The Muslimah in the Mirror...

Many Muslimahs are soooo judgmental about one another. Usually, I have found that it is on such a superficial nature. It is usually based on opinions of hijab (or lack thereof), whether a sister plucks her eyebrows, wears makeup, wears nail polish, etc. Why do we not look at any other side of the coin? Many of us who are placing judgment on others are the same ones who don't know how to greet a house guest or how to associate with neighbors. These are the same people who only know one surah or don't know how to make wudu correctly. It has become an epidemic! We have to remember that we need to look within our own hearts before we even think about putting another woman in her place...

So, what do you think about this? Do you find that we judge each other on outerward appearance only? What is the obsession with the superficial?

As Salaamu Alaikum

Najwa

Poem of the Week: His Command

His Command

What is it you think you see when you look at me?
No rights, no freedoms, oppressed and scared?
Why? Because I cover my hair?
What will it take to make you understand?
This path I walk is God's plan!
Just as in the Bible, He commands
For you to cover yourself, except your face and hands!

So please, do not pity me
I cover myself because HE commands
as I humble myself to HIS holy plan!
With my scarf and modest dress
I command of men my full respect!
They do not look at me as an object or prize to obtain
But value me for my intellect and self-respecting ways!

So the tear you see roll down my cheek
is a tear for you and not for me!
For the one who is truly oppressed
are the slaves to fashion, beauty and dress!
As the men of the "modern world" undress you
to sell their shoes and cars
You starve, your purge, you implant and you tuck
to still never feel pretty enough!

So with my head held high, and my veil pulled tight
I walk with pride tonight
With hope that someday you'll see
Just how LIBERATING it is
to be covered like me!

-Heather Noor Brooks

July 1st Remember Marwa al-Sherbini on World Hijab Day

If you haven't heard of this case by now (which is entirely possible due to subjectivity of the global media), it's one of heartbreak and injustice. As the story goes, Marwa al-Sherbini was a pharmacist who lived in Germany with her husband and three-year-old son. Last year, she was at the park with her son and was verbally abused by a Russian living in Germany (Alex W.). She asked him to give up a swing for her son, to which he responded by calling her an "Islamist", a "terrorist", and a profanity.

Following the incident, al-Sherbini sued and won against her attacker. On July 1, 2009, however, another hearing in the case took place. Just as Mrs. al-Sherbini was going to testify against Alex W., he lunged at her and stabbed her 18 times in front of her family. Yes, you read that correctly, 18 times. Her husband Elwi Okaz attempted to protect her in vain and ended up accidentally being shot by a security guard in the midst of the chaos. Many German courts, including that in Dresden where the attack occurred, have no security checks at their entrance.

The outrage in her native Egypt was profound and brought together people from completely different sides of the Egyptian social spectrum. The case has united Egyptian bloggers, who typically cannot agree on anything. Her funeral was attended by members of parliament, a representative on behalf of Egypt's Coptic Christians, a minister, and thousands of working class citizens. Her story became known as that of the Hijab Martyr.

Was Marwa al-Sherbini brutally murdered because she wore the Islamic Hijab? We may never truly know, but given the social and political climate in Europe, there's a very good chance the constant dehumanization of Muslims was a factor. The recent electoral gains of fanatical Far Right groups in Europe who campaigned on the basis that Islam was "backward" and had no place in Europe testify to this. More recently, Muslim women all over the West were put at ease knowing that French President Nicolas Sarkozy was on a mission to liberate us by banning the Burqa.

Many Muslim pundits have asked the "What if it was an X person killed by a Muslim instead?" question. That question is pointless, and it will not bring any justice to Marwa al-Sherbini. Her story is unique and compelling in itself that we do not need to bring other in cases. The media coverage initially was relatively disappointing and would have been much more intense given different circumstances. However, that doesn't mean we should obsess over the attention given to the case and forget the actual issue at hand. I'm going to out on a limb and say that Alex W. was a xenophobe who probably was more or less an isolated case, even though the political climate in Europe stands to produce countless other Alex W's.

