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

'Tis the Season to Be Grinchy!!!

Okay, so every year around this time I get Christmas overload! It's like I will turn on the television to see a little CNN or reality t.v. (I know, I know... no judging!) and every commercial break is filled with Jingle Bells, snowmen and "miracles". Anyhoo, I start to feel just like the Grinch when people say in passing Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. I get to the point to where I just wish I could hibernate until December 26th. Which is one of my FAVORITE days of the entire year. Partly due the fact that it is the end of Christmas but really because it is the best day to go shopping!

I am really annoyed this year because as I type, there is some silly holiday boat parade going on behind my house. I mean these people go all out and decorate their yachts and blast Christmas carols this entire weekend. Sure, I wish I owned one of these yachts but I promise you that the real reason why it is annoying is the fact that the music keeps waking up my sleeping daughter who, by the way, will never have go through me lying to her about some old man who is going to come down the chimney bearing gifts. Really, I will never understand the reason behind all the hoopla. I love ISLAM!! No lies, no forced gift-giving and pressure... just the truth.

So, what do you like or dislike about the holiday season? Do you feel like a Grinch around this time of year???

Najwa

Asalaamu alaikum

The Third Side of the Coin

Prologue :

The trend started 15 years ago, but at that time it was limited to very needy families whose women had to do manual, factory work in small industries. The more educated, but financially troubled ones opted for teaching. The upper class usually did their learning and job abroad. Just 10 years ago it was noticed that 50% of the girls bagged top positions in matric board exams. With each passing year the percentage increased. Gradually the same batch of matriculate girls became toppers in intermediate exams. Girls ruled education everywhere and high hopes were pinned on them to progress further- while being offered a freedom of choice by their families. And now, in this 21st century, from doctors to MBAs, door to door sellers to front desk officers, cultured bankers to pilots, hardly any field is left untouched!
On the front this seems like good progress, but if we look at the bigger picture, aren’t we missing something? A society full of female workers- will it be an Islamic society? Or a balanced one? Even the broad minded, completely accommodating West had reservations to the Feminist movement launched for equal rights of female folks esp. for the working women. In an Islamic country where a woman cannot head an organization, a female leader was elected PM twice and same goes for Bangladesh, but do we see such example in US or UK elected govt.?Let’s dive deep into the pool of emancipation surrounded by an Islamic state.
The Story ~!~

Most girls pass out of their Grad schools, studying in co-education, confident and focused about their careers and future life. Since a lot of money has been spent on their graduation expenses, they want to make it up to their parent’s financial efforts, at least before their marriage. They strive hard for a job and quickly land a reasonable one. With the first 3 salaries, comes a brand new mobile, a drastic change in wardrobe, from the push-cart stock to branded cotton, and the drawing room furniture goes on the verge of a make-over to invite office colleagues. After the firstyear the girl decides she can no longer wake up early for office van or come back late in taxis. A new 800CC car is brought on installments. 2 years pass by and the girl starts investing in bonds, certificates and plots etc., to rent or buy later. The fulfillment of her small dreams, keep egging her to pin hopes on higher ones.
2 more years down the road and she starts having status clash with the residents of her middle class locality. A flat in the posh district becomes her target. With the easy house-financing offered by banks and a bank balance of 4-5 lacs she could actually sell their house and start living in a flat. And then one day they move out, never to look back to their locality or neighbors - sometimes even relatives. Everything becomes a ‘story of the past’- a skeleton in the closet- that is securely looked with the key thrown away.

