'Project Hijabi': The Muslim Fashion Label Part 1

About some two and a half years ago, in 2010, I was hooked into watching Project Runway. The TV show was a good watch that explored various creative ideas pertaining to putting dresses together, using unique materials to do so, and the spirit of cut-throat competition.
It came as a slight shocker to see one of the contestants drape a black fabric over himself and call it 'Taliban fashion' in one of the episodes. I also came across Nina Garcia's statement on Muslim fashion which was very impressive. On being asked whether practicing religious women can also be fashionable, she described how covering up for modesty does not imply dressing like a paper bag. Her idea is that fashion, in contrast to its tainted image of today, is the concept of being trendy without compromising your lifestyle. Next, a couple of years later the world saw a Muslim girl participate in Project Runway!
I chose to write a fashion article for Habibi Halaqas and called it Project Hijabi: The Muslim Fashion Label. Fashion has a very tainted image and the minute somebody says fashion, the Haram Police may just spring into action to explain the do's and don'ts for a Muslim woman. And so, I introduced the real definition of the word clarifying itself being permissible religiously. I mentioned the mixture of immorality into the deal such as "ideas of physical exposure, sexuality, beauty, politics, drug abuse, homosexuality, and inappropriate imagery" which ruin the show.
The first concept that I chose to describe was that of the Hijab. It goes beyond the basic head wrap, all the way to covering the Sunnah dress code, attitude, and lifestyle of a Muslim woman. I discussed the basic dressing protocols of the Hijab that are the covering of awrah (compulsory to-be-covered body parts) before non-mehrams, avoiding imagery and symbolism, abstinence from following other religions' styles, avoiding luxurious dressing, and ridiculous fashion statements.
In reference to Nina Garcia's interview for Hijab Trendz, the article discusses the confusion between being religious conservative and fashion-forward. Even opera gloves are conservative, but very fashion forward.
The world has a misunderstanding about Muslim women being deprived of the wonderful fashion brands of clothing, jewelry, and cosmetics. The article sheds light on the freedom of choice Islam has allowed but within modest ladies-only gatherings, and how no limits are set on how a woman displays herself before her husband. So it is only a fool's tunnel vision when they perceive that Muslim ladies have nothing to do at Victoria's Secret.
The Muslim Fashion Label itself is a good read, I suggest. I have included in it the rules that the garment must follow and which dressing styles comply with these rules. Some unacceptable dressing forms can be revamped successfully to be worn modestly with the right fusion of dresses and accessories.
There is a Part 2 to this article, insha'Allah, which covers other aspects of the fashion industry that have an impact on Muslims. Stay tuned ...

Ramadan Diaries Day 21: Avoiding Food Wastage in Ramadan

The aftermath of Ramadan pantry hoarding and iftar cum dinner parties/events is serious food wastage. I realized that when I peaked into a trash can while discarding my finished plate at an iftar cum dinner. In fact, I realized, while walking the buffet line, that there was salad on the floor that I had stepped on and gravy that had created a filth pool at the other end. Each morsel of food and every drop of water is from Allah, the Most Gracious, and we are accountable for its wastage. A beautiful way to earn His merits in Ramadan is to ensure that food wastes are minimal, and the excessive is distributed among the needy in a hygienic way.
Just-In-Time Pantry Management
People are fond of hoarding in Ramadan. Flour, rice, pulses, frozen foods, and baked goods are purchased until the fridges and freezers won't close shut, and pantries spill over. One cannot do everyday, fresh shopping even in routine life, but for Ramadan I do the 2 week Just-In-Time pantry management. I calculate the number of rotis (flatbread) we would need for seher each morning, and the load of fruit and frozen snacks required for Iftar. Then, we buy for 15 Ramadan days. Midway, we shop again.
My sister introduced the idea of cooking the daily meat curries a week before Ramadan and stocking them up in the freezer - the full 30 day supply.
Proper Food Storage
Brown households (Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi/etc.) consume rotis and parathas which can be either purchased ready made or made at home. In both cases, they can be wrapped separately piece by piece in polyethene wraps and stocked in the freezer. I have had the nasty experience of ripping open a packet of rotis and finding green fungus growing on it because we stocked them up for 30 days in our room temperature pantry.
The fruits should go into the coldest compartment of the fridge, and ideally they should be purchased weekly throughout Ramadan. Milk goes bad very often in Ramadan so the expiry date needs to kept in mind when purchasing a big can.
My sister is a baker, and Sara's Baked Creations practically runs on milk, flour, sugar, and baking pro goodies. Those are carefully planned by her so nothing goes bad in the fridge. On Mom's special orders, Sara bakes cakes, muffins, cupcakes, and breads for energy-desserts for seher time. She uses the midway JIT management for her baker's pantry too!

