HIJAAB, HAYAA

“Every religion has a quality characteristic of that religion, and the characteristic of Islam is modesty.” – Ibn Majah

How remarkable and astonishing it is that the way Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala created Islam, every detail in it has deeply rooted meanings, values, and effects. So much so, in fact, that each letter found in the Quran is a carefully placed treasure. If anything in it was even slightly altered, misplaced, or mispronounced, this completely changes the original meanings it was intended to have. The hasaanat for pronouncing each letter are also mighty because they are multiplied by ten.

Overall, nothing in Islam, even washing in between the toes during wudu, is insignificant. Some matters are simply more important than others, but everything revealed to us by our Lord is noteworthy. Subhan Allah.

In addition to this, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala specifically chose for this blessed religion to be conveyed in Arabic because of the incredible richness the language carries, which is parallel to no other language. For instance, much can be expressed in the ancient Arabic language by a few words, but the quality of rhetoric never wanes. Arabic words have multiple meanings; they can quickly stir vehement emotions, draw vivid pictures for us to clearly visualize, and be strung together flawlessly like the beads of a necklace to create eloquent verses, all by the power and grace of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. Not to mention, each word in the Quran has been preserved for over 1400 years, and yet, everything in it is just as applicable today as it was in the past and will be in the future. After all, the religion of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala is meant for all of humankind, for all times.

With these things in mind, it would be committing a severe injustice to appreciate the letters, words, verses, rulings, and all the other blessings of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala only at face value. Doing so would be more ignorant than appreciating the human body by what only the eye can see, when there are a myriad of miraculous functions, designs, networks, and complexities found only inside the body. Similarly, beneath the surface of every letter, word, verse, and ruling in the Quran, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala has placed infinite priceless jewels waiting to be discovered. To unbury them, we are commanded to seek ilm (knowledge) and ponder over the creation of the heavens and the earth and all that is in between.

It comes as no surprise, then, that the commandment of hijab is meant to teach us a lot more than willingly throwing sheets over our bodies in front of non-mahram men – just like salah is supposed to teach us far more than the physical actions of salah, we learn humility and elimination of racism from it too, for example – if we grasp the spirit of it.

In addition to dressing modestly outdoors, hijab is also meant to teach women to fully honor the bodies they have been blessed with by embracing hayaa at all times, in front of every type of person, in all different situations.

Therefore, before anyone of us hijabis dares to point a finger criticizing the sister that doesn’t wear hijab properly, be it because of tight clothes, ostentation, glamorous abayas, hair showing, or whatever else the reason may be, let us thoroughly examine ourselves first. Have we seriously, truly, allowed hijab to teach us all it is meant to teach? Do we express genuine modesty not only outdoors, but in the presence of our fellow Muslimahs, siblings, parents, and husbands as well?

Islam does not define hayaa as embarrassment or humiliation a woman (or man) feels about herself. Rather, it perceives it as the care and concern she has about persevering her modesty at all times through dressing appropriately in front of all people.

Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, I honestly cannot thank my Lord enough that hijab has actually taught me this. I have learned that hayaa is more close and beloved to me than my very own garments themselves. Although, of course, there is always room for improvement, I have certainly come a long way.

Even in front of people allowed to see me unveiled, I do not have the heart to wear immodest clothes. I can never wear pants that have some awkward saying displayed grossly on the rear end to emphasize the hips, or shirts that do similar to emphasize the chest, or low cut tops, excessively tight clothes, and the list goes on and on.

Truth be told, I also have an aversion towards lingerie for quite a few reasons. Although, as I have learned, it is mubah in and of itself, there is great haraam that engulfs it. The entire culture surrounding it – from the provocative display of near-naked models, to the inappropriate poses, to the messages sent out to woman about their bodies – is a culture that kills the very essence of hayaa. As I have learned, the righteous people of the past would have frowned upon and abstained from the various ways we attain sexual pleasure nowadays, particularly because in absolutely everything in our religion there is modesty. There is modesty in worship, talking, and even love. Hence, for a deeper and more conservative hayaa, just the mere thought of lingerie puts a foul taste in my mouth and gets me uncomfortable.

It has been revealed to us repeatedly in Islam that Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala has honored the children of Adam alayhi assalam, so we should not lower ourselves. Alhamdulillah once again, I strive to never degrade myself by subjugating my body as a toy. I try to dress respectfully and elegantly, and further manifest these qualities through my conduct, as hijab has also taught me to do.

