One Chinese Muslimah !

The niqab. How ironic it is that though the NIQAB is just a piece of cloth (which probably has more material than a bikini top and bottom) it has sparked ENOUGH controversy all around the world?! A black piece of cloth that is meant to cover the entire face (except for the eyes) has been given more negative attention than if a women who were to walk down the street in her nasty bikini! Subhana'Allah. Like seriously, why should a piece of black cloth that covers the face (which by the way IS one of THE most attractive part of a woman) be scrutinized and detested by half of society? Why does society dictate to women what they can and CAN'T wear ? Who are they to say that we are oppressed JUST because we properly cover our body from head to toe ? Why do we have to be mistreated and condemned for our religious beliefs and for our choice?!

Why, Why, Why is the niqab hated by SO many people?

Well, let's try to clear up some if not ALL misconceptions about the niqab.

Let us first distinguish between the two:

BURQA and NIQAB

Niqab: this is the piece of cloth that ties around the head and covers the face except for the eyes (while the body is of course covered).

Burqa: covering the entire face (and body of course) with mesh over the eyes so that the eyes are not visible

Both Burqa and Niqab are a part of Islam (contrary to what many ignorant Muslims believe and preach i.e-"cultural" it is NOT CULTURAL. It is mentioned in the Qur'an- exegesis, and aHadith of the Prophet peace be upon him), however many scholars of Islam have differences of opinions in such matter (ikhtilaaf). Some scholars say that it is obligatory, and some say that it is mustahaab (recommended). NO BODY is FORCED to wear it (and if they are, then there is something wrong with their understanding of the religion- "Let there be no compulsion in religion.." (Qur'an 2:256.))

and now lets us distinguish between THESE two :

CULTURE vs. RELIGION

Culture: the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society.

Religion: a particular system of faith and worship directed to a Higher Power (that being Allah the God of the entire universe that which is in the heavens & the earth and everything in between)..

Doing something culturally means that you are doing it because it is a norm in the society that you live in, whereas religion is based solely around divine acts of worship to please the Creator, Allah, the Almighty. Doing something because of culture does not result in the same rewards as doing something for your religion because doing something culturally would mean gaining the approval and praise of the creation whereas when we do something for our religion, we are doing it to get the reward from the Creator and we are worshiping Him by doing what He has Commanded. Cultural practices may be the norm in a society but it does not always mean that it is correct or morally correct.

So to continue,

Many ignorant people feel inclined to criticize the niqab because they think that the religion (Islam) forces women to cover their faces thus making them oppressed and weak (lol). They think that this piece of cloth that hides all sorts of facial expression is a barrier between the woman and society and they think that it is oppressive and very "old-fashioned." Most of the people who hold such opinions are usually non Muslims however we DO have the occasional ignorant non-practicing Muslim siding with them and the media with regards to this subject, which is totally fine, but to be on the safe side, it is better to not learn Islam from them.
Most niqabi-haters follow blindly the television and everything that is thrown to them and they do not have a mind of their own to determine what is truth from falsehood. They revolve their education around the television, Islamaphobe websites and Islamaphobe people. They have never met or talked to a single Muslim woman in their life and they are making assumptions based on their lack of knowledge and understanding. They are too arrogant (and lazy) to actually go and do proper research and speak to a practicing Muslim woman, so instead they need to scrutinize, criticize, and patronize these veiled women for their chastity, innocence, and modesty. Subhana'Allah.

So is it really the piece of cloth that oppress our Muslim women?

You want to know something interesting?! Before I converted to Islam, I already felt oppressed by society. I felt that there were so many unrealistic standards that I had to live up to! All the beautiful women I saw in public and in the media were always subconsciously pushing me to go above and beyond my limits into attaining true beauty JUST so I could fit into society. I felt ungrateful for everything I had and it made me complain all the time and feel depressed and miserable. I felt ugly, worthless, and unloved because I thought that I was never good enough like those women gallivanting freely on the streets and in the clubs like wild dogs who were unleashed! I just couldn't live up to society's (extreme, unrealistic) expectations!

Well, after Islam, I felt liberated. I felt that I no longer had to be constricted and tied down to the shackles of society! I had my freedom and I felt beautiful, pure and at peace. I could dress the way I WANTED to, I chose what other people could see of me and my body and I didn't have to compete with women who were not even in the same category as me!
HOWEVER, I still feel oppressed. The ironic thing here is, it is not my religion that oppresses me, but it is society and it's ignorant masses! The people who judge me for what I wear and who I pray to, the very people who hate my religion because of what the media teaches them, the people who think my religion is the religion of terror because of what their government dictates! How oppressive is that?! I thought that the Western society was all about freedom of choice, freedom of dress, and freedom of religion? I guess it's just something they SHOW in the media (how ironic!) but when it really comes down to it, all society does it talk, talk, talk and no action. Freedom this! Freedom that! But really, who is free and where is freedom? Nowhere to be found! NOWHERE in this dunya! Freedom can only be found in Islam, Alhamdulillah!