She is now 26. The proposals start flooding in and her mom starts getting conscious of her age factor. The girl however, had been dreaming of a grand living and a status uplift by marrying in a higher class, but their family was still shackled by their backgrounds and the posh proposals could sense the difference just by talking to her parents and eventually backed out. Soon she got married to an upper-middle family, against her wishes. The guy earned slightly above her pay-scale and owned a family car. From a flat that she owned with the master bedroom to herself she went into a joint family system with a double bedroom as her only property! Feeling claustrophobic and pressurized, she now applied for a better job. Backed by her experience, she started earning more than her husband. Their status difference became more conspicuous and so did her frustration for not getting her dream life. They could not yet afford a maid and she did not have time for household chores after her very demanding new job. She expected her husband to help her with it or at least look after his personal things himself.The joint family pressures were building up from all around as eyebrows got raised at the couple’s division of homework. They decided to move out. Another apartment bought on lease by her after selling out the property she had been investing in since the past 6 years. This meant total rule on her part. She owned the house and the bills were shared.
Five years down the road, 2 kids had bounced in their lives and life took an ugly turn when her husband lost his stable yet non-managerial job, as a result of downsizing. She was however progressing gradually, becoming the HR manager of her company, being offered a brand new 1000CC car and other fringe benefits. On the other hand, while going on job hunts through websites, her husband became a domestic father. In the absence of an all-time available mother, the children became more attached to the father and also spoilt to some extent. She considered herself almost free of child rearing duties as she was financially supporting the household and expected her husband to adjust to this role-reversal.
After 2 long years, he finally got the job. From then on, they never had a good night’s sleep. Who was to look after the children? Who would provide pick and drop? Look after their studies? Who to leave them to? She had become pretty dominating by then. The children grew up seeing a passive decision power of their father, which earned him their sympathy and little respect. While the dominating and alienating attitude of their mother earned her neither their respect nor sympathy- even though she toiled each day as a woman in a man’s world; only for them.
A woman who had to face office politics at work simply because she was hard-working and intelligent enough to take the managerial positions from right under the nose of senior colleagues;
A woman who compromised her femininity by choosing to be a daughter who supports her father and family;
A woman who traded her dreams by marrying below her expectations; A woman who lived in a joint family system, supporting her husband financially and still opting for motherhood.
Yet, a woman who only lapsed on the designated duties of a full-time mother? What went wrong?
Who was to lose and how much? What was there to lose in the heavy bargain?
A girl who compromised the best days of her to life to secure a bright future, got what in return? A domesticated husband, detached children and her own frustrated soul? Was this the future she dreamt of?
Post Script
As Muslims, we all claim to keep away from the forbidden boundaries of ‘haram’, but what about the ones that are not so clear? That are left on our discretion to draw and abide by? Man and woman were not created equal and are not designated with equal tasks by the Almighty. It is not forbidden for them to work shoulder to shoulder with men (as the wives of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) did help the Sahabas in gathering Ahadith and Sunnah). But at the same time it is not preferred. That boundary is left to us. Extending it, stretching it by emphasizing that Shariah does not forbid it “It’s not haram”, “It’s the need of the hour for a working couple to live in times of recession”- is actually playing with the boundaries given to us to accommodate our needs and wants.

Humans- male or females- are drawn towards the luxuries of life; grand living, freedom of choice. We are also prone to greed and corruption, mentally and monetarily. When Islam talks about or promotes a woman working safely in the boundaries of her home, it actually promulgates a satisfied female who is apt for this job more than man; a woman who is the Queen of her Empire- everyday, not getting disrespected by males in the ugly world outside.Islam talks about the woman’s whole life. It does not emphasize temporary pleasure, in this case, the facilities she enjoys as a happily earning female, working shoulder to shoulder with men and changing her future lifestyle to accommodate her aspirations.
One woman, 10 women and then 60% of the population is enough to bring about women revolution in the country that has promoted a hi-fi culture ranging from club memberships to mobile late night packages for women, lawn extravaganzas, shopping malls, face uplift treatments, brand culture, kitty parties etc. to flaunt your stuff at. It has also promoted freedom of youth in a negative way because of unattended upbringing and high media influence. One woman, one mother and one thought changes all!As Napoleon Bonaparte says, “Give me a good mother, I will give you a good nation” and “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”. A mother plays a great role in shaping the future of a nation. It is also said that, ‘if you educate a mother, you educate the whole nation’.
I am not against an educated, working mother, but doing job for the sake of your careers and actually believing that focusing on child nurturing will rust away your talents; reasoning that quality time wins over quantity time while thinking your kids will be cared for by their nannies till you return home is sheer folly! The channels they switch on, the mobiles they have, the feelings they hide when moving towards adolescence can only be monitored with your undivided love. Remember, you give birth to your children not your products or services. Your parent company can fire you, but you can’t abandon your kids. Your job evaluation gives you an A+ rating, but your children judge you negatively in the long run. Is that all worth it?

-"I am a female writer and MBA from Karachi, Pakistan. Honestly just adding people to promote my blog and to listen to YOUR VIEWS. Don’t expect any nosy friendship. Kindly, just read my blog and FOLLOW /SUBSCRIBE to get regular updates. I really need genuine intelligent, literate people to talk to me on important issues. Thanks !!"

