living through are the days of patience of which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us when he said: “There will come a time of patience when the one who adheres steadfastly to his religion will be like one who holds a burning coal.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2260; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 957.

Al-Qaari said: The apparent meaning of this hadeeth is that just as it is impossible to hold on to a burning coal except with intense patience and great difficulty, at that time no one will be able to adhere to his religion and the light of faith except with great patience.

From Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi.

Al-Mannaawi said in Fayd al-Qadeer:

The one who is patient in adhering to the rulings of the Qur’aan and Sunnah is likened, in the difficulties that he encounters from the followers of innovation and misguidance, to one who takes hold of fire; it may be even more difficult than that. This is one of the miracles of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): he spoke of the unseen and it came to pass.

We ask Allaah to make us steadfast in adhering to His religion until we meet Him.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

source : http://islamqa.com/en/cat/56

Why I Shed Bikini For Niqab ?

2008-12-27T21:38:00.000-08:00

By Sara Bokker (a former actress/model/fitness instructor and activist)

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

Years went by, only to realize that my scale of self-fulfillment and happiness slid down the more I progressed in my “feminine appeal.” I was a slave to fashion. I was a hostage to my looks.

As the gap continued to progressively widen between my self-fulfillment and lifestyle, I sought refuge in escapes from alcohol and parties to meditation, activism, and alternative religions, only to have the little gap widen to what seemed like a valley. I eventually realized it all was merely a pain killer rather than an effective remedy.

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

As a feminist libertarian, and an activist who was pursuing a better world for all, my path crossed with that of another activist who was already at the lead of indiscriminately furthering causes of reform and justice for all.I joined in the ongoing campaigns of my new mentor which included, at the time, election reform and civil rights, among others.Now my new activism was fundamentally different.Instead of “selectively” advocating justice only to some, I learned that ideals such as justice, freedom, and respect are meant to be and are essentially universal, and that own good and common good are not in conflict.For the first time, I knew what “all people are created equal” really means.But most importantly, I learned that it only takes faith to see the world as one and to see the unity in creation.

One day I came across a book that is negatively stereotyped in the West--The Holy Qur’an.I was first attracted by the style and approach of the Qur’an, and then intrigued by its outlook on existence, life, creation, and the relationship between Creator and creation.I found the Qur’an to be a very insightful address to heart and soul without the need for an interpreter or pastor.

Eventually I hit a moment of truth: my new-found self-fulfilling activism was nothing more than merely embracing a faith called Islam where I could live in peace as a “functional” Muslim.

I bought a beautiful long gown and head cover resembling the Muslim woman’s dress code and I walked down the same streets and neighborhoods where only days earlier I had walked in my shorts, bikini, or “elegant” western business attire. Although the people, the faces, and the shops were all the same, one thing was remarkably distinct--I was not--nor was the peace at being a woman I experienced for the very first time.I felt as if the chains had been broken and I was finally free.I was delighted with the new looks of wonder on people’s faces in place of the looks of a hunter watching his prey I had once sought.Suddenly a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.I no longer spent all my time consumed with shopping, makeup, getting my hair done, and working out. Finally, I was free.

Of all places, I found my Islam at the heart of what some call “the most scandalous place on earth,” which makes it all the more dear and special.

While content with Hijab I became curious about Niqab, seeing an increasing number of Muslim women in it. I asked my Muslim husband, whom I married after I reverted to Islam, whether I should wear Niqab or just settle for the Hijab I was already wearing.My husband simply advised me that he believes Hijab is mandatory in Islam while Niqab is not.At the time, my Hijab consisted of head scarf that covered all my hair except for my face, and a loose long black gown called “Abaya” that covered all my body from neck to toe.

A year-and-a-half passed, and I told my husband I wanted to wear Niqab.My reason, this time, was that I felt it would be more pleasing to Allah, the Creator, increasing my feeling of peace at being more modest.He supported my decision and took me to buy an “Isdaal,” a loose black gown that covers from head to toe, and Niqab, which covers all my head and face except for my eyes.

Soon enough, news started breaking about politicians, Vatican clergymen, libertarians, and so-called human rights and freedom activists condemning Hijab at times, and Niqab at others as being oppressive to women, an obstacle to social integration, and more recently, as an Egyptian official called it--“a sign of backwardness.”

I find it to be a blatant hypocrisy when Western governments and so-called human rights groups rush to defend woman’s rights when some governments impose a certain dress code on women, yet such “freedom fighters” look the other way when women are being deprived of their rights, work, and education just because they choose to exercise their right to wear Niqab or Hijab.Today, women in Hijab or Niqab are being increasingly barred from work and education not only under totalitarian regimes such as in Tunisia,Morocco, and Egypt, but also in Western democracies such as France, Holland, and Britain.

Today I am still a feminist,but a Muslim feminist,who calls on Muslim women to assume their responsibilities in providing all the support they can for their husbands to be good Muslims. To raise their children as upright Muslims so they may be beacons of light for all humanity once again. To enjoin good--any good--and to forbid evil--any evil.To speak righteousness and to speak up against all ills.To fight for our right to wear Niqab or Hijab and to please our Creator whichever way we chose.But just as importantly to carry our experience with Niqab or Hijab to fellow women who may never have had the chance to understand what wearing Niqab or Hijab means to us and why do we, so dearly, embrace it.

Most of the women I know wearing Niqab are Western reverts,some of whom are not even married. Others wear Niqab without full support of either family or surroundings. What we all have in common is that it is the personal choice of each and every one of us, which none of us is willing to surrender.

Willingly or unwillingly, women are bombarded with styles of “dressing-in-little-to-nothing” virtually in every means of communication everywhere in the world.As an ex non-Muslim, I insist on women’s right to equally know about Hijab, its virtues, and the peace and happiness it brings to a woman’s life as it did to mine.Yesterday, the bikini was the symbol of my liberty, when in actuality it only liberated me from my spirituality and true value as a respectable human being.

I couldn’t be happier to shed my bikini in SouthBeach and the “glamorous” Western lifestyle to live in peace with my Creator and enjoy living among fellow humans as a worthy person.It is why I choose to wear Niqab, and why I will die defending my inalienable right to wear it.

Today, Niqab is the new symbol of woman’s liberation to find who she is, what her purpose is, and the type of relation she chooses to have with her Creator.

To women who surrender to the ugly stereotype against the Islamic modesty of Hijab, I say:You don’t know what you are missing.

To you, the ill-fated corrupting conquerors of civilization, so-called crusaders, I say: BRING IT ON.

Sara Bokker is a former actress/model/fitness instructor and activist. Currently, Sara is Director of Communications at "The March For Justice," a co-founder of "The Global Sisters Network," and producer of the infamous "Shock & Awe Gallery

Opinions of four madzhab regarding niqab

2008-12-15T00:43:00.000-08:00

Imam Abu-Hanifa (Rahmatullah alaih)- the face and palms is excluded from hijaab but the condition is there should be no fear of fitna. The Hanafi Jurists have said due to the immorality of times and weakness of resistance, it is compulsory for a female to cover her face which is the

focus of her beauty.

Imam Shaf’ie, Imam Malik and Imam Ahmed (Rahmatullah alaih) –It is not permissible for a lady to expose her face and palms whether there is danger of fitna or not.

Veil is legitimately defined as the dress that covers the whole body of the woman including her head, face, hands and feet. It should be long, loose and plain not defining her shape. Veil has been prescribed for women to block the road to sin. In short, veiling is a source of covering the face, hands, feet and other parts of the body. Allah Ta’ala states, ‘And they should draw their veils over their bosoms.’ (24:31)

‘O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (except eyes to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed.’ (33:59)

The Purpose of Veiling

The purpose of veiling is to safeguard woman from the biased looks of men and provide her a pure atmosphere at home so that she can perform her household duties properly and contribute to improve the whole society as Allah states, ‘And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the former times of ignorance.’ (33:33)

History shows that the children, who were brought up by their mothers in observance of the social values and religious obligations, later became the leaders of the nation. They admitted that the credit of their booming career goes to their mothers who bestowed on them the qualities of sincerity, faithfulness, honesty, self-reliance and social service; and encouraged them to continue their education. Veiling gives an esteemed position to woman and protects her from sexual harassment by people. On the other hand, a woman, who displays her beauty and wears tight, short and transparent clothes, attracts men towards her. Consequently, they try to exploit her sexually using all possible techniques. Sometimes, woman also becomes weak and surrenders herself to the lust of men. Veiling provides security to woman and promotes a pure atmosphere in the society. But those who consider themselves as modern people consider it a disgrace and construe it as shackles for the woman. In comparison to the right and wrong, this world and the hereafter, paradise and hell, the observance of veiling is much smaller than that.

The rationale of veiling

Woman is Allah’s beautiful creation. On one hand, she satisfies man’s sexual desires and on the other hand, she plays a significant role in the growth of the human generations. No doubt, woman has a great attraction for a man. Due to this attraction, it is feared he will indulge in sins. Therefore, Allah has forbidden man strictly from fornication and adultery. He has also forbidden woman from exhibiting her charm. Regarding make-up and perfume, it is permissible for woman to wear them in front of her husband and closely related members of the family as Allah states, ‘They will not reveal their adornment except to their husband or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women.’ (24:31)

The first verse regarding veil was revealed in al-Madina when Umar ibn al-Khattaab admonished the prophet’s wife, Sawdah bint Zam’ah, while going outside without a veil. Allah Ta’ala states, ‘O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (except eyes to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed.’ (33:59)

Generally, the veiling covers the whole body including head, face, hair, bosom, hands and feet. But in the absence of men it is permissible for woman to uncover her face as narrated by Aaisha [Radhiallaahu anha], ‘Some riders passed by us while we were with Allah’s Messenger [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] in the state of ritual consecration. When they came face to face, one of us let down her cloak (veil) from her head on her face and when they preceded us, we uncovered it.’ (Abu Dawud)

The Advantages of Veiling

The veiling system contains a number of advantages particularly in a society where the rape, sexual molestation and disrespect of woman are very common. Some of them are listed below:

1. Veiling is a protection for Muslim woman against the behaviour of the wicked;

2. It is an identify of the Muslim that distinguishes her;

3. It gives her an honoured position in the society;

4. It acts as a barrier between men and women to keep them away from sins;

5. It is a means for observing chastity of woman;

6. It awakens the fear of Allah in the heart of man and woman and saves them from falling in the abyss of evil;

7. It teaches man to respect the veiled woman, provide her protection from the curious persons and ensure the uplift of the high morals and social values in the society.