Though society may oppress me because I don't dress the way they want me to or act the way they teach me to, I choose to wear my niqab with pride and honour. I look to those who look to me with evil eyes, and I can't help to feel sorry for them because I was once in their shoes. I feel sad for them because they are so lost in their own dark world that they can not see the light in front of them! They are lost in their darkness and they keep trying to run free from it, but the shackles of society hold them back. That is why my DEEN QUEENS, we must show the ignorant masses the true Islam, the beauty of Islam and the freedom of Islam! We have the best blessings anyone could ever have so we should not keep it to ourselves! We must spread the love and show them that our clothing, the piece of cloth on our face, and our love for modesty is something that we value and cherish. Many reasons why non-Muslims think of us women as oppressed, is simply because they have nobody else to teach them about Islam except for Fox news, CNN and any other deceiving media outlet !

We must take some time out of our busy schedules and learn to reconnect with Allah and learn more about following the Qur'an and the Sunnah and its importance! When we want to genuinely understand our deen, then we can learn it, apply it and preach it! It is one thing for us to sit and let others criticize our religion, but it is another thing to do something about that ! Islam is about knowledge and implementing the knowledge! So let us seek more correct knowledge, fall in love with our deen and take the actions to show the ignorant masses the truth (in permissible ways within the Sharia'ah of course!) . May Allah grant us all success in achieving the ultimate goal of spreading the truth and beauty of Islam! Ameen!!!

I apologize that I have not written any new posts for so long ! I guess I just needed to take a break and re-gather my thoughts and renew my intentions! The time I had taken off from my blog also allowed me to reflect upon myself as a whole and let myself explore and learn more about the successful ways to convey the message.

As a revert, I admit when I first became Muslim, I was extremely excited and passionate about conveying the message of Islam. I knew that it was my duty to spread this gift to other people, Muslims and/or non-Muslims. I had all this zeal and I wanted it to be known! Surely one can't blame the excitement of a new Muslim who had suffered the darkness of jahaliyyah (ignorance) and "found" the light of Islam! It is like a child's first day of school! They are so excited and just want to learn everything all at once, meet new friends, and share what they have learnt with everyone! So from our point of view, this is why you notice many reverts who are passionate about the deen and who try to enjoin the good and forbid the evil with a lot of zeal, sometimes maybe TOO much zeal! I admit that I was definitely one of those overly excited new Muslims! This has many benefits but sometimes it can also have detrimental effects to oneself and the ummah!

I will speak on behalf of my own personal experiences and also from what I have witnessed with many reverts from all around the globe. For me, when I first became Muslim, I wanted the world to know that Islam was the truth and it was the greatest gift to all of mankind. I wanted everyone (Muslim and non-Muslims) to know that living the life of this dunya (temporary world) and chasing all it's glitz and glamour was not worth it nor was it what it seemed to be! I wanted everyone to know my experiences when I was a non-Muslim and just how real and true the beauty of Islam was !!! I was excited and I was on a mission...but I was also ignorant. I took the verses and hadith too literal :

“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:104]

“You (true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah) are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allaah” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:110]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; and if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart [by feeling that it is wrong] – and that is the weakest of faith.” (Narrated by Muslim, 49)

“The Prophet(SAW) said, (three times), “The Religion is naseeha (sincerity and sincere advice).” We said, “To whom?” He said, “To Allaah, His Book, His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and the general people.” [Saheeh Muslim No.55]

I tried to exercise these verses and Hadith as much as I could but in the wrong approach. Well, first, what you need to know about me is that I was never raised in a very affectionate-showing household. My parents, being from Hong Kong and a Chinese background, were very strict and straightforward. I was never surrounded by gentleness nor was it common for my parents to outwardly show me compassion or sympathy so it was not something I was used to and it was very difficult for me to show others. That being said, once I converted to Islam, I started to see things differently but I wasn't knowledgeable enough to understand that giving da'wah to others required a lot of patience and there were different techniques for different types of people! I clearly didn't know this and I had dealt with many sisters the way I thought was correct! I thought that being straightforward (a bit TOO much lol) and not being gentle but very firm would get the message across ! I mean I know I am at fault here but at the same time you can't really blame me since the way I had been conditioned was the way I was used to dealing with others! Also because I didn't have enough knowledge being a new Muslimah and all!
So anyway, my point which I am trying to convey, is that this time away from my blog has really made me realise that being harsh and firm with those who are not on the same spiritual path as we are, is not the correct approach. It is ineffective and if you try to just imagine this, if someone (a stranger or even friend!) was being mean and rude to you, would you really care to listen to them? No! You would not even respect them and you would think "who do they think they are?!!" The last thing we need is for someone to barge in on our affairs (especially if it was some random stranger lol) and tell us what is right from wrong (even though it is part of the religion to advise others, but there is a special way of doing it) ! Don't get me wrong, sometimes it works with certain individuals (this method of being straightforward and stern) but the general population do not take this kind of approach very well! Gentleness and forbearance is what the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us to be ! Like these beautiful reminder :