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So, what do you think about this article? Do you think that having a career can be a bad thing? Do you think that women who are home makers or domestic engineers are wasting their time? do you think that women who have careers are wasting their time? Is it better for Muslim women to work or stay at home? Which one do you do?

Asalaamu alaikum

Najwa & Nadira

Keeping Your Marriage Fresh With the "Five Senses Rule"

"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect."

(Quran: Ar-Rum 21)

1. Sight- Always beautify yourself. Make sure your clothing is nice, your hair is done and your makeup looks just right (if you wear it).

2. Hearing- Always greet your hubby with a sweet voice and leave any bad news for later. Never speak in a loud, boisterous manner. Don't try to engage is gossip or trivial conversations. Keep positive, Islamic conversations going and things that your hubby has interest in. Leave the other stuff for your girlfriends.

3. Touch- Make sure your body, your bedsheets are nice to the touch. This could mean shaving your legs or using a nice moisturizer. Using downy softener sheets or changing to Egyptian cotton or satin.

4. Smell- Never have a bad smell in the house. While you cook, be sure to open the windows and afterwards be sure to light a candle, burn oils or incense, or spray a room freshener. Also, change your clothes if you have been cooking meat or onions. Make sure you keep up your hygiene and make a habit of brushing your teeth and spraying perfume on the back of your neck, behind your ears and any other place you can think of before bed. ;-)

5. Taste- Try new recipes for variety and master the dishes he enjoys the most. Be sure that dinner is always ready before he makes it home. No man likes to come home on an empty stomach only to find nothing waiting for him on the stove.
what things would YOU add to this? what do YOU do to keep your hubby happy???

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

The Islamic Journey to Motherhood... Part 1

For those of you who know, my husband and I recently had our first child. Throughout my pregnancy and even before my pregnancy, I started to learn more and more about the Islamic traditions regarding childbirth. There are so many beautiful traditions and sunnah regarding this sacred time. I decided to share a few things that I learned to other Muslimahs out there. This series will be broken down into 4 parts: Conception, During Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery and Early Infancy.

Part 1: Conception

There are many things you can do to help to conceive a child. First and most importantly, it is necessary that you and your husband are good, practicing Muslims, because this is the foundation of the family and will help you to be in the right physical and emotional state for conceiving. You should both be observing the five daily prayers, fasting, and giving zakah according to your ability. Your income and that of your husband's should be from what is permissible, and not from the haraam, such as interest, or the sale of alcohol or pork.

As far as specific du'as for conceiving, there is no "magic bullet" du'a, of course, but here are some beneficial supplications from the Holy Qur'an:

"Rabbi la tadharni faradan wa anta khayru al-warithin."

Translation: "My Lord! Leave me not solitary (childless) You are the best of inheritors." (Al-Anbiya 89)

"Rabbi hab li min ladunka dhurriyyatan tayyibah innaka sami`ud du`a'

Translation: "My Lord! Grant me from You upright offspring, for You hear all prayers" (Al `Imran 38)

Recite these du'as frequently, and also make a habit of remembering Allah throughout your day with "subhanAllah" "alhamdulillah", and "Allahu akbar" and other authentic du'as.

There are also some "worldy" things you can do to increase the chance of conception. The first is to enjoy marital intimacy frequently. A woman is only fertile for a few days out of the month, so if you are intimate often, you have a better chance to conceive. You can purchase ovulation prediction kits (which use your body's temperature to determine when you might be most fertile) and you can keep track of your menstrual cycle to determine your fertile times. Also, RELAX! Marital intimacy should be enjoyable for its own sake, and if you are enjoying one another and not stressing over "having" to get pregnant, you will actually increase your chances, as stress hormones can interfere with pregnancy. There are many stories about women who finally got pregnant after they "gave up" trying and just resigned themselves to not having children.

Make sure also that you are not doing anything that will harm your health. If either of you smokes, stop now. The toxins from tobacco products can badly affect the man's sperm, damaging it and leading to infertility and potential defects in the fetus. Eat good healthy food, avoid processed foods, and maintain a healthy body weight. Exercise moderately. You should take a good woman's multivitamin or prenatal vitamin and extra folic acid to avoid a specific birth defect. Be sure to check the ingredients for gelatin prior to purchase.

As you see, there is a lot you can do to give yourself the best chance of conceiving. One thing to caution you about: you might receive superstitious advice from family members or acquaintances. Avoid any non-Islamic advice and hold to the Qur'an and Sunnah. InshaAllah, you will be blessed with a child who will be well-mannered, beautiful, intelligent, healthy and pious.

