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Beautiful Nasheed-The Veil

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By: Dawud Wharnsby Ali

“And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear therof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, or their brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons, or their women or the servants whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex, and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O you Believers, turn you all together towards Allah, that you may attain Bliss.” (Quran 24:31).

The Character of A Muslim Woman

Let’s face it. As women we can be cruel to each other. As for men, I don’t know the politics of their relationships being that I am not a man. Therefore, I will not speak about men. Though, I do know the relationships and cruelty we women show one another. It seems that everything is  a competition. Who is the most pious, intelligent, who has the best children, who is the most beautiful and on and on.In my opinion this competitveness is our human nature. However, as Muslim women we should be above this nonsense. Sadly, many of us are not. Many of us can not control our tongues. We love to backbite and gossip about other sisters. Maybe, it makes us feel better about our own less than perfect lives.  Women are quick to point out which woman needs to lose weight, which woman has a big nose or out of date clothing. We are quick to look down on the sister who gives  us something that we view as small. Allah (swt) and the Prophet(Saw) advises us:
“And backbite not one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful.” (49:12)
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Do you know what is backbiting?” The Companions said: “Allah and His Messenger know better.” Thereupon he said, “Backbiting is talking about your (Muslim) brother in a manner which he dislikes.” It was said to him: “What if my (Muslim) brother is as I say.” He said, “If he is actually as you say, then that is backbiting; but if that is not in him, that is slandering.”
[Muslim].

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (PBUH) saying, “A person utters a word thoughtlessly (i.e., without thinking about its being good or not) and, as a result of this, he will fall down into the fire of Hell deeper than the distance between the east and the west.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Prophet (saw) said: The two sins that will be punished for most in the grave are slander (in some narrations it says backbiting) and failure to clean yourself after usuing the toilet. (Bukhari)
O ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the (latter are better than the (former): Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist are (indeed) doing wrong. (English translation of Qur’an 49:11)

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “O Muslim women! None of you should look down upon the gift sent by her she-neighbour even if it were the trotters of the sheep (fleshless part of legs).” (Bukhari, Book #47, Hadith #740)

Ramadan, the month that is supposed to bring us many rewards, turns into the month which we ruin our good deeds.  Let me explain. We spend the days in fasting, devotion, and rememberance of Allah. Then, in the evening we throw a lavish iftar meal to break our fast. Usually every night of the week is spent at a different house. What happens at these iftars? Well, on the women’s side it is usually gossiping, backbiting, and sometimes down right slander. Often you will find little to no rememberance of Allah at these gatherings.  We all compete to see who can make the most intricate dishes and look down on the households who have less to offer. How many of us actually invite the needy Muslims to our iftars? How many of us even send food to the masjid for the needy muslims in our area? Not many. Instead we invite only those we deem as our friends or those up the ladder in the community in an effort to wow them.  Next time, you are in these situations,Reflect on these words from Allah (swt) and the Prophet (Saw):

“Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).” (50:18)

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Those people who leave a gathering in which they have not remembered Allah, will conclude it as if it has foul odour similar to that of a rotten carcass of a donkey. And it will be a cause of grief to them.”
[Abu Dawud].

“Allaah does not look at the outward appearance or wealth of any one of you, but He looks at your hearts and deeds.” (Narrated by Muslim from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah).

Sahl bin Sa`d As-Sa`idi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man passed by the Prophet (PBUH), so he asked a man who was sitting near him, “What is your opinion about this man?” That man replied: “He is one of the noblest men. By Allah he is certainly a proper person for (a girl) being given in marriage if he seeks to marry, and his recommendation is fit to be accepted if he recommends”. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) remained silent. Then another man passed. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) enquired, “What is your opinion about this man?” He replied: “O Messenger of Allah, he is one of the poor Muslims. He is not a proper person (for a girl) to be given in marriage to, and his recommendation would not be accepted if he makes one; if he speaks, he is not to be listened to.” Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “He is better than the former by earthfuls”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

“And they give food, in spite of their love for it (or for the love of Him), to the Miskeen (the poor), the orphan, and the captive(English translation Qur’an,76:8)

As mothers, we are in a constant bragging competition about our children. My child can do this. Oh my goodness, your child can not do that yet! wow! My son did that months ago! What you don’t breastfeed? Oh how horrible! You are satisfied with the number of kids you have? Well, as for me i want a houseful.  This is completely ridiculous. Not only are you bragging but you are also making another sister feel bad. In my opinion, the only people who indulge in this type of talk are insecure about their own children and choices. As parents, we all want the best for our children. Though, we don’t always know what that is. So, we are constantly trying to compare and think we have a victory when our child reaches a milestone before another child his/her age.  This bragging and comparing  seems to give women the validation they crave in order to feel they are doing a good job raising their children.