Allah said: "O Messenger, it is a great Mercy of God that you are very gentle and lenient towards them; for, had you been harsh and hardhearted, they would all have broken away from you."(Quran 3:159)

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: While we were in the mosque with Allah's Messenger (pbuh) a desert Arab came and began to pass water in the mosque. The companions of Allah's Messenger said, "Stop! Stop!" but Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said, "Don't interrupt him; leave him alone." They left him alone, and when he had finished, Allah's Messenger (pbuh) called him and said to him, "These mosques are not suitable places for urine and filth, but are only for remembrance of Allah, prayer and recitation of the Qur'an," or however Allah's Messenger expressed it.* Anas said that he then gave orders to one of the people who brought a bucket and poured water over it. (Bukhari and Muslim)

The things I learnt along the way really made me realise that I may have done more harm to others than good! Insha'Allah, though my intentions were to please Allah alone and to spread His deen, because of my ignorance in not knowing how to deliver the message to others, it might have very well caused more harm than good! May Allah forgive me for those people I harmed with my ignorance ameen!

I learnt and continue to learn that giving naseeha and da'wah to non practicing Muslims require a lot of patience, kindness, compassion, and sincerity ! Really, I can't stress this enough. I noticed a lot of revert Muslims who give themselves the title "Salafi" are so harsh, rude, and absolutely just CRUEL with their Muslim sisters! They are unaccepting and unforebearing to the extent that they cause so much hatred and division in the name of "Salafi" ! This is NOT from the proper methodology of the Qur'an and Sunnah! It isn't even what the prophet (peace be upon him) preached! Nor did his companions and those who followed after them! And I know, I am not innocent either of this harshness that I am talking about! I am very guilty of it and that is why I am obliged to write a post concerning this issue ! We must remember that just because they sin differently, they are still Muslims! How can you expect them to listen to you or follow the right path if you do not approach them with kindness and mercy? Yes, I do admit the famous phrase " only Allah can judge me" is a bit of a defensive emotional response, but we must approach them in a way so that they will not think we are JUDGING them and except that we are only trying to show love to them for the sake of Allah and to also let them know that they are no less or more than we are ! What I really worry is that maybe a sister may not be covering or not following the Qur'an and Sunnah strictly but she may have the best character and manners and be doing more good things in the sight of Allah than I am ! Everybody sins, NOBODY is free of sinning...and what I have learnt is that pointing out my own faults and highlighting them before pointing at others is something that would be more effective. How can we expect to change the ummah when we can not even change ourselves? So many of us busy ourselves in trying to seek out the faults in others when we do not realise that there is so much fault in ourselves that we need to work on! Try your best to look for the good in people and always make excuses for them and when you try to forbid the evil and enjoin the good, do it in a way that will not make the person feel like you are criticizing them, judging them, or attacking them! I have still ways to go with taking my own advice but insha'Allah I can really try my best to implement these important tips I have learnt! I suggest a really great book by Muhammad Al-Arifi (and i know, some of the "salafi" hizb have refuted this brother and the things that were said about him were absolutely just ridiculous! I just want you all to know, the shaykh has helped a lot of people convert to Islam and he has done an amazing job with da'wah....so to the ones who refute, what have you all been doing? Have you been calling people to Islam? Or diverting them? ..Anyway, I digress...this is a WHOLE new topic that I will have to save for another day insha'Allah) ...but anyway...please do take a look at this book "Enjoy your life" by Muhammad al-Arifi ! You can find the pdf online! IT has really opened up my eyes and given me a whole new insight and approach to dealing with people and dealing with myself! Insha'Allah you will find it just as beneficial as I did!

Ibn Al-Qayyim said:

“From among the artful machinations and entrapment of Allah’s enemy [Satan], with which he has snared those possessing little good sense, knowledge and deen [faith], and by which he has stalked the hearts of the false and ignorant people, there is the listening to whistling, wailing, hand-clapping and song to the accompaniment of forbidden [musical] instruments.Such things block the Quran from people’s hearts and make them devoted to sin and disobedience. For song (to musical accompaniment) is the Quran of Ash-Shaytaan (Satan). It is a dense veil and barrier, preventing nearness to Ar-Rahmaan! (Allah)

By way of such song, Satan deceives vain souls, making it appear pleasing to them through his cunning appeal to their vanities. He insidiously whispers false, specious arguments suggesting the ‘goodness’ in song. These arguments are accepted, and as a result, the Quran becomes an object of neglect and abandonment.”

Source: Page 224, vol. 1 of Ighaathatul Lahfaan

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From the greatest things that strengthen satanic states is listening to song and music, this is none other than the listening of the polytheists about which Allah, the Exalted says:

“And their prayer at the House was nothing save whistling and clapping.”