As a matter of fact, it would destroy me to lend a single penny supporting utterly immoral companies that go against the hayaa Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala has placed in all His slaves’ fitrah, especially in females; companies that promote unbelievably tremendous fitnah, disrespect, and dishonor; companies that raise money and earn success by proliferating indecency and the overall devaluing of women and their bodies. The pious women of our Ummah, such as the wives (may Allah be pleased with them) of the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam, deeply cared for their hayaa and honor every minute of the day. Beneath the modest outer garments (or jilbabs) they wore outdoors, they wore very modest clothing, even when they were in the seclusion of their homes.

This does not mean they were unkempt, unconfident or uncaring about their appearance, especially in front of their husband, salla Allahu alayhi wasallam – far from it. These women spoke their opinions, were extremely knowledgeable, helped greatly in social affairs, and also beautified themselves (decently and indoors), and kept clean and presentable, as Islam urges all women to do within appropriate limits. At the same time, however, they understood far better than any of us that, although hijab is removable, hayaa is not, and they honored this enormous blessing of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala placed even more in His female slaves than His male ones.

These are the worthy women we must emulate.

Sisters, our hayaa is such a precious, delicate, and priceless gift from Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala that requires the utmost care and concern. To execute justice in receiving this invaluable gift, we really have to ponder over the additional lessons hijab is supposed to teach, and then apply them graciously to our lives, so we can unbury those jewels and increase our own value. Insha’Allah, in our efforts to dig deeper and change for the better, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala will love us more, because He wants for us to reflect over His commandments and live our lives as nobly as possible. After all, we are the best nation ever created, so let us be deserving of this honorable title by exemplifying modesty in every aspect of our lives, just as the righteous women of the past, may Allah be pleased with them, did.

COMPLAIN TO ALLAAH

A precious Gem: The Complain of the Ignorant, Ibn Al-Qayyim , Al Fuwaid

(taken from the English translation of the book) p. 134

The ignorant people complain to people about Allaah, and this is the

highest degree of ignorance, for if he had known his Lord, he would not

have complained about Him, and if he had known the people he would not

have complained to them.

One of the predecessors saw a man complaining to another man about his

poverty and dire necessity. He said to him, 'O you! By Allaah, you have

done nothing but complain about He who has mercy for you, to the one who

has no mercy for you'.

The following words have been mentioned about the meaning of the

previous statement of the predecessor.

*When you complain to a son of Adam,,,,verily you complain about the

Most Merciful,,,,,, to the one who does not pity*.

On the contrary, the person who is profoundly knowledgeable about

Allaah complains to Allaah alone. And the most knowledgeable person

about Allaah is the one who complains about himself to Allaah, and never

to people. He complains about the causes that make people do wrong to

him, for he knows about the following ayah,

'And whatever of misfortune befalls you it is because of what your

hands have earned. And He pardons much' (Ash-Shura, 42: 30)

'Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allaah but whatever of evil

befalls you, is from yourself.'

(An-Nisa, 4: 79)

'(What is the matter with you?). When a single disaster smites you,

although you smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, you say:

'From where does this come to us?' Say (to them), 'It is from yourselves

(because of your evil deeds). 'And Allaah has power over all things.

(Al-Imran, 3: 165)

Therefore, there are three levels: the lowest one is to complain about

Allaah to his creatures, the highest one is to complain about yourself

to Him and the middle one is to complain about His creatures to Him.

May Allaah make us from those who complain to Him alone about

ourselves, He the Majestic and Most High, Ameen.

THUL HIJJAH

THE MONTH OF HAJJ

HAJJ is the fifth (5th) pillar of Islaam. It is a once in a lifetime obligation upon every male and female who are sane adults, who have good health and who have the financial means to do so.

ALLAAH says; "And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka'bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allaah, those who can afford the expenses (for one's conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves (i.e. denies Hajj), then he is a disbeliever of Allaah". (Imraan 3:97)

In carrying out this obligation Muslims fulfill Allaah's call to Ibraheem (Abraham) to sacrifice for the sake of Allaah.

ALLAAH says; "And proclaim to mankind the Hajj. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway to perform Hajj".

That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. the reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allaah on appointed days over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice). Then eat thereof and feed therewith the poor who have a very hard time". (Al Hajj 22:27-28)

Narrated Abu Hurairah (ra), Allaah's Messenger (sallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said, "Whoever performs Hajj to the House (Ka'bah) and does not approach his wife for sexual relations nor commits sins (while performing Hajj), he will come out as sinless as a newly born child (just delivered by its mother)". (Sahih Bukhari Vol3, No. 45)

THE DAY OF ARAFAT

It is the ninth (9th of Thul Hijjah) and the pilgrims are worshipping Allaah with Salaat and Dua'a and we, here at home, are worshipping Allaah with Salaat and fasting. And the people who complete their fast this day, Allaah will forgive them of their sins for the last year and the upcoming year; Maa Sha Allaah. Stay at Arafat from sunrise until sunset

There is no god but Allaah, there is no partner with Allaah, He has all the Sovereignty and He deserves all the praises. He is Almighty Allaah Who is capable of everything; AMEEN!!!