The Disadvantages of Unveiling

Due to mixing up with the non-Muslims, particularly, in the countries where the Muslims are in minority, the practice of unveiling has become a regular feature. But it is very harmful for the Muslim society. Unveiling has a number of disadvantages. Out of them, some are as follows:

1. It is a violation of the Qur’aan and Hadith;

2. It shows woman’s weakness in belief;

3. It is a cause of temptation for men and women;

4. It strips off her modesty that is an integral part of Faith as the Prophet [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] said, ‘Modesty is part of Faith.’ (al-Bukhari)

5. It subjects her to sexual harassment;

6. It hurts her dignity and feelings and it stains her chastity;

7. It prompts woman to take part in commercial advertisements and films as a showpiece and a source of enjoyment for the viewers.

Recommendations

Here are some recommendations that must be adhered to by a veiled woman when going out. They are as follows:

Veiling is the tradition of Muslim women. Since its prescription, the prophet’s wives, daughters and other believing Muslim women have strictly observed it. Today also, the Muslim ladies must keep it up. The veiled woman must understand the rationale of veiling and fulfill its requirements.

She must avoid wearing perfume and showing her finery in any way.

She must not be encouraging while dealing with men at the time of need.

She must be harsh in voice and avoid speaking softly, because it can be misconstrued as an invitation to strangers.

She must not stamp her feet letting her anklets tinkle or any other action that calls attention towards her.

She must be careful and reserved in her motions and even in looks while walking outside.

The women who display their beauty are often subjected to sexual exploitation by immoral people.

It is a fact that the life of the world is nothing but superficiality while the actual life is the life if the Hereafter where everyone will be rewarded for their deeds. The righteous will enjoy Allah’s pleasure. All blessings will be at their disposal. While the sinners and transgressors will be doomed to punishment that cannot be imagined. The evidence from the Qur’aan and Hadith confirm that Allah’s punishment will be severe.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon them to be chaste and veiling is a must for woman. However, she can uncover her face in the presence of the people who are closely related to her. She can freely move in front of the men in her common dress that has prescribed in the pleasure and comfort of her home.

It is the face from which the brands of beauty gush forth, passions are stirred up and the lusts are excited. The woman is bound to veil her hair, face, bosom, palms and feet according to the teachings of Islam.

As a matter of fact, the charm of woman is incorporated in her personality and dress. So, Allah has ordered woman to draw cloaks and hide her beauty from the strangers and distant relatives.

References: ma’ariful-Quran, vol. 7, pgs. 217-219., Fathul-Bari, vol. 10. pg. 677 Hadith # 4795, Umdatul-Qari. Vol. 19, Fataawa Rahimiya, vol.4 pg. 94-106

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

http://askimam.org/fatwa/fatwa.php?askid=0fa3005a27b626c083c2467d3ef35484

Detailed discussion on whether Niqab is fard and the Importance of Niqab.

2008-12-10T23:20:00.000-08:00

All praise is to Allah, we praise Him, seek His aid, and ask His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evils of ourselves, and from the bad consequences of our deeds. Whoever Allah guides there is none who can lead him (or her) astray, and whoever Allah leads astray there is none who can guide him (or her).

I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah alone without any partners (i.e. sons, daughters, wives, etc), and I testify that Muhammad ibn Abdullah (peace be upon him) [the direct descendant of Ibraheem (AS) through his son Isma'eel (AS)] is His last Prophet and Messenger. As for what follows:

A number of Niqabi sisters, especially those who have converted to Islam, have had other Muslims harrassing them for wearing Niqab. For those who have converted to Islam, the problems come from a wide range of people, husbands, father in laws, sister in laws, other Muslims some who are not practicing Islam and some times from those who appear to be practicing parts of Islam but not up to the mark. It appears most of the problems that Niqabi sisters face is from Muslims born into Muslim families. Although on rare occasions some non-Niqabi convert sisters too have harassed sisters wearing Niqabi .

Let is look at first of all the Issue of Niqab in brief. Niqab is covering the face. Righteous Islamic scholars have talked about the issue of Niqab in detail. Some of them believe Niqab is fard ( compulsary) and others believe it is not fard but it is a highly recommended Sunnah.

For instance Shaikh 'Abdul-'Azeez 'Abdullah bin Baaz and Shaikh Muhammad ibn Saalih Al-'Uthaimeen said that the Niqaab is indeed wajib (compulsory upon the believing women and their argument is strong and convincing, Others such as the Muhaddith of our time Shaikh Muhammad Naasiru-Deen Al-Albaanee said that the Niqaab is not wajib (compulsory) but rather Mustahab (highly recommended) and this argument is also strong and convincing.

Thus both sides believe that it is highly recommended for Muslim women to wear Niqab and the sisters should wear it. The dispute between the scholars is weather a sister sins if she does not wear Niqab. Even those who believe that Niqab is not Fard say that when the Muslimah is very close to the men. She MUST cover her face. Or if she knows that such men will look at her with desire or a wrong way then she MUST also cover her face.

Many of the great Ulema of the past have also said that Niqab is fard (compulsory). Therefore the safe option to take is to wear the Niqab.

For if you wear it and it was not fard (compulsory). Then you will InshaAllah at least get the reward for practicing something that the Prophet peace be upon him approved of and his wives and the sahabiyat did. And they are the roles models for the women of this Ummah with regards to how a women should dress and behave. So you do not loose out at all if you wear the Niqab.

Niqaab is indeed a practice of the Sahabiyaat and the mothers of the believers

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said:

The truth of the matter is that Allaah has made two types of adornment: visible and invisible. It is permissible for a woman to show her visible, outward adornment to people other than her husband and mahrams. Before the verse of hijab was revealed the women used to go out without a jilbaab and the men could see their faces and hands. When it was permissible for a woman to show her face and hands, it was permissible to look at them because it was permissible for a woman to show them. Then when Allaah revealed the verse of hijab and said (interpretation of the meaning):

"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful"

[al-Ahzaab 33:59]

Then the women began to observe hijab in front of men.

It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “May Allaah have mercy on the women of the Muhaajireen. When Allaah revealed the words (interpretation of the meaning)

‘"and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)"

[al-Noor 24:31], they tore their aprons and covered their faces with them.”

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4480)

The Mufassireen, such as Al-Qurtubi, site in their Tafseer of the Ayah on Jilbaab (Al-Ahzab 33:59) that the Jilbaab is: "a cloth which covers the entire body... Ibnn 'Abbaas and 'Ubaidah As-Salmaani said that it is to be fully wrapped around the women's body, so that nothing appears but one eye with which she can see." [Tafseer Al-Qurtubi].

However, aside from this Tafseer, we do in fact have an authentic Hadeeth mentioning Niqaab.

The Prophet (peace be upon him ) commanded: "A woman (pilgrim) does not cover her face with a Niqaab (i.e. does not tie or affix) nor should she wear gloves." [Al-Bukharee; Muslim; Saheeh Abi Dawood #1600; authenticated by Al-Albaanee].

Thus, from this authentic Hadeeth, we can clearly see that the Sahabiyaat (RA) were accustomed to covering their faces with Niqaab otherwise, there would not have been any need for the Prophet (peace be upon him) to specifically forbid it during the state of Ihram. Likewise, during Ihram, men are forbidden to cover their heads which shows that outside of being in the state of Ihram they were accustomed to covering their heads, and Allah knows best.

It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: “The riders used to pass by us when we were with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in ihraam. When they came near, each of us would lower her jilbaab from her head over her face, and when they passed by we would uncover (our faces).”

Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1833; Ahmad, 24067

Shaykh al-Albaani said in Jilbaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah (107): its isnaad is hasan because of the existence of corroborating reports.

This hadith indicates that a Muslimah does not wear a fixed Niqab when in ihram but when men come near she can cover the face by lowering the jilbaab from her head over her face and uncover the face when the men pass by during Ihram.

Abu Dawood (1783) narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘When any one of you wants to propose marriage to a woman, if he can look at that which will motivate him to go ahead and marry her, then let him do so.’ I proposed marriage to a girl and I used to hide myself until I saw that which motivated me to go ahead and marry her, then I married her.” Classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, no. 1832. In the report narrated by Ibn Maajah it says that he hid in her garden to see her.

This hadeeth indicates that the women of the Sahabah used to cover their faces, because if it had been the custom for women to uncover their faces, there would have been no need to hide, because he would have been able to see her in any place if she had been uncovering her face.

It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah… that Safwaan ibn al-Mu’attal al-Sulami al-Dhakwaani was lagging behind the army. He came to where I had stopped and saw the black shape of a person sleeping. He recognized me when he saw me, because he had seen me before hijaab was enjoined. I woke up when I heard him saying ‘Inna Lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon (verily to Allaah we belong and unto Him is our return),’ when he saw me, and I covered my face with my jilbaab.”

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3910; Muslim, 2770)

Look at how our mother Aa’ishah , who is regarded as one of the best scholars of all time, understood the commandment of hijab. She speaks of Safwaan ibn al-Mu’attal al-Sulami al-Dhakwaani recognising her because he had seen her face before the commandment of hijab and further again she covered her face. This thus shows the importance of covering the face.

My dear brothers and sisters. The issue of both men and women covering their aura is not a light issue. It has always been the goal of shaytan (satan) to cause mankind to become naked and his shame be exposed from the time of the first human being, Adam,the father of the whole of humanity,.

Allah promised our father Adam (father of all humans), that in Jannah (heaven) he would never be naked and he will never go hungry. Allah honoured Adam and the whole of mankind by creating for us clothing. Such an honour was not bestowed upon the animals, satan and the jinns. They do not have cloth.