[Al-Anfal (8): 35]

Ibn Abbas and Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them), and others from the Salaf said, “At-Tasdiya is clapping with the hands and al-Mukaa is like whistling. The polytheists used to do this as an act of worship” [As-Suyuti, ‘ad-Durr al-Manthur’ [3/183] referred it to al-Faryabi, Abd Bin Humaid, ibn Jarir, ibn al-Mundhir and Ibn Abi Shaybah from Ibn Abbas]

As for the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) and his Companions, their worship consisted entirely of that which was ordered by Allah such as salah, recitation of the Qur’an, Dhikr and the likes. They gathered together for those actions of worship legislated and therefore they never gathered to listen to song…done by clapping or drums. Never once did he (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) become overcome with spiritual ecstasy and never did his cloak fall off him – all narrations that mention this are lies by agreement of the scholars of hadeeth.

When the Companions of the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) used to gather, he would order one of them to recite and the rest would listen. [Refer to at-Turtushi, al-Hawadith wal Bida’a pp.161-167].

Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be please with him) used to say to Abu Musa al-Ashari: “Remind us of our Lord.” So he would recite and they would listen. [Reported by ad-Darimi and Abdur-Razzak al-Musannaf, with a Saheeh isnad]

The Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) passed by Abu Musa while he was reciting and he said to him, “I passed by you last night while you were reciting, so I stood listening to your recitation.” He replied, ‘If I knew that you were listening, I would have embellished it for you in the best of ways.’

Meaning that I would have beautified my recitation for you.

This is as the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Beautify the Qur’an with your voices”

[Abu Dawud and Nasa’i, with a saheeh isnad]

He (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said to ibn Masud:

“Recite the Qur’an to me.”

He said ‘Should I recite to you when it was revealed to you?’

He (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) replied:

“Indeed I love that I hear it from other than me.”

So I recited Surah an-Nisa to him until I reached this verse:

“So how [will it be] when We bring from every nation a witness and We bring you [O Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam)] against these [people] as a witness?”

[An-Nisa (4): 41].

He (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said,

“That is sufficient for you,”

and his eyes were overflowing with tears.

[Saheeh al-Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim]

The likes of this listening is the listening of the Prophets and their followers as has been mentioned by Allah in the Qur’an:

“Those were they unto whom Allah bestowed His Grace from among the Prophets, of the offspring of Adam, and of those whom We carried (in the ship) with Nooh (Noah), and of the offspring of Ibrahim (Abraham) and Israel and from among those whom We guided and chose. When the Verses of the Most Beneficent (Allah) were recited unto them, they fell down prostrating and weeping.”

[Maryam (19): 58]

Allah said concerning the People of Cognisance:

“And when they hear what has been revealed to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of what they have recognized of the truth”

[Al-Maidah (5): 83]

He, Glorious is He, commended those who listen in this way due to what they attain of increase in faith, the trembling of their skins and the tears in their eyes.

He, the Exalted says:

“Allah has sent down the best statement; a consistent Book wherein is reiteration. The skins shiver therefrom of those who fear their Lord; then their skins and their hearts relax at the remembrance of Allah”

[Az-Zumar (39): 23]

“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord do they rely – the ones who establish prayer and spend from what we have provided them. Those are the believers truly. For them are degrees [of position] with their Lord, forgiveness and noble provision.”

[Al-Anfal (8): 2-4]

As for the innovated listening which is the listening of clapping, drum, and wind instruments, none of the Companions, the Successors and any of the great Imams of this religion took this to be a route to Allah, the Blessed and Exalted. Not one of them considered it to be a means of drawing close to Allah and an action of obedience; instead they considered this to be a blameworthy innovation.

Ash-Shaafi’i said: “I have left behind me in Baghdad something that was innovated by the heretics that they called at-taghbir, which used to distract people from the Qur’an.” [Refer to al-Hafiz Diya ad-Din al-Maqdisi, ‘Juz Ittiba as-Sunan’ [pp.28-29] and Tablis Iblis [p.301 of the summary].]

Ibnul Qayyim in “Masalah as-Sama”, pp119-120, said, “Taghbir was where they struck stretched leather with the stick or a cushion which gave off a particular sound to which they would recite moving poetry that would incite one to asceticism. Now if this is what ash-Shaafi’i, may Allah sanctify his soul, thought of taghbir then what would he have said concerning listening to the types of poetry and singing that contains mention of the belover, the excellence of meeting him, the sweetness of his reprimand, communion in love, coming close to him, the bitterness of leaving…”

The Awliya of Allah know this fact well and know that shaytaan has a major role to play in it and this is why the best of them who used to attend such sessions later repented.

The further a person is from cognizance and completion in his closeness to and love of Allah, the greater the role that shaytaan has to play in misguiding him. This innovated listening [i.e. Music] is comparable to alcohol; rather its affect upon the soul is greater than the affect of alcohol.

This is why when the intoxication of the listeners becomes strong the devils descend to them, speaking upon the tongues of some and carrying others through the air.