Ramadan Diaries Day 16: Ramadan Favors

Ramadan is full of trials and one of them is to manage the daily routine effectively. If you have a special strength, you can use it to help others in their routine. Ramadan favors can earn you great merits, insha'Allah. Here are some of the favors you can work on:

Food Favors
If you have the time and affording power, make suhoor and iftaar meals for others. Besides the needy, there are other people also who could need your help. Working mothers fight for time preparing the Ramadan meals, the elderly need help, there are students who are living alone, bachelors who are not too good in the kitchen, and the list is endless. Dropping off some goodies for them is always a generous idea.

Run Errands
Help people do their groceries if the store is on your way, or you're shopping for your own. Ladies are given days off from fasting and praying during their menstrual cycles, and they can always be of use to those who are fasting and suffer lack of energy. You can even help babysit some children if you know how to!

Offer a Ride
If you have a car and there are folks around you who do not, or who cannot drive, you can always provide them the commute to the masjid when you go there. You can always gain the reward of taking them for Tarawih and congregational prayers.

Share Your Place
You can always welcome people to utilize your house, if your lifestyle allows you, for Iftar, Tarawih, and Suhoor gatherings. Your kitchen can always help serve as a cafeteria and you can establish a little neighborhood fund to buy the groceries for the pantry. 

Ramadan Diaries Day 10 - Watch Out What You Spew

It would be a halfhearted, incomplete endeavor to correct ourselves if we only keep a tap on what we are putting into our mouths (eating), and not controlling what we spew out of them (bad talk). There are several unnecessary activities that people indulge in, with the excuse of Ramadan season, that lead to opportunities for the Devil to strike. I love solitude, and I rarely feel alone, and I feel that over-mingling even in the most piously-themed days of Ramadan could lead to trouble. The Devil may be chained up in Hell, we know that, but his accomplices roam the earth. They are the very human beings who have minds plagued by the Devil's ill will. Shaytaan lives as malicious minds, souls, hearts, and tongues, of people around us.

Ladies always seem to be the core of nonsense. Apologies to all those who have taken this as a personal insult, but I speak the truth. I am a lady myself, and I know that not all women resort to gossip and slander, but the majority continues to be of those who have forgotten what Prophet Muhammad sal Allahu Aleyhi wasallam (peace and blessings upon him) has conveyed. He clearly informed that the majority of residents of Hell were women, the very reason why, and also highlighted the weaknesses of women. Feminist activists might present a hundred arguments throwing off the hadith that follow but I believe that there is no better brave and feminist who accepts what the divine word is about women's weakness and overcomes it! 

The Prophet (saww) said, "I looked at Paradise and saw that the majority of its residents were the poor; and I looked at the (Hell) Fire and saw that the majority of its residents were women." Sahih al-Bukhari 5198

Also, he mentioned that women should pray more than men because the quality and quantity of their worship is lower in comparison. 

Abdullah bin Omar narrated that the Prophet (saww) said: 

"O womenfolk, you should give charity and ask much forgiveness for I saw you in bulk amongst the dwellers of Hell." 

A wise lady among them said: "Why is it, Messenger of Allah, that our folk is in bulk in Hell?" 

Upon this the Holy Prophet observed: "You curse too much and are ungrateful to your spouses. I have seen none lacking in common sense and failing in religion but (at the same time) robbing the wisdom of the wise, besides you."

Upon this the woman remarked: "What is wrong with our common sense and with religion?"

He (the Holy Prophet) observed: "Your lack of common sense (can be well judged from the fact) that the evidence of two women is equal to one man, that is a proof of the lack of common sense, and you spend some nights (and days) in which you do not offer prayer and in the month of Ramadan (during the days) you do not observe fast, that is a failing in religion."