The Story of satans enmity towards Adam and whole of Humanity is repeated in almost every juz of the Quran. Every Muslim should know this story and understand its implications.
When Allaah had completed the creation of Adam, He commanded the angels to prostrate to him, so they prostrated, except for Iblees, who was present but he refused and was too arrogant to prostrate to Adam:

"(Remember) when your Lord said to the angels: ‘Truly, I am going to create man from clay.
So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him.’
So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them,
Except Iblees (Satan), he was proud and was one of the disbelievers"
[Saad 38:71-74 interpretation of the meaning]

Then Allaah told the angels that He was going to place Adam on earth and make generations after generations of his offspring, as He said (interpretation of the meaning):

“And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: ‘Verily, I am going to place (mankind) generations after generations on earth’”
[al-Baqarah 2:30]

When Iblees refused to prostrate to Adam, Allaah expelled him and cursed him:

“(Allaah) said: ‘Then get out from here; for verily, you are outcast.
And verily, My Curse is on you till the Day of Recompense’”
[Saad 38:77-78 – interpretation of the meaning]

When Iblees knew of his fate, he asked Allaah to give him respite until the Day of Resurrection:

“[Iblees (Satan)] said: ‘My Lord! Give me then respite till the Day the (dead) are resurrected.’
(Allaah) said: ‘Verily, you are of those allowed respite
Till the Day of the time appointed’”
Saad 38:79-81 – interpretation of the meaning]

When Allaah granted him that, he declared war on Adam and his descendents, made disobedience attractive to them and tempted them to commit immoral actions:

“[Iblees (Satan)] said: ‘By Your Might, then I will surely, mislead them all,
Except Your chosen slaves amongst them (i.e. faithful, obedient, true believers of Islamic Monotheism).’”
[Saad 38:82-83 – interpretation of the meaning]

Shaytaan started his war with mankind by trying to pretend he was a well wisher of Adam and Hawa (eve)

Allaah caused Adam and his wife to dwell in Paradise and as a test for them, Allah commanded them to eat of the fruits of Paradise but He forbade them to eat from one tree:

“And We said: ‘O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight, of things therein as wherever you will, but come not near this tree or you both will be of the Zaalimoon (wrong-doers)’”
[al-Baqarah 2:35 – interpretation of the meaning]

Allaah warned Adam and his wife against the Shaytaan, as He said (interpretation of the meaning):

“O Adam! Verily, this is an enemy to you and to your wife. So let him not get you both out of Paradise, so that you will be distressed”
[Ta-Ha 20:117]

Then Shaitân (Satan) whispered suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their private parts (before); he said: "Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or become of the immortals." ).(Quran 7:20)

. And he [Shaitân (Satan)] swore by Allâh to them both (saying):

"Verily, I am one of the sincere well wishers for you both." ).(Quran 7:21)

So he misled them with deception. Then when they tasted of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they began to stick together the leaves of Paradise over themselves (in order to cover their shame). And their Lord called out to them (saying):

"Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily, Shaitân (Satan) is an open enemy unto you?" ) (Quran 7:22)

Thus for their disobedience to Allah. The honour of being clothed was immediately taken away. This is what satan wanted all along. He was jealous of the great honour that Allah had given to Adam and Hawa. And he wanted to mislead them and have them stripped of the honour they had been given.

We can see how mankind as a whole is deceived by satan into disobeying Allah. Which leads to mankind loosing their sense of honour and causing their Aura to be naked,

Satan tricks men and women to uncover what Allah has told them is shameful to uncover amongst certain people,
Satan tricked Adam and Eve by falsely promising them promising them that if they ate form the tree they will become angels and become immortals and it would not be a sin to eat form that fruit.

Thus this battle of the hijab is not a new battle. It started in heaven and will continue till the last day. One of the ultimate goal of shaytan is for you to expose what you are not allowed to expose. In the history of humanity, shaytan tried to get men and women to uncover the parts that Allah ordered them to cover.

"O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc.) and as an adornment, and the raiment of righteousness, that is better. Such are among the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, that they may remember (i.e. leave falsehood and follow truth )."(Quran 7:26)

"O Children of Adam! Let not Shaitân (Satan) deceive you, as he got your parents [Adam and Hawwa (Eve)] out of Paradise, stripping them of their raiment’s, to show them their private parts. Verily, he and Qabîluhu (his soldiers from the jinns or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them. Verily, We made the Shayâtin (devils) Auliyâ' (protectors and helpers) for those who believe not. )".(Quran 7:27)

Through history shaytan has deceived people. The first fitna for the children of Israel was through the women. When shaytan persuaded women to go outside their homes without covering the way Allah had commanded them to cover.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) warned against: “Beware of women, for the first fitnah among the Children of Israel was because of women.” Narrated by Muslim (2742).
And he said: “I have not left behind me any fitnah more harmful to men than women.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5096)and Muslim (2742)

.

Narrated AbuSa'id al-Khudri:

Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) said: There was a woman from Banu Isra'il who was short-statured and she walked in the company of two tall women, with wooden sandals in her feet and a ring of gold made of plates with musk filled in them and then looked up, and musk is the best of scents; then she walked between two women and they (the people) did not recognize her, and she made a gesture with her hand like this, and Shu'bah shook his hand in order to give an indication how she shook her hand.
Muslim 20: Book Number: 26, Hadith Number: 5598

Thus shaytan persuaded this women to go out in a way that would attract men. High heels today are very common. We can how they make a women move her body more seductively and her legs to apear more slender and seductive. Women wearing perume is also common place and we know how how it makes a man want to get close to her, smell her body and then to taste her flesh.

We should realise that fashion was not first invented in Paris but rather this sort of fashion was invented in the shaytans factory To strip humans from the honour that Allah has bestowed upon them. Shaytan want humans to dwell in hellfire with him. Shaytan knows he will go to hell for his arrogance and he wants to take as many humans with him as possible because he blames humans for his own destruction.

After the Jews it was the Christians who were tricked by shaytan. The hijab became exclusive for certain people. The nuns. Then it went shorter and shorter. Sometimes from the top and sometimes from the bottom. And you can see some of the nuns now they show their neck and parts of their legs.

Today shaytan tricks the some Muslims by making similar promises to the Muslim women and the their families as he made to Adam and Hawa. He promises Muslim women that they will get nice husbands if they remove the Niqab. Then shaytan promises the Muslims that the Kuffar will be happy with us, stop attacking us, we will not look extremists to the kuffar and they will flock to Islam if our women folk remove their Niqab and Hijab.

But those who do not fall for the tricks of shaytan will say disobeying Allah cannot give us good. It will result in destruction and loss of honour.. We will be stripped of our dignity. Just like our parrents Adam and Hawa forgot and disobeyed Allah. They listened to the whisperings of shaytan and their shame was exposed and they were expelled from paradise.

A Muslimah should ask Allah for a good husband not have shaytan helping her. Shaytan only wishes harm for you.

We call people to Islam in the hope to further the deen of Islam and gain the pleasure of Allah. Allah and His messenger have shown us how to do dawah. How can some one call to a religion and at the same time imply that their suggestions, which may be inspired by shaytan ,are better than those of the Allah and His Prophet peace be upon him?

Allah says:

"By Allâh, We indeed sent (Messengers) to the nations before you (O Muhammad ), but Shaitân (Satan) made their deeds fair-seeming to them. So he (Satan) is their Wali (helper) today (i.e. in this world), and theirs will be a painful torment. 16:63.

We are told that we will follow the Jews and Christians in every way. So much so that if a Jew or Christians was to have sex with his own mother some one among the Muslims will copy his way.

It was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” Narrated by Imam Ahmad and Abu Dawood. In Saheeh Muslim (2077) it is narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw him wearing two garments dyed with safflower, and he said, “These are from the clothing of the kuffaar " do not wear them

As mentioned earlier the Jewish women went lead astray a particular way and Christian women went also astray a particular way. In every rakah of every Salah we ask Allah to make us not be like the Jews and Christians. Unfortunately some Muslim men and women have become like them. As mentioned earlier the Christians were tricked by shaytan into thinking the hijab is just for a certain pious elite amongst them called the Nuns. Who dedicated themselves to the Church etc.

Some Niqabi sisters have said that their husbands and other sisters say that Niqab is just for the wives of the Prophet peace be upon him. Some Munafics (hypocrites pretending to be Muslim) have gone so far as to say that the whole Muslim dress code is just for the Wives of the Prophet peace be upon him. And they try to fool us by using quoting some verses and not quoting all the verses to do with the issue of women’s dress code.

For instance the quote the following two verses

Allah says:

"O you who believe! Enter not the Prophet's houses, except when leave is given to you for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation. But when you are invited, enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse, without sitting for a talk. Verily, such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet, and he is shy of (asking) you (to go), but Allâh is not shy of (telling you) the truth. And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. And it is not (right) for you that you should annoy Allâh's Messenger, nor that you should ever marry his wives after him (his death). Verily! With Allâh that shall be an enormity” (Quran 33:53)

And in another verse Allah says:

“It is no sin on them (the Prophet's wives, if they appear unveiled) before their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their brother's sons, or the sons of their sisters, or their own (believing) women, or their (female) slaves, and keep your duty to Allâh. Verily, Allâh is Ever All Witness over everything.” (Quran 33:55)

Obviously two verses talk only about the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) wives. Some very stupid people use these verses in a poor attempt to get sisters away form Niqab. In fact in the 1990’s such people tried to use these verses to get Muslim women to falsely believe that even covering the hair was not compulsory for the ordinary Muslim women. Some enemies of Islam are still doing this in the hope that the Muslim women who are ignorant of their religion will believe them and stop covering.

The reason why the cannot use these verses to falsely suggest that hijab or Niqab is just for the Prophet's wives is that, only 4 verses latter in the same surah Allah say:

"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e.screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allâh is Ever Of Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran 33:53)

This verse clearly shows that the hijab is for all Muslim women. Since this verse is so close to the other two verses, anyone says Hijab is just compulsory for the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and claims to be a Muslim and is a speaker or a writer or runs an Dawah organisation (man or women) must be one of the two. Either he is a Munafic (worst form of a non-Muslim as he/she is a hypocrite pretending to be Muslim and clear enemy of Islam) or extremely dumb.

They enemies of Islam mainly the kaffirs used to concentrate their attack on the Authenticity of the Quran. Because if you can prove that the Holy book of a religion is incorrect then you destroy that religion completely. However for so many centuries they could not find a single mistake in the Quran and they finally gave up. But instead of saying this book is from our creator. Their jealousy, hate and arrogance makes them try to find other ways of getting Muslims away from Islam and try to prevent non-Muslims from coming to Islam. So now they try to attack the secound source of Islam which is the Hadiths of the Prophet peace be upon him.