It is also possible that enmity arise between the listeners in the same way that enmity appears amongst the drunk, the devils accompanying one person could be stronger than the devils accompanying another therefore when they fight, and they kill the opponent.

…In reality such sessions take the person further away from Allah and are actually satanic states.

Taken from: “The Friends of Allah and the Friends of Shaytaan”, Shaykhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, Pages: 341-350

taken from:

http://dawatussalafiyyah.wordpress.com/2014/09/23/music-from-among-the-artful-entrapments-of-allahs-enemy-satan/

http://dawatussalafiyyah.wordpress.com/2013/12/17/from-the-greatest-things-that-strengthen-satanic-states-is-listening-to-song-and-music/

Questioner: Some scholars differ in their opinion [with others], one will say something and another will say, “No, this is a mistake, [rather] this is correct,” and let’s assume that we are not people of knowledge or people of … ya’ni we are just common folk … of course … we want to know the principles and the mistake if … this person says … and the second one says, “This is a mistake … this is not …” so what is your opinion [about] the differing between the scholars in a particular issue, an issue which concerns one?

Response by Shaykh Al-Albaani:

[Concerning] issues such as this the reason [people] fall into difficulty is that the effect of that sentence which we hear many times in the present day and age and especially in this country is not found among the general Muslims, what is that sentence? “Enlightenment/education …” the majority [of people] do not have a general awareness or knowledge of the reason for the differing, and [additionally] they [also] do not have an awareness of what their stance in relation to this differing must be.

So many of them will say what occurs in the weak hadeeth, “The differing of my Ummah is a mercy,” thus they ratify differing, however severe and copious it might be [due to it], and a few of them [go to the other extreme and] want to put an end to differing from its very root such that the scholars become [united] upon a single word in all issues [even those] which the scholars of fiqh of old have differed over – and this is something impossible! Because in His profound Wisdom Allah Ta a’la ordained, and there is none who can stop anything He ordains, saying:

“And if your Lord had willed, He could have made mankind one community, but they will not cease to differ, except whom your Lord has given mercy.”

[Hud 11:118-119]

Differing is of two types: the first is where there is mercy with one another and where [each party] tries to understand the other. The second is the type of differing which involves conflict, antagonism, and enmity.

The first is the type which is unavoidable and is that which our Pious Predecessors were on, they would differ but they would not have enmity for one another and nor were they divided due to the differing because of what you have heard in the aayah:

“… and do not be of those who associate others with Allah [or] of those who have divided their religion and become sects, every faction rejoicing in what it has.”

[Rum 30:31-32]

So if our Salaf as-Saalih, at the head of whom are the Companions of Allah’s Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam), differed then it is unavoidable for [the people of] a [particular] group, or age, or generation not to differ, but that which was sufficient for the Prophet’s Companions (radiallaahu anhum) when they differed is also sufficient for these people, [i.e.,] that they do not becomes enemies one to another and do not hate one another – there is no escaping such differing, the generality of Muslims must know this and they should not condemn any [and every instance of] differing between one scholar and another which they hear about, because this is something which is from man’s nature which Allah created them with, an indication of which has preceded in the aforementioned aayah.

If this is the case, what should the general Muslims do when they see such differing? Here lies the crux of the matter [that I had intended] by my [earlier] statement when I said that there is no enlightenment/education and no general cultivation. Before about a quarter of a century, the general Muslims were living according to a constrictive Madhhabism, each individual from millions of Muslims was satisfied with his school of thought, this one is a Hanafi, that one a Shaafi’i and so on.

But as for now, then there has been found, alhamdulillaah, the beginnings of an awakening, I do not say the awakening has been found, [but rather] that the beginnings of an awakening can be seen, so the people are aware of things which they were not mindful of before, but this awareness needs a completion. It is this completion which I am in the middle of explaining now, and it is: that you, O Muslim, however highly educated or not you are in the Islamic Legislation, when you hear about some differing between two scholars then think a little, look … is it said of both of them that they truly are scholars from the people of knowledge? It may be a student who thinks he is a scholar – and who thus says something in which he differs with the scholars and as a result differing between the scholars in the issue occurs. No.

So after this observation, when it is established, for example, that there is some differing between two venerable scholars, then the following caveat comes into play: if you are able to distinguish between one proof and another, then you must become acquainted with the proofs of both scholars, and [after doing so] find comfort with the stronger proof, what I mean is that even the general Muslims should strive [to understand the proofs/ijtihaad], but such ijtihaad differs from person to person, so how can, for example, a common person perform ijtihaad?

His ijtihaad in relation to himself is as follows:

He hears a fatwa from one scholar which opposes that of another, so he should not stop at that fatwa, and here many, many different forms become apparent … you request proof from one of them and he says, “This is my opinion and ijtihaad,” or, “This is my madhhab,” and you request it from the other and he says, for example, “Allah said … Allah’s Messenger said … the Salaf said,” and so on, as Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“Knowledge is, ‘Allah said … His Messenger said … The Companions said …’ and it is not hidden;

Knowledge is not your raising up a dispute foolishly … Between the Messenger and the opinion of a faqeeh.”