THE DAY OF EID

It is the tenth (10th of Thul Hijjah) and now comes the Eid, Eidul Adha, The Slaughter for the pilgrims and The Celebration for the Muslims at home and The Slaughter. The pilgrims will slaughter and eat and then make their farewell Tawaf and the Muslim women and children will celebrate while the men go out to slaughter at home. AL HAMDULILLAAH!!!!

ALLAAH says, "That is the command. Whoever glorifies the commands of Allaah, it surely is from the devotion of the hearts". (Al Hajj 22:32)

OUR LORD! GIVE US THE GOOD IN THIS WORLD AND THE GOOD IN THE HEREAFTER, AND SAVE US FROM THE FIRE; AMEEN!!!

THE EXPLANATION & UNDERSTANDING OF VEILING &HIJAB

The Tafsir of Surat An-Nur

Ayaat 24:31

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze, and protect their private parts and not to show off their adornment except that which is apparent, and to draw their veils all over their Juyub and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, 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 women, or their right hand possessions, or the Tabi`in among men who do not have desire, or children who are not aware of the nakedness of women. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.)

The Rulings of Hijab

This is a command from Allah to the believing women, and jealousy on

on His part over the wives of His believing servants. It is also to

distinguish the believing women from the women of the Jahiliyyah and the deeds of the pagan women. The reason for the revelation of this Ayah was mentioned by Muqatil bin Hayyan, when he said: "We heard -- and Allah knows best -- that Jabir bin `Abdullah Al-Ansari narrated that Asma' bint Murshidah was in a house of hers in Bani Harithah, and the women started coming in to her without lower garments so that the anklets on their feet could be seen, along with their chests and forelocks. Asma' said: `How ugly this is!' Then Allah revealed:

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze...)'' And Allah says:

(And tell the believing women to lower their gaze) meaning, from that which Allah has forbidden them to look at, apart from their husbands. [Some] scholars said that it is permissible for women to look at non-Mahram men without desire, as it was recorded in the Sahih that the Messenger of Allah was watching the Ethiopians playing with spears in the Masjid on the day of `Id, and `A'ishah the Mother of the believers was watching them from behind him and he was concealing her from them, until she got bored and went away.

(and protect their private parts). Sa`id bin Jubayr said: "From immoral actions.'' Abu Al-`Aliyah said: "Every Ayah of the Qur'an in which protecting the private parts is mentioned means protecting them from Zina, except for this Ayah – (and protect their private parts), which means protecting them from being seen by anybody.''

and not to show off their adornment except that which is apparent,) means, they should not show anything of their adornment to non-Mahram men except for whatever it is impossible to hide. Ibn Mas`ud said: "Such as clothes and outer garments,'' Meaning what the Arab women used to wear of the veil which covered their clothes and whatever showed from underneath the outer garment. There is no blame on her for this, because this is something that she cannot conceal. Similar to that is what appears of her lower garment and what she cannot conceal. Al-Hasan, Ibn Sirin, Abu Al-Jawza', Ibrahim An-Nakha`i and others also had the same view as Ibn Mas`ud.

and to draw their veils all over their Juyub) means that they should wear the outer garment in such a way as to cover their chests and ribs, so that they will be different from the women of the Jahiliyyah, who did not do that but would pass in front of men with their chests completely uncovered, and with their necks, forelocks, hair and earrings uncovered. So Allah commanded the believing women to cover themselves, as He says:

(O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known, so as not to be annoyed) [33:59] And in this noble Ayah He said:

and to draw their (Khumur) veils all over their Juyub) Khumur (veils) is the plural of Khimar, which means something that covers, and is what is used to cover the head. This is what is known among the people as a veil. Sa`id bin Jubayr said:

(and to draw) means to pull it around and tie it securely.

(their veils all over their Juyub) means, over their necks and chests so that nothing can be seen of them. Al-Bukhari recorded that `A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said: "May Allah have mercy on the women of the early emigrants. When Allah revealed the Ayah:

(and to draw their veils all over their Juyub), they tore their aprons and Akhtamar/covered themselves with them.'' He also narrated from Safiyyah bint Shaybah that `A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, used to say: "When this Ayah:

(and to draw their veils all over their Juyub) was revealed, they took their Izars (waistsheets) and tore them at the edges, and Akhtamar/covered themselves with them.''