Similarly the Munafics (hypocrites) have tried many ways to get Muslims away from Hijab. One of them was to work with the kaffirs. The kaffirs acted as teh bad guys by attacking Muslim women and girls physically and along came the Munafics pretending to be the well wishers of the true Muslims and saying you are in danger of being attacked. So save your self and stop wearing coverung your head. MashaAllah even the school aged Muslim children told them "We will not stop wearing Hijab. Allah has promised to protect us and he will protect us"

After their plot against Hijab was foiled they went for an easier attack. That was to attack the Niqab as they know that there is division between the Muslim scholars over weather Niqab is fard or something that is very highly recommended.

Interestingly you will find the Munafics and the Kaffirs will use the writings of those great scholars such as sheik Albaani and twist things. Thus these enemies of Islam (munafics and Kaffirs) will say Niqab should not be worn or there is no need to wear it. They know that even Islamic scholars who believed that Niqab is a highly recommended Sunnah, such as sheik Albaani (rahimullah) , say the when the Muslimah is very close to the men. She MUST cover her face. Or that she knows that such men will look at her with desire or a wrong way then she must cover her face. Yet they do not mention these statements.

One dumb women was saying hey listen to Why I wear Hijab and not Niqab. Then she went to quote sheik Albaani opinions on Niqab. But the true reality is that sheik did not say do not wear Niqab. But rather he believed Niqab was highly recommended.

Yet this poor women is trying to suggest that wearing Niqab is something not good and makes a women inferior. So what are such women saying that the Sahabiyaat and the Prophet’s wives were doing something less good by wearing Niqab in a society were fitna was less than that of today and the heart of the Sahabah were far more purer than our hearts?

Such men and women are dumb because I don’t believe everyone of them is Munafics but rather just lacking in logical thinking.

The face of a women is something highly desirable to a man. Any man who is normal no matter how pious he may be. If he saw a women with a beautiful face he will want to look at her again even if she has hijab on. If he is very pious he may try very hard not to go for a secound look and he may even succeed. Even those brothers who, along with their wives are against Niqab, you often see them staring at the faces of sisters with hijab.

One of the convert sisters said she decided to have a niqab picture only on her profile on a website because she was geting sexual remarks men such as You are so hot and so on even though she was in Hijab.

In certain websites were brothers and sisters have profiles along with their pictures . You will see men going absolutelly crazy over sisters with certain type of face. They will be comments like " you are so hot, sexy, you ahve a nice smile lets be friends, you have a pretty face, you are stunning, georgeous, my email is this contact me and so on"

However when the niqab is worn such comments are rare and only occur whne the sister does not wear niqab properly. In that she shows parts of her face, wears a colourful niqab and shows too much of her eyes especially whne she has extra attractive eyes. In many cases such sisters do not actually wear niqab in real life and thus do not know how to wear niqab or do not care.

It is also well know that men are attracted to women's lips. Some women spend vast amounts of money on lip stick and some even on surgery to beutify their lips and make them even more apealing for men.

Several magazine articles, polls, blogs have been dedicated to the lips of the acctress Angelina Jolie. Describing her Lips as being big and sexy. What does sexy mean. We can see how close this word is with sex. It seems to be a very good desription of something that is seducutive, haveing sexual apeal and luring the men to commit fornication and adultery.

Men clearly state what their facination is about lips. They think her lips in particular will be good for oral sex and also kissing. These are the thoughts that go through their mind which they even write on blogs and forums.

Therfore when the British Shariah hating politician Jack Straw says he wants to see womens lips. We know exactly why he wants to see womens lips. When the wives of these kind of men learn about their husbands cheating with on their wife with their secutary or other women they cannot understand why it happened.

The beauy of the face and the value of the niqab is even mentioned in hadith.

Narrated Anas:
Um (the mother of) Haritha came to Allah's Apostle after Haritha had been martyred on the Day (of the battle) of Badr by an arrow thrown by an unknown person. She said, "O Allah's Apostle! You know the position of Haritha in my heart (i.e. how dear to me he was), so if he is in Paradise, I will not weep for him, or otherwise, you will see what I will do." The Prophet said, "Are you mad? Is there only one Paradise? There are many Paradises, and he is in the highest Paradise of Firdaus." The Prophet added, "A forenoon journey or an after noon journey in Allah's Cause is better than the whole world and whatever is in it; and a place equal to an arrow bow of anyone of you, or a place equal to a foot in Paradise is better than the whole world and whatever is in it; and if one of the women of Paradise looked at the earth, she would fill the whole space between them (the earth and the heaven) with light, and would fill whatever is in between them, with perfume, and the veil of her face is better than the whole world and whatever is in it.(Bukhari Volume 8, Book 76, Number 572 )

There are some groups who want a modern Islam (i.e. they want to change Islam). They generally believe in free mixing of the two sex’s and are opposed to Niqab and some are violent opposed to Niqab from among their leader ship even. Even some brothers from such ridiculous groups admit that certain sisters (in hijab) are big fitna for them. Some will say no they are not and may suggest the problems is just for the unmarried ones and their wives may even mock and abuse sisters in Niqab. Yet you will find they (the husbands) cannot control their eyes. Whenever a pretty sister in hijab goes by their eyes are following them.

Even the most pious Muslims (which are very few) cannot compare their levels of piety with the piety of the Sahabah and Sahabiyaat,

Let us imagine how that environment must have been. A city full of best Muslims ever to live on this earth. Yet even in such an amazing conditions the Muslimahs felt it necessary to wear Niqab.

Now let us look at our state of affairs. There is no one who fears Allah like the Sahabah. Even in the Muslim community the majority do not adhere strictly to Islam. Some are on drugs, others drinking and going disco and committing zina. You cannot expect such people to leave any women alone as they do not fear Allah like the Sahabah feared Allah. Then in non Muslim countries they aren’t going to fear Allah at all as they do not believe in Islam. So do you think they are going to lower their gaze?

Some Muslims are tricked by shaytan in to thinking Niqab should be worn just in Muslim countries. This defies logic as one of the purposes of the Islamic dress for a Muslimah is her protection against unwanted advances. The most pious men you have in a society the less likely something bad will happen. If the society is full of almost 99 percent Muslims and they are all very pious. Then the risk of fornication and adultery and rape is going to be far less. Yet if the Sahabiyaat wore Niqab is such societies.

Then in today’s Muslim societies which are full of Muslims who jump at the chance for fornication and adultery then it only seems right that if the Sahabiyaat felt it necessary to wear Niqab in their pious society then Muslim women need to wear it for sure in our impious Muslim societies and even more in Non-Muslim countries were the majority do not even believe in Islam and their morals are very little if any when it comes to sex. They society does not restrict them to sex inside marriage. But it even encourages them to have sex with at least more than a hand ful of people before marriage. The one who is the best puller (seducer) is admired and congratulated. And for many, it is even a goal to sleep with as many women as possible and brag that he has slept with so many women.

The more a women covers the less the chance of men trying to seduce her. If she wears Jilbaab and khymar (scarf) without gloves and Niqab then less chance than her being seduced if she had the same attractive face as a women with the same face wearing say a miniskirt and a short top. If however the sister wore Niqab and gloves then she I less likely to be hit on than a sister with jilbaab and khymar but no Niqab and gloves. And if she stayed at home then even less likely.

So far we have established that Niqab may be Fard and if it is not fard it is a highly recommended Sunnah as it was approved by the Prophet (peace upon him ) and his wives who are the role models for the Muslim women wore it and so did the other Sahabiyaat who best generation of Muslim women. And in addition exposed some of the plots of the Munafics.

Now let us deal with some of the problems Niqabi sisters face directly form other Muslims or Munafics. And why these problems occur.

If a person thinks that Niqab is fard then she should not remove it because there is no obedience to the created when it involves disobedient to the creator. As I mentioned earlier the covering mentioned in the Quran was for all women. It did not say that only the Prophet’s wives should cover their face. Nor is there any hadith which says that the Prophets wives should cover their face

And from the two Hadiths quoted we know that the Prophet wives and the other Sahabiyaat covered their face and that’s how they understood the commandments of Allah regarding hijab

The hadith of Asma which is used to prove that face and hands can be uncovered is disputed by the two camps. Other Hadiths used to prove that women can uncover face are to do with when women are in ihram and about to prayer. These latter two are special circumstances. However in any case one thinks why did Ayesha cover her face and why did she praise the Muslim women for covering their face and why did she say that the other Sahabah recognised her because he had seen her before the command for hijab. And as we know just an accidental look can give a person and idea of what some one looks like,

Also we should note that the silence of the prophet peace be upon him in matters is considered as approval. In case of Niqab if it was ward the Prophet peace be upon him would not even need to be asked if it can be worn. And I haven’t come across any hadith were the prophet peace be upon him was asked weather Niqab can be worn. But rather there are hadith were the Prophet peace be upon him told women not to wear Niqab during prayer and ihram. This further could strengthen the case of those who say it is fard.

Whatever the case may be regarding whether Niqab is fard or highly recommended, mocking something which is Fard, or Sunnah is a extremely serious crime in Islam. The Prophet’s wives wore Niqab. We got the Niqab from them .If a Muslim calls any Niqabi a Ninja or approves of Kaffirs laughing at the Niqab. Then we can see what he thinks of the Prophets wives. Also since the Prophet approved of them wearing it. We can see that he has a very low opinion of Messenger of Allah’s decisions.

Or if he says you are being extreme. He is implying that the Prophets wives were extreme and that the Prophet allowed extremism.

Since Allah choose the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him as his last and final Prophet and Messenger to mankind and an ideal example for mankind. Then he does not have a good opinion of Allah decision
Question :

What is the ruling concerning one who ridicules those who wear the proper hijab and cover their faces and hands?

Answer :

Praise be to Allaah.

Whoever ridicules a Muslim woman or man for sticking to and applying the teachings of Islam is a disbeliever. This is regardless of whether it is concerning woman's hijab or any other matter of the Shariah. This is based on the following narration from ibn Umar: At a gathering during the Battle of Tabuk, one man said, "I have not seen
anyone like our Quranic readers who is more desirous of food, more lying in speech and more cowardly when meeting the enemy." A man said, "You have lied and you are a liar. I shall definitely tell the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about that."
That news was conveyed to the Messenger of Allah and the Quran was revealed. Abdullah ibn Umar added, "I saw the man holding on to the bag of the camel of the Messenger of Allah and the dust was striking him while he was saying, 'O Messenger of Allah, we were just joking and playing. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was simply saying the verse of the Quran],

"Was it Allah, and His Signs and His Messenger you were mocking? Make no excuse, you have disbelieved after you had believed. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others among you because they were sinners" (al-Tauba 65-66).