The ultimate hubs of such gossip are Iftaar cum dinner parties (extravagant buffets, I tell you!). I have felt my ears melt away in shame as ladies indulge in worthless babble about Eid shopping (what they are wearing and what they think is out of fashion), family politics, the news on TV, and the list is endless. They are at it while they consume the most sought-after meal of the pious day - the Iftar. What they disregard is the time running out for Maghrib prayers, or Isha if their babble sessions are prolonged. What we spew out of our mouths can very well devour the merits of the worship we invest into our fast all day.

It would be a beautiful initiative to limit (not totally eliminate) social gatherings in favor of secluded worship (Itikaf). Women can designate a masjid area at home, preferably an isolated room secure from worldly distractions such as phones, TV, computer, and the like. Even thirty minutes spent in dedicated worship of Allah and His remembrance would qualify as Itikaf. 

Ramadan Diaries: Day 09 - “Lazy Muslim Syndrome” Part 2

Continued from Part 1

Plan Prayers and Supplications Schedule

There is a lot of “business” to do in Ramadan, that is, you get an opportunity to make or mar your destiny, and proper scheduling throughout the 3 Ashras. Besides making strong general prayers and supplications (duaas), you should work towards praying and supplication according to the theme of the Ashras. So, you know you have homework to do before you embark on a journey of fasting.

Plan for Quran Recitation

Reading the Quran and understanding its meaning is spiritually uplifting and mentally engaging, therefore it helps to combat laziness. You should plan for reading the Quran, improving the Tajwid (pronounciation), and understanding the Tafsir(exegesis) throughout Ramadan. This connects you directly to Allah (swt), broadens your mind, and commits you entirely towards your purpose of pleasing Him.

Prepare for Laylatul Qadr

As the last Ashra approaches, you should understand that you need to plan effectively for sleep, nourishment, and renewed spiritual commitment to commemorate Laytul Qadr. Since Laylatul Qadr is hidden in the odd nights of the last Ashra, it is advisable that you pray and observe Qiyamul Layl (staying awake till Fajr) on all odd nights. Sleeping early the night before, and napping shortly but effectively during the day can help you achieve maximum productivity. You should also research prayers and supplications that help you maximize your efforts during the Great Night of Power.

Exercise

In addition to prayers, supplications, and Quran recitation, which will make you spiritually productive, creative involvement also keeps away the “Lazy Syndrome.” Brisk walking during early morning hours, after Suhoor, refreshes the mind and keeps you physically active throughout the day. 

Suhoor and Iftaar Menu

Allah (swt) provides abundant sustenance for us during Ramadan. Suhoor shouldn’t be rushed and the menu should be nourishing instead of unhealthy fast food. You shouldn’t eat too less, so you feel hungry in a few hours, and you shouldn’t eat excessively either, it contributes to laziness. Iftaar should be planned like a celebration meal at the end of the day when you’ve successfully completed your fast.

Conclusively, if you productively plan your Ramadan and take special care of the vital elements of nourishment, exercise, and spiritual bonding with Allah (swt) and Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), you will reap great benefits. You can always monitor your performance by keeping a checklist for the 3 Ashras, make your own Ramadan planner, and know when you’re experiencing the “Lazy Muslim Syndrome.” Have a happy Ramadan everyone!

Ramadan Diaries: Day 08 - “Lazy Muslim Syndrome” Part 1

The “Lazy Muslim Syndrome” is a spell from Shaytan(Satan), commonly experienced in Ramadan by those who fast, and unless there is proactive planning and continuous improvement of one’s self, Ramadan would be wasted. Like a typical disease, the syndrome can be avoided through precautionary care and combatted through active treatment. This implies that you should proactively prepare for Ramadan and correct your shortcomings during the month, inshAllah. We’ll be discussing ways to identify and deal with the signs and symptoms of the “Lazy Muslim Syndrome.”

Identify What Makes You Lazy

You will only be able to treat a disease when you know what causes it and laziness in Ramadan is caused by factors that are often overlooked. Laziness is caused by hunger, irregular sleep, lack of physical exercise, and a deficit in spiritual commitment. The time of Suhooris compromised by people who wish to sleep in a little longer. They bravely wake up a few minutes before the end of Suhoorand hog a few bites of food and a few sips of water, offering Fajr prayers hastily, and go back to bed. Most people complain of insufficient sleep during Ramadan. This is because they stay up too late, following their usual routine of watching television, or pursuing another leisure activity. Irregular sleep is the biggest contributor to laziness that one experiences throughout the day. In order to cover up, the person is found sleeping whenever he gets the chance, or spinning with dizziness when he doesn’t. A general practice is that people reduce their physical exercise. It feels as if they’ve labeled themselves “Fragile.” They explain that if they move around too much they would run out of energy or feel hungry or thirsty. Also, the missing element of “commitment” to Allah (swt) initiates the “Lazy Syndrome.” When a person does not strongly feel the love for his Creator, he fasts as if he’s merely starving himself, and Ramadan becomes very boring for him.

