Resilience in face of fear: choosing to wear Hijab

This week, I heard a few friends and students discuss what they think about removing their hijabs. They argue that in the light of recent attacks against hijabi women, there is nothing wrong with uncovering, that security takes precedence. The cite the incident when Ammar bin Yassir (r.a) was subjected to the same torture which killed his mother, he saved his life by stating words of kufar.

I worry that the more we try to analyse the commandments of Allah, searching them out for loopholes and trying to find ways around them, the more we separate ourselves from the spirit of Qur'an and lose our compass, which guides us to the right understanding and right course of action.

Difficult political and/or personal circumstances  don't make the commands of Allah any less binding. Stereotypes and ignorance about the tenants of our religion does not make them any less true. Allah wants us to live a life of purity, and hijab is an expression of purity. Our bodies are a trust from Allah. We honour this trust through modesty. Our bodies are meant to be an instrument of worship. Our hijabs are a recognition of the fact that our bodies are created for worship and holiness.
Our hijabs reflect the beautiful religion of Allah. The hijab proclaims a heart radically humbled by the Words of Allah. When a woman recognizes that Allah owns her and everything in the universe, she could never take off the apparel that Allah has commanded her to wear.
So I feel that if I were to ever remove my hijab, notwithstanding the pain and humiliation, it will take me a step backward from the standard of purity that is pleasing to Allah.

People will always make inferences about a woman's body whether she covers or not. It is disgusting how subversively female identity is today in term of modesty. Everything from chocolate bars to sports magazines produce editions of half naked women parading on front covers solely for the enjoyment and capital interests of big businesses. The underlining message is that the greatest thing women offer to this world, is not their intelligence, not their faith, but simply the size of their chest and the complexion of their skin.

Sisters, please do not remove your hijab. Your hijab is your crown jewel. It is the most godly thing on your body from which shines the beauty of your faith, the testament of your purity and good works. Don't let a few racists cast you in doubt. Have firm confidence, hope and total assurance in Allah that you will be successful and safe with your hijab.

At present you may be temporarily harassed by all kinds of racial attacks. This test to wear hijab, is not happening without Allah's notice or permission.  The things we wish most to be removed from our lives are the very things that Allah uses to shape us and hone out our character. He uses problems and difficulties as an agent of positive change. So the testing of our faith is good for us, it brings spiritual growth and maturity and closeness to Allah through endurance. Allah is always there to help us see through this test so there is no reason to take stress or feel anxious. InshaAllah we will be fine, we will come out refined and much more modest.  We will come out victorious.

I know we may have to restrict our movements for a while. Be extra careful when outside, especially after dark. We may have to go out of way to be appear friendly, but firm. We may be forced to act overly courteous but confident. But let's not lose heart or our hijab. These troubles which are temporary and are winning us a permanent, a glorious and solid reward out of proportion for our endurance, inshaAllah.

My thoughts on attacks against Hijabi women.

The recent attacks on hijabis teaches modest women to be scared and ashamed.

After the tragedy in Paris, bigots are boxing away Muslim women in hijabs and breaking out their resentment. But as women across the country advance with their rights and freedoms, bigots and extremists are ramping up their efforts to scare and shame Muslim women. Are our hijabs so disturbing for the public to be expected to comport themselves with tolerance and respect? It is the season of hate mongering and racial violence - so instead of arresting these criminals, Toronto Police is enforcing arbitrary rules that teach women to be ashamed of their faith and religious clothing.

I am so tired of people who make Muslim women feel violated and ashamed because they are wearing a hijab and covering their body. Take the example of a young woman who was punched and beaten in broad day light near a public school. It's not just the streets that make for problematic interactions for covered Muslim women. Every day on the subways, in the parking lots, and at the malls, people disproportionately target, shame and punish Muslim women in hijabs for their modesty. Is showing hair and cleavage the new price for citizenship? Will I be more Canadian if I wore a risque outfit?

