Asalamu Alaikum.
Been a long time since I last blogged; to be honest I didn't really know WHAT to write about.
If I haven't already mentioned it, I am not a scholar - in fact I am just merely a student who voices her opinion about different topics.
Recently, I've debated with people after they've asked questions about certain things which are non-Islamic, and why we don't do them. However, unfortunately they were not willing to listen to what was being said. And though I had said that Islam was completed before the death of the Prophet pbuh, they were still questioning. It reminded me of the Qur'anic Ayah in which Allah says:
"O you who believe! Ask not about things which, if made plain to you, may cause you trouble. But if you ask about them while the Qur'an is being revealed, they will be made plain to you." Surah Al Maaidah 5:101
We should not question what has already been made clear to us, Allah has even told us so in the Qur'an. Another point, is that we shouldn't ask questions when we do not have the intention of gaining knowledge but rather have the intention to argue. Islam is a simple and beautiful religion, yet we make it so difficult for ourselves.
Those of us who wish to gain more knowledge and ask questions, should be open towards the information and views given to us. However, we should not be so open that we make ourselves vulnerable to believing what is clearly wrong, such as innovations or straight out denying facts.
It is also upsetting that many who ask questions, not only do they not listen but they also start labelling others as certain "sects" - one of the main labels being Wahabbi. What is a Wahabbi exactly? From what I have gathered, people who are labelled as Wahabbis don't follow any innovations and try to stick to the Sunnah as it was revealed and adhered to by the Prophet pbuh and his companions. But it seems to me that most people forget the Hadith in which the Prophet pbuh says that the "sect" who will be the most righteous will have those who follow the Qur'an and Sunnah properly, like he and his sahaabah had done.
Nevertheless, there are still so many innovations. So many things which have no place in Islam. One particular event is celebrated a lot in South Asia, which is the birthdate of the Prophet pbuh. They call it Eid Milaad un Nabi. However, again people seem to forget that we had been told about our two Eid's by the Prophet pbuh. Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha. Yet so many Muslims put more effort into innovated festivals rather than the ones which were given and told to us by Allah and His messenger pbuh.
Instead people prefer to celebrate events which are Bidd'ah. Not only do they innovate, but they also celebrate events from non-Muslim societies and beliefs such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mothers Day, Fathers day, Valentines Day and birthdays.
We should respect and care for our family members and close ones as much as we can, all year round. We shouldn't designate days for them. Also, we should thank and pray to Allah each day, at least 5 times a day - after each Salaah.
We should all try and educate ourselves as much as possible in Islam. And I have even come across excuses such as we don't understand Arabic yet we read the Qur'an, how can we learn anything? What I would like to ask them is, who or what is stopping them from understanding the Qur'an and Hadiths? The only thing stopping them from learning is laziness and lack of willpower. Those who can, should learn Arabic and those who cannot can get translated versions of the Qur'an and Hadith with tafseer.
And let's not forget the "seasonal Muslims." They will pray and read the Qur'an during certain times of the year; the most common being Ramadan. If they can pray Salaah and recite the Qur'an during Ramadan, why can't they do the same throughout the entire year? With Salaah, many people find it difficult and are put off because one, they need to pray 5 times a day and secondly, they think they need to pray all the Sunnah and Nafl rakah's too. Those who have just begun to pray more consistently should just concentrate on praying the Fardh rakahs first. Once their daily routine is set for praying all 5 salaah's, they can start praying extra rakahs.
Praying isn't the only problem. Many women are under the wrong understanding that Allah only watches them when the Adhaan is being said, or there is a du'a being said (at events such as weddings). They throw a scarf on their head until it is over, and then take it off. I personally find this quite funny and disappointing at the same time. Allah is watching us all the time, we need to fear His punishment. Allah is forgiving, and we are rewarded for the smallest good deeds we do. Subhan'Allah, even if we think of doing a good deed but for some reason aren't able to carry it out, we will be rewarded for it. However, if we think of doing a bad deed, it will only be seen as a sin if we carry through with it.
It seriously isn't that hard. Those who want to learn, will. And they will not make excuses. Acting in these ways is only breaking up the Ummah further, we need to work together, learn together to improve the chances of becoming succesful in this world and the Hereafter.
May Allah give us the strength and faith to become better Muslims. Ameen.
Wasalaam.
Monday 20 December 2010
Wednesday 27 January 2010
Hijaab.
Asalamu Alaikum.
It's been a very long time since I last posted anything. I hope everyone is well Insh'Allah.
Hijaab is a very much discussed topic. What is Hijaab?
Hijaab is to protect the women, it shows their modesty and chastity.
My family come from Pakistan, I am a British-born Pakistani. I would like to concentrate on the actions and clothing of the women of Pakistan. I know this is not a political blog, or about Pakistan, but I feel very strongly about this, especially as my home country is Pakistan...