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Shuraih al-Khuzai’ that the Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) observed: He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should do good to his neighbour and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should show hospitality to the guest and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should either speak good or better remain silent. (Muslim, Book #001, Hadith #0078)

In our race to prove who is the most pious, we often get no rewards at all.  You see, it all comes back to the intention:
Narrated ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab: I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for.” (Bukhari, Book #1, Hadith #1)

A woman may pray quickly at home remembering Allah little, though when she’s in the masjid she will take her time and sit and do the dhikr and read Qur’an so that everyone will see how pious she is. Similarly, one may not dress islamically, though, when they go to the masjid they will put on the full garb.  Some Muslims strive to be teachers of Islam simply to get the recognition. Our Beloved Prophet (saw) said about these people: Jundub (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “He who so acts to show off, Allah will disgrace him on the Day of Resurrection, and he who does good deeds so that people (may hold him in high esteem), Allah will expose his hidden evil intentions before the people on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

If you are seeking knowledge to show up other muslims and say you have knowledge then this is of no benefit.
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah(PBUH) said, “He who does not acquire knowledge with the sole intention of seeking the Pleasure of Allah but for worldly gain, will not smell the fragrance of Jannah on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Abu Dawud].

As for beauty the Prophet (saw) said:
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “A woman is married for four things, i.e., her wealth, her family status, her beauty and her religion. So you should marry the religious woman (otherwise) you will be a losers. (Bukhari, Book #62, Hadith #27)

‘A’isha, the wife of Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him), reported Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying: Kindness is not to be found in anything but that it adds to its beauty and it is not withdrawn from anything but it makes it defective. (Muslim#6274)

Let’s Remember these hadiths and pass them on to our families and friends:
It is attested on the authority of Anas b. Malik that the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) observed: one amongst you believes (truly) till one likes for his brother or for his neighbour that which he loves for himself. (Muslim,Book #001, Hadith #0072)

Narrated Abu Musa: The Prophet said, “A faithful believer to a faithful believer is like the bricks of a wall, enforcing each other.” While (saying that) the Prophet clasped his hands, by interlacing his fingers. (Bukhari, Book #8, Hadith #468)

So, Instead of tearing each other down, let’s reinforce one another. The whole world seems to be coming at Muslim women from all sides trying convince us we are opressed and turn us back from Islam. We need to put aside our petty ways and come together and be strong Muslimahs. Because the greatest weapon we have against the Shaytan (devil, Iblees) is each other.I advise myself first. Any truth here is from Allah and any mistakes are from myself and Shaytan.

What Do You Believe?

Have you ever been out and heard: “Excuse me, Are you a Muslim? What do you believe?” The last question often catches even the most knowledgeable Muslims off guard. They may start going into a long lecture about the importance of prayer and the prohibitions of drinking alcohol and then delve off into debating politics. The questioner is often left with a confused expression and doesn’t remember a word you said.

The Prophet(saw) had a method for giving da’wah(calling to Islam). His original message was simple tawheed (oneness of Allah) and Aqeedah(belief in Allah, angels, messengers, books, day of judgement and qadr) After that came the laws and prohibitions. What better method to follow?

Narrated Yusuf bin Mahk: While I was with Aisha, the mother of the Believers, a person from Iraq came and asked, “What type of shroud is the best?” ‘Aisha said, “May Allah be merciful to you! What does it matter?” He said, “O mother of the Believers! Show me (the copy of) your Qur’an,” She said, “Why?” He said, “In order to compile and arrange the Qur’an according to it, for people recite it with its Suras not in proper order.” ‘Aisha said, “What does it matter which part of it you read first? (Be informed) that the first thing that was revealed thereof was a Sura from Al-Mufassal, and in it was mentioned Paradise and the Fire. When the people embraced Islam, the Verses regarding legal and illegal things were revealed. If the first thing to be revealed was: ‘Do not drink alcoholic drinks.’ people would have said, ‘We will never leave alcoholic drinks,’ and if there had been revealed, ‘Do not commit illegal sexual intercourse, ‘they would have said, ‘We will never give up illegal sexual intercourse.’ While I was a young girl of playing age, the following Verse was revealed in Mecca to Muhammad: ‘Nay! But the Hour is their appointed time (for their full recompense), and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter.’ (54.46) Sura Al-Baqara (The Cow) and Surat An-Nisa (The Women) were revealed while I was with him.” Then ‘Aisha took out the copy of the Qur’an for the man and dictated to him the Verses of the Suras (in their proper order) . (Bukhari, Book #61, Hadith #515)

