'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

It's the Year 1432!!! Happy New Year!!!

Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar Hijrah Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which the Holy Quran says, "The number of the months according to Allah is twelve months (mentioned) in the Book of Allah on the day in which He created heavens and the earth. Among these (twelve months) there are four sanctified".

These four months, according to the authentic traditions are the months of Zulqadah, Zulhijjah, Muharram and Rajab. All the commentators of the Holy Quran are unanimous on this point, because the Holy Prophet in his sermon on the occasion of his last Hajj, has declared:

"One year consists of twelve months, of which four are sanctified months, three of them are in sequence; Zulqadah, Zulhijjah, Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab."

The specific mention of these four months does not mean that any other month has no sanctity, because the month of Ramadan is admittedly the most sanctified month in the year. But these four months were specifically termed as sanctified months for the simple reason that their sanctity was accepted even by the pagans of Makkah.

In fact, every month, out of the twelve, is originally equal to the other, and there is no inherent sanctity, which may be attributed to one of them in comparison to other months. When Allah Almighty chooses a particular time for His special blessings, then it acquires sanctity out of His grace.

Thus, the sanctity of these four months was recognized right from the days of Sayyidina Ibrahim. Since the Pagans of Makkah attributed themselves to Sayyidina Ibrahim they observed the sanctity of these four months and despite their frequent tribal battles, they held it unlawful to fight in these months.

In the Shariah of our Holy Prophet the sanctity of these months was upheld and the Holy Quran referred to them as the "sanctified months".

The month of Muharram has certain other characteristics peculiar to it, which are specified below.

Fasting during the month

The Holy Prophet has said:

"The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram."

Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet, the one who fasts in these days out of his own will and choice is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty. The Hadith cited above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are most reward-able ones among the Nafl fasts i.e. the fasts one observes out of his own choice without being obligatory on him.

The Hadith does not mean that the award promised for fasts of Muharram can be achieved only by fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit. Therefore, one should avail of this opportunity as much as he can.

Read the rest of this article here.
-Taken from islamicity

So, what are you doing differently this year? We challenge you to choose one thing that you want to change about yourself to increase your iman. Read more Qur'an, give more to charity, be more aware of your prayers or your ibaadah... Happy New Year! ;-)

Asalaamu alaikum
Najwa & Nadira

Rock It or Stop It: Niqab with Shades/Sunglasses

Alhamdulilah wearing niqab is beautiful and can truly be a test during the summer especially with the sizzling  temperatures.   On top of that the sun is out in full effect and can be a serious force to be reckoned with.  It's not often that you see sisters rocking their shades when they wear niqab. So the question is should you wear shades/sunglasses with niqab?

Trendy white and gold shades

Tortoise Shades

Brown Shades

***all brown niqabs not intentional but super cute***

So what do you ladies think?  Do you think it looks crazy but you have to do what you have to do? Do you totally love it and would rock it? Is it not for you but you think it's cute? Does it depend on what type of shades you wear?  Does it depend on the color of the niqab?

ROCK IT OR STOP IT?

COMMENT AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

Ask M2M: What age to get married?

This week's Ask M2M question is from Sherika.

Q: What do you think is a great age to get married? I was curious because I am 18 years old and I start University this fall as a freshman. I sometimes worry that I may not wait long enough to my wedding night. I do not know what to do. I am a very independent-minded girl and I want to to depend on my own for a while; however, I do not want to fall into sin and make any mistakes. I will be studying in a new city, so I do not know how the Muslim men are there. The ones I do know are not faithful at all. So, what should I do? Also, what could I do to keep sin away form me and off my mind?

A: Shukran for your question Sherika. Marriage is very important and alhamdulilah it completes half of our deen. We understand the desire to complete school and be an "independent" woman, however, if you feel that you would fall into sin, we advise you to get married as soon as possible. If you have found someone who would be a good match for you, you should marry them if you feel you would not be able to wait until you get married. Three things that you rush into to are marriage, shahaadah and burial.

If you do decide to get married, it is also important to mention that marriage is a major decision and it's not something to be taken lightly. If you get married you will have to be in school (which is a lot to handle by itself), be a wife and maybe even a mother. This would be a lot for any woman to deal with especially a young woman such as yourself.

We advise that you make istakhara prayer for guidance on whether or not to get married soon and also to fast in order to help you lower your gaze.

"O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power." (Bukhari)

As usual share your comments, opinions and/or naseeha(advice)!!!

Asalaamu alaikum

Najwa & Nadira

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 !!"

Click here to check out more from CATGIRL

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

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

Rock It or Stop It: One Eye Niqab

There are many Muslimahs who wear hijab and niqab. Niqabs come in a variety of designs such as: ones with strings in the middle, multiple layers and sheer covers over the eyes. What about a niqab that also covers one eye?