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The nation doesn't exactly live up to its' name does it? All you see on the news is more deaths, more attacks, more political problems. There's another side to all this too, the women of Pakistan want more freedom, but for what? To become more Westernised. They think the way forward is to wear revealing clothes, otherwise they will be seen as backwards and they will not gain any fame in the world of showbiz. I see programmes and websites showing fashion shows from Pakistan, and all I see are women revealing more and more of their body each time. It started off with sleeveless, then moved onto strapless, low-cut from both sides, showing the back and stomach, showing more of the bosom, showing legs.. the list goes on. This is not the the costume you would expect to be worn in an Islamic Republic.
Living in England, it is upsetting to see Muslims not dressing according to the Islamic dress-code, but it's not so surprising either. They want to adapt to the culture of this society... but this isn't the culture in Pakistan, why are they wanting to follow this culture? Pakistan has many different costumes, beautiful costumes, and they fit in with the Islamic dress-code, they are not revealing. But the current generation are forgetting and side-lining all these clothes. They think wearing tight fitted clothing, transparent clothing, revealing clothing is the only way to "fit in" with the Western culture and to gain fame. When I go to Pakistan and I see women dressing in revealing clothes, it's much more upsetting than seeing the women in England doing the same.
Hijaab is the universal costume for Muslim women. And wearing Hijaab with the correct Niyyah (intention) will also result in women behaving like they should. You watch documentaries, other TV shows, and secret videos on the internet, of clubs in Pakistan. The women of Pakistan think it's perfectly fine to go to a club, wearing immodest clothes, free-mixing with men, drinking alcohol and dancing. They say that Pakistan is just as modern as the rest of the world, why should they be held back by the Burqah, why do they have to be modest?
I'll tell you why they have to be modest, so they can become role models for other Muslim women around the world, so they can gain more respect than they ever dreamed of, and most importantly, gain the love and rewards from Allah swt.
Pakistan was made for Muslims, Muhammad Ali Jinnah (may Allah reward him with Paradise ameen), fought hard to make a separate nation for Muslims, so that they could follow Islam more freely and properly. But all his effort has gone down the drain, and this, unfortunately, is mainly caused by the female population of Pakistan. They are abusing their freedom rights, they are insulting the whole purpose of Pakistan, they are insulting and degrading the Muslims by acting - I can think of no nicer word - disgustingly. They behave and dress immodestly.
Instead of increasing their knowledge of Islam, they are getting further and further away from it. The little knowledge they have of Islam has not been properly explained to them, and they have not tried understanding it properly either. Islam has given women more rights and respect than any other religion, than any other culture, but still they think that Islam is backwards, it does not fit in with the modern day culture. They have been blinded by the western and non-Muslim ideology. Islam is the religion which fits in with any day and age, it is a complete way of life. Unfortunately, the women of Pakistan have not been educated enough, and are not willing to be educated about Islam, if they knew how perfect Islam was, they would know that they would be awarded with so much more respect whilst being a modest Muslim working woman.
It upsets me dearly, seeing Pakistani women wearing immodest clothes and then behaving immodestly. Do they really think they will be rewarded with Jannah after these acts? Nobody is sure if they will be rewarded with Jannah, I myself am a sinner. I pray Salah 5 times a day, I do Hijaab, I recite Qur'an, but I am not clean from sins, Allah knows best.
However, back to the topic. Hijaab is important, it is compulsory for Muslim women to do it, Allah has ordered us to do Hijaab in the Qur'an. But sadly, the women from my country are not doing this. They think it restricts them. But little do they know, the Hijaab protects them, gives them respect, and freedom. If they realise the importance of the Hijaab, and start wearing modest clothing, it will reflect on their behaviour, which will in turn refllect on the amount of respect they will get from others, and not forgetting the rewards from Allah swt.
If they realised that all this immodest behaviour is the most probable cause for the devestating earthquake, a punishment from Allah swt for all the wrong doings, then they would change their way of life. I hope and sincerely pray that Allah guides the people, especially the women, of Pakistan towards the Right Path, and makes the nation of Pakistan fulfil the purpose of it becoming an independent Islamic republic, and showers Pakistan with His blessings, ameen.
Walaikum Salam.
It's been a very long time since I last posted anything. I hope everyone is well Insh'Allah.
Hijaab is a very much discussed topic. What is Hijaab?
"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 thereof; that they should draw veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons..." (An-Nur 24:31)
So, Hijaab is the veiling and "covering-up" of a woman. Take a scenario, this is a pretty common scenario used by Muslims trying explain the purpose of Hijaab: Two girls in a public place, say the town centre. One is wearing western clothing (short fitted top, low-cut, skinny jeans, or a short skirt and make-up), and the other girl doing Hijaab (head-scarf, loose fitted abaya/long dress, full sleeves, no make-up); which one will guys look at more? And with the wrong intention, such as looking at them in a flirtatious way.... Obviously the one who is wearing revealing clothes right? Why would anyone want to flirt with or think about raping a dull-looking, and covered up woman?Hijaab is to protect the women, it shows their modesty and chastity.
