Men and women, although having many aspects in common, also unique characteristics. One such characteristic is that women are a delicate, beautiful, and likable beings. They are charming, attractive, and lovable; whereas men are charmed, attracted by and love women's qualities.


When a man marries a woman, he wishes all his wife's beauty and affection to be reserved for him. He wishes to be the only one who benefits from her charm, affection, c beauty, sense of humour, etc and to strictly avoid men. Man is, by nature, very ardent and intolerant of another man either looking at his wife or having any kind of relationship with her. He would regard a close relationship between his wife and other men to be a violation of his lawful right. He expects his wife to observe Islamic Hijab (statutory Islamic dress for women) and by adapting herself to Islamic behaviour and ethics she cooperates in maintaining his lawful rights.


Any faithful man would have such a wish. A woman's social behaviour, which is based on Islamic ethics, would set her husband's mind at rest; he would then work to provide for his family and his affection for his wife would increase. Such a man would not be attracted to other women. On the other hand if a man whose wife is not concerned with Islamic Hijab and displays her beauty to other men or socializes with them, would seriously become upset. He would regard his wife as responsible for trampling over his rights. Such a husband would always suffer from distress and his love for his family may gradually fade away.


It is therefore in the interest of society and women that they should be dressed modestly and behave humbly; they should appear in public without any make-up and should abstain from showing off their beauty to others. Observing Hijab is an Islamic duty. The Almighty GOD says in the Holy Quran:


"And say to the believing women that they should cast down their looks and guard their private parts, and not display their ornaments except what appears thereof, and let them wear their head coverings and not display their ornaments except to their husbands or their fathers. or the father of their husbands, their sons. or the sons of their husbands or their brothers or their brother's sons or their sisters' sons, or their women, or those whom their right hands possess, or male servants not having need (of women), or the children who have not attained knowledge of what is hidden of women; and let them not strike their feet so that what they hide of their ornaments may be known; and turn to Allah all of you, so that you may be successful (24:31)."


Islamic Hijab and in any society is beneficial to women in many aspects:

(1) They can protect both their social worth and inner values much better, and guard themselves against just being an object on display.


(2) They can prove both their faith and love for their husbands more effectively and thus help create and maintain a warm family atmosphere while preventing ill-feelings and family rows. In short, they can win their husband's hearts and establish themselves in their families.


(3) By observing Islamic Hijab, unlawful f looks by such people as oglers would cease and help in lessening the amount of rows, strengthening the family roots, and as a result create an atmosphere of tranquility within its circle.


(4) Islamic Hijab of women would also help prevent young unmarried men, from deviating from the right path. Thus forestalling harm to the young men, which would also benefit the women of the society.


(5) If all women observed the regulation of Islamic Hijab, then all women could rest assured that their husbands, when not at home would not encounter a lewd woman who might draw his attention away from the family.


Islam is aware of woman's specific nature of creation and regards her as a very important base of society with responsibilities towards it. It demands her to make sacrifices to carry out her responsibility by observing Islamic Hijab, which in turn would forestall social corruption and deviation and go a long way in creating stability, security and glorifying her nation. But definitely the greatest reward is with the Almighty GOD for performing her divine duty.


Dear lady! if you are interested in the stability and peace of your family and your husband's continual trust in you; if you are concerned about the social rights of women; if you are interested in the youth's mental health and are worried about their deviation from moral values, if you want to take positive steps towards bringing to a halt the seduction of women by corrupt men; and if you are seeking GOD's satisfaction by being a faithful and sacrificing Muslim; then you should observe Islamic Hijab. You should not display your beauty and adornments to strangers, be it in the house with your close relations or at other social gatherings outside your own home. You must cover yourself before your brothers-in-law and their sons, sister-in-law's husbands, aunts' husbands, and cousins. Being not dressed as per Islamic Hijab before these people is a sin and may also cause great distress to your husband, even though he may never mention it.


A woman is not restricted to covering herself to the same extent before her father-in-law, her own brother, and her nephews, although it is better to observe a certain degree of Islamic Hijab before these people too. In other words women should not appear before these relatives of hers in the same way as she would make herself attractive for her husband. This is because most men dislike their wives to appear attractive by wearing attractive clothes and make up before other men; and of course it should not be forgotten that the tranquility of mind and the trust of a man in his wife is crucial to the survival and security of the whole family.

Masha'Allah that was a good post jazaka'Allahu khair for posting that up it was
a good reminder

^^took the very words right off me!!!!!!!!!!

jazakallah brother

masha Allah this thread motivates muslim girls to wear a hijaab! jazak allah fro that :sister:

Asalaam alykum warahmatullahi wabarakhatuh


Indeed, all praises are due to Allaah, we praise Him, seek His Aid and beg for His Forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allaah from the evil in our souls and from the bad consequences of our deeds. Whomever Allaah guides, no one can lead that person astray and whomever Allaah leads astray no one can guide that person. I bear witness that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allaah Who is alone and without any partners and I bear witness that Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is His slave and final Prophet and Messenger sent to mankind.

Certainly the most perfect speech is the Speech of Allaah and the finest guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). The worst of affairs are those that are innovated into this religion as every innovation is misguidance and every misguidance is astray and every going astray leads to the Hell Fire.

It often occurs to me that many of my sisters in Islam are not properly encouraged once they begin to observe the requirements of Hijab. It may be that a sister has been obliged to wear the Hijab without truly pondering over its superiority. Perhaps she has reached the age of puberty and her Wali (guardian) has instructed her to wear it. Perhaps she has recently re-verted to Islam and her close sisters have told her of its obligation. Or, perhaps her husband has commanded her to wear Hijab. A sister who does not truly know the superiority of Hijab will always remain envious of the women of the Kufar. Why? Because they see these misguided women looking beautiful for all to see. Hence, the Muslim woman then compares herself to that woman which causes her to feel ashamed of her own Hijab.

Therefore, what follows is a reminder for my sisters in Islam. It is a reminder of the true status of these so-called beautiful women. It is a reminder that Hijab will always reign supreme and that the true man (i.e. the Muslim man), will forever be dazzled by the beauty of the Muhijabah (woman who wears the Hijab). --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some Excellent Qualities of Those Who Wear Hijab


Al-Hamdulilah, it is well known that the Muslim woman is a creature of Hayaa (modesty). Allaah (SWT) loves for our Muslim women to be shielded by their Hijab. It is their outer protection from the decadence of this life. Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has said:

"Verily! Allaah is Hayaa (modest, bashful) & Sitteer (i.e. the One Who Shields - from disobedient acts). He loves Hayaa (i.e. He loves for one to practice modesty and bashfulness) and Siter (shielding; covering)." (Collected by Abu Dawud; An-Nissa’ee; Al-Baihaqee; Ahmad; & in Saheeh An-Nissa’ee)

Thus, as possessing Hayaa is a quality that is beloved by Allaah (SWT) our sisters must feel comfort in knowing that they have this Hayaa and not the women who show themselves to the world; hence, such women will not be shielded from Allaah’s (SWT) Wrath. Allaah’s Messenger (SAWS) said:

"Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband’s home (to show off for unlawful purposes), has broken Allaah’s shield upon her." (Collected by Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhi)

Therefore, we see that the Hijab of the Muslim woman has a quality that comprises Hayaa (modesty). Hayaa is what proceeds from Iman (belief). That is why when Allaah (SWT) commands the women to observe Hijab, Allaah (SWT) says:

"And tell the believing women..." (Surah An-Nur 24:31)
Allaah (SWT) also says:

"...And the women of the believers..." (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:59)
Furthermore, Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Al-Hayaa (modesty & bashfulness) is from Imam (belief) and Imam is in Al-Jannah (the Paradise)." (At-Tirmidhi - Saheeh)

He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) also said:

"Hayaa (modesty and bashfulness) and Imam (belief) are fully associated together, if one is lifted the other follows suit." (Narrated by ‘Abd Allaah bin ‘Umar; related by Al-Haakim in his "Mustadrak")

My dear sisters in Islam, know that these women who beautify themselves for the world to see possess no Hayaa; thus, they are void of any Iman. Instead of looking to the latest fashion models for guidance, you, my dear sisters, must look to the wives of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). Look at the extreme amount of Hayaa that ‘Aisha bint Abu Bakr (RA) possessed even in the presence of the deceased:

'Aisha (RA) said: "I used to enter the room where the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and my father (Abu Bakr) were later buried in without having my garment on me, saying it is only my husband and my father. But when ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) was later buried in (the same place), I did not enter the room except that I had my garment on being shy from ‘Umar." (As-Simt Ath’ameen Fee Maniqib Ummahat Ul-Mu’mineen by Ibn As-Sakir. Al-Haakim brings a similar narration which he says is "good according the conditions of Imaam Bukhari and Imaam Muslim")

My dear sister in Islam, I know that it is quite difficult for you to go out wearing Hijab in a society that mocks and torments you. I know that you, indeed, feel strange and out of place. However, if you knew the status of those who are mocked by the Kufar as well as the status of the strangers, you will continue to wear your Hijab (i.e. to cover your entire body with a Khimar as commanded (24:31), as well as with a Jilbab (33:59), with the exception of the hands and face; however, knowing the recommendation to cover those parts (as well) with dignity. Allaah (SWT) says in His Book:

"Verily! (During the worldly life) those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed. And whenever they passed by them, used to wink one to another (in mockery); And when they returned to their own people, they would return jesting; and when they saw them, they said: ‘Verily! These have indeed gone astray!’ But they (disbelievers, sinners) had not been sent as watchers over them (the believers). But on this Day (the Day of Resurrection) those who believe will laugh at the disbelievers. On (high) thrones, looking (at all things). Are not the disbelievers paid (fully) for what they used to do?" (Surah Al-Mutaffifin 83:29-36)

Allaah’s (SWT) words should serve as a support for you my dear sisters. Also, take comfort in being a stranger among these lewd and sinful women. Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Islam began as something strange, and it would revert to its (old position) of being strange, so good tidings for the strangers." (Narrated by Abu Huraira and Reported Sahih Muslim)


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As-Sufoor and It's Characteristics

As-Sufoor means to expose or to un-cover. Therefore, instead of practicing the Hijab (covering), the women of the Kufar practice As-Sufoor. As-Sufoor is sinful as it leads to At-Tabarooj (i.e. to make a dazzling display of oneself). Displaying oneself is a attribute of one who is Jaheel (ignorant). Allaah (SWT) says:

"And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves (At-Tabarooj) like that of the times of ignorance..." (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:33)

Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said:

"The best of your women is the affectionate, the fertile (in productivity), the propitious (favorable), the consultative if they fear Allaah. The most evil of your women are the Mutabar’rijat (those who do At-Tabarooj), the Mutakhayelat (who strut/swagger), and they are the hypocrites. Those who enter Al-Jannah (the Paradise) are like the Cough Crow." (Al-Baihaqi in his "As-Sunan")

My dear sisters in Islam, we see from the above Ayah and Hadith that displaying oneself is indeed Haram. Further, it is a quality of the most evil of women! Therefore, do not be envious of the women of the Kufar. They only have this life to enjoy while the believing women will have Al-Jannah. There is nothing in your Hijab whatsoever to be ashamed of as it is the garment of the righteous and pious female slaves of Allaah (SWT). In order to truly show you how evil those women who make As-Sufoor and At-Tabarooj are, let us ponder over the following statement of Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam):

"Of the people of Hell there are two types whom I have never seen, the one possessing whips like the tail of an Ox and they flog people with them. The second one, women who would be naked in spite of their being dressed, who are seduced (to wrong paths) and seduce others. Their hair is high like the humps (of camels). These women would not get into Al-Jannah (the Paradise) and they would not perceive its odor, although its fragrance can be perceived from such and such a distance." (Sahih Muslim)

Sisters in Islam, these women who practice At-Tabarooj are common among us today. These are women that even the Prophet (SAWS) did not see! Look around you and you will see those women who are clothed but naked! Look at the hair styles of the women who practice At-Tabarooj - are they not high like the camel’s hump? My dear sister, perhaps we are the first generation since the time of the Prophet Adam (AS) to witness such women. If one ponders over photos taken thirty to forty years ago, one will see that the women of the Kufar did not make At-Tabarooj as their offspring do today. These are women who will be in the Hell Fire, save Allaah (SWT) has mercy upon them by guiding them to Islam! Thus, how can you envy them? My brothers, how can you desire them over your creature of Hayaa? These filthy women will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise. This Hadith also shows us that what the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came with (i.e. the Qur’an and the Sunnah) is the Haqq (truth)! This is a prophecy that has come to pass in front of our very eyes. Hence, will we continue to envy these evil women or be grateful to our Lord for your Hijab which brings Hayaa?

Whatever I have written that is true is from Allaah alone while anything that is false is from myself and shaytan. Subhanaka Allaahummah wa bihamdika, ash hadu an la illaha illa anta, astaghfiruka wa atuboo ilayk

Asalaam alykum warahmatualhi wabarakhatuh

The hijab is an act of obedience to Allaah and to his prophet (pbuh), Allaah says in the Qur'an: `It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allaah and His messenger have decreed a matter that they should have an option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger, has indeed strayed in a plain error.' (S33:36).

Allaah also said:

'And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc) and not to show off their adornment except what must (ordinarily) appear thereof, that they should draw their veils over their Juyubihinna.'(S24:31).

Juyubihinna: The respected scholars from As-Salaf As-Saleh (righteous predecessors) differed whether the veil cover of the body must include the hands and face or not. Today, respected scholars say that the hands and face must be covered. Other respected scholars say it is preferable for women to cover their whole bodies.

2. The Hijab is IFFAH (Modesty).

Allaah (subhana wa'atala) made the adherence to the hijab a manifestation for chastity and modesty. Allaah says: 'O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested.' (S33:59). In the above Ayaah there is an evidence that the recognition of the apparent beauty of the woman is harmful to her. When the cause of attraction ends, the restriction is removed. This is illustrated in the case of elderly women who may have lost every aspect of attraction. Allaah (swt) made it permissible for them to lay aside their outer garments and expose their faces and hands reminding, however, that is still better for them to keep their modesty.

3. The hijab is Tahara (Purity)


Allaah (swt) had shown us the hikma (wisdom) behind the legislation of the hijab: `And when you ask them (the Prophet's wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and their hearts.' (S33:53).

The hijab makes for greater purity for the hearts of believing men and women because it screens against the desire of the heart. Without the hijab, the heart may or may not desire. That is why the heart is more pure when the sight is blocked (by hijab) and thus the prevention of fitna (evil actions is very much manifested. The hijab cuts off the ill thoughts and the greed of the sick hearts:

`Be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner.' (S33:32)
.4 The hijab is a Shield [/B


[b]The prophet (pbuh) said: "Allaah, Most High, is Heaven, is Ha'yeii (Bashful), Sit'teer (Shielder). He loves Haya' (Bashfulness) and Sitr (Shielding; Covering)." The Prophet (pbuh) also said: "Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's house (to show off for unlawful purposes), has broken Allaah's shield upon her. "The hadith demonstrates that depending upon the kind of action committed there will be either reward (if good) or punishment (if bad).

5. The hijab is Taqwah (Righteousness)

Allaah (swt) says in the Qur'an: `O children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better.'(S7:26). The widespread forms of dresses in the world today are mostly for show off and hardly taken as a cover and shield of the woman's body. To the believing women, however the purpose is to safeguard their bodies and cover their private parts as a manifestation of the order of Allaah. It is an act of Taqwah (righteousness).

6. The hijab is Eemaan (Belief or Faith)

Allaah (swt) did not address His words about the hijab except to the believing women, Al-Mo'minat. In many cases in the Qur'an Allaah refers to the "the believing women". Aisha (RA), the wife of the prophet (pbuh), addressed some women from the tribe of Banu Tameem who came to visit her and had light clothes on them, they were improperly dressed: "If indeed you are believing women, then truly this is not the dress of the believing women, and if you are not believing women, then enjoy it."

7. The hijab is Haya' (Bashfulness)

There are two authentic hadith which state: "Each religion has a morality and the morality of Islam is haya'" AND "Bashfulness is from belief, and belief is in Al-Jannah (paradise)". The hijab fits the natural bashfulness which is a part of the nature of women.