O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks(veils) all over their bodies(i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is the Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Quran 33:59)

niqab found at Shadiyah's Boutique

So what you do think of the one eye niqab? Do you see any benefit in it? Have you worn one? Do you own any? Would you wear it? If yes, why? If no, why not?

ROCK IT OR STOP IT?

COMMENT AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

Muslimah2Muslimah

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

Can a Dog Be a Muslimah's Best Friend???

Okay, ladies... so we've all seen at some point or another this trend of having a little "teacup" chihuahua, yorkie, pomeranian, etcetera... You can dress them up in little cute outfits and put them in your purse and take them for walks around the park or even take them to the mall with you, right? They are so cute and cuddly and a great companion to keep you company, right???
WRONG!!! As cute as these little doggies are, we must remember that we, as Muslims are cautioned not to keep dogs as pets.

This does not mean that we should love the dog. It is perhaps the indoctrination of the Western culture that 'The dog is Man's best Friend'. The theory that 'dogs are very dependent on Human affection' is a myth - culture and custom has helped to develop this unnatural behavior.

If Allah (swt) said that the dog requires human affection and love to exist in this world, surely Prophet Muhammad (saw) would have advised us to keep dogs as pets. On the contrary, we are instructed not to keep dogs as pets and 'love' them as exemplified by the non-Muslims. Remember, our life should be structured and bound by the Qur'an and the beautiful example of Prophet Muhammad (saw).

Here are some hadith on this matter:

Sayyidna Abu Talha (Radhiyallaahu Ánhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, "Angels do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or an animate picture. (Sahih Bukhari Hadith no. 2986)

Sayyidna Ibn Abbas (rah) reports from Sayyidna Maimoona (ra) that once Rasulullah (saw) became sad; and said that Jibra'eel (Álayhis Salaam) promised to meet him at night but did not turn up. "By Allah what has kept him back," said the Prophet (saw). Then he realised a puppy was under his bed. He ordered that the puppy be removed and the area be sprinkled with water. In the afternoon when Jibra'eel (Álayhi Salaam) came, Rasulullah (saw) enquired as to the delay. Jibra'eel (Álayhi Salaam) said that we, the group of Angels do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or pictures. (Sahih Muslim Hadith no.3928)

In conclusion of these hadith and other narrations, it is not permissible to keep dogs as pets. If so, the home is deprived of the mercy of Allah (swt).

However, Jurists have stated that it is permissible to keep a dog for security purposes, farming and hunting.

The saliva of a dog is Najis (impure). If it touches the clothes or body, that portion also becomes impure and must be washed. Prayers are also said to be unanswered if a person (knowingly) has saliva of a dog on his or her person.

So, ladies... instead of opting for that cute little dog to get as a pet, get a cute little furry kitten! They are just as cute and cuddly and you will still be able to gain the rewards of your salah and get all of the blessings from the malaikah (angels), insha'Allah!

...And remember... We should all strive to make Allah our best friend. We should go to Him with our problems and questions first and foremost.



As Salaamu alaikum

Najwa & Nadira

Muslim Miss USA: Progress Or Immodesty?

Europe's burqa debate and a steady stream of media images showing veiled women have led to a widespread impression that all Muslims are obsessed with covering the female body.

It might be a surprise, then, that many Muslim Americans are toasting Rima Fakih, who made history on Sunday (May 16) by becoming the first Muslim crowned Miss USA.

Fakih, who donned a gold bikini and a strapless white dress for the pageant, will return to Las Vegas in August when she represents America in the Miss Universe contest.

"There's recognition among Muslims that this is not a traditionally Islamic way for a woman to dress," said Shahed Amanullah, editor at AltMuslim.com, a news and commentary website. "But in its own weird way, its progress."

Many Muslims are critical of beauty pageants as lewd and degrading to women. At the same time, Fakih, 24, is being hailed as a symbol of Muslim-American integration who shatters the stereotype of the cloaked and dour Muslim woman.

Fakih's family, which she said celebrates Muslim and Christian holidays, is from Lebanon. After living in Queens, N.Y., where Fakih attended a Catholic high school, the family settled in Dearborn, Mich., home to one of the largest Arab-American communities in America.

Now, Fakih is developing a fan base that includes not only Muslims who are less strict about religious dress-codes, but also those who don headscarves and watch what they wear.

"The crowning of Rima Fakih as Miss USA demonstrates the diversity of Muslims, not just in terms of ethnic diversity, but diversity of opinion and religiosity," said Tayyibah Taylor, editor and chief of Aziza, a magazine that caters to Muslim women, and always features cover models in headscarves.

"So often, people see Muslims as a monolithic group, and this shows that we're not all in one camp."

Laila Al-Marayati, of the Los Angeles-based Muslim Women's League, also said Fakih reflects the diversity in the Muslim- and Arab-American communities.

"It's true that many of us would not dress in a similar manner but, at least here in the U.S., it is a personal choice."