My family come from Pakistan, I am a British-born Pakistani. I would like to concentrate on the actions and clothing of the women of Pakistan. I know this is not a political blog, or about Pakistan, but I feel very strongly about this, especially as my home country is Pakistan...
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The nation doesn't exactly live up to its' name does it? All you see on the news is more deaths, more attacks, more political problems. There's another side to all this too, the women of Pakistan want more freedom, but for what? To become more Westernised. They think the way forward is to wear revealing clothes, otherwise they will be seen as backwards and they will not gain any fame in the world of showbiz. I see programmes and websites showing fashion shows from Pakistan, and all I see are women revealing more and more of their body each time. It started off with sleeveless, then moved onto strapless, low-cut from both sides, showing the back and stomach, showing more of the bosom, showing legs.. the list goes on. This is not the the costume you would expect to be worn in an Islamic Republic.
Living in England, it is upsetting to see Muslims not dressing according to the Islamic dress-code, but it's not so surprising either. They want to adapt to the culture of this society... but this isn't the culture in Pakistan, why are they wanting to follow this culture? Pakistan has many different costumes, beautiful costumes, and they fit in with the Islamic dress-code, they are not revealing. But the current generation are forgetting and side-lining all these clothes. They think wearing tight fitted clothing, transparent clothing, revealing clothing is the only way to "fit in" with the Western culture and to gain fame. When I go to Pakistan and I see women dressing in revealing clothes, it's much more upsetting than seeing the women in England doing the same.
Hijaab is the universal costume for Muslim women. And wearing Hijaab with the correct Niyyah (intention) will also result in women behaving like they should. You watch documentaries, other TV shows, and secret videos on the internet, of clubs in Pakistan. The women of Pakistan think it's perfectly fine to go to a club, wearing immodest clothes, free-mixing with men, drinking alcohol and dancing. They say that Pakistan is just as modern as the rest of the world, why should they be held back by the Burqah, why do they have to be modest?
I'll tell you why they have to be modest, so they can become role models for other Muslim women around the world, so they can gain more respect than they ever dreamed of, and most importantly, gain the love and rewards from Allah swt.
Pakistan was made for Muslims, Muhammad Ali Jinnah (may Allah reward him with Paradise ameen), fought hard to make a separate nation for Muslims, so that they could follow Islam more freely and properly. But all his effort has gone down the drain, and this, unfortunately, is mainly caused by the female population of Pakistan. They are abusing their freedom rights, they are insulting the whole purpose of Pakistan, they are insulting and degrading the Muslims by acting - I can think of no nicer word - disgustingly. They behave and dress immodestly.
Instead of increasing their knowledge of Islam, they are getting further and further away from it. The little knowledge they have of Islam has not been properly explained to them, and they have not tried understanding it properly either. Islam has given women more rights and respect than any other religion, than any other culture, but still they think that Islam is backwards, it does not fit in with the modern day culture. They have been blinded by the western and non-Muslim ideology. Islam is the religion which fits in with any day and age, it is a complete way of life. Unfortunately, the women of Pakistan have not been educated enough, and are not willing to be educated about Islam, if they knew how perfect Islam was, they would know that they would be awarded with so much more respect whilst being a modest Muslim working woman.
It upsets me dearly, seeing Pakistani women wearing immodest clothes and then behaving immodestly. Do they really think they will be rewarded with Jannah after these acts? Nobody is sure if they will be rewarded with Jannah, I myself am a sinner. I pray Salah 5 times a day, I do Hijaab, I recite Qur'an, but I am not clean from sins, Allah knows best.
However, back to the topic. Hijaab is important, it is compulsory for Muslim women to do it, Allah has ordered us to do Hijaab in the Qur'an. But sadly, the women from my country are not doing this. They think it restricts them. But little do they know, the Hijaab protects them, gives them respect, and freedom. If they realise the importance of the Hijaab, and start wearing modest clothing, it will reflect on their behaviour, which will in turn refllect on the amount of respect they will get from others, and not forgetting the rewards from Allah swt.
If they realised that all this immodest behaviour is the most probable cause for the devestating earthquake, a punishment from Allah swt for all the wrong doings, then they would change their way of life. I hope and sincerely pray that Allah guides the people, especially the women, of Pakistan towards the Right Path, and makes the nation of Pakistan fulfil the purpose of it becoming an independent Islamic republic, and showers Pakistan with His blessings, ameen.
Walaikum Salam.
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