So ridiculing believers has been equated with ridiculing Allah, His Signs and His Messenger.

The Standing Committee (www.islam-qa.com)
You see how serious Allah took that issue which I was far less serious than some one mocking a Niqabi sister for wearing a Niqab by calling her ninja, laughing at her when others make fun of her Niqab or call her backward or extreme. Or worse.
The historical incidence was mocking the Quran readers and not even mocking the rules of Allah or implying that those who wear Niqab are extreme and so on.

If a man or women implies that a Sister who wears Niqab is being extreme then they are implying that the Prophet peace be upon him , his wives, his female companions were also extreme.

It seems every decade some one comes out with a new term to justify their un-Islamic ideas. The terms do have Islamic origins but they are always misused. For instance some will say Islam is the Middle path. That is true. Islam is the middle of the two kuffars. For instance One kuffur says the way to live is have free sex and the other way is to the Catholic way which says do not have sex at all. Islam says have sex as much as you like but within marriage and with one’s wives or husband. Thus you can see the if you stick strictly to Islam you will find that Islam is in the middle.
However what deviant Muslims and the Munafics wanted to decade or so ago was to misuse this teem the Middle path to dilute Islam by a half. A diluted version will not be Islam it will be towards one of the other two ways. And this group of people started to allow forbidden things. This will also take a person out of Islam as no one can make what Allah has forbidden as lawful.
In recent years the word extremism is being used in the same manner to try and dilute Islam and smash the roof and top floor of the house of Islam. It should be the aim of every Muslim to do their utmost to stop the Munafics and those Muslims who are tricked by the Munafics and by shaytan and the other enemies of Islam.
Many of the Niqabi convert sisters have said that the most opposition they get towards their Niqab is from other Muslims. For instance Sister Khadija says “

"I think you will find that non Muslims offer the least resistance to Niqabi women, it is the Muslim women who do not wear Niqab that can be (not always, alhamdullilah) but can be the most hostile to us. every Niqabi I know has experienced more kindness and openness from the Jews and Christians than from their sisters. Sisters need to know, even if they choose not to wear Niqab, that this is a part of our deen, Mashaallah
khadijah.

Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us when he said: “There will come a time of patience when the one who adheres steadfastly to his religion will be like one who holds a burning coal.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2260; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 957.

There are many reasons to why some Muslims especially some Muslim women may give Niqabi women a hard time
1. They fear that their men folk may tell them to wear Niqab.

2. They wear the headscarf and enjoy the feeling of being special or the praises of people. However if some one wears Niqab she will get more respect than then and thus her status may go done. Or she is simply jealous that other Muslims will think that the Niqabi sister is more pious than her.

3. They wear a headscarf and wear western cloths to keep both non-Muslim and Muslims happy. Saying to the Muslims hey I am like you. See I wear a headscarf. And at the same time say to the Kaffir friends hey I wear your cloths. So she wants to please Allah and shaytan at the same time. This does not work as you have to choose which side you are on. Are you in the party of Allah or the party of shaytan.

4. If she doesn’t wear even the headscarf then you remind her of her obligations to wear Islamic dress and it makes her feel guilty.. In some cases she may feel jealous that you have a higher reputation than her. So she wants to pressurise you to leave of Niqab and possibly whole of your dress code so that be at equal footing with you in terms of completion of status in society. Some sisters and brothers think the deserve the praises of people more than a pious sister or a pious brother due to their big bank balance, big house, degree, their job, their political contacts. They feel the only way for them to be praised is to remove the competition. So they will try and mock you. Point out any single fault you may have to the people and even to you. This is why even when they are totally shameless they will say oh we saw a bearded guy the other day doing so and so and they will laugh and this helps them forget the reality which some know very well but do not want to accept. This is pure shaytanic. Shaytan could not accept that Adam was better than him. Saying Adam is made of clay and he is made of fire. Even this claim that he was better because he was made of fire was his faulty thinking. As we know whenever there is a fire. It is easily put out by throwing soil on it. So he did not even have daleel for his claim. Likewise the praises of people do not make a person good. But it is the criterion laid down in the Quran and Sunnah which determines who is better. According to the Quran the best person is the one with best Taqwa. Bank balance, who you know, how many people praise you or what your degree or what your race is does not enter the equation.

5. Also some men may not like A Niqabi sister because they are also jealous that their wife, mother or daughter does not wear Niqab and people will think that the Niqabis sister is better that their females.

6. Some Muslims want to be so accepted by the disbeliveers that they think what will the kaffirs think if they see a women like that (i.e. in Niqab). That they will think bad of them too. Just like a non-Muslim thinks that her daughter causes her embarrassment to her non-Muslim family, friends and neighbours they too think that a Niqabi causes them embarrassment amongst their non-Muslim friends or even enemies.

7. Some foolish Muslims think that Niqab is not good for dawah. This is also a ridiculous shaytan inspired thought. I having established that the Niqaab is indeed an authentic part of Islam, we must then conclude that to hide it is what is counterproductive to Dawah. No one would dare think that the Sahabah spread Islam throughout the lands of the earth by concealing the practices they learned from the Messenger of Allah (SAW); thus, as 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) declared: "LET THE SUNNAH GO FORTH AND DO NOT STOP IT WITH OPINIONS."

8. The best person at dawah was the Prophet peace be upon him and he taught his companions how to give dawah to non-Muslims. The true fact is that these people who make such foolish claims they lack true dawah skills. They cannot explain the beauty of Niqab so due to their inadequacies they want to reject it. Just like the Christians could not explain some of the verses of the bible so they just rewrote the bible and deleted the bits they did not want. On another issue some one said the non_muslims think Islam is too hard. Well this is true. So what you want us to do?

It seems they want to dilute it by getting rid of the hard bits. Then they have to come out with a name for this new religion. Islam means submission to the will of Allah. That new religions meaning would be submitting to the will of the kaffirs. So it would need an appropriate name and a Muslim is one who submits to the will of Allah. So they would need a new name for the people of their religion.

Just as an example many non Muslims who get interested in Islam. One of the worries they have is the 5 daily prayers. They say oh we couldn’t do that. That seems too hard. If we were to listen to these foolish modernist then we would reduce the prayers to once in a while and end up in hell with shaytan. But when we do our job correctly. We know in reality the prayers do not take long and we could easily explain that to them. But we can explain to them the benefits of prayer and that Allah has given us so many things. The eyes with which to see and so on. And should we not be grateful to Allah for all that he has given us? In fact I explained this to a non Muslim who was thinking about converting but then changed her mind and now after our talk she is studying Islam more.

And in reality NIQAB IS VERY GOOD FOR DAWAH. This is another reason why some of the elite of the non_muslims are so against Niqab. They may not admit it but they know that Niqab is a visible sign of Islam. People see a Niqabi they will want to know why she is wearing that. Does her religion oppress her. Lets see what is written in their Quran. One of the Convert sisters complained about people staring at her. I explained it could be good for dawah. As a result of her wearing Niqab some one may want to find out why is she wearing that and pick up a book on Islam or search on the net. As we know many people have become Muslim by simply picking up a surfing the net or reading the Quran or a book on Islam. An incidentally the same sister was being observed by another unpractising Muslimah. Who finally came up to her and said I like your dress and I observed you and other peoples reaction to you.

In some Muslim families the relatives are afraid that if the daughter wears a hijab or a Niqab she will be maybe attacked or her children may be attacked or the family be attacked. The scare mongering that shaytaan and the friends of shaytaan whispers are to get sisters to uncover the face and eventually their whole head and then body.

Some deviant scholars even do this. They have been either tricked by shaytaan or they have been promised by the human enemies of Islam things like money. High position in society or university or simple friendship.

One deviant scholar used to lie year after year. He would reject certain clear law of Islam and make things that were haram as halal.
After 9/11 it seemed that many munafics came out openly and showed their true colours. This liar he was being propped up by the British government to be Mufti of the British Muslims. They tried to make him famous in the media. He tried to use the fear of Muslims in Britain of being attacked. He came on television stating that the Muslim females should not wear hijab as they may be attacked. Many scholars eventually declared that sisters should not listen to him. However, it was the young school girls who said that they will continue to wear the hijab as Allah has promised to protect them. But who will protect him against Allah?

In fact within a year or so Allah killed him and British government with all their doctors and sophisticated technology could not save him or bring him back to life.

On the authority of Abdullah bin Abbas, who said : One day I was behind the prophet and he said to me:
"Young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice] : Be mindful of Allah, and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, ask of Allah; if you seek help, seek help of Allah. Know that if the Nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, it would benefit you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with anything, they would harm you only with something Allah had already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried."

narrated by Tirmidhi, who said it is true and fine hadith

In a version other than that of Tirmidhi it reads:

"..Be mindful of Allah, you will find Him before you. Get to know Allah in prosperity and He will know you in adversity. Know that what has passed you by was not going to befall you; and that what has befallen you was not going to pass you by. And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship."

The Muslims will be tested and Allah, the Exalted, says:
"And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirun (the patient)". (2:155)
"And surely, We shall try you till We test those who strive hard (for the Cause of Allah) and As-Sabirun (the patient)'' (47:31)
"O you who believe! Endure and be more patient..". (3:200)
"Seek help in patience and As-Salat (the prayer). Truly, Allah is with As-Sabirun (the patient).'' (2:153)

"Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning.'' (39:10)

“As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e., Allaah’s Religion – Islamic Monotheism). And verily, Allaah is with the Muhsinoon (good doers).” [al—‘Ankaboot 29:69]

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“The only saying of the faithful believers, when they are called to Allaah (His Words, the Qur’aan) and His Messenger, to judge between them, is that they say: “We hear and we obey.” And such are the successful (who will live forever in Paradise).