Be Proactive

Fortunately, there are ways that can help you eliminate laziness in order to benefit from Ramadan. Being proactive for Ramadan means that you actively start a planning process before the blessed month arrives. At this stage, you schedule your Ramadan activities and identify the possible factors that can meddle with your sincere intentions of pleasing Allah (swt). You may ask what time, what number of days, before Ramadan should this phase begin? It is the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) to fast in Sha’baan, the month that precedes Ramadan, in particular, the first half (Al-Bukhari, Muslim). This is the ideal time to plan ahead. 

Revise the Importance of Ramadan

When you are aware of the philosophy and possess good, strong intentions about your actions, you are able to act productively without becoming lazy. The foremost reason for commemorating Ramadan is to show your obedience and utmost love for Allah (swt). Second, it is a golden opportunity for self-development whereby you learn self-control. The abstinence from food, water, sexual desires, and misdeeds allow you to establish an uninterrupted state of “Muslim-ness,” that’s what I like to call it. The first 10 days, or the 1^st Ashraa, of Ramadan present an opportunity to seek mercy, the 2^nd calls for seeking repentance for all misdeeds, and the 3^rd allows you to evict yourself from the torment of Hellfire. You should look up the Hadith of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and the verses of the Holy Quran to understand the philosophy and the importance of Ramadan. Only then can you be able to do justice to its rituals and give 100% spiritual commitment.
To be continued ... 

Ramadan Crash Planning

Crash planning for Ramadan can still be done effectively, after all each ready-to-fast Muslim is a superwoman or superman. Just be proactively aware of the important areas that need attention during the blessed month and make sure you develop the right amount of commitment and passion.

The Month of the Qur'an

Most unfortunately, in some households, the Qur'an is a come and go thing - like seasons. For instance, when Ramadan season arrives people may begin to hunt for the biggest copy of the Qur'an in their house, set on the highest shelf for religious respect, and surrounded by artistic Islamic artifacts. If you are not one of those unfortunate ones, good! Your focus should not just be on reciting the words in a monotonous, super fast manner. But, you should be working to beautify your recitation, correcting your Tajweed (pronunciation), and the understanding of the meaning (tafsir) of the Qur'an. This is the month of the Qur'an after all - high time of understanding its importance.

Worship & Remembrance of Allah (Ibaadaat & Dhikr)
Ibadaat are the core of this month, that is dedicated acts of worship. Learn about the obligatory practices (the fard), develop Sunnah habits, passionately indulge into nafils, and add quality to your prayers by acquiring high levels of concentration.
Our Creator is always super close to our hearts, but it needs a special connect to establish His link with our soul. Work on that link through adhkar (words of remembrance) and dua'a (supplication). Itekaaf is the act of isolating oneself in solitude for the purpose of worship and remembrance of Allah (swt). While men can perform an advanced level of itekaf and take to mosques for the purpose of isolation of ten days or less, the ladies can do so at home. I was looking up the criteria of itekaaf and to my joy I learned that dedication a slot of time for undisturbed worship is also itekaaf. So, clear a space in your room or a quiet corner of the house and allot time - even more than one small slot during the day - to perform itekaaf.

Iftar and Suhoor Menus
I am a home-groomed lady, unlike those who race for free food wherever they find it. I like cooking suhoor and iftar at home so it is healthy and hygienic and I waste less time in commuting and gossiping with who all that may come by. The menu; therefore, should be planned beforehand and some good stocking up done in the pantry so as to avoid rushing for groceries during the month.

Break the Habits
I am a Chai addict, that needs to level off. Because, 2 cups of tea is all I am going to get in Ramadan per day - one at suhoor, one at iftaar. Folks who smoke - need to level off (who does that, by the way? - good Muslims don't). Some ladies have a love for text messaging or gossiping away about what not on the phone. Cut that out. Internet is a time waste, unless you're writing the Ramadan Diaries *sheepish grin* (or, working on something productive). If you're fond of television and movies - cut those out.