Marwa al-Sherbini's message is that of humanity and perseverance. She wasn't about to let one fanatical maniac prevent her or her family from achieving their dreams and hopes. The countless Muslims who have come to praise her cause are disregarding what she stood up for by making blatant and sometimes racist comments about Germans or non-Muslims in the west. Her husband was visited in the hospital by Stephan Kramer, the general secretary of the Jewish Council in Germany. His statements about the situation did more justice to the case than those of Muslims who chanted "Death to Germany", among other slogans.

"You don't have to be Muslim to oppose anti-Muslim behavior, and you don't have to be Jewish to oppose anti-Semitism," said Kramer. "We must stand together against such inhumanity."

On July 11, a public memorial organized by local civil rights groups was held at Dresden City Hall to honor Marwa al-Sherbini. It was attended by over 1000 people, including state officials and many Germans who were appalled by the events. Tobias Weidlich, 29 who was joined by his two young daughters, expressed his shock, "The brutality and horror of this crime is unbelievable," he said. A placard held at the memorial read "Racism Kills".

Indeed, Marwa al-Sherbini took a stand against racism. Moreover, the actions of Alex W. and those who take part in racist attacks seek to instill a fear in the victims and in society, a fear so intimidating that it will stop us from addressing such problems. Alex W.'s attack wasn't just against Muslims, but against all decent and civilized people, and the response shown at the memorial proved that intolerance will not triumph.

The question now remains: how do we as a society ensure that Marwa al-Sherbini's son grows up in a world free of the hatred that stole his mother from him?

May Allah bless Sister Marwa and give her family ease during their time of hardship. May he reward her for her actions and for her martyrdom. Ameen.

Is this story new to you or have you heard about it before now? Why do you think it has not been broad casted around the world? Do you think this story would be more popular if it happened to a non-Muslim woman? Leave your comment and tell us what you think.

Asalaamu alaikum

Najwa & Nadira

Ask M2M: Do I have to cover in front of him?

This weeks question Ask M2M is from Tahirah.


Q: Alhamdulilah I recently got married and I spend a lot of time around my in laws. My brother in law and his wife come over often and I wanted to know if I have to wear hijab around him since we are family now?

A: Shukran for asking this question Tahirah. We do have a tendency to get comfortable with family members and think that it is okay to uncover in front of them as long as they are family. You don't have to cover in front of any man who is your mahram. Mahram is one with whom marriage is permanently unlawful.

This (permanent prohibition of marriage) is established in three ways: By kinship, foster relationship and relationship through marriage. Your brother in law is lawful for you in marriage and does not become your mahram through marriage.

Forbidden to you (for marriage) are: your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your father’s sisters, your mother’s sisters, your brother’s daughters, your sister’s daughters, your foster mothers who gave you suck, your foster milk suckling sisters, your wives’ mothers, your stepdaughters under your guardianship, born of your wives to whom you have gone in — but there is no sin on you if you have not gone in them (to marry their daughters), — the wives of your sons who (spring) from your own loins, and two sisters in wedlock at the same time, except for what has already passed; verily, Allaah is Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful. [al-Nisa’ 4:23]

To sum it up here is a list of men who would be a mahram for a women:

• your father in law
  

• your sons, grand sons...as they go down. ( i.e, great grandson) those by blood or breast feeding

• your father, grand father, as they go up. (i.e, great grand father..etc) those by blood or breast feeding

• your brothers, half brothers (related by blood) and your brothers from breast feeding and nephews as they go down

• your uncles- great uncles (mother's or father's brothers i.e, maternal and paternal) those by blood and those by breast feeding

• your father in law- your son in law - the son of your husband.

So to answer your question Tahirah, yes, you do have to wear hijab in front of your brother in law. May Allah make it easy for you - ameen.

If you have a question send it to mail@muslimah2muslimah.com with the subject Ask M2M.

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

Ask M2M: One or Two Piece Hijab???

This week's question is from Yasirah.