To assuage the supposed racial attacks, Muslim women are removing their hijabs. This assumes that Muslim women should be scared and that their faith doesn't rate consideration. Many women like myself, have been wearing hijabs for decades, since we were 10 and 11 years old. We cannot be expected to undress ourselves because our modesty offends people. Removing hijab would have an immensely painful and scarring affect. Perhaps racists, who truly cannot change their narrow views, should be mandated to stay at home so they are not around hijabi women who provoke them.

Sounds ridiculous right? So is pulling and cutting swaths of fabric off a women's body with hope that it will correct worlds' issues. It will not!

We should, instead, try not to take out our political frustrations on Muslim women - we are, in fact, in no way responsible for the tragedy in Paris, nor do we have the power to change anything. The onus cannot be on hijabi women. Attacking hijabi women does not inhibit terrorists.  Muslim women can walk down anywhere in a swimsuit and there will still be terrorists. Hijabi women are not the problem. Politics is.

The Philosophy of Modesty

I think modesty is a breath of fresh air in this world where it seems no one knows the word even exists. I am not big on politicians and journalists who are in the business of shaming Muslim women for their modesty. Modesty is not anti-women, nor a medieval tradition. Modesty focuses on the heart and one’s intentions, then one’s clothing and physical conduct. Modesty is primarily about one’s motivations. In addition, modest dress and behaviour are also about discernment, having an awareness and integrity of oneself and of others.

Young Muslim men and women concern themselves with modesty because Allah does. The following texts in the Qur’an are primary examples of modesty. Notice how none of the verses seek to hide women or disenfranchise women:

(a)    “O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.” (7:26)

(b)   “O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.” (7:31)

(c)    “Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.” (24:30)

(d)   “And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.” (24:31)

(e)    “O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves their jilbaab- outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (33:59)

1. Modesty is not anti-beautiful

At the outset, we should take note that Allah revealed clothing to enhance the beauty and distinction of humanity from the rest of His creation (7:26). Allah wants all children of Adam (a.s) to wear clothes so that we can appear more pleasing and impressive. The force of His statement is positive: “men and women should adorn themselves with clothes.” These are not the words of an anti-fashion prude. It is a term that expresses: being ornamented, embellished, well-kept, and put in order. The apparel which best beautifies a person’s body is Taqwa, consciousness of Allah and fear of displeasing Him.

2. Modesty is about who you worship

In the context of passage 7:36, Allah is talking about how men and women should prepare themselves for gathering at Masjid. We are commanded to adorn ourselves in a way that is fitting for worship whether we are going to the Masjid or not. If we “profess Taqwa”—that is, if we desire to show Allah honour and reverence—we must dress in a way that helps us remember Allah and reminds the onlookers of Allah.  

The elite Arab culture at the time of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was known for their gaudy and extravagant wardrobes and their elaborate hairstyles that flaunted their sexual appeal and wealth. Clothing and makeup standards to this day mimic the same bravado and facade. When a young Muslim goes to the Masjid, and by this extension, when he/she dresses to go anywhere in public, his/her apparel should reflect his/her desire seek Allah’s love and attention alone, not of others. A person’s manner of dress, or even their preoccupation with clothing in itself, is often indicative of a heart that is obsessed with physical appearance, approval from the people around more than Allah.

3. Modesty is about behavior and attitude

When Allah says that men and women should wear clothes that conceals their private areas and adorns them, the term “clothes” encompasses not just respectable dress but also demeanour, and attitude. Ultimately, what should adorn a young Muslim man and a woman is not just clothing his/her thobe or abaya with hijab but “good works.” Allah has created us to see which one of us will do the best of deeds (67:2). Therefore, we should seek to adorn our lives in works that submit to Allah in worship and do good to others, marked with ehsaan. This means modesty is what we wear because Allah is All-Seeing. In addition, it is how we act, how we communicate, and how relate to others, knowing that Allah is Always All-Aware.