8. The hijab is Gheerah

The hijab fits the natural feeling of Gheerah, which is intrinsic in the straight man who does not like people to look at his wife or daughters. Gheerah is a driving emotion that drives the straight man to safeguard women who are related to him from strangers. The straight MUSLIM man has Gheerah for ALL MUSLIM women In response to lust and desire, men look (with desire) at other women while they do not mind that other men do the same to their wives or daughters. The mixing of sexes and absence of hijab destroys the Gheera in men. Islam considers Gheerah an integral part of faith. The dignity of the wife or daughter or any other Muslim woman must be highly respected and defended

I'm not sure if SparklLZz has reread the post under "Have You Ever" and since I wrote this in response to her situation, I thought I'd repost it under its proper title so perhaps others in this similar situation can benefit, insha'Allah.

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Quote:
Originally Posted by SparklLZz
Asalaamualaikum

that's really true, im a big sufferer of this, i listen to lectures and read books and Alhamdulillah have changed in alot of ways but one thing i find so difficult is the hijaab. i wear it sometimes and i always love wearing it but i think satan gets to me big time because i dont wear it 24/7 and im really scared to wear it! It really bugs me when people say "excuses excuses", i know satan makes 1000 excuses for one sin... by thats my main problem, I KNOW all of this, despite, i still cant bring myself to wear it! arghhhh!! thats why i say "ewhen im ready" because the last thing i want to do is be like so many other girls, put it on and then take it off! I see the hijaab is a big responsiblity, you are WEARING the name of islam. I know peolpe would take me more seriously if i wore it but i dunno... i really cant explain myself..




Dearest Sister:

I'm not going to say to you that it is easy - although I have known many people who wear hijab right away the moment that they become Muslim - no one else can understand the hardships we go through and one thing may be easy for one person yet difficult for another. Alhumdulilah, I have worn it now for 11 years and it is a part of me that I could never set aside.

I know what you mean that you are scared to wear it. When I first became Muslim I was living in Arkansas and that is really Bible Belt country. Most people at that time were not wearing hijab - including the women from Muslim countries - they wore it in their country and when they got to the US they took it off. I'm not making excuses for anyone - as we all should agree that it is obligitory to wear. The facts remain, people did not wear it.

I was a new Muslim so I was scared to wear it - what would people say - what would people do? I started to wear hijab on Eid. I wore it to the mosque for Eid prayers and afterwards we went for breakfast and I did not take it off (my hair would be messed, it's Eid, why not wear it - etc., etc.). Anyway, I did not take it off and I wore it for the second time in public. When the waitress came to our table . . . she seemed scared - not sure of how to react (remember, back then no one else was setting an example so people were not used to seeing women wear hijab). I was polite . . . said my pleases and thank yous and the woman started to smile and warm up to us. It was then that I realized . . . when I am wearing hijab - and I act with proper ettiquette with people - I am not only telling people that I am a decent person, but now I am also giving people a reflection of Islam. I am saying - Muslims are not bad people. Anything I say or do while wearing hijab is not only a reflection of myself but is a reflection of Islam and is a way that I can make dawah - by making people see Islam through my actions (of course, we need to make sure our actions are a reflection of Islam). After we ate at the restaurant we left and as we were leaving there were two women with several children in tow. Because it was Eid, everyone was wearing nice dresses and hijab (not a sight to be seen at that time). It was so touching to see other women in hijab that I actually cried. It was such a beautiful sight that I promised Allah that I would never take mine off - and, alhumdulilah, I never have.

Since then, I live in a different state and people are more open to Muslims - they see us more and they are much more educated that people in the South (sorry for any Southerners out there!) We are treated well here - for the most part - but we are still not treated the same as people of other faiths.

The only way that we will ever be treated "the same" is if we compromise to the point of being completely like them in thought and deed. Being a Muslim means being different - it is inherent in our religion. The thing we need to realize is that it doesn't matter if we let people know we are Muslim or if we try to hide it . . . it doesn't matter if we dress like they do or we dress like Muslims should dress . . . we are not the same to them no matter what. Beyond that, do we really want to go before Allah and say that we were too shamed or afraid to tell the world that we are Muslim? If we truly believe that being a Muslim is the right choice, then shouldn't we be a banner for all people to see - that we live what we believe and we follow what we believe and that Islam is the truth?