And whosoever obeys Allaah and His Messenger , fears Allaah, and keeps his duty (to Him), such are the successful” [al-Noor 24:51-52]

Alama Ehsan Elahi Zaheer (rahimullah) said “cowardice never saved a nation”
If some one thinks that the kuffar will not attack them or their children if they remove their Niqab. Then look at the Muslims of Bosnia. They removed even their cloths, They went out half naked just like them. This happened in our life time. The women and children were raped. Babies roasted on spit and fathers made to eat them. The bikinis and the miniskirts did not save them. In fact due to the war some of the Bosnian Muslimah started to wear NIQAB. A Muslim should not be stung twice. Allah has told us that the kaffirs will not be happy with us until we leave Islam completely and embrace their religion. Even if the sisters go out butt naked (without even your underwear ) the kaffirs will still not leave you unless you take their religion. This is an early warning system. The one who knows everything in the past , the present and what will happen in the future has told us about. We have been told that the non-Muslims will not leave us in peace unless we say we are not Muslim and we become Christian. This life is short. The peace is short and not the real peace. The real peace will be in Jannah (heaven) and it will be eternal and it will be for those who are Muslims and the non-Muslims will have endless and unthinkable torture.

In addition to this a convert sister when she did not wear Niqab she had more problems form Europeans kaffirs than she has now that she wears Niqab. Now she gets stares but before Niqab she had old men shouting at her as if they wanted to kill her. Obviously they can see she is white and European. Therefore she has become Muslim and they hate Islam and one of their own has gone over to the enemy side. Of course she will get more harassment. They will think she is a traitor to their religion or race. But if she wears Niqab. For them it is any Muslim women so their anger will be not at such elevated levels. They may think why this women wear this. Oh she is a Muslim. What is this religion? Why does it make her hide her face? Maybe I could find a book about this religion? Or let me search their holy book and see if it tells men to oppress their women. And we know form our MuslimConverts.com website that many people come to Islam because they read they Quran. There are many reasons why they hate the Niqab and one of them is that they fear it will attract people to Islam.

If a women appears in front of non-mehrem men without her hijab. Then she is showing her aura. and she is naked. Just as if she showed her breasts or her private parts. If she shows her hair to non-mehrem men then she is naked. When a sister understands the importance of Hijab she will feel naked without it in the presence of non-mehrem men. One 17 year convert sister from Canada said that her mother converted to Islam and she also converted as her mother converted. She said "my mother kept bugging me about hijab since I was 14 years old" and she disliked her mother bugging her but finally she started to wear it. It started with fashionable hijab (which is not correct hijab) then she eventually progressed to jilbaab and hijab that was dark in colour so not attractive. Finally one day after listening to her stepfather and Mother she decided to wear Niqab. And her mother wanted the young teenage daughter to wear Niqab before her as she was not quite ready herself. She had noticed that with her face showing boys had tried to talk to her even in the presence of her mother at stores counters. Eventually after wearing Niqab for some time she said that she feels naked without her Niqab and she does not like going out without her family,

Also when men understand the true values of hijab they would prefer to die than have their women go out without Hijab. As we know form the story of the third khalif of Islam.

As I said before it appears the whenever Satan or kaffirs and Munafics attack they try to attack the foundations of whatever part of Islam they are attacking.. When their attack against the foundations or the roots is not sucessful they focus their attack on the braches and whne that is not sucessful they move on the leaves. However even then they try to attack the braches and roots when ever they can. In this case the foundation is the term Hijab and the branch is the Niqab and then other things like the Jilbaab and nowadays they are very patient in their attack.

There were many cases were the Sahabah put their Islam before their family and even their very lives. The following is a beautiful hadith of how those who truly believe in their lord will stay firm on their deen at all costs.

Suhaib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "There lived a king before you and he had a court magician. As he (the magician) grew old, he said to the king: `I have grown old, so send me a young boy in order to teach him magic.' The king sent him a young boy to serve the purpose. And on his way (to the magician) the young boy met a monk to whom he listened to and liked it. It became his habit that on his way to the magician, he would meet the monk and sit there and would come to the magician (late). The magician used to beat him because of this delay. He complained about this to the monk who said to him: 'When you feel afraid of the magician, say: Members of my family detained me. And when you fear your family, say: The magician detained me.'
It so happened that there came a huge beast and it blocked the way of the people, and the young boy said: 'I will know today whether the magician or the monk is better.' He picked up a stone and said: `O Allah, if the way of the monk is dearer to You than the way of the magician, bring about death to the animal so that the people be able to move about freely.'

He threw that stone at it and killed it and the people began to move about freely. He then came to the monk and told him the story. The monk said: `Son, today you are superior to me. You have come to a stage where I feel that you would be soon put to a trial, and in case you are put to a trial, do not reveal me.'

That young boy began to heal those born blind and the lepers and he, in fact, began to cure people from all kinds of illnesses. When a courtier of the king who had gone blind heard about him, he came to him with numerous gifts and said, `If you cure me, all these things will be yours.' He said, `I myself do not cure anyone. It is Allah, the Exalted, Alone Who cures; and if you affirm faith in Allah, I shall also supplicate to Allah to cure you.'

This courtier affirmed his faith in Allah and Allah cured him. He came to the king and sat by his side as he used to sit before. The king said to him, `Who restored your eyesight?' He said, `My Rabb.' Thereupon he said, 'Do you have another lord besides me?' He said, `My Rabb and your Rabb is Allah.' So the king kept torturing him until he revealed the young boy.

The young boy was thus summoned and the king said to him, 'O boy, it has been conveyed to me that you have become so much proficient in your magic that you cure the blind and the lepers and you do such and such.' Thereupon he said, `I do not cure anyone; it is Allah Alone Who cures,' and the king took hold of him and began to torture him until he revealed of the monk

. The monk was summoned and it was said to him: `You should turn back from your religion.' But he refused. The king sent for a saw, placed it in the middle of his head and cut him into two parts that fell down.

Then the courtier of the king was brought forward and it was said to him: `Turn back from your religion.' He, too, refused, and the saw was placed in the midst of his head and he was torn into two parts.

Then the boy was sent for and it was said to him: `Turn back from your religion.' He refused. The king then handed him over to a group of his courtiers, and said to them: `Take him to such and such mountain; make him climb up that mountain and when you reach its peak ask him to renounce his Faith. If he refuses to do so, push him to his death.'

So they took him and made him climb up the mountain and he said: `O Allah, save me from them in any way you like,' and the mountain began to shake and they all fell down (dead) and that young boy came walking to the king. The king said to him, `What happened to your companions?' He said, `Allah has saved me from them.'

He again handed him to some of his courtiers and said: `Take him and carry him in a boat and when you reach the middle of the sea, ask him to renounce his religion. If he does not renounce his religion throw him (into the water).' So they took him and he said: `O Allah, save me from them.' The boat turned upside down and they all drowned except the young boy who came walking to the king. The king said to him, `What happened to your companions?' He said, `Allah has saved me from them,' and he said to the king: `You cannot kill me until you do what I command you to do.'

The king asked, `What is that?' He said, `Gather all people in one place and tie me up to the trunk of a tree, then take an arrow from my quiver and say: With the Name of Allah, the Rabb of the boy; then shoot me. If you do that you will be able to kill me.' `

The king called the people in an open field and tied the young boy to the trunk of a tree. He took out an arrow from his quiver, fixed in the bow and said, `With the Name of Allah, the Rabb of the young boy,' he then shot the arrow and it hit the boy's temple. The young boy placed his hand upon the temple where the arrow had hit him and died.

The people then said: `We believe in the Rabb of this young boy.' The king was told: `Do you see what you were afraid of, by Allah it has taken place; all people have believed.' The king then commanded that trenches be dug and fire lit in them, and said: `He who would not turn back from his (the young boy's) religion, throw him in the fire' or `he would be ordered to jump into it.' They did so till a woman came with her child. She felt hesitant in jumping into the fire. The child said to her: `O mother! Endure (this ordeal) for you are on the Right Path".
[Muslim]

.
Also the European concept of when in Rome do as the Romans. In Islam a Muslim is commanded to obey Allah no matter were he is or whose house he is in. Everything in this world belongs to Allah included people. So were ever we are on Allah’s earth or universe we must obey Allah at all times. It does not matter whose house you are in. You should dress according to Islam whether the host like sit or not. Not long ago it was the culture of Rome to treat black people worse than animals. To rape their women and beat and torture them when ever they felt like it. How would they feel if they tide was turned against them?

If the native Indians took back power in the North America and treated all the white people in a way similar to how the white people treated them or the black people. And said to the Muslims you must do as we do as when in Rome do as the Romans. And they wanted us to gang rape and beat the white women and torture their men. We as Muslims could not participate just because the host nation demanded us to do as they did.

Similarly a Muslimah does not uncover her aura or free mix with men just because she is in a country or some ones house and the host nation or host demands she uncover her aura.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no obedience if it involves sin, rather obedience is with regard to that which is good and proper.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 7257; Muslim, 1840

To summarize Niqab is a well established practice in Islam. It may even be compulsory for Muslimahs to wear Niqab. Thus it is best to be on the safe side and wear it. Any Muslim who mocks the Niqab or any other concepts of Islam is a disbeliever. It is one of the ultimate goals of shaytaan to get mankind to strip mankind of dignity by getting him to expose what he is not supposed to expose. The battle of hijab began form the time of creation of the first human being and will continue till the day of judgment. Today is a time to revive Niqab and all aspects of Islam that we not doing

Asslamualikum
AbuUbaida
www.muslimconverts.com

Assalaamu alaikum wa ramatullahi wa barakatu!

I wear niqab (for the last four months full-time; 12 months before that "part-time") Alhamdulillah. But could I please have some advice from Brother Abu Ubaida about how to deal with my in-laws, esp. my father-in-law (who is Arab & quite religious in most other aspects) who opposes my wearing it? My father-in-law has said I shouldn't wear the niqab at his house...this is a big problem as my & my husband's presence is required every Saturday night at the 'family meeting'. All my husband's brothers (four of them) attend this meeting with their wives & kids. Although I don't mix (the others sit in a big group to listen to the Qur'anic lesson) with the men, I still have to walk past the brothers-in-law as there is no other way to the private room.

I have discussed this twice before with my father-in-law to no avail & do want to obey him in all that is halal. So far I either make excuses not to go to family meetings (say I have headache, which this does cause me headache!) or arrive so early & leave so late, but unfortunately this is not always possible for various reasons.