4. Modesty shows sensitivity to sin

In these passages Allah says the best clothing is “the consciousness of Allah.” This intuitively translates to clothing which is decent and shamefacedness. It is talking about a demeanour of reverence, showing respect to oneself and a regard for others. It even carries the connotation of “bashful.” Connected to the term “shame,” the word implies the idea of grief over sin (fornication) that is in the world—that young men and women should be so sensitive to sin, knowing that sin is offensive to Allah, that they would never come close to trying to provoke it in others. Allah says, “And come not near to unlawful sex (before marriage/outside of marriage). Verily, it is a Faahishah (a disgusting, loathsome evil transgression and great sin against Allah)” (17 :32)

A young woman is guilty of a man’s lust if she dresses with the intention to allure him (24:31) or speaks to him flirtatiously. Allah commands young women to “….not soften in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire” (33 :32). At the same time, a young man must also account for the sin of being secluded with a woman or physically touching her in anyway: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him not be alone with a woman who has no mahram present, for the third one present will be the Shaytaan.” (Ahmad) and “If one of you (men) were to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle, that would be better for him than his touching a woman who is not permissible for him.” (al-Tabaraani). In these scenarios, both young and women who lack shamefacedness, are guilty of treating sin lightly.

Modesty is practiced through one’s eyes and clothing. Allah has commanded men to turn their glances away from women; not stare, making prolonged eye contact or ogling at women (24:30). At the same time, women are commanded by Allah to lower their gaze in front of men and to cover the shape of their bodies with kheemar (head scarf).

5. Modesty involves discretion

From commercials to novels, a woman is often depicted as having hair dressed in elaborate braids or wavy curls, her eyes with mascara lines, her eyebrows arched over heavy eye shadow paint and her expensive clothes embroidered lavishly with flowers and bracelets and necklaces of gold and pearls hanging all over her.

There is almost nothing that a young woman is not permitted to do in order to beautify herself for her husband (24:31). Nothing is deemed shameful until she publically displays the business of her beautification. The appearance of a woman’s body and ornaments in public is not only a fashion statement, but it also communicates her personality and her values, conjuring up images of female objectification and promiscuity.

A woman’s appearance, fashion, luxury, and sexual prowess are not to be cheapened by pubic display (24:31) rather preserved as a sacred gift for the one man who wins her love in marriage.

6. Modesty is about true freedom, not repression

More often than not, modesty standards are seen as repressive, arbitrary rules that restrict a a woman’s creativity and freedom. But when modesty is motivated from the heart, the exact opposite is true. Allah says women must wear a jibaab (outer garment) over their clothes to control how they are viewed and treated. This might be better understood as “self-mastery,” being in control of one’s impulses and romantic desires while also inhibiting lustful thoughts and advances from others.

Immodesty is often a kind of slavery. A young woman may be enslaved by her desire to attract a man. She might define her worth by her fashion sense, her sex appeal, her body image, or the brand names she wears. This kind of slavery is widespread because sexual sin impacts us all, and in today’s culture, many young women fall prey to this kind of slavery. But as young Muslim women we are free from the slavery of sexual sin because we are empowered by the Word of Allah. Allah wants us to have self-mastery in our wardrobe choices, to be totally free from shallow ways of defining worth, beauty, and attractiveness. Jilbaab ensures women are noticed and appreciated for their intellect, personality, achievements and opinions. Jilbab protects women from becoming instruments of sexual sin and unrighteousness. 

Ironically, it is not just those who are scantily dressed that are enslaved, but even those who look at inappropriately dressed women because they are enslaved to a preoccupation with physical image of others, degrading their own worth by their lustful glances.

Modesty is a respectable manner of adorning one’s body and carrying oneself, born out of a freedom from a worldly definition of beauty and worth, and motivated by a hatred of sin and a desire to draw the love attention from Allah.  When it comes to the subject of modest clothing, the first question we should ask ourselves is: What am I trying to accomplish by what I wear? Who am I pleasing – myself, others or Allah?

Happy New Muharram =)

Allah has created everything with movement. The galaxy is programmed to move and expand. The sun is designed to travel at fast speeds across the universe. The earth is made to spin on its axis. The moon is destined to run its cycle.  Darkness is told give way to light.  The seasons are instructed to shift and change. The winds are guided to blow on their course. The rain is brought down. Even continents rise, slide and sink.