Set the Routine
Ramadan, for some folks, is the second name of over eating and dosing off. Keep in mind your eating habits, sleeping habits, and exercising habits. There should be a balance so none is overdone.

Happy crash planning!

Ramadan Cleaning: Getting the Act Together

It is mid Rajab and in about a month's time Ramadan would only be a fortnight away, insha'Allah. Considering this perspective, it is high time to begin planning for the big month of great merits. 

Ramadan is a month of heavy-duty quality control for Muslims. The thought had occurred to me when I was writing an article for Productive Ramadan. I titled it 'Muslim Quality Control: Develop Your Character this Ramadan' and discussed various tips on how an individual could be productive in the blessed month. The website went offline and my articles, Ramadan-related, disappeared. This year, for my Ramadan Diaries project, I shall be sharing the goodies I had shared through my articles on that website, insha'Allah.

So, for a heavy duty quality control to begin, a factory always undergoes some down time for maintenance, overhauling, and re-stocking. That is exactly how I feel each one of us should function too. 

Ramadan cleaning does not only comes as restocking the kitchen pantry and the freezer, and getting planning out my Quran and extra prayers schedule. I realized that Ramadan Cleaning (inspired from Spring Cleaning) has a lot more to it.

Types of Cleaning

Apart from the literal meaning of cleaning, I feel that a psychological, spiritual, and social cleanse is also required before I start fasting. It would be useless to fast and worship without getting some serious garbage that tends to accumulate in one's system. We're human after all, we tend to err. 

1. Psychological CleanseGarbage in, garbage out is a simple rule of quality control. Unless you flush away the junk in your mind, you will not be able to feel the blessings of Ramadan. The junk is usually stress, anxiety, depression, negativity, panic, and fears. They automatically contribute to health issues like insomnia (sleeplessness), somnolence (sleeping too much), stomach acid, blood pressure spikes or lows, irregular heartbeat, fibromyalgia (muscular distress), and the list goes on and on. They make fasting a major challenge, and painful too.
   
   Try to let go. Ease up on your over thinking of things and try planning your Ramadan routine. Avoid people and events that trigger emotional chaos. Start meditating if you cannot calm yourself down with will power. Go out for walks, give yourself some alone time, sleep well and eat well.
   
2. Spiritual CleanseIf you're fasting wholeheartedly it means you are most definitely looking out for Allah's forgiveness, inshaAllah. Unless you cleanse your soul of the obvious evil of your nafs (psyche), you cannot attain His Mercy. Personally speaking, a spiritual cleanse begins with Taqwa (fear of Allah) and the realization that you have wronged. The next step is to make an intention of seeking His Mercy and taking a divine oath of not repeating the mistakes.
   
3. Social CleanseGossipy phone calls (gheebat (gheebah) pilers), texts, invites to non-productive parties (breeding grounds for Satan), non-productive friends, and of course the Fitnaahbook a.k.a. destructive part of Facebook are potential pollutants in our immediate sociosphere. As I moved to the USA, alhamdulillah (all praise for Allah), a large portion of my social circle got chucked off. The useless gossips, nonsense discussions about people and events, and the politics of academic life just diluted. I am blessed with a complete social cleanse but there are always exceptions and I always run into people who lure me into making judgement and speaking about their wrongs and rights. I have to tighten the controls there. My family goes into hibernation mode, socially, during Ramadan because we're observing the fasts, reciting Quran, and praying persistently.
   
   Some common social distractions to avoid during Ramadan are:
   
   Iftaar parties. Some of them continue outrageously until sehri (suhoor) time
   Gossipy phone calls. They eat up your fast because they indulge you into gheebat
   Television. Light entertainment never hurts, but reserve the routine TV programs until after Ramadan
   Shopping. We women could go on and on and time flies by. Eid shopping should be done away with before Ramadan.
   
   As Sha'ban would being, insha'Allah, I shall try my best to write about Ramadan preparations; hence, giving the Ramadan Diaries an early start.
      