So, should I refuse to go to his house or just wear it there anyway? Please note, he loves me dearly but is old & firm in his ways....two of my other sisters-in-law have tried to wear it too, in the past & he has yelled at them to "Take it off!!" or told them if they are going to wear it to "get out!!". I obviously wish to avoid such a scene for my & his dignity. His reasons are that firstly it's not required (he cites the daif (weak) hadith of Asma, allowed by the Prophet sallahu alayhi wasallam to show her hands & face; and when doing tawaf/ihram women must show their face & hands.) And secondly, in this kaffir country (Australia) women are at risk of physical harm if they wear it (I don't think that is true, either). If the last reason were true anyway, he wouldn't have a problem with me wearing niqab, inside his home (where the non-believers can't see me, can they?).

It's obvious (to me) that he will not be convinced that covering the face is wajib for women (it seems only Allah can help him to see) so my problem is how to deal with the situation now-how not to cause a (further) rift?

Your sister-in-Islam,
Aliyah

Sister Aisha, also convert said”

I love my niqab and feel more free than ever. i live in a society that have low amount of Muslims, so it is for the kaffirs here very disturbing to them that i wear it. But i don’t care any more, before i was afraid of what people would say bout it, but now i don’t care. oh ya and a another thing is...the Muslimahs that are born Muslims...they can give me the most bad stare or just look very bad at me coz me wearing my niqab...why is that? From converts/reverts the approve of it and are very pleased and happy bout it…”,

She further added that her husband disapproves of her wearing Niqab. He claims that Niqab is only for the wives of the Prophet peace be upon him. I have already as I have proven above that the sahabiyat also wore Niqab. She further adds that he calls mocks at her calling her ninja, laughs at her when kaffirs talk bad about her Niqab and says to her she is putting the kids in danger,

Asslamualikum Sisters,

InshaAllah the above article I did will have also answered your questions.

walikum salam

AbuUbaida

http://muslimconverts.com/niqab/niqab.htm

Benefits of Niqab Story

2008-12-10T23:05:00.000-08:00

By Oum Hajar (a revert To islam)

Asalamalaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Baraketu

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam,

I am a Muslimah who reverted to Islam after I got married to an Egyptian Muslim. Alhamdullilah…Qadr…I am a foreigner living in Cairo, Egypt.

I have been wearing the niqab for 3 years now, I have decided to wear it when I was pregnant with my daughter Hagar, despite my husband's relatives telling me not to do so as I may stumble or fall. I still did…it is Jihad nifsi. Allah (SWT) has always been with me. Alhamdullilah.

I too was used to wearing all sorts of fads before especially when I worked as a flight attendant, before I met my husband in 1995.

SubhanAllah! Niqab, is good for women as it avoids deceitful eyes, temptation for men which will lead them to sin. The shaitan works in very mysterious ways, that's his job, to ead us away from Allah.

We all have difficulties to breath, and it gets hot in there too sometimes. But we women who wear niqab believe, the more
difficulties you have for Allah's cause, and bear it, the more rewards we obtain in paradise, InshaAllah.

I practiced Islam after reading and reading and reading…this triggered me to do so when my husband asked me questions about Christianity. And I can't just answer him rationally! To think, I was brought up in an all girls school run by nuns, and a mother who is a devoted Catholic.

This is my short story:

Before I got married, I worked in a Muslim country for four years as flight attendant. While I attended mass, I could hear the Adhan calling. It bothered me and thought the sounds they were doing were strange. Being brought up and sent to an all girls school run by nuns and a mother who was devoted to the Roman Catholic religion, I had totally no idea what is Islam!

I got married in mid 1997,lived with my husband in his country and converted to Islam by the end of the year. When I saw my mother-in- law prostrating on the floor, I thought it was also strange. I converted to Islam without knowing anything about it.

After taking loads of tests after two years of not conceiving, I then knew that both my fallopian tubes were blocked, I had a growing pituitary tumor and the ovaries making the eggs were weak. I was sickly when I was young, I even had a thyroidectomy at 16.

In the end of the year 2000, my husband all of a sudden started to pray. I guess, Allah had given him the chance. Both of us were working that time in a five star hotel. My husband told me to pray so that Allah would give us a child. In mid 2001, he taught me how to pray, and I was reading the Sahih Al Bhukhairi by Dr. Mohammed Muhsin Khan at the same time. Later on, realizing that the god of Islam is the god of Abraham and all the prophets, Jesus was one of
them. Allah as what the Muslims call Him is the One True God.

Ramadan before the year 2002 came I was praying the lailatul qadr and would wake up an hour before the fajr to pray. I would even pray with my husband and we would ask Allah to give us a child. I knew I was crying most of the time when asking HIM heartedly and sincerely. Just as a
child crying when it wants something from the parent.

In February 2002, I had an In-vitro Fertilization operation for short, test tube baby. After two weeks, I was confirmed pregnant and is blessed by Allah with a beautiful and healthy baby girl. ALHAMDULILLAH!!!!!

It was a miracle, as not too many women conceive right away on the first try with IVF. I knew that God has given me a gift. I knew that if we work hard for something it is always given to you. I left my life in the hands of God even when I was young. I made Allah my Auliya. I have proven to myself and I want to show the world that there is no might and power except with Allah!

Fee Amaan Allah
Oum Hagar

ALLAH KNOWS BEST

http://www.muslimconverts.com/

Niqab story

2008-12-10T22:59:00.000-08:00

My Niqab Story

By 17 year old Tara Blackthorn

Assalamu'alaikum

This is my niqab story. I had accepted Islam during the beginning of my 11th grade school year. Before taking shahadah I had adopted wearing a jilbab and hijab. One of my Muslim friends enlightened me on the evidence of niqab. She had said that their were two scholarly views based on its daleel, however the practice of niqab was the safer choice, so I decided that the day after school lets out that year, I will InshaAllah start to wear niqab. Then I started asking myself, why I was waiting until the summer vacation, was I that scared to face my peers at school with the niqab? I had already shocked everybody with jilbab and hijab, I just didn't want to deal with their stares and hushed comments. I became scared that I was committing shirk by putting the opinions of my schoolmates before that of Allah. Also I was very scared of taking the subway in my niqab, I already received murderous stares from various pairs of eyes.

The next Jumu'ah prayer that I attended, Alhamdulillah, the imam was talking about the amount of time we have in this life and suddenly I became restless. I seriously started to think about the waiting period that I had set up for my self to start the niqab, and was it the right thing to do. I can't be sure if I will live until school ends. (This thought was triggered by the unfortunate event that had occurred earlier that year, my childhood friend had died in a car accident and I was a bit sensitive about death during the Jumu'ah.) I made up my mind that from that Saturday, I will be wearing my khimar a little bit differently, with only my eyes showing. I am still wearing the niqab and I have not regretted my decision. For those of you who live in New York City and know the state of their public transportation system, I hope it gives you strength to start your own niqab by knowing that I take the subway (train) and sometimes the bus at least 5 times a week in my niqab. Whenever I take the subway, I remind myself of the hadith that says that if the whole world wanted to harm you, they wouldn't be able to, unless Allah willed it.May Allah raise your Iman and reward in the Hereafter.

http://muslimconverts.com/hijab_niqab/niqab_tara.htm

NIQAB IS FREEDOM

2008-12-10T04:22:00.000-08:00

FOR ME, NIQAB IS FREEDOM :WHY I COVER MY FACE
- A MUSLIM WOMAN'S STORY
by Aliyah bint Les Yaqub

Tuesday October 24, 2006/Shawwal 2, 1427

Bismillahir Rahmanhir Raheem-in the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Merciful.

Lately, there has been much controversy about "the veil" in the media. Certain people (e.g. politicians such as Jack Straw) have been making statements that, should he have directed them towards any other group in society, they would most probably elicit much derision and uproar. Yet, when such ignorant, hateful and insightful remarks are directed towards members of the Muslim community, there seem to be many who are "jumping on the band wagon". Why is this? There seem to be quite a few reasons why some are opposed to women wearing the niqab (the piece of fabric which covers the face). Some are saying that a woman who wears a niqab cannot be fully integrated into society & that it is a hindrance to communication. Others are saying that it is "scary" & "frightening" & may hinder her being able to be identified; or that they want to "liberate" those "poor oppressed" women who are "forced" to wear it. Well, whatever the so-called reasons that are causing people to call for the removal of the niqab from the faces of some Muslim women, it is without a doubt as a result of 9/11 in New York & the bombings in London. What is not happening is these people respecting the rights of women who want to wear the niqab. So perhaps the question needs to be asked: not of why women shouldn't cover their faces but why they choose to do so and why this choice (and their right to do so) should be respected.

I wear the niqab for a several reasons. One reason I wear it it is because I am a Muslim woman. If I weren't a Muslim, I highly doubt I would ever choose to cover my face. I say this also because I personally have not seen any non-Muslims wear it (though I have heard accounts of some Christian & Buddhist women covering their faces). Primarily, I wear it because I seek to please Allah, but not everyone who seeks to please Allah wears a niqab. I wear it to be more modest, but not everyone who wishes to be more modest chooses to wear a niqab. I wear it to help my Muslim brothers (& other men) to lower their gaze, but not everyone who wants to stop men looking at them does this. I wear it out of respect (but not by his request) for my husband, but not everyone who respects their husband (or whose husband requests it) wears a niqab. So, I wear it because for me, it is easier to put a piece of material on my face to achieve all these things as I don't know any other way to do so as completely & easily. I also wear it because, in the past, when I have worn just the headscarf & abaya (long cloak) I found myself becoming increasingly shy & loathe to show my face around men. I discovered to my surprise (after reviewing my feelings & behavior) that in the presence of strange men (men who are not very closely related to me or 'mahrams') I would either lower or turn my head, turn my whole body, use my hands to hide my face by pretending to touch my upper nose area or hide completely and I found that I was reluctant to leave the house even when I needed to. So, as you can see, this is was a problem. In fact, by NOT wearing niqab I was turning into a recluse; I was NOT a functioning member of society. In essence by NOT wearing my niqab, I was becoming as they say "segregated" & was not "integrating" into society. So in a nutshell, niqab allows me to feel comfortable enough to go outside my house for my needs, it allows me the feeling of liberty to be in the presence of non-mahrams without dread & embarrassment on my part. It is for me, a freedom. I know this may seem difficult for non-Muslims to understand and to be honest it probably would have seemed so to me prior to my entering Islam.