Q: I have a question about Hijab! I find it easier to wear the one pieces instead of the actual scarves. I'm still learning how to actually wear the scarves but because I'm always in and out i feel its easier to just pull over the one piece hijab and wear it like that. I'm 20 years old and i usually see most Muslimahs with scarves and not the pull over type that's easy for me. My question is, is the pull over hijab too young? Is it mostly for younger Muslimahs? I don't wanna make it look like i don't wanna take out the time to put on a real scarf, but to me a pull over hijab is easier. Thanks for the help sisters


A: Shukran for the question Yasirah. As long as you are wearing hijab properly than that's all that matters. If you like the one pieces and they work for you then keep wearing them. We don't think that they are for a certain age group, as long as you are comfortable you can continue to wear your one piece hijabs in every single color you can get your hands on.

If you would like to switch it up, we do have a HIjab How To video that has a simple way to wear a scarf that you can do in less than a minute. Here is the link to the video and it's the green hijab style. Insha' Allah this has been helpful.


Insha' Allah if you have a question send it to mail@muslimah2muslimah.com with the subject Ask M2M

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

Ask M2M: Can a Muslimah wear heels?

This weeks question is from two sisters

Shadonna asks:
Q: I've been told we as muslimahs are not to wear our feet out is this true? Are we allowed to wear heels(pumps,wedges)?

&

Sabeera asks:
Q: I and some sisters have a question about women wearing our feet out without covering your feet? Do you have to cover your feet?

A: We do our best to answer all questions. If there is a question we don't know the answer to we will do our best to provide daleel(Quran & Hadith) to answer the question. We have found the following information.

Scholars have differed regarding the feet of the woman: are they awrah in salah, or outside salah, or both or neither?


The Prophet (saw) was asked, when he mentioned the prohibition of dragging the lower garment, about what women should do with the ends of their garments. He said, ' They should extend them a span.' Umm Salamah said, 'Then, their feet will be uncovered!' He said, ' Then, they should extend them a cubit, not exceeding that.'
[ Tirmidhi ]

As far as wearing heels for the second part of Shadonna's questions;

And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their adornments (charms, or beauty and ornaments) except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their khimar (veils) over their bosoms and not display their adornments except to their husbands, their fathers .... and that they should not strike their feet so as to draw attention to their hidden (ornaments). (24:31-32)

Part of the reasoning behind heels being haram is that they make noise, flats can also make noise depending upon how one is walking in them/what the sole is made of.
It has also been said that wearing heels is dangerous for women because we may fall, they change the way we walk (making it more enticing to men )and they can also be a form of deceit making yourself look taller.
Narrated by Abu Sa’eed Al Khudri, Allah’s Apostle said :"A Jewish woman used to put two wooden legs to lengthen her shoes, so that no one could recognise her, for she was very short.”

As for M2M, we are very tall so we don't really wear heels, but when we have, we never fell or found ourselves to be in great danger because of them. It is possible that wearing heels can make your walk more enticing but if you don't know how to walk in them it can also make you look crazy. And as far as it being a form of deceit, where do you draw the line? A sneaker will usually give you a inch of height, so is that haram as well?

What it boils down to is your intentions when and/if you wear heels or shoes with height. Are you trying to put yourself in harms way, entice men or be deceitful? If you're wearing lime green six inch heels than you are most likely doing it to seek attention. There are plenty of super cute flats that are available that can be worn in place of heels. It's best to avoid anything that is a doubtful manner. Also, remember that intentions count for a lot when it comes to certain issues.

Allahu alum(Allah knows best)




Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

Ask M2M: Wait to Wear Hijab???

Sorry for delay in posting this weeks question. If you have a question send it to mail@muslimah2muslimah.com and it might be your question we answer on Sunday.

Our first Ask M2M question is from Kamilah, she asks:

Q: I'm 16 and was planning on waiting till marriage to wear a hijab, is that wrong?

A: Alhamdulilah we are happy to hear that you plan on wearing hijab. With that said you want to start observing hijab right away. You should start wearing hijab when you reach puberty. Abu Dawood narrates that `Aishah (raa) said: "Asmaa' the daughter of Abu Bakr (raa) came to see the Messenger of Allah (saw) wearing a thin dress; so Allah's Messenger (saw) turned away from her and said: O Asmaa', once a woman reaches the age of menstruation, no part of her body should be seen but this and that" and he pointed to his face and hands.

We have to be mindful that everything we do in this life should be fisibilillah(for the sake of Allah). Insha' Allah start wearing hijab now because it's what we are commanded to do by Allah(swt) as Muslimahs. You don't want to wait and do it because your married/for your husband.

Hijab is a source of protection for Muslimahs and it's something that once you start wearing it you will never want to go back. A good rule of thumb is to dress how you do for salah(prayer) all the time. If you cover for salah/to go to the masjid then this is how we should dress at all times.

May Allah make wearing hijab easy for you and all muslimahs - ameen

As usual any comments and words of advice/encouragement are welcome!!!

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

Rock It or Stop It: The Burkini

Okay, ladies... It's getting hot and the beach / pool weather is officially here. Some of us may be taking holiday or vacation somewhere where there is a beach, so what is a Muslimah to do? Some women choose the burkini... You'll either love it or hate it, so tell us what YOU think....

ROCK IT OR STOP IT?

COMMENT AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

For more info be sure to check out this article in Marie Claire

http://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/trends/articles/fashion-burkini

As-Salaamu-Alaikum

Najwa & Nadira

Spring Hijabi Fashionista: Ruffles, ruffles and more ruffles!

Ruffles are all over the runway for Spring 2010. It's all about femininity this spring.

Givenchy

Marc Jacobs

Stella McCartney

Here are a few pieces inspired by the runway that work well as everyday wear for Muslimahs.

click the images to be directed to the websites

Yellow Ruffle Shirt Dress

This would look great with a long sleeve shirt underneath(color of your choice) and a pair of wide leg jeans.

Gray Ruffle Abaya

We have featured this abaya before(Pink Hijab Day) and it has just the right amount of ruffle on the back.

Ruffle Flat

Cute flat ruffle shoe, bright and colorful for spring and at a great price. $10

White Military Ruffle Jacket

Muslimah2Muslimah Fab Fav!!

This jacket combines two very hot trends for this spring both military and ruffles. This jacket is soooo cute. It would look great over an abaya/over garment as well.

Green Shirt Dress

Very cute green dress, which of course would be worn as a shirt. Looks great on and would go great with wide leg jeans.

Peach Platform Shoe

These heels are absolutely gorgeous! Love the ruffle detail on them and they come in other colors.

Ruffle Handbag

You may not want the ruffle to be a part of your outfit all day long. No problem, a ruffle bag is a great accessory.

Make sure that if you do the ruffles keep it to a one item minimum so that you don't over do it.

Let us know what you think. Do you like the ruffles? Would you wear them? How would you wear ruffles? Do you think you can have too much ruffle?

***All clothing should be lose fitting in order to maintain modesty***

Happy Shopping Ladies!

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

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

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 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

Najwa & Nadira

mail@Muslimah2Muslimah.com

http://www.blogger.com/www.Muslimah2Muslimah.com

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

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*****

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

Muslimah2Muslimah Hijabi Find: Fabulous Sandals!!!!

Sandals, sandals and more sandals ladies! This summer it's all about embellishments, stones and bead work. Mix and match sandals with all sorts of fabulous colors! You can wear sandals with anything i.e. jeans, maxi skirt, overgarment, etc. Best of all, they're comfortable!! Don't forget you henna or your nail stains when you step out in a fabulous pair of these.





Don't forget as hijabi recessionista we can find all of these shoes at places like Marshall's, Ross, Macy's, Rainbow, Baker's, etc.




Happy Shopping!!
Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira & Najwa
Muslimah2Muslimah

Muslimah2Muslimah: New Shahaadah Interview : Nahleejah

In Muslimah2Muslimah's experience of reverts to Islam, we think the transitions of one's thoughts, opinions, and behavior, in fact a whole transformation of one's perspective in life is very interesting. Nahleejah is one of our friends on our Facebook and recently became a Muslimah, alhumdulilah.

The negative image presented about Islam since 9-11 here in the states has really given Islam a bad name due to the media as well as people's lack of understanding. The stereotypes about the treatment of women has been rampant in the media for many years with the Taliban and other "extremist" groups. We thought it would be interesting to interview Nahleejah, who in the midst of all propaganda has warmly embraced Islam and get her Muslimah's Perspective on Islam...



Muslimah2Muslimah: What is your name?
Nahleejah: Nahleejah B. Anaum

Muslimah2Muslimah: What made you become interested in Islam?
Nahleehah: I loved how simple it was and how much dedication is put into it.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What does your family think about your decision?
Nahleejah: My family is really not at all close. However the ones I talk to like my step mom, dad and brother think it's great.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What types of reactions have you gotten from your friends or coworkers?
Nahleejah: Everyone is pretty much fine with it. [I] had one friend tell me she was not happy at all with my decision but she's got love for me still. She thinks I should give Jesus(PBUH) another try. Friends back home(Jersey) say Alhumdulilah(Some were born into Islam).

Muslimah2Muslimah: How has Islam changed your life?
Nahleejah: Well I've only been Muslim since April so I haven't experienced much plus I never go any where. Stuck in the house raising my two baby boys, you know doing the single mom thing. But for the most part I'm loving how simple it is, no more middle man like go[ing] through the son to get to the father. Straight to the point Me and Allah /Allah and Me.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in Islam?
Nahleejah: I would say God/Allah is a God of peace. Islam is peaceful. God/Allah detests confusion. Islam is very simple. How confused can you get if you[r] at peace?.

Muslimah2Muslimah: Islamically, women are required to wear a hijab. Others say that you must also cover your face(niqab). What are your thoughts on this?
Nahleejah: Personally, I have no problem with either one. I choose to wear a hijab now because it's Hot I love the look. Niqab is not bad either I might wear that one day it's kind of mysterious I don't know why I like the ninja look, I love it though. I know that we wear these pieces for modesty, I feel that these pieces don't necessarily make you more modest than others. I'm sure there are some sisters who still get there flirt on with them on sadly(just keeping it real) I grew up in an Islamic community in Jersey so I've seen[it] before. It happens....
I feel that yes you should be decent and comfortable while maintaining a look that is pleasing to Allah and that doesn't have to be wearing scarves or jilbabs and such.

Muslimah2Muslimah: How did you feel the first time you wore hijab?
Nahleejah: lol wow that's a great question...Well the day before I too[k] my Shahaadah which I took on April 10th, I bought my first [khimar] at a local Islamic spot lol. I was nervous to put it on. lol I don't know why maybe It's because it was going to change my life. This hijab meant a lot, it meant that everything I was taught and built my standards on would change dramatically. I was excited and scared, I know it's a scarf, but that scarf to me meant freedom of choice and belief. I didn't wear it out the store I took it home and put it on and stood in front of the mirror looking at my self. You know it's funny as a woman your hair expresses so much of who you are whether it be short or long curly or straight real or fake lol it's your chance to let people know what your working with lol. Your outside beauty is defined on that alone, considering most people may have a prettier face than body (sadly societies thought process). Anyhoo, I stood there until I shaved that falsehood off and saw how much more beautiful I was with my hijab on. And I looked and felt STUNNING lol. I love it! It enhanced how flawless I am lol. I walked to the mail box then came back in and said to myself I could do it I could be a hijab wearing Muslimah. It's me!

Muslimah2Muslimah: What is your opinion on the common labels associated with Muslims ("terrorists", "extremists" , etc.)?
Nahleejah: Please....Islam has nothing to do with terrorism.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What is your view on the impression that many non-Muslims have that Islam oppresses the women and the women have no voice in their communities?
Nahleejah: I ask[ed] about that before I became Muslim too, I saw how women [over] seas were being treated and I swore I would never put my self in that type of environment(never say never I know lol). I did some research of my own and found that in the Quran women are highly respected.

