'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!