The Blessings of Hijab

[Iffah]

It looks like I'm on a posting spree today...but I was browsing Islamic sites and I came upon some intersting articles which I couldn't help but share with you guys.

 

I received this article by e-mail, and I thought it truly inspiring so instead of deleting it, I will post it here, for my sisters, and for myself (to dig it up whenever I need a little inspirition)

 

 

The Blessings of Hijab

 

 

By Dina Abd Elaty

 

This is my own story, that how Hijab helped me to become a

better Muslim. The Hijab, which gave me real Muslim Identity in

public and opportunities to Dawah.

 

 

When I decided to wear the hijab I eased into it. First, I told

my family members about what I intended to do. Next, I told my

close friends many of them are Christian. Although my friends at

college are very sweet and caring, but naturally, I had to

explain to them why I would be wearing the hijab.

 

Unfortunately, the first myth I had to disspell was that no, I

was not going to become a terrorist. The next misconception my

friends were worried about was that I would be locked away in my

house, where I would live a life of submission to any male

figure in the house. I assured them that I would carry on my

life as normal except that I would be more covered up. Although

I consider my friends to be educated, I was not surprised to

hear such questions from them. People's beliefs are limited by

what they are exposed to, and by what they expose themselves to.

The media, that saturates their lives, also portray Muslims in

such a negative light.

 

I found, however, that once I began explaining to them the

fundamentals of Islam, and how Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala)

ordained women to cover themselves, my friends were very

openminded, curious, and accepting. I relayed to them what had

been taught to me, that the hijab provides women with

protection, respect, and security. I was able to discuss Islam

to an eager audience who previously had been misinformed by the

media and even by university classes. The opportunity to Dawah,

due to hijab was the first hidden blessing of Allah (Subhanahu

wa ta'ala). When people recognize you immediately as a Muslim,

you are able to spread the word of Islam, or perform da'wa, by

what you say to them, as well as how you act.

 

When I first began wearing the hijab, I can't lie, I was

somewhat nervous about greeting the world, yet very excited that

Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) had given me the strength to do the

right thing. I walked on campus not knowing what to expect and

honestly, nothing out of the ordinary did happen. At least, not

at first.

 

It is not so much that I noticed a difference in other people,

but I began noticing a difference in myself. The blessings of

hijab manifested myself in a way, I had not expected. Somehow,

by wearing the hijab, it reminded me that when it is time for

prayer, I should not wait. When I am upset, I should not yell or

get angry at someone. When I eat, I should remember to pronounce

Bismillah before the meal and not throw away, what I can not

eat. When I am happy, I should thank Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala)

for his bounties, and when I am frustrated, I should seek His

guidance and refuge. When I am about to speak ill of someone, I

should hold my tongue.

 

In short, wearing the hijab provided all of the benefits, I

explained to my inquisitive friends, but in Allah's wisdom, it

provided something so much more. The hijab became a constant

reminder not only to the world, but to myself as well, that I am

a Muslim, and that Islam is not only prayer and rituals, but a

way of life. By placing a covering over my head, with Allah's

help, I felt I was slowly removing the one over my eyes.

[Saalixa]

ilhaam,

thanx sis that was soooooo thoughtfull of u. this is what we need, more sol sis arent aware of this issue and take the hijaab very easy. They really dont know what they're missing when they go out there in the streets for display.

 

then they say we are being deprived (the ones with the hijaab) when they are degraded to the lowest point, lacking all the respect a covered sis has.

 

may Allah guide us all!

[biG mOm]

Asalaama calaykum wrhmtullah wbrktu

 

Maasha Allaah Sis Ilhaam for sharing this story. much Appreciate.

 

A Muslim woman who covers her head is making a statement about her identity. Anyone who sees her will know that she is a Muslim and has a good moral character. Many Muslim women who cover are filled with dignity and self esteem; they are pleased to be identified as a Muslim woman. As a chaste, modest, pure woman, she does not want her sexuality to enter into interactions with men in the smallest degree. A woman who covers herself is concealing her sexuality but allowing her femininity to be brought out.

 

The word "hijab" comes from the Arabic word "hajaba" meaning to hide from view or conceal. In the present time, the context of hijab is the modest covering of a Muslim woman.

[StarGazer]

Sometimes I think I take it for granted how easy wearing hijaab is for me. If I didn't start so young, it would've been quite challenging today Subhanallah.

Thnkz for the article Ilhaam!! Muah.

[Iffah]

Glad you enjoyed it sisters.

 

Rayaana...I know what you mean sis. May Allah show them beauty of Islam and make it easier for them to observe the hijaab. Like Tamina, I do sometimes take it for granted how easy wearing the hijab is for me...(also started young...alhamdulillah). But we should try to be understanding towards the sisters who find it difficult to maintain their hijaab...if we had not begun wearing the hijaab at a young age, we might be in the same predicament.

 

Alhamdulillah..my younger sisters are also wearing hijaab...the youngest one is 4 and she will not go out without her cute little hijab. She imitates the 7 and 9 year old sisters, who in turn imitate their 2 older sisters (me and my teenaged sis). Insha allah it will be easy for them to continue wearing their hijaab as a result of being introduced to it at an early age.

[HONEY-D]

Ilhaam

 

Thnx for sharing that wonderful story with us.

 

Jazaakalaahu qayr.