Before intercourse, it is sunnah to recite a du'a (prayer) to protect any offspring from Shaitan (the devil) such as the following:

"Bismillāh Allāhumma jannibnash-shaytān wa jannibish-shaytāna mā razaqtanā"

Translation: In the Name of Allāh! O Allāh! Protect me from satan and protect what You bestow upon us from satan.

If this is recited prior to intercourse and a child is conceived, it is destined that Shaitan will never be able to harm it.

Once a woman has confirmed her pregnancy, she should express her gratitude before Allah Ta'ala as this is indeed a great bounty of Allah Ta'ala. Gratitude may be expressed in the following dua:

"Allahummâ Lakal Hamdû Wa Lakash-Shukru"


Translation: O Allah! All praises are due to You alone and I express my gratitude unto You alone (for granting me the honour of motherhood)

www.islamicanswers.com


Asalaamu alaikum

Najwa

Ask M2M

Insha' Allah this we be a new feature we will do every Sunday, starting May 23rd, 2010. If you have a question that we haven't covered yet i.e salah, fasting, hijab, Ramadan, marriage, etc. this is your opportunity to ask us. You can also send us questions if you have a specific question for either Nadira or Najwa. Send us an email to mail@muslimah2muslimah.com with the subject of Ask M2M. If you want to remain anonymous just let us know when you send the email.

Happy Question Asking!!!
Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira & Najwa

Muslimahs Refuse "Naked" Full Body Scan at Airport

Two Muslim women have become the first passengers to refuse to subject themselves to controversial 'naked' full body airport scans, it emerged today.

The pair - who security officials insist were selected at random - opted to miss their flight to Pakistan and forfeit tickets worth £400 each rather than be screened.

One of the women refused to go through the full-body scanner at Manchester Airport on religious grounds while her companion also declined for 'medical reasons'.

The women were travelling together to Islamabad when they were selected to pass through the controversial security screen after checking-in at Terminal Two at the airport.

An estimated 15,000 people have already passed through the scanners, with the pair the first passengers to refuse a scan.

Naked scan: A Manchester Airport employee tests the scanner, with suspicious substances in his pockets that show up as a dark colour identified in the red squares

Both told airport staff they were not willing to be scanned. They were warned they would not be allowed to board the Pakistan International Airlines flight if they refused.

The pair decided they would rather forfeit their £400 tickets and left the airport with their luggage.

The £80,000 scanners were introduced at Heathrow and Manchester airports on February 5.

The X-ray machines allow security staff to see a 'naked' image of passengers to show up hidden weapons and explosives, but it has attracted criticism for also showing clear outlines of passengers' genitals.

Manchester Airport confirmed the passengers had refused to be scanned but said it had received no complaint from the women.

The women were travelling together to Islamabad in Pakistan when they were selected to pass through the controversial security screen

However, civil liberties campaigners say the incident could form the basis of a legal test case to challenge the use of the Rapiscan device in airports.

Last month, Transport Secretary Lord Adonis stressed that an interim code of practice on the use of body scanners stipulated that passengers would not be selected 'on the basis of personal characteristics'.

Two weeks ago, a week after the scanners were introduced at Manchester and Heathrow airports, Islamic scholars in the U.S. said Muslim travellers should not pass through the scanners because they violate religious rules on nudity.

The Fiqh Council of North America issued a fatwa, or religious ruling, warning Muslims not to go through the scanners.

‘It is a violation of clear Islamic teachings that men or women be seen naked by other men and women,’ read the order.

‘Islam highly emphasises haya (modesty) and considers it part of faith. The Quran has commanded the believers, both men and women, to cover their private parts.'

In the U.S., there are now 40 scanners in 19 airports and could be as many as 450 by the end of the year.

The powerful council of ten scholars that issued the fatwa is affiliated with the Islamic Society of North America.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1255104/Muslim-women-barred-flight-refusing-naked-body-scan.html#ixzz0jcasgZrs

So what do you think? Do you think they should have done the scan? Would you have done the scan? Do you feel the scan is to revealing? Comment and share your opinions.

Hijabi Find of the Week: Mademoiselle a Paris

We are loving this site! The clothes are soooo cute and super Muslimah friendly. The website is entirely in French but can be easily navigated with a decent translator and converter. The items range from 35,00€ - 89,00 € ($45-$116). The pieces are simple but really cute. You could easily mix and match them to get several different looks. The website is called Mademoiselle a Paris.