Other Muslims saw additional benefits to Fakih's coronation.

"People are so happy that the headlines about an Arab-American have nothing to do with terrorism," said Ginan Rauf, a progressive Muslim activist from New Jersey. "As a community, we're often targets of ridicule and hostility, so it's nice to see an Arab-American be the object of adoration."

But Fakih's victory wasn't welcomed by all Muslims.

Kiran Ansari, communications director of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, said beauty pageants degrade women, are un-Islamic and that Fakih does not represent Muslims well.

"The route she took to get this fame is not in line with Islam. A Muslim woman can be beautiful, but walking around in front of millions of viewers in a swimsuit, is not in sync with Islamic values," said Ansari.

The Quran speaks of beauty and demureness, saying that Muslim women should "lower their gaze and guard their modesty," and should not "display their beauty and ornaments." It also cautions women to "draw their veils over their bosoms." Read the rest of this article here.

By Omar Sacirbey
Religion News Service

So... what do you think about this? Do you feel as though this is helping out the way people view Muslimahs? Do you think this is progression? Do you think it is making Muslimahs look bad? Leave us a comment and tell us what you think.

Najwa & Nadira

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

Muslimah2Muslimah Big Sister Program

We have been working on getting our Big Sister Program for quite some time. We still have a lot of work to do to get things going, but we have been receiving a lot of email from sisters looking for mentors. We would love to be able to speak to each and every sister and have a chance to connect with them on a personal level. However due to location and the amount of sisters looking for mentors we would not be able to do it.

We think this would be great for new shahaadahs, younger sisters, sisters looking to learn more/strengthen their deen and have someone to be able to connect with. So insha' Allah if you are interested in being a mentor or you are seeking a mentor please send us an email at bigsisterprogram@muslimah2muslimah.com with the subject Big Sister Program for more info. Also be sure to let us know if you want to mentor or are looking for a mentor.

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

"The Black Widow Bombers"

More than 50 people were killed and another 100 injured in suicide bombings this week in the Moscow metro and in a town in the turbulent North Caucasus region of Dagestan, raising fears of a new bombing campaign against the Russian heartland.

Photographs of a young woman, obtained by Reuters from a law-enforcement official in Dagestan, showed her dressed in a black hijab and holding a grenade.

Another photograph showed the woman holding a pistol. The same photograph was published in the Kommersant newspaper on Friday.

The source, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue, named her as Dagestani-born Dzhennet Abdurakhmanova, the widow of 30-year-old Umalat Magomedov, a prominent insurgent killed by Russian forces on December 31.

Abdurakhmanova also used the name of Dzhanet Abdullayeva, the source said.

Magomedov, who was shown in the photographs holding a pistol, styled himself as the "Emir of the mujahideen of the Vilayat Dagestan," a local Islamist group, the source said.

The Russian Prosecutor-General's main investigations unit later identified the same woman as the bomber.

"A native of Dagestan, Dzhanet Abdullayeva, born in 1992, detonated explosives at the Park Kultury metro station," it said in a statement, giving no further details.

Officials said two female suicide bombers -- known in the Russian media as "Black Widows" -- killed at least 40 people on packed Moscow metro trains during the rush hour on Monday.

The first bomb tore through a metro train just before 8 a.m. as it stood at the Lubyanka station, close to the headquarters of the FSB. A second bomb was detonated less than 40 minutes later in a train waiting at the Park Kultury metro station.

The suicide bombings in Moscow and Dagestan follow a surge of violence over the past year in the patchwork of North Caucasus republics, where Russia has fought two wars against Chechen separatists since the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union.

Read the rest of this story here.

So, why do you think that Muslimahs are starting to get so involved in these types of activities? Do you think that they are merely following what their husbands are doing? Are women in these war-ridden regions becoming more and more frustrated? Is this a justified reaction? What are your thoughts on this subject???

Najwa & Nadira
mail@Muslimah2Muslimah.com
http://www.blogger.com/www.Muslimah2Muslimah.com

Muslimah2Muslimah T-Shirts!!!

Alhamdulilah it's been a long time coming but we are finally in the process of getting our M2M Gear going. We will be doing are giveaways as promised, insha' Allah we will make a video were we randomly select the winners. The tees have our logo and slogan underneath.

If you are interested in purchasing your own M2M T-Shirt, please send us an email to clothing@muslimah2muslimah.com with your size request so we can have an idea as to what sizes we will need in stock. The T-Shirts will be $10 each. Once we have them in you will be able to purchase them on the M2M Clothing Tab on this website.

Comment and let us know what you think. Your feedback is essential to us for this.

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

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

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

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

This jacket can be found at www.Delias.com for $99.50, http://store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=51815&categoryID=1935&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=

Let us know what you think ladies

Happy Shopping!!!

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

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****

Article from http://www.ummah1.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2048973%3ABlogPost%3A142345&xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_post142345&xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_post

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa