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Thursday, December 24, 2009

Exclusive! Hijabi Students Take On BNP Types

We found this video and thought it would be interesting to see what your endings would be. Insha' Allah be creative and share with us how you would end this video.

We will post the ending to this video & the website info tomorrow so no peaking! Be creative! = )

Nadira & Najwa

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Hijabi Recessionista Find of the Week: Beautiful Abayas



This is my favorite one!!!



I would wear this one with a grey scarf and an under scarf that matches one of the colors embroidered on it



Green is my fav color, so I love this one!





I'm in love with this one, it's absolutely gorgeous!!! I would wear it with a green scarf thought with a white under scarf



All of these garments, with fabulous flow, colors and materials can be found at EastEssence. The prices range from $19.95 and up. Most of the items are in the $20/$30 range. If you order more than $125 you get free shipping. They also have bridal items, menswear, hijab and accessories.




Comment and let us know what you think and how you would make it work for you




Happy Shopping!!!



Nadira & Najwa
Asalaamu alaikum

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Avoiding Riba/Interest/Usury

What exactly is Riba?

Riba (Usury) is of two major kinds: Riba An-Nasia - Interest on lent money and Riba Al-Fadl - Taking a superior thing of the same kind of goods by giving more of the same kind of goods of inferior quality, eg.,dates of superior quality for dates of inferior quality in great amounts.


The definition of Interest, the literal meaning of interest or Al-Riba as it is used in the arabic language means to excess or increase. In the Islamic terminology interest means effortless profit or that profit which comes free from compensation or that extra earning obtained that is free of exchange. Riba has been described as a loan with the condition that the borrower will return to the lender more than and better than the quantity borrowed.


As Muslims, our main concern when it comes to financial transactions is to avoid riba in any of its forms, despite the fact that the basic foundation of the world economics and finance today is that of riba and dealing in usury. The Prophet(saw) has foretold us of a time when the spread of riba would be so overwhelming that it would be extremely difficult for the Muslim to avoid it. This situation calls for Muslims to be extra cautious before deciding on what money payment of financial methods to use in any personal or business transaction.


Below are a few surahs from the Quran to show just how serious Riba is.

The Noble Qur'an - Al-Baqarah 275-281



275. Those who eat Ribâ (usury) will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaitân (Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: "Trading is only like Ribâ (usury)," whereas Allâh has permitted trading and forbidden Ribâ (usury). So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Ribâ (usury) shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allâh (to judge); but whoever returns [to Ribâ (usury)], such are the dwellers of the Fire - they will abide therein.
276. Allâh will destroy Ribâ (usury) and will give increase for Sadaqât (deeds of charity, alms, etc.) And Allâh likes not the disbelievers, sinners.
277. Truly those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
278. O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribâ (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers.
279. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allâh and His Messenger but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums).
280. And if the debtor is in a hard time (has no money), then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay, but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know.
281. And be afraid of the Day when you shall be brought back to Allâh. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.


The Noble Qur'an - Al-Imran 3:130
O you who believe! Eat not Ribâ (usury) doubled and multiplied, but fear Allâh that you may be successful.

We as Muslimahs must do all that we can to avoid interest, this is a very serious issue that we are faced with everyday. As soon as you finish high school and start college most students are bombarded with credit cards offers providing them with fast and easy money. On top of that most students finance there collegiate careers with student loans that accrue interest. If you want to buy a home, a car or make any sort of large purchase it's most likely going to involve interest. Even if you pay a utility bill late, most companies add interest! This puts people into more and more debt. The difficult part is usually paying off the interest you end up owing not the principal. Avoid credit cards for purchases at all cost. A good rule of thumb is if you don't you have it, you just don't have it. Save your money until you have enough to buy the flat screen t.v., computer, new outfit or what ever it is you want.


For larger purchases it's not always that easy. If you saved up for a new home most people would be saving for a very, very, very long time. So what do we do to avoid this? I'm so glad that you asked. We do have a options available to us. Below are a few resources and options we have to help us avoid riba.









If you know of any other helpful sites please feel free to share and post them in a comment below.



***some information for the post provided from http://www.muttaqun.com/riba.html***


Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira & Najwa


Sunday, December 13, 2009

Rock It or Stop It: Make-Up with Hijab



Whether it's for you husband, an all girls gathering or everyday wear. What is it that crosses the line? Is it too much eye liner or mascara? Is it a certain shade of lipstick? Too much eye
shadow?


Is it okay as long as the make-up is natural looking like the above picture?


How about natural with a smokey eye?


What about coordinating your make-up with your hijab?


Is it okay to wear for special occasions?


What are the do's and dont's of make-up and hijab? Wear it but make sure it's light/not to heavy? Wear it as long as you can't tell your wearing it? Wear it only for your hubby? Don't wear it at all, ever?


What do you think ladies, ROCK IT or STOP IT?



Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira & Najwa

Muslim Women to look up to : Hazrat Hafsah


It's important that as Muslimahs we have our own role models to look up to. We don't look to the latest stars, celebrities, models and politicians for our examples. Instead we look to the Muslimahs of yesterday and today. We are beautiful, strong, intelligent women with voices to be heard. Always have been and always will be. We are the mothers, the teachers, the listeners, the supporters and the backbone of our Ummah.

Her name and lineage
Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha) was the daughter of Hazrat Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu), the second Caliph of Islam. She was born four years before the declaration of Prophethood by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). Her mother’s name was Zainab bint Mazoon, and Hafsah was also the real sister of the famous companion Uthman Bin Mazoon (Radi’Allahu Anhu).

Marriage to the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)
Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha)’s first marriage was to Khunais Bin Hazafa who belonged to the family of Banu Sahm. She accepted Islam along with her husband and her parents and migrated to Medina. In the Battle of Badr, Khunais received injuries and because of these, was eventually martyred. Hazrat Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu) was very concerned about Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha)’s re-marriage. At the time, Hazrat Ruqayya (Radi’Allahu Anha) (daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) who was married to Hazrat Uthman (Radi’Allahu Anhu)) also passed away. Knowing this, Hazrat Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu) met with Hazrat Uthman (Radi’Allahu Anhu) and expressed his wish to give his daughter Hafsah in wedlock to him. Hazrat Uthman (Radi’Allahu Anhu) promised to consider but declined after a few days. This disappointed Hazrat Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu).

Hazrat Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu) mentioned the whole episode to Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radi’Allahu Anhu) who remained quite, this further disappointed Hazrat Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu). After this, he himself proposed the re-marriage to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) which the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) accepted. After the marriage, Abu Bakr (Radi’Allahu Anhu) met with Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu), and told him that his silence on the proposal was because he wished to keep secret the intention of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) to marry Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha).

Her Knowledge
Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha) had an excellent knowledge base for religious points. Seeing this eagerness in her, the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) took a keen interest in her learning and education. As many as sixty traditions are reported to be narrated by Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha) on the authority of Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu) and the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam).

Once the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said to Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha), that he hoped all the companions who had fought in the Battle of Badr, and all who were associated with the Peace treaty at Hudaibiya never enter the Hell-Fire. To this Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha) stated, “Allah has declared in the Holy Qur’aan that every one of you shall have to pass over the bridge of Hell. The next part of the verse reads, ‘Then We shall exonerate and save those who feared God in their earthly life and let those who had been unjust fall in the Hell-fire on their knees’.”

Conduct and Behaviour
Ibn-e-Sa’ad stated, “Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha) was constant and persevering in observing her fasts and in her long prayers at night. In another narration, it is stated that she observed fasts even up to her last moment when she left this world.

Hafsa (Radi’Allahu Anha) was a little sharp in temperament, at times she argued with the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). Imam Bukhari has narrated in his Book of Traditions on the authority of Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu), who said, “During the pre-Islamic days of Jahiliyya, we cared not in the least for the women folk. Islam granted them a social status and verses of the Holy Qur’aan were revealed in favour of their rights which made us (male Muslims) mindful of their dignity and social status. One day my wife gave her opinion to me on a particular matter. I said to her, ‘What business do you have in extending views and opinion?’ On this she said to me, ‘Ibn-e-Khattab! You do not tolerate even such slight things from me whereas your daughter enters into argument with the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam), making him unhappy for the whole day.’

Her Death
Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha) died in the month of Sha’ban in the year 45AH. Marwan, the governor of Medina said her funeral prayer and accompanied her pier for a long distance. Abu Hurairah (Radi’Allahu Anhu) took the dead body to the precincts of her grave and her brother, Abdullah Bin Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu), accompanied by his sons, Asim, Salim, Abdullah and Hamzah, laid her to her eternal rest.

***article from http://issmstudents.org.uk/articles/female_comp/Hafsah_ra.asp

***If you know a Muslimah to look up i.e. your Mother, teacher, sister in your community, friend, etc. Send us an email at mail@muslimah2muslimah.com so we can feature them. Tell us why they are a Muslimah to look up to in your opinion along with an image.***

Muslimah Must Have!!! Winter 2009



Left- Matalan Womenswear Papaya Structured Collar Coat Center - Marks & Spencer Autumn Purple Hooded Felt Cape Coat With Belt Right - John Lewis - JL Purple Belted Coat



Every Muslimah needs to have a fabulous jacket in her wardrobe. Jackets are great because it doesn't matter if your wear over garments, jeans, niqab, etc., a jacket goes with anything.

Jackets are also a great way to add color to any ensemble. They are an automatic upgrade for a simple outfit. If your going to get a jacket, classic black is option but why not go with a nice purple like the winter coats above?



Since the above jackets can be a little pricey, here is a more economical version for the hijabi recessionista


Let us know what you think ladies

Happy Shopping!!!

Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira & Najwa

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Fasting for Dhul Hijjah




It is Sunnah for the Muslim to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because the Prophet (saw) encouraged us to do righteous deeds in the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, and fasting is one of the best of deeds.

The Prophet (saw) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Hunaydah ibn Khaalid reported from his wife that some of the wives of the Prophet (saw) said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to fast on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, on the day of Aashoorah, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month.” [(Saheeh) by Shaikh al-Albanee in Saheeh Abi Dawood vol: 2, no: 462].


Ibn' Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, "There are no days during which the righteous action is so pleasing to Allaah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah). " He was asked: "O Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah?" He (saw) replied, "Not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah, except in case one goes forth with his life and his property and does not return with either of it." [Al-Bukhari]

So, Sisters if we are not going on Hajj this year, at least we can fast the first 9 days of Dhul-Hijjah and insha' Allah gain rewards in this life and the Hereafter.

****Fasting began Thursday September 18th, 2009 and will last for 9 days, the 10th day will be Eid Al-Adha. Follow the same time frame for fasting as you do for the month of Ramandan i.e. fajr through maghrib****

Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira & Najwa

Friday, November 6, 2009

Sexiness For Muslimahs Too???

A German lingerie store called "Liaison Dangereuse (Dangerous Liaison) has a controversial commercial out with a woman getting dressed in some provocative (but cute!) lingerie... It has Arabian influences in the music and undertones...

Check it out and let us know what you think about it. Do you find it offensive?



Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira & Najwa


Najwa & Nadira

The Fort Hood Killings... Crazy... or Not???


On Thursday, November 5th, 2009 a soldier at Fort Hood Military Base in Texas opened fire killing 12 people and wounding 30 others. The suspect in this case is Major Nidal Malik Hasan.

Hasan was reported to have been wearing his uniform when he opened fire, said Col. Steven Braverman, hospital commander at Fort Hood. Braverman said Hasan had received orders to deploy to Afghanistan.

The shooting occurred in a building called the readiness center, one of the last stops before soldiers deploy and one of the first places soldiers go upon returning to the United States.

Some of the victims were headed to Iraq or Afghanistan, said Col. Benton Danner.

A federal official said Hasan is a U.S. citizen of Jordanian descent. Military documents show Hasan was born in Virginia and has never deployed outside the United States. Read more of this story
here.

As it has been reported, Major Hasan is an American-born Muslim who was born and raised here in the U.S. He apparently was being deployed to Iraq and he was trying to get out or the military because he did not believe in the war and he did not want to have to go to fight in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Story taken from www.cnn.com

This made me think.... being a Muslim, I know that I would never be able to go to fight against my fellow Muslims either. To kill a Muslim is a grave sin in Islam. To kill innocent people is also a sin. What do you think about this tragic story? Do you think Major Hasan was taking a stand against fighting and killing more innocent Muslim families in Iraq? Do you think what he did was wrong? Did he have P.T.S.D. (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)? Can you understand his reasoning behind this???


Asalaamu alaikum
Najwa & Nadira



Thursday, November 5, 2009

The Kaabah: The One Place on Earth Not Destroyed in '2012'

What even Roland Emmerich won't destroy: an Islamic landmark

In Roland Emmerich's upcoming global demolition derby movie 2012, the director gets to indulge his passion for destroying landmarks on a world scale.

In previous movies, he's destroyed the Empire State Building and the White House (Independence Day), sent a giant monster into the middle of Manhattan (Godzilla), blown away the famous Hollywood sign and the Capitol Records building in Los Angeles (The Day After Tomorrow) and savaged New York again by flooding and then freezing it (also The Day After Tomorrow).

In 2012, he takes on landmarks in Rome, Rio de Janeiro and, yes, Washington, but there is one place even he couldn't bring himself to obliterate. We caught up with Emmerich in Jackson Hole, Wyo., where he told us why he chose various landmarks to lay waste in 2012, and about the one that got away.


"I always like I think when it feels very new and original," Emmerich said, adding: "Landmarks are always symbols, just symbols. ... They stand for something."



Obviously.

This time around, he has a giant wave striking it. A wave carrying the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy.

"I think my favorite in this one is like the White House destruction," he said. "I didn't want to go there again, and [co-writer/producer] Harald [Kloser] pretty much convinced me that I have to. And then I was brooding for days and days and days, and then I kind of had the idea: ... I've got JFK kind of coming back to the White House, which I thought was ironic."

The Poseidon



Well, not really. It's a cruise ship that rolls over much like the ill-fated ship from The Poseidon Adventure and its recent remake.

"The most striking image for me of any disaster movie was when the ship in Poseidon Adventure rolls over," Emmerich says. "I pay homage to that. ... For me it's always the most striking image of all the disaster movies. Because it's a really big object that rolls over."

The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican



That includes the famous frescoed ceiling by Michelangelo depicting Adam touching fingers with God.

"I always try to come up with what makes sense for the story, you know?" Emmerich says. "And it's not only about the destruction. It has to kind of stand for something. One of my favorite pieces of art is Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: ... God ... reaches out to Adam, and the crack goes through it. It's just an interesting kind of notion."

St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican



"Why ... don't [we] have the church fall on people's head?" Emmerich said. He added: "The whole Vatican kind of tips and kind of rolls over the people. It said something, because in the story, some people ... believe in praying and prayer, and they pray in front of the church, and it's probably the wrong thing, what they would do in that situation."

Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro






"Because I'm against organized religion," Emmerich says.

... and the one that got away...


Emmerich said that he got approached by people who wanted their landmarks destroyed, such as the 101 Tower in Taipei, the world's tallest building (pictured below).

But Emmerich was thinking of something even more explosive: the Kaaba, the cube-shaped building at the heart of Mecca, the focus of prayers and the Islamic pilgrimage called the Hajj; it is one of Islam's holiest sites.

Really?

"Well, I wanted to do that, I have to admit," Emmerich says. "But my co-writer Harald said I will not have a fatwa on my head because of a movie. And he was right. ... We have to all ... in the Western world ... think about this. You can actually ... let ... Christian symbols fall apart, but if you would do this with [an] Arab symbol, you would have ... a fatwa, and that sounds a little bit like what the state of this world is. So it's just something which I kind of didn't [think] was [an] important element, anyway, in the film, so I kind of left it out."


-Article taken from www.scifiwire.com
Written by: Patrick Lee


So, what do you think the producer's REAL reason is for not destroying the Kaabah in his movie? Is he afraid of a "fatwa"? Did he really think that the Kaabah wasn't important? Does he have some other unkown reason??? What do you think about this article overall?

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Handheld Bidets, Instinja and the Like...



First things first... Muslimah2Muslimah had a question from a sister who is a new revert to Islam and she was wondering how to make istinja' and what to use for it... Some people use water bottles, some use a watering can, others just have a cup near their toilets. In the states, bidets are not a common thing that you see in people's homes or even out in public areas. However, there are handheld bidets that are available at Home Depot or even Walmart for a very low price. This is my personal favorite way to make istinja'. You do not have to constantly fill a container up with water every time you need to use the restroom and you can also control the water pressure. So awesome!

Now, down to the more basic stuff: What Is Istinja'???

Istinja' is performed using pure and purifying water or a solid, dry material, like a stone or paper. It is obligatory to make istinja' from every wet material emitted from the eliminatory outlets, such as urine or feces. It can be done by using water, rocks, paper and the like.

When performing istinja' by water, cleaning oneself from feces one pours the water on the outlet and rubs with one’s left hand until the najas-filth is removed. This makes the place tahir (pure).

When performing istinja' using rocks and the like (paper), if one makes instinja' using a solid, dry material, such as a rock (or paper), one wipes the outlet three times. If the three wipes are not enough to clean the area, one wipes more until the place becomes clean. One may use three wads of tissue or the like. Without using water, it is not enough to wipe less than thrice, even if the place becomes clean.

Also, it is recommended to enter the bathroom with the left foot, and to leave it with the right foot; contrary to the way you enter your home or the masjid. It is recommended (sunnah) to enter your home or the masjid with the right foot first, and to leave with the left foot.

It is recommended (sunnah) upon entering the bathroom to say:


"Bismillah. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-khubuthi wal-khaba’ith."

Which means: “[I enter the bathroom] with the Name of Allah. O Allah, I
seek refuge with you from the male and female devils.” This provides protection from the eyes of the jinn.



After leaving the bathroom, it is also recommended to say:

"Ghufranak. Al-hamdu lillahi-lladhi adh-haba annil-adha wa afani."

Which means: “I ask You (Allah) for forgiveness. Praise and thanks be to the One (Allah) Who took the harm away from me and granted me good health.”

So... what do YOU use for Istinja??? Do you live in a country where bidets are common? Do you just use a water bottle? Do you use the most common one that I have seen in Muslim homes... the watering can? This is very random, I know... but interesting nonetheless! LOL.


As-Salaamu Alaikum!

Najwa & Nadira


Wednesday, October 28, 2009

So, Why the Heck Are All You Guys Wearing A Pink Hijab Today??



Okay, so today was Pink Hijab Day (yay!). So, as always there are the skeptical
"I-only-wear-black-because-it's-Sunnah-and-I-don't-see-the-point-in-doing-something-that-is-not-sunnah-and-that-type-of-thing-is-bid'ah"
crowd. Then, there are the ones who say;
"what is being gained by me just wearing a pink hijab? What point is that going to make? Who is benefiting from that? Why not just give money?"
Well... to these people we say this: What is wrong with helping to spread awareness about a certain cause? What is wrong with unifying Muslims on one day to not only give da'wah about Islam but also to put a smile on someone's face? Many men and women not only wore pink hijabs, pins or ribbons but also went to cancer treatment centers, did a charity run/walk, donated money and helped to raise money for many different cancer victims around the globe.

Islam is all about charity, kindness and compassion. If you showed your kindness today by doing anything such as making a du'a or giving in charity or just showing your support by wearing something pink this month for any woman in the world or any family who is dealing with cancer then may Allah reward you with Jannah-tul-firdaus! Ameen.