(and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, 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,) All of these are a woman's close relatives whom she can never marry (Mahram) and it is permissible for her to show her adornments to them, but without making a wanton display of herself. Ibn Al-Mundhir recorded that `Ikrimah commented on this Ayah,

(and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers...), "The paternal uncle and maternal uncle are not mentioned here, because they may describe a woman to their sons, so a woman should not remove her Khimar in front of her paternal or maternal uncle.''With regard to the husband, all of this is for his sake, so she should try her best when adorning herself for him, unlike the way she should appear in front of others.

(or their women,) this means that she may also wear her adornment in front of other Muslim women, but not in front of the women of Ahl Adh-Dhimmah (Jewish and Christian women and disbelievers), lest they describe her to their husbands and others like them. This is prohibited for all women, but more so in the case of the women of Ahl Adh-Dhimmah, because there is nothing to prevent them from doing that, but Muslim women know that it is unlawful and so, would be deterred from doing it. The Messenger of Allah said:

(No woman should describe another woman to her husband so that it is as if he is looking at her.) It was recorded in the Two Sahihs from Ibn Mas`ud.

(or their right hand possessions. ) Ibn Jarir said, "This means from among the women of the idolators. It is permissible for a Muslim woman to reveal her adornment before such a woman, even if she is an idolatress, because she is her slave-girl.'' This was also the view of Sa`id bin Al-Musayyib. Allah says; (Tabi`in among men who do not have desire,) such as hired servants and followers who are not at the same level as the woman and are feeble-minded and have no interest in or desire for women. Ibn `Abbas said, "This is the kind of person who has no desire.'' `Ikrimah said, "This is the hermaphrodite, who does not experience erections.'' This was also the view of others among the Salaf. It was narrated in the Sahih from `A'ishah that a hermaphrodite, used to enter upon the family of the Messenger of Allah and they used to consider him as one of those who do not have desire, but then the Messenger of Allah came in when he was describing a woman with four rolls of fat in front and eight behind. The Messenger of Allah said, (Lo! I think this person knows what is they are; he should never enter upon you.) He expelled him, and he stayed in Al-Bayda' and only came on Fridays to get food.

(or children who are not aware of the nakedness of women. ) Because they are so young they do not understand anything about women or their `Awrah or their soft speech or their enticing ways of walking and moving. If a child is small and does not understand that, there is nothing wrong with him entering upon women, but if he is an adolescent or approaching adolescence, so that he knows and understands these things, and can make a distinction between who is beautiful and who is not, then he should not enter upon women. It was recorded in the Two Sahihs that the Messenger of Allah said:

(Avoid entering upon women.) It was said, "O Messenger of Allah, what do you think about the male in-laws'' He said:

(The male in-law is death.)

MORE KNOWLEDGE FOR THE WOMEN

The Muslim woman is a Shepherd.

(Qur’an At Tahreem 66:6): ‘Oh ye who believe save yourselves and your families from the fire…’.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said: ‘Everyone is a shepherd and everyone of you will be questioned about his flock… and a woman is a shepherd over her husband’s house and she will be questioned about her flock’.

This shows that the Muslim woman in her own right is a leader and hence is responsible for those who are under her authority. And as a shepherd has knowledge of what is beneficial and what is harmful for his sheep, so to the Muslim woman must know what is either beneficial or harmful toward her household and this cannot be attained except through knowledge of the religion. If she doesn’t have any knowledge of Islam she would be unable to teach her children and command them toward doing what is correct and prohibit them from what is reprehensible.

The Muslim woman commands the good and forbids the evil

(Qur’an Ali Imraan 3:110): ‘You are the best of people taken out of mankind, you command the good and forbid the evil and believe in Allah’.

Narrated in Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Abi Sa’eed Al Khudri the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said: ‘Whomsoever sees an evil then let him change it with his hands, if not let him change it with his tongues, if not let him change it with his heart and this is the weakest of Eeman’.

Narrated in Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Tameem Ad Daari the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said: ‘The religion is advice (3 times)’. The Companions asked: ‘To whom O Messenger of Allah’. He said: ‘To Allah, the Messenger, the Muslim leaders and the rest of the Muslims’.

Advising, commanding the good and forbidding the evil is obligatory upon every Muslim male and female according to their capacity. Hence, she must command the good and forbid the evil with her husband, her children and fellow sisters. If she doesn’t do so she would be questioned for such on the day of reckoning.