Be The Change You Wish To See In The World

The most perfect bringers of change in the world have been the blessed prophets (peace be upon them) all the way from Adam (peace be upon him) to the seal of prophet-hood at Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny). They changed the fates of great civilizations. How did they manage to succeed, despite mighty rebellions, in delivering the message of Allah to the world and winning believers? It was simply because they BECAME the change they wished to see in the world.

Change is difficult. You cannot wave a magic wand and go POOF! to change something. You need to become a ‘transformational leader’ - one who exemplifies the change as an aspect of his own personality – in order to make things happen.

A Muslim woman is an epitome of responsibility and contrary to the usual misconception that she is an oppressed individual in a male-dominated society, Allah has built in her immense power; emotional and physical, to bring about change.

A woman can change the fate of nations because as a mother, daughter, sister and etc. she is a major influence on her family, friends, and children. The people she influences make up family units, and then societies and then nations.

It depends on her what kind of change she wishes to bring. She may be a devout Muslimah who wishes to attain the highest ranks in heaven and would strive to bring about a prosperous change in her circle of influence. Or she may be a diseased mind that has been impregnated with the evil whispers of Satan and change things for the worst – in that case she would be grilling in hell fire.

How Can You Bring Change?

In pursuit of transforming into a perfect Muslim woman of substance, a woman can take influential steps to model the change she wishes to see in people around her. 

To begin with, she should be, outwardly, representative of her faith. She should observe the Hijab and motivate others to do the same. Muslim women often feel that the cover of modesty would dampen the effect of their beauty, or would make them appear like a symbol of oppression. I’m striving to make it known each day that the way you choose to dress yourself should not be revealing. Beauty is not in becoming a public exhibit of pomp and show but to become a symbol of grace and modesty. An ideal way to make them feel proud of the gift of Hijaab that Allah has blessed them with – I wish to initiate gifting fellow Muslimahs scarves and accessories.

Groom myself to look dressed and beautiful at home among family members so that others develop the sense of self-grooming as well. Since they observe Hijaab outside the house, Muslim women tend to become ignorant of themselves sometimes and push back self-grooming. Some are too lazy to work on adorning themselves with jewelry! Some don’t even bother combing their hair! And when you neglect yourself you start wasting away.

To initiate clean living I would personally start a cleanliness drive! Cleanliness is half our faith and I should model it for others to get their inspiration from. For that, I would have to design a cleaning-spree mission which would include critical concerns like cleanliness during menstruation and also a makeover of my room!

Another good way to pass on the vibe for positive change would be for me to spread the word around supported by sahih ahadith and Quranic verses. The blogosphere is the best medium of today. I could narrate my daily life experiences which would include the goodness that I strive towards everyday and create an impact on my readers, inshAllah.

Muslimah's Wardrobe

In Islam a woman has been considered a prestigious individual of the society; she is the golden asset of her family, an ensemble of respect and esteem. That brings an automatic responsibility for guarding chastity. The Muslim code of conduct prescribes that a woman should not be a public exhibit and her charms should be hidden - preserved to be shared only with her husband. Sounds fair? Yes, it does. Every Tom, Dick and Harry should not enjoy the sight of how beautiful a woman is.

The delicate feminism and gentleness that Allah has provided to a woman are blessings. She has been blessed with a responsibility to please her husband and make a family with him. If she chooses to appear "pretty, hot & tempting" for someone other than her husband, it is similar to being the Devil's accomplice.

The blessed Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) said: 

“There are two types of the people of Hell whom I have not seen: men with whips like the tails of cattle with which they strike the people – meaning wrongfully and aggressively – and women who are clothed yet naked, and walk with an enticing gait.” (Sharh Al-Nawawi 'ala Saheeh Muslim 17/191).

When planning wardrobes, the skimpy (tight) options should be eliminated. The main objective is to hide the 'awrah (body parts that are to be hidden). The 'awrah criteria are more relaxed before mehrams, i.e. men a woman cannot marry, e.g. a brother or father. But this clearly does not mean that a woman transforms into a swimsuit model  in front of mehrams. Body-fit clothing should be avoided before mehrams as well, because fitnah can take birth in the most pious of hearts. Shaytan is just hovering over our shoulders to find the best moment to strike.