Narrated by ‘Aishah Allah’s Messenger saw said:
“Allah is Kind and He loves kindness, and confers upon kindness which He does not confer upon severity, and does not confer upon any thing besides it (kindness).” (Sahih Muslim)
Asalaamu alaikum

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Send Us Your Pink Hijab Pics!!!


This is a reminder to all of our readers to support Pink Hijab Day tomorrow whether it be at school, work or just running errands.

We also want all of you to send in your photos of you and your friends wearing your pink tomorrow or anytime this month at: http://www.blogger.com/mail.muslimah2muslimah.com.

You will be featured in an upcoming Muslimah2Muslimah.com blog!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Rock It or Stop It: Keffiyah/Hijab


One of the latest style trends is wearing Keffiyahs. They have become a fashion staple that both men and women are wearing around the world. You see them everywhere and all over the runways as in the Balenciaga images below.




So how do you wear the keffiyah as a hijab and make it look cute? There are quite a few keffiyah tutorials on YouTube such as the one below(were you can wear the keffiyah by itself).


Or you can wear a keffiyah/scarf along with your khimar as the images below







So what do you think of the keffiyah look for a hijabi?

ROCK IT OR STOP IT?
COMMENT AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira & Najwa
Muslimah2Muslimah





Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Response to Ban on Niqab by Sh. Said Rageah

****INSHA' ALLAH TAKE THE TIME TO WATCH THIS ENTIRE VIDEO AND TAKE A STAND AS A MUSLIMAH****

Khutbah addressing the issue of a Canadian Muslim organization urging the Canadian government to ban the Niqab. Please pass this on to all the Muslims.

-------------
Toronto (AP) - A Canadian Muslim organization urged the Canadian government Thursday to ban traditional Muslim garments designed to cover a woman's face, saying they are medieval and misogynist symbols of extremism with no basis in Islam.

To Niqab or Not to Niqab......that is the question


I have recently been thinking a lot about wearing niqab. I have worn niqab a few times here and there in the past but I have never made a commitment to it. The times when I did where niqab I have always felt very comfortable and at peace. I think niqab is absolutely beautiful and have a lot of respect for women who choose to wear niqab for the sake of Allah. May Allah reward them- ameen.

I don't personally think that NIQAB is fard(obligatory) but what I do know is that we should try to do things that the prophet(s.a.w.) and the companions did. Following this logic it only makes sense that we should want to do what the Ummul Mu’mineen, the wives of the prophets did. We can see examples of them observing niqab in the following hadiths.


Narrated by Aisha (RA) who said, "The riders would pass us while we were with the Messenger of Allah ). When they got close to us, we would draw our outer cloak from our heads over our faces. When they passed by, we would uncover our faces." (Hadith-Abu Dawud)
Narrated by Aisha(RA)"When (the Verse): 'They should draw their veils over their necks and bosoms,' was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their faces with the cut pieces." (Hadith-Al-Bukhari)



I do wonder how I will navigate in my day to day life i.e. work, shopping, eating out, etc. For now I'm still doing my personal searching to see what my decision will be.

Please share your comments and experiences be you a sister who wears niqab, who doesn't/wouldn't or anywhere in between.

Asalaamu alaikum,
Nadira
Muslimah2Muslimah

*****CORRECTION EARLIER POST HAD A TYPO, IT STATED THAT "HIJAB IS NOT FARD", IT SHOULD HAVE SAID NIQAB, WE AT MUSLIMAH2MUSLIMAH FULLY BELIEVE THAT HIJAB IS FARD*****

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Okay, So He's An Attractive, Single Muslim Brother...


I wonder if he is single or is he married? Is he a match for me? Wouldn't we make such a dashing Muslim couple!?!?


This a dilemma many single Muslimahs have quite often. However, society tells us that the man should approach the woman, or in Islamic standards, the Wali. What about the Muslimahs who spot a brother she is interested in? Do they just sit back and pray that he makes the move?


During the days of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), women approached men quite often for marriage. As a matter of fact, it is noted that when he was 25 years old, Muhammad (SAW)received a marriage proposal from a wealthy Meccan woman, Khadījah bint al-Khuwaylid, whose affairs he was conducting.


But nowadays it seems rather taboo for a sister to approach a brother regarding marriage. So, what is a sister to do???


What are YOUR opinions on this? Would you approach a brother you were interested in? If so, how would you go about doing it? Would you send your wali after him?

Asalaamu alaikum
Najwa & Nadira
Muslimah2Muslimah

Quote of the Day!!

"Always keep in mind, sisters, that ultimately ALLAH (swt) is the only judge... Strive to do the best you can for HIM and HIM alone. Keep your head up when people try to criticize but always keep an open mind to the things that people say. It might help you to improve yourself..."

- Muslimah2Muslimah

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

"The Early Morning After..."


Okay, so this one is for all of us married girls out there... You and your hubby had *fun* last night and now it is time for Fajr prayer... So, you get up, take a shower, make wudu and make salat. Cool... all is well right? You have done your duties for your husband and your Lord... now you can go on about your day. Well, not so fast there, sister! Did you take a shower or did you make a ghusl? A ghusl is the purification that is obligatory after intercourse.


How Ghusl Is Performed:

According to the practice of the Prophet, upon whom be peace, the correct manner of performing ghusl is:


1. wash both hands three times,
2. wash the private parts,
3. make a complete wudu (ablution) like the one made for prayer.
4. rub water through one's hair three times, letting the water reach down to the roots of the hair, (yes, girls...this means ruining that perfect hairdo!)
5. pour water over the entire body, begining with the right side, then the left, washing under the armpits, inside the ears, inside the navel, inside the toes and whatever part of the body can be easily rubbed. This account is based on the following report from 'Aishah:

"When the Prophet, upon whom be peace, took his bath after
sexual intercourse, he would begin by washing his hands. Then he would
pour water from his right hand to his left and wash his sexual organs,
make the ablution for prayer, take some water and put his fingers to the
roots of his hair to the extent that he sees that the skin is wet, then
pour water over his head three times and then over the rest of his
body." -Related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.

Ghusl For Women:

A woman performs ghusl just as a man does, except that if she has plaited hair she does not have to undo it, provided that the water can reach the roots of her hair. Umm Salamah said,

"O Messenger of Allah, I am a woman who has closely plaited hair on my head. Do
I have to undo them for ghusl after sexual intercourse?" He said, "No, it is
enough for you to throw three handfuls of water on your head and then pour water
over yourself. After doing this, you shall be cleansed." Related by Ahmad,
Muslim and at-Tirmidhi


So, considering the fact that we all have to wash our hair COMPLETELY with water on "the early morning after", what should we, as Muslimahs do with our hair? Should we blow hundreds of dollars on our hair like many of us may have done during our single days just to ruin it the same night? Do we always have a low-maintenance (and less sexy) ponytail? Do we shave our heads? Anyhow, that is OUR rant for the day... What is YOUR ghusl rant?
Najwa & Nadira
Muslimah2Muslimah

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Global Pink Hijab Day!!!


Pink Hijab Day is intended to shatter stereotypes of Muslim women, as well as raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. All over the world, Muslims participated by wearing pink hijabs, pink ribbons, and donating to breast cancer foundations.


We here at Muslimah 2 Muslimah feel as though this is a great cause and also a great chance for Muslimahs all over the world to unify and support each other. Those of us who may have someone in our lives who has suffered with breast cancer or those of us who just want to support can do so on October 28, 2009.


Pink Hijab Day Frequently Asked Questions:


Q:How did Pink Hijab Day Start?
A. Pink Hijab Day began small, in a high school in Columbia, MO. A group of girls decided to wear pink hijabs one day to encourage others to ask questions about their hijabs and about Islam. After more and more people began participating, the Susan G Komen Foundation was contacted and Pink Hijab Day had its start.


Q:What is the purpose of Pink Hijab Day?
A: 1) To encourage people to ask questions about Hijab, and extinguish stereotypes people may have about hijab
2) To raise awareness and funds for breast cancer foundations across the globe
3) To encourage Muslim women to participate in helping their own communities


Q:Who can participate in Pink Hijab Day?
A: Anyone! Anyone can wear a pink item, whether it's a pink Hijab, a pink ribbon, or pink socks. In 2008, a group of students in Canada dyed kufis and wore pink kufis. Even if you don't wear anything pink, you can donate to any local cancer foundation.

Let's make this day a success by showing oursupport and getting involved. Check out the following websites to lend a hand of support or send a monetary donation:
Muslimahs unite!
Najwa & Nadira
Muslimah2Muslimah

Thursday, August 27, 2009

French Muslim woman wearing 'burkini' banned from Paris swimming pool


France’s struggle with Islamic dress has moved into the swimming pool after a 35-year-old woman was banned from bathing in her “burkini”, a head-to-toe swimsuit.

The woman, identified only as Carole, was making her third outing in a burkini to the town pool at Emerainville, on the eastern outskirts of Paris, when the chief lifeguard ordered her to leave.

She was said to be breaking hygiene rules, but her ejection has become the latest episode in a battle between fundamentalist Muslims and a state that has banned head-cover from schools and may curb face-covering in public.

Carole accused the pool officials of illegal discrimination and went straight to the police and the media. “Quite simply, this is segregation,” she said. “I will fight to try to change things. And if I see that the battle is lost, I cannot rule out leaving France.”

The police refused to accept the complaint on the grounds that the lifeguard was just enforcing a rule that applies at all French public pools. Women must wear swimsuits and men must wear brief trunks rather than shorts, which are said to be more likely to harbour bacteria.

Carole, who was born in a traditional French family and converted to Islam at the age of 17, said she bought her attire on holiday in Dubai. The burkini, designed by Aheda Zanetti, a Lebanese-Australian, has become a hit in the Gulf and caused trouble in public pools in Europe and North America.

Despite the allusion to the Afghan burka, the swimsuit leaves the face uncovered. The body is clad in a track-suit-like tunic and coat and the head and neck are covered with a cross between a hijab and a diver’s balaclava helmet.

“I thought that it could enable me to enjoy the pleasure of bathing without uncovering myself, as Islam recommends,” she told Le Parisien newspaper. “I understand that it might shock people, but I am annoyed because I have been told that it is a political matter. I didn’t set out to cause a stir. My only aim was to be able to go swimming with my children.”

The local authorities insisted that no politics were involved. “The lady was almost fully dressed,” Daniel Guillaume, the head of sports facilities for the Seine-et-Marne département, said. “The personnel simply applied the rules that are in effect in all pools in France.” That view was not shared by politicians who want tougher measures to oppose a rise in body-covering by strict Muslim women, and Muslims demanding segregated sessions for men and women at pools and other sports facilities.

“Maybe you can see the woman’s face in this ridiculous swimsuit, but it is obviously a provocation by a militant,” said André Gerin, a Communist MP from the Rhône area. “Going straight to the police station is clear proof that there is a political project behind this outfit. No doubt this is the start of a new problem.”

Mr Gerin heads a 32-member parliamentary inquiry that opened last month to review the possibility of a law to bar Muslim women from wearing the face-covering niqab in public. President Sarkozy stirred fundamentalist anger in June when he sided with the review, saying that such dress was not a symbol of faith, but a sign of women’s subservience and that it had “no place in France”.

The move to legislate drew a violent response from foreign extremists. “Yesterday it was the hijab and today it is the niqab,” said Abu Musab Abdul Wadud, the leader of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. “We will take revenge for the honour of our daughters and sisters against France and against its interests by every means at our disposal.”

France caused a stir in the Muslim world in 2004 with a law barring the hijab headscarf and all other religious dress from state primary and secondary schools.

The measure, which was implemented without protest, is strongly backed by the public, including a substantial number of the six million Muslims in the country.