When you traverse upon this methodology in trying to become acquainted with the proof, the difference between the two answers will become clear to you … I told you that one of them says, “This is my opinion … my itjtihaad … my madhhab,” this happens sometimes, the other will give you proofs, either from the Book or the Sunnah or the actions of the Salaf as-Saalih, at that point you will find yourself leaning towards the opinion of this scholar and his ijtihaad and you will not look at the opinion of the first, and at that time the difficulty [you have] will disappear from you, this is a very clear illustration.

And if we assume [a case where] both scholars used proofs, as occurred recently with Shaykh al-Bannaa, I think some of you were present when we discussed, with one of the noble teachers, the issue of reciting Surah al-Faatihah behind the Imaam in the prayers where the recitation is made audible, and those listening listened, and the person takes whatever the soul feels comfort in [since both scholars were providing proofs], whether the truth is with Zaid or ’Amr [i.e., whoever the truth is with]– what is important is that he not be a person of desires or [someone with] a particular purpose [that he seeks through his fatwa] and that he not be as is mentioned in a statement made by Ibn Mas’ud (radiallaahu anhu) in marfoo’ and mowqoof form but what is correct is that it is mowqoof, where he said,

“Do not let yourselves be ‘yes-men,’ [إمعة: the one who has no opinion so he follows everyone’s opinion] saying, ‘If the people are good then we will be good, and if they are wrong then we will be wrong.’ Rather, make up your own minds, if the people are good then you are good, and if they are evil, then do not behave unjustly.”

[Tirmidhi, v. 4, no. 2007, Darussalam transl.]

So, the general Muslims must set their hearts on knowing who the truth is with and then follow it, each person doing so according to the limits of their education, intellect and understanding, and Allah does not burden a soul with more than it can bear.

The summary is that it is not possible to put an end to differing, it was there in the time of the Prophet and has continued to this day of ours, so do not seek the impossible. And when this is the case, what should the stance of the general masses be? It is as I just explained, that they seek out the truth, then their condition will be like that of those who strive to come to religious verdicts [mujtahideen]– if they are correct they will have two rewards, and if mistaken, then one, what is important is that they do not be people of desires and [particular] aims, and Allah is sufficient …

Source: Fataawaa Jeddah, Ahlul-Hadith wal-Athar, 5. [2/5/474]

This is a beautiful reminder that we should be so thankful for Islam and to never water down our religion or our standards and values as a Muslim woman. We strive so hard to be like the kafirs of today's society yet they secretly want to be like us and they are crying from unhappiness because they do not have the gift of life, the gift of Islam . Please take a moment to read this beautiful piece that was forwarded to me by a dear friend and take a minute to reflect and ponder upon your life as a Muslim woman and know what true freedom is and how Allah blessed us with it! Alhamdulillah . May Allah guide this woman to the beautiful truth and to allow her to taste the beauty of Islam !!!

To My Muslim Sisters – By Joanna Francis
By Joanna Francis
Writer, Journalist – USA

Between the Israeli assault on Lebanon and the Zionist "war on terror," the Muslim world is now center stage in every American home. I see the carnage, death and destruction that have befallen Lebanon, but I also see something else: I see you. I can’t help but notice that almost every woman I see is carrying a baby or has children around her. I see that though they are dressed modestly, their beauty still shines through. But it’s not just outer beauty that I notice. I also notice that I feel something strange inside me: I feel envy. I feel terrible for the horrible experiences and war crimes that the Lebanese people have suffered, being targeted by our common enemy. But I can’t help but admire your strength, your beauty, your modesty, and most of all, your happiness. Yes, it’s strange, but it occurred to me that even under constant bombardment, you still seemed happier than we are, because you were still living the natural lives of women. The way women have always lived since the beginning of time. It used to be that way in the West until the 1960s, when we were bombarded by the same enemy. Only we were not bombarded with actual munitions, but with subtle trickery and moral corruption.

Through Temptation

They bombarded us Americans from Hollywood, instead of from fighter jets or with our own American-made tanks. They would like to bomb you in this way too, after they’ve finished bombing the infrastructure of your countries. I do not want this to happen to you. You will feel degraded, just like we do. You can avoid this kind of bombing if you will kindly listen to those of us who have already suffered serious casualties from their evil influence. Because everything you see coming out of Hollywood is a pack of lies, a distortion of reality, smoke and mirrors. They present casual sex as harmless recreation because they aim to destroy the moral fabric of the societies into which they beam their poisonous programming. I beg you not to drink their poison. There is no antidote for it once you have consumed it. You may recover partially, but you will never be the same. Better to avoid the poison altogether than to try to heal from the damage it causes.