There is NO ruling on covering yourself up in front of your husband. So you can stop nagging about not being able to shop at Victoria's Secret or the like. There is a REASON they call the fancy lingerie a SECRET. Discussing such ideas is considered a taboo - but I feel it needs to be said because a very uptight image of the Muslimah is being communicated to the world ... as if she is a no-fun woman. A Muslimah is everything! In a HALAL way that is. She may choose to be as 'pretty, hot & tempting' as she wants but only for the ONE man she is made for from the heavens. 

Some women choose to ignore the strict commandments of the preservation of modesty. Their dressing styles are revealing and skimpy! Show's on! There are young girls who do not realize the importance of hijab or safeguarding their 'awrah. 

Wearing a body-tight T-shirt and a capri trouser is not permissible and just because it hides your flesh and bones doesn't mean that it suffices. In clear words, ladies, do NOT reveal the shape of your limbs and parts to the world! Phew! That was REQUIRED to be said. 

There are several other Haraam fashions we could pick on. The churidaar pajama under the pishwaaz is not okay - the shape of your legs is on a world exhibit! Those sleeveless blouses or waist-open sarees are not going to help. Sleeves won't burn your skin and a saree blouse could very well be longer to cover your waist. Capri pants are skimpy AND they show your ankles! WEAR ALL OF THIS AT HOME! Not out on the streets or in front of your non-mahrams.

I think we have the general idea about 'coverage' ...? Let's move on.

There is also loads of instruction about extravagant clothing (Libaas-ul-shuhrah). mmhmm, you're not going anywhere with that $300 Versace or Armani whatever. You cannot choose clothes to build up a status symbol. This is the beauty of Islam, it cares for the feelings of those who look at you and cannot afford to dress themselves up so lavish. 

Allah's messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "He who wears libaas ul-shuhra in this world will be dressed in humiliating clothes on the day of judgment." (narrated by Ahmed & Abu Dawood, confirmed sahih by Al Albani in Sahih Al-Jami' 6526

Isbaal is also forbidden i.e. wearing your clothes so long that they drag below the ankles - that too is a sign of pride. Recall the old movies? The kings have these cloaks that are trailing off on the ground for yards and yards. 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Isbaal (wearing one’s garment below the ankles) may apply to the izaar (lower garment), the shirt or the turban. Whoever allows any part of these to trail on the ground out of arrogance, Allaah will not look at him on the Day of Judgement." (reported by Abu Dawud, no. 4085, and al-Nisaa’i, no. 5334, with a saheeh isnaad

Colors also play a part in dressing mannerisms. There are encouraged (mustahabb), makrooh (disliked) and haraam (forbidden) colors for both men and women. 

BLACK
Black, I feel, is a beautiful color. Afterall, the Ka'abah is shrouded in black and gold! It is permissible for both, men and women. The prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) used to wear a black turban and a cloak.  
At one time, prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) preferred giving a black garment from an offering of clothes to a Muslimah, Umm e Khalid. It had green or yellow markings on it which he described as good (sannah). 
It is purely innovation (bida'ah) to consider black as a color of death, grief, or bereavement. The innovation comes from Christians who consider black to be a negative color symbolism. Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen said (Fataawa Islamiyah, 3/313): “Wearing black at times of bereavement is a false symbol that has no basis. At times of bereavement people should do what is commanded in Islam, which is to say ‘Innaa Lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon. Allaahumma ajirni fi museebati wa’khluf li khayran minhaa (Truly! To Allaah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return. O Allaah, reward me for my calamity and compensate me with something better than it).’ If a person says this with faith and the hope of reward, Allaah will reward him for that and will replace what he has lost with something better.” He also said: “Allocating certain clothes for mourning is an act of bid’ah (innovation) in our opinion, and because it could indicate that a person is discontent with the decree of Allaah.”

Ever seen the black pirate flag? It is the Black Death symbol - of mutiny as well.

WHITE
It is a prestigious colors and angels are said to be shrouded in it.  
The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Wear your white clothes, for they are the best of your clothes, and shroud your dead in them.’” (Reported by Abu Dawood and al-Tirmidhi; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Ahkaam al-Janaa’iz (p. 82)). White is also the preferred colour for men’s ihraam (special garments for Hajj), which consists of an izaar (lower garment) and a rida’ (upper garment). 

RED 
It is the color for Muslimahs, basically, for it is beautiful and is considered as vanity. Any garment dyed PURELY red is forbidden for men. Combinations can be worn e.g. if a garment is striped red and black or etc. Why? There are several suggestions. For one, non-Muslim men wear pure red e.g. the people at the Vatican and etc. Two, it is an imitation of feminism. 