Narrated Abu Ma’bad,: Allah’s Apostle said to Muadh when he sent him to yemen, “You will go to the people of the Scripture. So, when you reach there, invite them to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad is His Apostle. And if they obey you in that, tell them that Allah has enjoined on them five prayers in each day and night. And if they obey you in that tell them that Allah has made it obligatory on them to pay the Zakat which will be taken from the rich among them and given to the poor among them. If they obey you in that, then avoid taking the best of their possessions, and be afraid of the curse of an oppressed person because there is no screen between his invocation and Allah.” (Bukhari,Book #24, Hadith #573)

Although, there is nothing wrong with answering their questions related to the obligations. The first priority is the basic shahada. To inform them that there is No God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. So, often, we stumble over our words and end up in some kind of debate about the prohibited things in Islam, women’s rights, and politics. A debate which may have not happened had we been smart and followed the Prophet’s example. Perhaps, the simplest way to answer the question would be:

I believe that there is only One god (Allah) with no partners and I worship Him the way He has taught us.
I believe that Muhammad (Saw) was the final messenger of Allah.
I believe in All the books of Allah and that the Quran was the final revelation and the only one kept complete until this day.
I believe in All Allah’s Messengers such as Jesus(peace be upon him) and knowing the Muhammad was the seal of the Prophets
I believe in the Angels and all that Allah and His Prophet has told us about them and their duties.
I beleive in the Day of Judgement and all that Allah and His prophet has told us about it.
I believe in the Decree of Allah, that Allah knows all that is going to happen and has happened and that nothing happens without the Will or Decree of Allah.

After this, it would be good to invite them to visit a local masjid or give them the address to an Islamic website(I suggest http://www.whyislam.org). If you feel that you are knowledgeable enough you could also tell them that you would be happy to answer their basic questions. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know. It is far better to tell someone that you don’t know an answer and refer them to someone who does know than to give incorrect information.

The Prophet(saw) said: Lying on me is not like lying on anyone else, whoever lies on me let him take his seat in Hell. When asked how they lie on the Prophet(saw) the response was by (intentionally)attributing things to him that he didn’t say. (Bukhari)

Debating is immature. It only reinforces their feelings that all Muslims are ill mannered and eager to argue. So, skip this and save your dignity,insh’Allah.           

Remember the best da’wah comes  from your mannerisms and interactions with people.

Any truth here is from Allah and any mistakes are from me and Shaytan.

The Spokeswoman for Islam

Let’s face it, the muslimah is like a spokeswoman for Islam without even saying a word. Why? Because it is a fact that the Muslim woman is the easiest to spot. Often, the muslim men adopt western style clothing and blend in so well that you wouldn’t even know they are Muslims. While the woman, with her beautiful hijab and abaya stands out like a beautiful flower in a baren wasteland. However, She doesn’t even need to speak a word to convey her message. Her actions do all the talking.

When she covers her body she is saying: “I won’t allow men to look at my figure and have perverse thoughts about me.”

When she lowers her gaze she is saying: “I won’t indulge in exchanging glances that may lead to immoral actions.”

When she smiles and greets the cashier she is saying: “See, I don’t think ill of all non muslims.”

When she returns the bit of money that the cashier mistakenly gave her she is saying: “I am fair.”
When she stands up for herself when she has been wronged she is saying: “I am not opressed and i certainly have my own mind.”
When she gets her degree at the university she is saying: “I am capable of suceeding.”
When she decides to stay home and care for her children she is saying: “I do care about the future of the muslim ummah. ”
When she goes to work and does her job well she is saying: “I can be a productive part of society.”
When she volunteers her time and efforts at Islamic schools and charities she is saying:”I am humble enough to help my brothers and sisters in Islam.”

And when she comes home after a long day, everyone else is saying…..I wonder why i ever had those misconceptions about Muslim women.

So, my sisters, stand up and have inner pride. Whatever you do make sure that you do your best because you are a reflection of Islam and the rest of us muslim women. It may be through your daily interactions that you could plant a seed of curiosity in someone’s heart that may grow and turn into guiding them to Islam.