My journey towards wearing niqab "full-time" has been many things. It has been frustrating yet encouraging, confusing yet enlightening, difficult yet easy, heartbreaking yet uplifting; basically full of ambivalence. What is has always been is wonderful because this journey has drawn me much closer to Allah. I first started by wearing niqab "part-time" using a half-niqab (which covers only the nose & mouth). It is put on underneath the headscarf & the elastic back would allow me to pull it up or down in a fraction of a second. I would wear it for a few minutes at home & then for short trips out depending on where I was going. For instance, if I were to go to the masjid (the more correct term of 'mosque') or my husband's shop I would wear it. If I were going to the grocery store I would leave it off. At first (when I drove on my own) I wouldn't wear it while driving. When I was more confident wearing it while walking around I would then wear it while driving. I laugh now to think of the picture I must have made plus what the other drivers must have thought when they saw me-niqab plus sunglasses in a little hatchback! I currently wear the "headband-style" of niqab, the under layers exposing the eyes with a top, sheerer layer to cover the eyes which can be flipped back for better visibility. It is worn over the headscarf and sits just on (covering) my eyebrows, like a headband and is secured at the back of the head with either ties or with a velcro fastening. This allows me to conceal or reveal my eyes depending on where I am, what I am doing or to whom I am talking with. I do not drive now on my own out of personal choice (much to the frustration of my husband, I think) previously I drove just twice a week, to & from my Qur'an lesson- and I drove with the eye screen up and I find it did not in any way hinder my ability to maneuver my car.

To be quite honest a major impetus for me to even consider wearing something to cover my face came from visiting my husband while at his shop. I would see the interest many of his customers would have in me. Being a very pale-skinned person with western features & colouring, my husband would often receive enquiries about me. After a while, he started to get quite annoyed, as did I, with the questions about where I was from, why didn't he marry "his own kind", why did he marry me (i.e. why did he marry an Australian, a revert?-for some Muslims here these seem to be dirty words when used in the same sentence as 'marriage'), why did I enter Islam, did I have a sister (for the purposes of marriage)? I used to think, "what do they care, can't I be just a MUSLIM?" I (& my husband especially) was becoming increasingly upset with men (many of whom are Muslim & should know better not to do this), to put it plainly, ogling me for whatever reasons. We also were afflicted, we believe by "al-'ayn" or the jealousy eye-which is very real-and suffered a short period of intense marital hardship which we had never experienced before. Alhamdulillah, after becoming educated about how to gain the protection of Allah & the cure, this trial lifted. But it left me with a valuable lesson-that it would be better to cover my face for a variety of reasons. I think the final straw (no pun intended) was when one day after dropping my husband off at his work, I had a minor car accident. The first person who came to the scene was a non-Muslim, an acquaintance of my husband. He asked if I were OK & in the meantime my husband came running back after hearing the noise of the crash. He was later asked by this non-Muslim acquaintance who had spoken not more than ten words to me (covered in my long headscarf & loose abaya, both black) if I "had a sister". This made me realize that even to the non-Muslims the headscarf & abaya of the Muslim woman were not enough to deter interest. I said to myself at the time, "right, that's it! I've had enough! I'm wearing my niqab everywhere from now on!" And I have, Alhamdulillah and I have never once looked back.

I truly believed that it was enough to wear what I was wearing (headscarf and abaya) to deter men's interest; I thought to myself, "what else is there to cover when everything sexual or desirable IS covered?" Well, the answer is, the things left to cover are the face and hands. And when you think about it, a woman's face & hands are the focal point of beauty ESPECIALLY when she has covered every other part of her body with loose clothing. I mean, what else is there to look at? When you say a woman is beautiful you are not talking about her feet or her knees;you are talking about her face. What areas of a woman's body have more money spent on them than the face and hands (besides hair)? Multi-billion dollar industries are devoted to selling products for the face and hands. Hours and hours are spent in the further beautification of these areas. Beauty spas/salons and manicure centres are plentiful all over the world. And there is nothing really wrong with this except that is causes men to further desire women (and also perhaps can be seen as a major waste of time.) Which for the Muslim woman is a problem, unless the man happens to be her husband! So anyone who says that the face and hands are not important or desirable-even sans cosmetics-is underestimating the beauty of women and the ability of men to find beauty in the women around him.

So I spent many hours pouring over the evidences, days, in fact looking at ahadith and of course, ayat in the Qur'an. I did this because in my "part-time" wearing of niqab I had discovered that my father-in-law was somewhat opposed to niqab (for reasons I did not [and still don't fully] understand). Also, I had encountered a sister who said to me, "you know, you don't HAVE to wear it!?" So, I wanted to be fully equipped to handle any questions and oppositions; basically I wanted to be able to justify to Muslims why I wear niqab. As I delved into the evidences, I discovered that there are two views: mustahabb (highly recommended) and fard/wajib (obligatory,compulsory). To the common-garden variety Muslimah like me I was a little frustrated. Why with something that seemed (to me) so crucial, was there such a difference of opinion? I had decided to wear niqab anyway & to make it easier on myself I really wanted the covering of the face to be obligatory and was searching for such (clear) supporting evidence from scholarly interpretation; main reason being was my belief that my father-in-law was going to oppose me on this issue & forbid me from wearing it. I finally came to a personal decision (from looking at the evidence from the Qur'an & Sunnah & taking the more correct of scholarly opinion) about this issue; that covering the face is fard/wajib. After realizing that if the scholars can't agree on the status of covering the face then the common Muslim isn't going to agree either, I really had to look at WHY I wanted to wear niqab so much, basically so I could justify my decision to my father-in-law. I had also made the salatal-istikhara (prayer of guidance) so that whichever path I did choose it would be with guidance from Allah. I thought again about all the things that had happened to me in the time since I became a Muslim and I also looked at my level of faith. So why did I feel this compulsion to cover my face in the presence of strange men? I discovered I really wanted to wear niqab because I fear Allah. Wallahi I fear the Day of Resurrection (Yaumul-Qiyaamah) and what I may have to answer to Allah for. If covering the face is obligatory, I fear He may ask me why I didn't do it. If covering the face is "only" highly recommended & something for which extra rewards are given, I fear he will ask me why I didn't do something that I knew to be a highly recommended Sunnah (Sunnah is that which the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, did, which he enjoined, and which was not forbidden by him when done in his presence) knowing what fitnah (trial) I was perhaps causing others. I know of saheeh ahadith that support this and after seeing them, and after knowing them and understanding them I couldn't truthfully plead ignorance to Allah on the day when our hands, our eyes, and our limbs and even our Qur'an will speak for us, even if we do not wish to tell the truth. So after considering all these (many) reasons, I understood that I had more reason to wear it than not to. And the reasons for not wearing niqab suddenly seemed so insignificant compared to the real reason why I should which is to gain the pleasure of Allah insha'Allah (Allah willing) and to insha'Allah lose the displeasure of Him.

Most of the reasons that I did not wear niqab (which seem so silly now) were because I was worried what people would think of me. The main person I was worried about was my father-in-law, I just didn't want him to think that I was going against his wishes and 'challenging' him. Then I was worried what other Muslims will think, for instance, "who does she think she is to wear a niqab, she's only a 'convert' ." I was also worried what westerners and non-Muslims will think; they will be confused and /or frightened; I will be harassed; I will be discriminated against; I will be put in danger etc etc. Not to mention the (initial) discomfort and inconvenience of wearing niqab. At that time of confusion, the only opinion I didn't worry about was Allah's and what He thought of me. For me, that suddenly put it all into perspective. All the other reasons, the staring, the insults, the discomfort, the questions, even what I thought was the opinion of my father-in-law (whom I love dearly) didn't matter anymore. All that mattered was Allah. For Whom we have no reason to exist but to worship Him. I knew without a shred of doubt that as I would be covering my face in the hope that I would gain Allah's pleasure, He would make it easy for me and He would protect me from all harm. And that any hardship I faced as a result of covering my face would insha'Allah only be an increase in any rewards I would gain.

Alhamdulillah, Allah has made my journey of wearing niqab easy (well, easier than some sister whose stories I have heard). Yes, sometimes people stare and whisper, sometimes they say some remarks under their breath and once someone called me a 'ghost' while standing in line at the checkout counter (to which my bearded and fierce husband gave a menacing reply) and recently I was harassed on my way to my Qur'an lesson (while driving on my own, so now I have arranged a time when my husband can drive me). However, in general, Muslim and non-Muslim men have afforded me with greater respect than even before. Hijab (with or without covering the face) enables a Muslim woman to no longer cringe with embarrassment when walking past a group of men; a Muslim woman if properly covered can be fully assured that those said men cannot gaze lustfully at her chest and will not be waiting until she passes to take a look at better look at her back view. I have come into contact with many non-Muslim women go out of their way to smile and to be polite and kind as if they instinctively know the hardship the we Muslim women especially the "niqaabis" face due to the ignorance of our fellow Australians. On a lighter note, I am always amused at the expressions of surprise on peoples' faces when they hear my very Australian-with-no-trace-of-an-accent voice. And then when they (if it is a woman) see an amused set of blue eyes, I think then they suddenly feel embarrassed at their misconceptions and stereotypes. I hope then they realize that underneath I'm just a normal woman with a family with hopes and dreams who just happens to cover her face & body. And that this woman does not represent "The Enemy". It is also my hope that other Muslim women (even the ones who wear niqab) do not create difficulties for their Muslim sisters who wish to cover their face. I have found that some munaqabahs (niqab-wearing Muslim women) have harassed "part-time" niqaabis for not covering all the time. It is my hope they understand that this step requires patience, understanding, support and lots of eman. And Allah knows best. As with any other religious action whether you deem it fard or "just sunnah" (ooh, that's a term that just gets on my nerves) we should be encouraging and definitely not discouraging other Muslims to perform them.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I wrote this fisabeelAllah (for the sake of Allah) to help non-Muslims understand why some women cover their faces despite such opposition (even from other Muslims) and to encourage those sisters who are wanting to.

Anything good and correct I have said is from Allah and anything incorrect is from me or the shaytan (the devil). Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, 'ash-hadu 'an laa illaaha illaa 'Anta, 'asaghfiruka wa 'atoobu 'ilayka.

##############################################

Sister Aliyah entered Islam two years ago. She met her husband first briefly when they were unmarried while attending an Australian high-school together and tutoring him in English and then again, 15 years later and about six months after her entering Islam. She happened to walk into his butcher shop (as a Muslim) to buy halal meat.

Taken from http://muslimconverts.com/niqab/niqab-aliyah.html