The month of Muharram is a reminder that humans must make the conscious decision to move. Muharram marks the migration of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) from Makkah to Madina. This month captures the story of the epic journey undertaken by the first Muslims, 1437 years ago. This journey was made on principle, to preserve the purity of faith. This journey was made for the sake of Tawheed – Allah alone.  This journey is called Hijrah.  It is obligatory upon every Muslim to make Hijrah. It is our duty to emotionally travel away from sin; to physically distance ourselves from the disobedience of Allah and migrate to actions which Allah loves.

Just as we say good bye to the last year, let us say good bye to all our bad habits and sins. Time is an unfathomable asset. It is more precious than money, more valuable than people. We can always earn back the money we have lost. People constantly come in and go out of our lives. But time never returns; time can never be earned. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, “People wake up in the morning and they bargain with their souls. Some – buy freedom and forever happiness and eternal success with their souls and others sell their souls in destruction, to perpetual pain and suffering.”

Let us ask ourselves this very moment, what am I buying with my soul? What am I doing with my time?

Allah made day and night for His worship. There are certain good deeds which are prescribed during the day and certain good deeds which are performed at night. Time itself is a tool, it is an instrument to draw close to Allah. The month of Ramadan motivated us to leave everything and focus on Qur’an. The month of Dhil Hijjah encouraged us to put our sins up for slaughter. Now in the blessed month of Muharram, we are given the chance to turn the page and start over, to rewrite our spiritual narrative with a fresh beginning.

When the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) came to Madeenah in Muharram, he saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’ – the 10^th of Muharram. He asked, “What is this?” The Jews said, “This is a good day, this is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy Pharaoh and Musa fasted on this day.” Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, “We are closer to Musa than you.” So he (s.a.w) fasted on this day and told the people to fast so people can worship Allah and reflect upon Allah’s decisions.

Today is the 10^th of Muharram. It is very humbly to note that Allah saved the first Muslims from the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) and, before us, Allah saved the Ummah of Musa (a.s) from tyranny and oppression in this month, on this very day.

Again Muslims around the world are desperately in need of Allah’s rescue and deliverance. The whole Ummah  is pleading and imploring for safety and security. This is really the time to get down on our knees, on our face and beg Allah to change the course of history.

In this article inshaAllah, I will share some lessons from the life of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) and Musa (a.s) to help us shape a new year and a new Islamic era.

1.      We definitely live in an age of stereotypes and paranoia. Everyday there are new reports of racial attacks on Muslims and new laws are passed which systematically target Muslims. 10^th of Muharram teaches us a lesson of hope and optimism.

The voices against Allah will drown one day. Even if there are 1000s of channels and100s of  laws that depress you, try to weaken your resolve, tell yourself what Musa (a.s) said to himself when he stood at the edge of the Red sea... He was surrounded by a confused, disunited nation who mocked his religious sentiment and leadership. Behind him was the most fiercest army in the world, with the incredibly advanced torture weapons. Despite all the rejection and threats that he received, Musa (a.s) did not give up hope and optimism in Allah. He said, “verily, with me is my Lord, He will guide me.”

His certainty in Allah saved an entire nation. Through his courage and unshakable faith, the Muslims found their promised land. 

His sincerity to Allah, evoked a miracle. Pharaoh and his entire military – all the fear mongerers, war makers and propagandists were massacred right before their eyes.

2.      This brings me to the next point – when Musa (a.s) asked the Jews to migrate to the promised land – they said, ‘you and your Lord go fight for it, we are sitting right here.’ They refused to move an inch. We can’t ask Allah to change history when we do not want to change ourselves. Change also begins with an individual and if every person just worked hard to change themselves, the entire nation will change by itself.

We had elections this week. We were all at the edge of our seats but many of us did not get up to vote. When Allah calls us and invites us to success, (hayya al salah hayya al falah) but we wait for the last possible to respond. We complain about tyrannical governments overseas but we are bullies ourselves at home, on the road and at work.