They will try to tempt you with their titillating movies and music videos, falsely portraying us American women as happy and satisfied, proud of dressing like prostitutes, and content without families. Most of us are not happy, trust me. Millions of us are on anti-depressant medication, hate our jobs, and cry at night over the men who told us they loved us, then greedily used us and walked away. They would like to destroy your families and convince you to have fewer children. They do this by presenting marriage as a form of slavery, motherhood as a curse, and being modest and pure as old-fashioned. They want you to cheapen yourself and lose your faith. They are like the Serpent tempting Eve with the apple. Don’t bite.

Self-Value

I see you as precious gems, pure gold, or the "pearl of great value" spoken of in

the Bible (Matthew 13: 45). All women are pearls of great value, but some of us have been deceived into doubting the value of our purity. Jesus said: "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you" (Matthew 7: 6). Our pearls are priceless, but they convince us that they’re cheap. But trust me; there is no substitute for being able to look in the mirror and seeing purity, innocence and self-respect staring back at you. The fashions coming out of the Western sewer are designed to make you believe that your most valuable asset is your sexuality. But your beautiful dresses and veils are actually sexier than any Western fashion, because they cloak you in mystery and show self-respect and confidence. A woman’s sexuality should be guarded from unworthy eyes, since it should be your gift to the man who loves and respects you enough to marry you. And since y
our men are still manly warriors, they deserve no less than your best. Our men don’t even want purity anymore. They don’t recognize the pearl of great value, opting for the flashy rhinestone instead. Only to leave her too!

Your most valuable assets are your inner beauty, your innocence, and everything that makes you who you are. But I notice that some Muslim women push the limit and try to be as Western as possible, even while wearing a veil (with some of their hair showing). Why imitate women who already regret, or will soon regret, their lost virtue? There is no compensation for that loss. You are flawless diamonds. Don’t let them trick you into becoming rhinestones. Because everything you see in the fashion magazines and on Western television is a lie. It is Satan’s trap. It is fool’s gold.

A Woman’s Heart

I’ll let you in on a little secret, just in case you’re curious: pre-marital sex is not even that great. We gave our bodies to the men we were in love with, believing that that was the way to make them love us and want to marry us, just as we had seen on television growing up. But without the security of marriage and the sure knowledge that he will always stay with us, it’s not even enjoyable! That’s the irony. It was just a waste. It leaves you in tears. Speaking as one woman to another, I believe that you understand that already. Because only a woman can truly understand what’s in another woman’s heart. We really are all alike. Our race, religion or nationalities do not matter. A woman’s heart is the same everywhere. We love. That’s what we do best. We nurture our families and give comfort and strength to the men we love. But we American women have been fooled into believing that we are happiest having careers, our own homes in which to live alone, and freedom to give our love away to whomever we choose. That is not freedom. And that is not love. Only in the safe haven of marriage can a woman’s body and heart be safe to love. Don’t settle for anything less. It’s not worth it. You won’t even like it and you’ll like yourself even less afterwards. Then he’ll leave you.

Self-Denial

Sin never pays. It always cheats you. Even though I have reclaimed my honor, there’s still no substitute for having never been dishonored in the first place. We Western women have been brainwashed into thinking that you Muslim women are oppressed. But truly, we are the ones who are oppressed; slaves to fashions that degrade us, obsessed with our weight, begging for love from men who do not want to grow up. Deep down inside, we know that we have been cheated. We secretly admire and envy you, although some of us will not admit it. Please do not look down on us or think that we like things the way they are. It’s not our fault. Most of us did not have fathers to protect us when we were young because our families have been destroyed. You know who is behind this plot. Don’t be fooled, my sisters. Don’t let them get you too. Stay innocent and pure. We Christian women need to see what life is really supposed to be like for women. We need you to set the example for us, because we are lost. Hold onto your purity. Remember: you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube. So guard your "toothpaste" carefully!
I hope you receive this advice in the spirit in which it is intended: the spirit of friendship, respect, and admiration. From your Christian sister – with love…

" For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him.They guard him by the Command of Allah. Verily! Allah will not change the good condition of a people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah). But when Allah wills a people's punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Him no protector."

(Qur'an Surah Ar-Rad 13:11)

Shaykh Saalih Ibn Fawzaan Al-Fawzaan (hafidhahullaah) stated:

“The actions, disbelief and evil of the Yahood (Jews) is well known, even (with regards) to (their relationship) with their Prophets. They killed their Prophets and (also) is that which occurred with Kaleemullaah – Moosaa (‘alayhis salaam), such as what Allah has related in the Qur`an (regarding) the story of Moosaa and Haaroon (‘alayhimas salaam).

The character, disbelief, misguidance and evil of the Yahood is well known – even towards their Prophets – but what is obligatory upon us (Muslims) is that we ponder and rectify our deviated affairs and repent to Allah because the Yahood have not gained the upper hand over us except due to our sins. Why is it that we do not hear anyone addressing and admonishing the Muslims whilst saying to them:

‘What has happened to you is (nothing else) but as a result of your turning away from the religion of Allah and negligence in the affairs of the Deen. So repent to Allah in order that Allah may aid you and avert the plot of the plotters from you.’