Muslimah2Muslimah: The media tends to give very negative views on women and many non-Muslims base their views solely on this. What was your view on Islam and the treatment of women before you converted to Islam?
Nahleejah: My view on Islam hmmm...I really don't think I had any judgement on it, I respected it. I had a few questions that's all but for the most part I respected the dedication and knowledge it possessed. I was really very curious about it. I didn't realize how deep it was. I see now just how deep it is. I realize you have to be willing to learn and be open minded to see the beauty in it. Allah is beautiful Allahu akbar!

Muslimah2Muslimah: Has your view changed in any way?
Nahleejah: I just have a clear understanding on what Allah expects from us. No confusion at all.

Muslimah2Muslimah: How has Muslimah2Muslimah helped you along your journey to Islam?/ How have you benefited from Muslimah2Muslimah?
Nahleejah: It's helped very much so, it's nice to hear your perspectives on issues in Islam. We are basically the same age and some what at this time are experiencing the same issues and how you guys handle it or how other sisters handle it helps the next sister. Basically I'm not in this fight alone it's nice to have back up :o)

~Insha'allah, everyone... please pray for Sister Nahleejah & her sons and welcome her into Islam by leaving her your encouragement and wisdom, insha'allah! We are very pleased with her decision as we know she is as well. Nahleejah, may Allah bless you and your family in all of your endeavors and may He grant you Jannatul Firdaus! Ameen!

Asalaamu alaikum
Najwa & Nadira
Muslimah2Muslimah

Nadira's Hijabi Find!! - Summer Perfection

Alhumdulilah, I think I've found the perfect summer over garment. I purchased this over garment at Islam Orient. I'm so hype I just got it in the mail today! It comes in a variety of sizes and lengths for the petite to the tall(like Muslimah2Muslimah). It's made of light weight linen and it has pockets!! Their prices start at £19.99 which is about $33.



I got the basic brown Islamic Style Abaya with brown trim. This way I can wear it with any color(s) I want. I paired it with a mustard scarf, bracelets, clutch and nude ballet flats. Insha' Allah you like it because I love it!!!


Click on Islam Orient to visit their site. They also have bags and shoes!



Happy Shopping!!
Nadira
Muslimah2Muslimah

What Do You See When You Look At Me?

What do you see when you look at me,

Do you see someone limited, or someone free,

All some people can do is just look and stare,

Simply because they cant see my hair,

Others think I am controlled and uneducated,

They are so thankful that they are not me,

Because they would like to remain ‘free’,

Well free isn’t exactly the word I would’ve used,

Describing women who are cheated on and abused,

They think that I do not have opinions or voice,

They think that being hooded isn’t my choice,

They think that the hood makes me look caged,

That my husband or dad is totally outraged,

All they can do is look at me in fear,

And in my eye there is a tear,

Not because I have been stared at or made fun of,

But because people are ignoring the One up above,

On the Day of Judgment they will be the fools,

Because they were too ashamed to play by their own rules,

Maybe the guys won’t think I am a cutie,

But at least I am filled with more inner beauty,

See I have declined from being a guy’s toy,

Because I won’t let my self be controlled by a boy,

Real men are able to appreciate my mind,

And aren’t busy looking at my behind,

Hooded girls are the ones really helping the Muslim cause,

The role that we play definitely deserves applause,

I will be recognized because I am smart and bright,

And because some people are inspired by my sight,

The smart ones are attracted by my tranquility,

In the back of their mind they wish they were me,

We have the strength to do what we think is right,

Even if it means putting up a life long fight,

You see we are not controlled by a mini skirt and tight shirt,

We are given only respect, and never treated like dirt,

So you see, we are the ones that are free and liberated,

We are not the ones that are sexually terrorized and violated,

We are the ones that are free and pure,

We’re free of STD ’s that have no cure,

So when people ask you how you feel about the hood,

Just sum it up by saying ‘baby its all good’.

-Author Unknown