FAST FACTS
1) A woman should not imitate a man in dressing & a man should not imitate women - so the gentlemen who adore wearing dupattas around their neck at mehendis (following the Indian tradition) should reconsider. 

2) Silk is NOT to be worn by men for it is for the women - so gentlemen, try buying Halal ties and shirts next time - read the labels for silk.

3) Clothes with graphics of living beings are forbidden

I thank Allah for blessing me with new clothes and I pray that He keeps me and all Muslims and Mulimahs on the righteous path by dressing beautifully, modestly and Halal. May we all stay far, far away from tabarruj (haram display) and carry ourselves gracefully and elegantly all the way to the Hereafter where if in paradise we shall be dressed in the finest of silks and velvets, inshAllah, Ameen.

That Menacing Atom Of Pride

While being proud is not entirely negative, in general it is a negative reference and unfortunately it is found like a pandemic in the global Muslim community over several matters. The sense of pride of being Muslims and of being the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alehy wasallam) peace and blessings upon him, is worth harboring in our hearts only to remember that it does not pollute the hearts with a sense of boastful superiority over others. Other common reasons of pride within Muslim men and women are because of their observance of the Hijab, the growing of their beards, being students of knowledge, being of different countries and cultures, and likewise. In the chaos of the social jungle, while such people compete to rule the roost, that menacing atom of pride takes them far, far away from smelling even the fragrance of Paradise.
An Emotionally Intelligent Muslim Is Proud With Humility
I believe that every phenomenon, unless classified as a solid vice, has a good and a bad side. Likewise, pride has two aspects. Since it is an emotion, a Muslim is required to be emotionally intelligent and channel the sense of superiority into positive expression and productive upbringing of the Muslim community. If he or she chooses to act foolish, the same pride can give birth to social intolerance, derogatory treatment of others, and would eventually tarnish the image of the Muslim nation at large. I find extremists, who claim to be Muslim, to be proud beings who possess such an inflated sense of pride that they despise anybody else who is any different than them. Contrary to such fools, a proud, yet humble, Muslim is tolerant of others.
Do Not Take Pride In Your Knowledge
Do Not Take Pride In Your Appearance
Do Not Take Pride In Your Connections

Angel Jibr'il: The Ruh Al-Qudus

The name of the four angels of Allah (swt) i.e. Jibril, Mikail, Israfil, and Izrail all mean the same thing. Jibr, Mik, and Israf all mean "worshipper" while il in their names is a constant like Abdul in Abdul-Rahman. Where Abdul means "slave of", il means "of Allah".

Jibril has been entitled Ruh Al-Qudus for bringing down the miracle of Qur'an. He is one of the messengers of Allah, and the only one who interacted with human beings i.e. Prophets. Refuting one messenger equals refuting all. Besides Jibril this is true of all Prophets as well. If one rejects Prophet Isa (Jesus) then he has rejected all prophets, if one rejects prophet Musa (Moses), or Haroon (Aaron), or Yaqub (Jacob), any from the chain of prophets beginning from prophet Adam, he will be considered equal to have refuted the entire chain. Muslims believe in the complete chain right to the very conclusion, the seal of Prophethood at Prophet Muhammad sal allahu aleyhi wa a'aleyhi wasallam. Believing in Ruh Al-Qudus i.e. Jibril; therefore, is a critical component of belief because he is the link between Allah and the prophets, the medium of communication between them. 

Ruh Al-Qudus means the Trustworthy Spirit. Jibril's missions to descend with the Word of Allah were conducted on Allah's Command and not of his own will. Allah's Messengers; therefore, are both angels and men and all of them should be acknowledged by the Believers unless they wish to invoke Allah's fury. Mika'il also descended with Allah's Message to some prophets, which is why the Jews considered him a friend, but his real work is to make winds and weather by Allah's Command. The work of carrying out Allah's revelation to the prophets is basically Jibr'il's. In the Qur'an, Allah has mentioned Jibr'il and Mika'il together to highlight the equal importance of Jibr'il and Mika'il and the rejection of one causes the rejection of the other. 

By refusing to believe in Jibr'il; therefore, it is clear that one invokes the fury of Allah.

References

Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Vol. 1, p.304-306, Darussalam Publications