From Sister to Sister
Right now all over social media we see our fellow Muslim sisters taking off their hijab. May Allah protect us from that and strengthen our Iman. Ameen.
I’m here to offer some encouragement. This is a judgement free zone where people from all walks of life can be free to learn and express themselves. With that being said I totally understand how difficult wearing hijab can be for some people. Not everybody has support from others or have the strength from within to be able to withstand everything that comes with wearing the hijab. Living in the west and wearing hijab is so incredibly difficult. ESPECIALLY if you’re a revert like myself. I think it’s important we know why we wear hijab. So let’s start there.
We wear hijab for the sake of our Lord. That is it that is all. Hijab isn’t about looking pretty nor is it about standing out and looking different. Our hijab is our protection. Hijab is how we identify physically as Muslim. Hijab is a way to be connected to our Lord.
There’s a question about if hijab is even mandatory or not. And then there’s the conversation about hijab being a journey. Let me start by saying, I agree with hijab being a journey. However I disagree with it not being mandatory. Some will argue that Allah gave us free will. That is correct, we do have free will. That doesn’t mean choosing to do something that’s incorrect doesn’t have consequences. We’ve seen that in Quran time & time again. Where people are ignoring the commands of Allah and them getting wiped away. Where in the Quran does it say anything about having to wear hijab? Well, the Quran doesn’t use the word “hijab”. If you take the time to read & comprehend Surah Nur there is an ayah about covering. Allah tells the Prophet
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears.” 24:31. After that it explains who we can reveal our adornments to. This is a clear indication that covering is commanded by Allah. With having clear prof from the Quran itself I do not believe this is something to debated.
Usually when we see people removing the hijab it’s an indication that their iman is very low. What should we do if our iman is low? My first answer is read Quran. My second answer is to pray. Speak to your Lord. Ask him to guide you and strengthen your iman. There is nothing in this dunya that will heal the heart. You need Allah. Remember that Allah is the Most Forgiving Most Merciful. Ask him to rectify all of your affairs. Allah loves the one who repents. Cry out to him for He is Ash-Shaafee .
What can we do for our sisters who are struggling? Do not judge them. Do not make them feel less than or guilty. Do not shame them. These actions aren’t Islam. Islam teaches us to be kind and understanding to one another. We should be offering a little compassion for our fellow sisters. Make duaa for them, keep them in the remembrance of Allah. Ask them if they’re ok. Ask if they need anything. Listen to them. Keep them encouraged. I believe this would be the most helpful.
I hope this was informative and I hope this is read with love in mind.
To my sisters in Islam, stay strong. Stay prayed up. Stay in the remembrance of Allah and surround yourself with people of the ummah.
#muslimgirl #modestjourney #hijab #Lemon8Diary #lemon8challenge #muslimgirl
Salam sisters! Building on our conversation about the hijab, I wanted to dive deeper into how we can truly live our hijab journey with strength and confidence, especially when navigating life in the West. It’s one thing to understand why it's mandatory – a beautiful command from Allah for our protection and a symbol of our identity – but it's another to feel that strength every single day, to truly embrace the 'power of hijab.' For me, strengthening my Iman has been key. When I feel overwhelmed or encounter judgment, I remind myself of the profound spiritual benefits. The hijab isn't just an outer garment; it's a constant, visible reminder of my connection to Allah. It fosters a sense of inner peace and self-respect that transcends fleeting worldly standards of beauty. It teaches patience, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. This 'power of hijab' isn't about control; it's about liberation from societal pressures and aligning with divine guidance, truly embodying the 'importance of hijab' in our daily lives. Living with hijab in diverse environments definitely comes with its unique challenges. I've found that surrounding myself with a strong community of Muslim women, both online and offline, makes a world of difference. We share experiences, offer encouragement, and remind each other of our beautiful path. It's so vital to have sisters who truly understand and uplift you. Remember, Islam teaches us compassion. So, if you see a sister struggling, reach out with kindness, not judgment. A simple 'Are you okay?' or an offer to listen can be monumental. It helps us navigate 'hijab living' with shared strength. When Iman feels low, as we discussed, turning to the Quran and prayer is paramount. But also, remember the words often shared: 'Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves.' This verse from the OCR reminds us that Allah is always there for us, ready to accept our turning back to Him. Our journey with hijab is rarely a straight line; there will be moments of doubt or weakness. In those times, sincerely repenting and seeking to purify our intentions and actions can rekindle that light within. It's about continuously striving, not perfection. Practically speaking, maintaining 'hijab confidence' also involves understanding and owning your choice. Educate yourself further on its significance, so you can confidently answer questions or gracefully handle misconceptions. Find styles that make you feel comfortable and beautiful – modesty is beautiful, and there are countless ways to express your unique personality while adhering to the principles of hijab. Experiment with fabrics, colours, and wraps that resonate with you. This isn't about attracting attention but about feeling good in your skin, knowing you are honouring Allah. Let your hijab be a source of pride, a conversation starter, and a beacon of your faith. Stay strong, dear sisters, and may Allah continue to bless and guide us all.
Mashallah Barakallau feekun