Be sure to comment and let us know what you think

Happy Shopping Ladies!!!
Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira & Najwa

Niqabi Recessionista: Online Stores

Even though I am now a niqabi I still like to wear a variety of colors and styles. My personal fav is a full one layer tie niqab. However there are other types like a half niqab, long, three layer, four layer, one eye and even eating niqabs. Below are a few niqabs from some of my favorite online stores.

Shop the Souq
I just recently ordered this niqab and also a black niqab from this site. I liked the fact that they were light weight and would be perfect for summer. Available in other colors i.e. navy blue and brown.

Purple Niqab

Shadiyah's Boutique - Love Unspoken

I love this site because everything is custom made. You can pick from a variety of colors and even pick the length of the eye slit(by measuring from ear to ear).

Half Niqab

Full Niqab

One Eye/Full Cover

Al Mujalbaba

This is the site I usually purchase my niqabs from . They are available in a variety of colors and they offer half niqabs and niqab/khimar sets as well.

Full Niqab

Umm Niaqqb by Zubaydah

I love this site because because they have creative items like the eating niqab and great niqab/khimar sets with unique trimmings.

Eating Niqab

Brown and Orange Trim Niqab and Khimar Set

***click the names of each website to be directed to their website***

Insha' Allah comment and let me know what you think of the niqabs

Happy Shopping!
Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira

Friends.....How many of us have them?

Who we choose as our friends/companions is a serious decision that is not to be taken lightly. We should want friends who are on the same path as us and want the same things out of life that we do. Our ultimate goal is to do things fisibilillah(for the sake of Allah). It is our responsibly to make sure that we are careful with who we take as our close friends.

Most importantly we should make sure that our friends/companions are other Muslimahs. You want a friend who encourages the good(halal/permissible) and discourages the bad(haraam/forbidden). Another Muslimah will remind you when it's time to offer salah, encourage proper hijab, help you in constantly remembering Allah(swt). When we are around other Muslimahs we consistently dhikr(remember) Allah(swt). For example how we greet each other, when we sneeze, yawn, begin to do something. etc. These are just a few of the many benefits of having other Muslimahs as our close friends.

You may have been reading this and thinking to yourself "All my friends are Muslimahs so I don't have anything to worry about". In a perfect world this would be true but we also have to make sure that our fellow Muslimahs are on the same page with us as well. In a friendship you want someone who will pull you up not push down. A friend will encourage you to go to Islamic classes on the weekend instead of letting your time waste away on the dunya(worldly matters). A friend will help you find a husband the halal way, not encourage you to date/have a boyfriend. A friend will not talk about her friends(backbiting), she will remind you that when you backbite another it's like eating the flesh of your sister. The point is they will be a good influence on you and help you lead a successful life in this world that will insha' Allah lead to a successful life in the akhira.

Below is proof(daleel) from Quran and Hadith on the importance of being careful who we choose as our companions.

And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends of one another, they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong (9:71)

Allah the Exalted says in the Quran: "And (remember) the Day when the wrong-doer will bite his hands and say: Woe to me! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger. Woe to me! If only I had not taken so- and- so as a friend! He has led me astray from this Reminder (the Quran) after it had come to me." [25:27-29].

O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, in deeds some suspicions are sins. And spy not neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear God, verily, God is the one who accepts repentance, Most Merciful. (49: 12)

The Prophet(saw) said: "Man is influenced by the faith of his friends. Therefore, be careful of whom you associate with." - Abu Dawood & Tirmidhi

In another Hadith, Prophet(saw) said: "The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk, and the one who blows the blacksmith's bellows (respectively). So as for the seller of musk then either he will grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at least you enjoy a pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith's bellows then either he will burn your clothes or you will get an offensive smell from him." - Bukhari & Muslim

The Prophet(saw) said: "Help your brother whether he is a wrong-doer or is wronged". A man enquired: 'O Messenger of Allah (saw) , I may help him when he is wronged, but how can I help him when he is a wrong-doer? ' The Prophet (saw) said ' You can prevent him from wrong-doing. That will be your help to him" - Bukhari & Muslim

May Allah(swt) bless us all with companions who help us stay on the siratul mustaqeem(the straight path) - ameen

Anything we have said right is from Allah(swt) anything we have said wrong is from us.