We do not hear except insult, abuse, and supplication against the Yahood,but this should be substituted with supplicating to Allah to rectify the Muslims and to make them steadfast. And to mention to the Muslims that they should repent and return to Allah, and rectify their Deen for the sake of Allah. This is the first obligation.

As for supplication against an oppressor – be it the Yahood or other than them – then there is nothing wrong with this. It is legislated to supplicate against the one who oppress you with the sharee’ah supplications, the supplications found in the Book and the Sunnah. But before supplicating against them, you should supplicate to Allah to rectify the Muslims and to make the Muslims steadfast upon their Religion and return them to the truth. (And) advise, address and admonish (them) with regards to (obedience to) Allah. This is what is obligatory.”

From: Al-Ijaabaatul Muhimmah Fil Mashaakil Al-Mulimmah, pg. 202

Lately, I have felt the urge to write about a topic that many women can relate to. A topic that many women feel can liberate or oppress them. A topic which once was defined by each individual has now become defined by the mass media.

TRUE BEAUTY.

What is true beauty?

Well, beauty can be defined on many different levels. For example, beauty can be defined by some as "perfectly shaped eyebrows, beautiful hair extensions, a big (fake) chest, makeup artist skills, designer wardrobe, collagen injected face, fake nails, flawless skin etc.. " or true beauty could also be defined as " a pure kind heart, a natural face with no makeup, a smile, good manners, beautiful character, etc.." The definitions can be very broad but what we see in today's society is that true beauty is defined by the first definition. Surely, there are some marketing campaigns out there that try to advertise beauty as unconventional and not your typical 5'10, 120lbs, big chested, luscious hair extensions, all-year-around summer glow, flawless makeup routine etc.. Yes, we get that. Of course, usually these marketing campaigns are made to target a certain group of people (i.e- the yogis, the vegan lover, the "be comfortable in your own skin-even if it means be naked..) so either way, we know that it is the media who defines what beauty is because they want to make money and need to try to target every kind of people out there.

Well, what about targeting Muslim women ? Or Orthodox Jews and Christians? What about us women who find true beauty in covering our beauty? Why can we never find advertisements that express the true beauty of covering and remaining chaste and modest? See, the mass media never will consider this as true beauty. According to them and to the Western society, "true beauty" is not hidden. It is not something that should be concealed and kept in private for the people who matter ( i.e- husband, & permissible family members). True beauty is defined as "if you got it, flaunt it like no tomorrow!" This is true beauty in the eyes of many. When these kind of people see a Muslim woman or a conservative Jewish woman , they think "wow so backwards and old fashioned! What is wrong with them?!" ...did they ever wonder that being dressed half naked dates back to the cavemen and prehistoric era? If anyone would be old-fashioned and backwards, then it is these very people! Subhana'Allah !

“Among the things that people have found from the words of the previous prophets was: ‘If you feel no shame, then do as you wish.’”

[Al-Bukhari]

Since when did other people, especially the media , dictate to US women WHAT is true beauty? Brainwashing thousands of innocent young women who are impressionable and naive and who do not know better, thinking they are overweight and hideous because they do not have fake breasts and fake-everything! How can true beauty be true when it has a price tag on it? When you need to buy your lips, your eye colour, your hair colour, your breast size, and your fat cells?! Since when has this become TRUE beauty? When the price tag of your shirt and pants cost more than your university tuition? Subhana'Allah! I wonder at such a thought ...How can this be true beauty when half of us can not even afford it?! No, this is not true beauty.. it can not be! This is something unattainable and extremely irrational! It truly breaks my heart when i browse through my instagram the public accounts in which all these women who many Muslimah women are trying so hard to copy; covered with makeup and expensive clothing ! Comments below by many women "wow gorgeous!" " OMG U ARE PERFECT"...

No.

True beauty....it is something that can never be attained except by the modesty of a believing woman. She knows that her Lord has created the man as weak and she knows that her beauty is not made to cause fitnah and lure others into a lustful trap! True beauty is when a woman knows that she has been ordered to COVER every part of her private parts from impermissible wandering eyes! The beautiful one is she who knows her worth and her value and she keeps it from the strange aliens of predators in this dangerous world! True beauty is not showing off her beauty to everyone and anyone , but true beauty is when she preserves herself and her modesty for hers truly, Allah (and her husband) . True beauty is the woman who knows that she has been blessed with natural beautiful hair, lips, chest, and not needing to change or alter anything because she is pleased with what her Lord has given her!!! True beauty is NOT wanting to conform to society nor imitate everybody other girl on Instagram! True beauty is shyness, purity, and humility.
True beauty is the love we have for Allah.

EXPLANATION OF IMPORTANT LESSONS FOR EVERY MUSLIM BY SHAYKH BIN BAZ

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