Let’s be the change we want to see in the world. If we want the world to understand Islam, let’s learn about our religion. If we want the world to like Muslims, let’s be the best practicing Muslims that we can ever be. If we want oppression to end, let’s stop fighting amongst ourselves our families. If we want Allah to answer our duaas quickly, let’s hurry to Salah. 

Prayer before Work

I start my day with the niyyah to make my students love Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w).
I am privileged to have given my soul to this.
I ask myself, "How can I win their trust on what I say about our beautiful religion, unless I show them what beautiful things it has done for me?
Students don't care how much I have come to know, only how much I have come to grow.
How can I do this without showing on me love for Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w)?
What part of my ego will I let go today?
What part of my intolerance will I get over today?
What part of my frustrations will I forgive today?
How many times will I free my soul today from a being slave to this world to being a slave of Allah?

Indeed, nothing is easy except what Allah makes easy.
O Allah, make my job easy aameen. 

Prayer before Work

I start my day with the niyyah to make my students love Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w).
I am privileged to have given my soul to this.
I ask myself, "How can I win their trust on what I say about our beautiful religion, unless I show them what beautiful things it has done for me?
Students don't care how much I have come to know, only how much I have come to grow.
How can I do this without showing on me love for Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w)?
What part of my ego will I let go today?
What part of my intolerance will I get over today?
What part of my frustrations will I forgive today?
How many times will I free my soul today from a being slave to this world to being a slave of Allah?

Indeed, nothing is easy except what Allah makes easy.
O Allah, make my job easy aameen. 

First Day back to School

Who is God?A poor woman’s riches A hungry woman’s bread A sad woman’s joyA sick woman’s healthWho is God?A crippled woman’s legs A deaf woman’s ears A blind woman’s eyes An tired woman's restWho is God?A troubled woman’s peace A foolish woman’s wisdom A defeated woman’s victoryWho is God?An insane woman’s sanity A dead woman’s life A lost woman’s salvation

I want to take a moment to extend a very warm welcome to everyone this morning. Whether you're are a returning student or staff or coming to Madinatul Uloom for the first time, I am delighted that you are here with us today.

Just looking at you guys fills me with  so much excitement because you are the people whom Allah has chosen ... Allah has handpicked you from the hundreds of thousands of girls ... The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, when Allah wishes well for a person, Allah grants her the understanding of the religion.

You are not here for any other reason, except for the reason that Allah loves you and Allah wants you to be here.

Allah wants to be your riches, your joy, your rest.

Allah wants to be your legs, ears, and eyes.

Allah wants to be your peace, your wisdom, your salvation

Allah wants to be your sanity, your life.

When Abdullah ibn Masood came to learn Islam from the Prophet (s.a.w), the Prophet (s.a.w) took his hands in his own two hands and taught him. The Prophet (s.a.w) gave so much love and attention to each and everyone of his students. And today, I extend the same feelings toward you.  

Among us, are some of the best staff members and students in the country, the best friends and sisters anyone can wish for.

Alhamdulillah we are so lucky to be brought together, by Allah, under this building, where the framework and philosophy of our academic learning is grounded in Quran and hadith.

I'll quickly sketch some of our goals for this year:

First, our vision for the morning assembly, is to grow our staff and students in relationship with Allah. I have many stories and activities and prizes lined up – trust me, you do not want to miss them. Come here on time, get front row seats and I will show you a good time inshaAllah.

Secondly, we are all about students. Every student who walks through these doors is important to us, so if you ever feel like just another number, we are doing something wrong and I give you permission to tell me about it.

At Madinatul Uloom, we care about you and your family and we here not only to feed you intellectually, emotionally and spiritually, but to help in any way we can. We love doing it and it's why we exist! InshaAllah, I will introduce our guidance counselling and tarbiyah system to you shortly.

I pray that all your righteous dreams come true. I pray that you have a gratifying year. I ask Allah to make our education and our friendships meaningful and a means of nearness to Him amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day, and may Allah bless your studies and your personal endeavours amen.