Love for the sake of Allah

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

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

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

"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

Hijabi Recessionista: Pink Hijab Day

A perfect outfit for pink hijab day with out going overboard with the pink. A few cute accessories i.e. pink brooch, pink/gray lace gloves, pink and gray bracelets, etc. The gray ruffle abaya can be found at Bint Qamar.

Send us your pics of you and your friends & family wearing your pink on October 28th, 2009, and we will post them on our website. Insha' Allah email us at mail@muslimah2muslimah.com

Muslimahs Unite!

Let us know what you think of the outfit & don't forget to send you pics of you and your pink hijabs!

Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira & Najwa
Muslimah2Muslimah

Muslimah2Muslimah New Shahadah Interview: Alula!!!

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. Alula is one of our tweet buddies on Twitter and also a fellow blogger! You can check out her blog at: http://bchantae.blogspot.com/. It is called "life of an African-American Muslimah."

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 Alula, who in the midst of all propaganda has warmly embraced Islam and get her Muslimah's Perspective on Islam...

Muslimah2Muslimah: What is your name?
Alula: Alula Bruinton

Muslimah2Muslimah: What made you become interested in Islam?
Alula: In my African- American Studies class we were studying Islam. We didn't go as into-depth as I wanted to, so I studied the deen on my own. After studying the deen, I enjoyed it and made a decision to convert.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What does your family think about your decision?
Alula: In my first few months my family was not very supportive at all. A lot of my family still doesn't accept it, but my mother is getting a lot better at atleast trying to understand and accept it. Christianity is very strong in my family, I only have one muslim cousin and I see here like once every 5 years, so it's very hard for me and my family to agree on Islam.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What types of reactions have you gotten from your friends or coworkers?
Alula: My close friends and co-workers are very supportive of my decision! One of my very close friends has offered to not engage in any activitied or enviornments that I can't so that it won't be hard for me and I will feel comfortable. I'm very happy and greatful for that! I am interested to see how my other friends and classmates will react with me being the only muslimah on campus. It will be a big change for them, and that will be how I can tell who my real friends are.

Muslimah2Muslimah: How has Islam changed your life?
Alula: Being a young converted muslimah, Islam has brought me a lot of life changes. Islam has brought me so much peace and understanding. I understand Islam so much more than I understood Christianity, and I enjoy it being all about Allah and I.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in Islam?
Alula: I would encourage them to come to Islam and study the deen and make sure they are ready to committ themselves to Allah and the deen. Islam comes with many changes for most young converters, but these changes are definately for the better!

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?
Alula: I personally prefer hijab over niqab. It took me a while to make the decision to wear hijab and get used to it, but I love hijab and I'm glad that I made the decision to wear it.

Muslimah2Muslimah: How did you feel the first time you wore hijab?
Alula: I felt good the first time I wore hijab. I did feel as though a lot of people were staring at me, but other than that, I felt great about it.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What is your opinion on the common labels associated with Muslims ("terrorists", "extremists" , etc.)?
Alula: I don't like or agree with these labels at all. Islam is a religion of peace. I know I can't change everyone's minds about their opinions, but I would like to prove people wrong about these misconceptions and open their minds to be more diverse and accepting.

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?
Alula: I don't believe that Islam oppresses women at all. If people studied more and tried to understand and research the things they judge so much, they would have more insight on the situations and opionions they made.

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?
Alula: I honestly thought different from the media and negative views they had on Islam and the women. I have never had a problem with Islam or Muslims and Muslim women. I am a very open and diverse person and I love that about myself. I am in no way judgemental like the majority of the world. I still have the same thoughts and feelings after converting.

Muslimah2Muslimah: Has your view changed in any way?
Alula: Not at all. If anything my love and understanding has grown more for Islam and the muslimahs, especially the young muslimahs like myself out here in the world. We aren't perfect and it's hard in the day and age we live in to be the modest women that we are and have to be Masha'Allah.

Muslimah2Muslimah: How has Muslimah2Muslimah helped you along your journey to Islam?
Alula: Muslimah2Muslimah has helped me a lot. They've helped me strive to be a better muslimah. I never would've imagined that the Hijabi look would be for me, but I've grown into it and if I hadn't found Muslimah2Muslimah or the Muslimahs that I made friends with off the site, I would be a confused and lost muslimah. I also appreciate Muslimah2Muslimah helping me find hijabs where I live (lol), I was having the hardest time with that.

~Insha'allah, everyone... please pray for our new little sister Alula 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. Alula, may Allah bless you and your family in all of your endeavors and may He grant you Jannatul Firdaus! Ameen!