THE MUSLIM WOMAN SEEKS KNOWLEDGE

The Muslim woman and knowledge

(Qur’an: Ash Shams 91:9)Allah has said: ‘The one who has succeeded has purified it (the self)’.

Narrated in Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Nu’maan Ibn Basheer The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said: ‘Verily there is a morsel of flesh within the body, if it becomes good then the whole body will become good and if it becomes corrupt then it will become corrupt, verily it is the heart.’

It is narrated in Saheeh Al Bukhari on the authority of Abi Burdah that the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said: Three people have two blessings. A man from the people of the book who believes in his Prophet and believes in Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم, and a slave if he gives Allah and his master their rights, and a man who has a female slave, and taught her good manners and did his best in doing so, and taught her knowledge and did his best in teaching her, then frees her and marries her then he has two blessings.’

And it is narrated in Saheeh Al Bukhari the statement of ‘Aisha: How virtuous are the women of the Ansaar, shyness never prevented them from learning their religion.

And it is narrated in Saheeh Al Bukhari that the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم gave a specific day for the women to seek knowledge.

This shows that the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم put great emphasis upon the education of Muslim women in the religion and has shown the immense reward of those who educate their wives and daughters and even their slave girls about the religion. The following sections will clarify to us as to why Islamic education for Muslim women is so important.

WOMEN MUST SEEK KNOWLEDGE

THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEKING KNOWLEDGE FOR WOMEN

And the statement of the Messenger صلى الله عليه و سلم: ‘Women are the twin halves of men.’

Section: The obligation of seeking knowledge.

(Qur’an, Ta-Ha 20:114):“And say: My Lord increase me in knowledge.”

(Qur’an, Muhammad 47:19): ‘So know that there is no god save Allah, ask forgiveness for your sins and for the believing men and the believing women. Allah knows well your moving and your place of rest.’

On the authority of Anas Ibn Malik the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said: Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.

Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab At Tamimi said:

Know, may Allah have mercy upon you that it is compulsory upon every Muslim to know these four issues.

1. العلم Al ‘Ilm: “Firstly, the Knowledge.”

2. العمل به Al ‘Amalu Bihi: “and the actions (working) by it.”

3. الدعوة إليه Ad Da’watu Ilaihi: “Calling to it.”

4. الصبرعلى الأذى فيه As Sabru ‘Alaal Adhaa Feehi: “and to have patience with the hardships that come along that path (in the way of da’wah)."

THE VIRTUES OF SEEKING KNOWLEDGE

(Qur’an, Al-’Imran 3:18): ‘There is no one worthy of worship but He: That is the witness of Allah, His angels and those endowed with knowledge, Standing firm in Justice (or maintaining His Creation in Justice). There is no god but He, the Exalted in power, the Wise.’

(Qur’an, Al Zumar 39:9): ‘Are those who have knowledge the same as those who don’t have knowledge’.

(Qur’an, Al-Mujadilah 58:11):’Allah will raise up, to (suitable) ranks and (degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is well-acquainted with all you do.’

(Qur’an, Fatir 35:28):“It is only those who have knowledge among His servants that fear Allah.”

Meaning: Those who have knowledge of the Book and the Sunnah and act upon this seeking the face of Allah.

It is reported in Saheeh Al Bukhari on the Authority of Mu’aawyah that he heard the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم say: ‘Whomsoever Allah wants good for he makes him understand the religion …’.

And narrated in Saheeh Muslim on the Authority of Abi Hurairah, the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said: ‘Whomsoever proceeds upon the road to seek knowledge Allah will make it easy upon him the road to enter Jannah.’

And Tirmidhi narrated in the Authority of Abi ‘Umamah that the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said: ‘The preference of a scholar over a worshipper is like the preference of myself over all of you.’

It is clear from these verses of the Qur’an and these Ahadeeth of the Messenger صلى الله عليه و سلم that a woman does not become one preferred by Allah because she has beauty, wealth or status. Rather, the sign that Allah prefers her over others is the understanding and implementation of the religion of Islam. And knowledge of Islam is that which cleanses the heart, makes a person thread upon the road of guidance, raises the person in levels and has the person die upon a state which Allah is pleased with. However, ignorance of the religion with all the beauty, wealth and status one craves and desires, only leads to a road of destruction where one walks upon darkness until one dies in a state that Allah is displeased with. For how many women are amazed with their wealth, status and beauty yet these things do not quench their thirst for happiness and contentment?