For the non-muslims - it doesn't matter how we dress - they are not going to treat us any differently. Because, when you get down to it . . . it doesn't matter . . . we are still different from them and they can't understand us and our way of life. They will never understand it unless they become open to the message of Islam and many of them are just happy being where they are . . . wearing their short skirts . . . bearing their bodies in the name of freedom . . . and doing things that they should be ashamed of if they only truly believed that God was well aware of all that they do.

Before becoming Muslim, I used to believe that I was only worth something if I tried to make myself as beautiful as possible. I wouldn't even go check the mail unless I had my hair and makeup fixed. Becoming Muslim and wearing hijab taught me that there is more to beauty than just what you show off to people.

There is something liberating about going around satisfied about who you are as a person . . . not having to compete with others . . . not having to be something you aren't and not having to hide behind makeup and clothing that reveals while concealing your true worth as a person. We are worth much more than just bodies to be paraded around and admired - we have hearts and we have souls and we have minds that contain so much more than what is seen in a quick stolen glance by hungry wolves out on the prowl.

The important thing for us to realize . . . life is not a popularity contest. If we only worry about what everyone is going to think of us . . . if we only worry about what people are going to say . . . we are truly going to miss the true message of Islam. If we are not willing to make the sacrifices and to try our best to do what is pleasing to Allah, Allah will not allow us to receive the wisdom needed for true success in this life and in the hereafter. If we seek Allah's pleasure in all that we do, despite the obstacles, Allah will open up other avenues for blessings and provide us with other opportunities for personal growth and wisdom.

As is stated in Sahih Al-Bukhari:

Narrated Anas (R): The Prophet (S) said, "Allah says: 'When a slave of Mine draws near to Me a span, I draw near to him a cubit; and if he draws near to Me a cubit, I draw near to him a fathom. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.'"

For all things that Islam requires of us, there is beauty and wisdom to be gained . . . if we only were to reflect and live our lives accordingly.


<<<I can only hope that these words are of some benefit to you.>>>


Asalaam 'Alaikum,
Sumayyah (Muslimbychoice)
__________________
http://www.muslimbychoice.blogspot.com/

sis muslimbychoice

:j: for this. My sister has taken off her hijab and now wears it as bandana which hides nothing really but hair. I was wondering if i could email her your reply to sis sparkls and whether you have anything to add it. She has non-muslim friends and she is dying to fit in. Also my sister-in-law doesnt wear anyhting Islamic at all and my sis thinks that when she wears hijab she looks older than my 33 yrs sis-in-law. She feels frumpy and unattractive. I always get her books, tapes about hijab but she listens, softens a bit but few hours later, she carries on from where she left off prior listening/reading about Hijab. I am soo tired of advising her now.

Anyone who would like to forward this is more than welcome - there is no problem with forwarding my posts, unless you are going to say that you wrote it! I may have more to add, but would say that perhaps you would like to share this article with her and then let us know what she says and how she feels. That may give us a better idea how to approach her and help her with this, insha'Allah.

If you want to know the truth, and perhaps this is just my opinion - but really the cure for not doing something we should (apart from realizing the problem and tackling it head-on) is knowledge. Some people think they have to beat the idea of wearing hijab (among other things) into other people's heads - but the problem is that the people usually get upset, angry and defiant. This is really not the way to do dawah. One of the beautiful things about this religion is that - if we look into the history of the Muslims, people became Muslim because of the wonderful character the Muslims displayed - because of their beautiful conduct and example. People who were captured in wars were so amazed at how the Muslims took care of them and how the Muslims treated them - that they decided to declare Islam as their religion when not much before that time they were true enemies of Islam.

When I was growing up, my father was a smoker. He smoked I don't know how many packs a day - but it was a lot. I was young, so I did what I could to "help" - I posted pictures of diseased lungs all around the house and constantly begged him to stop. Needless to say - it never achieved anything except making him angry. Later in life, he had cancer and told me I better tell my doctor in case I also got it. He swore up and down it was from the fact that his mother let him play in the sun too long when he was a child. The problem? It was cancer only related to his smoking - but even in his old age he was afraid to admit to me that it was from his smoking. The point I'm trying to make is that sometimes people deep down know that they should do / not do something but they are unable to make the change. However hard we try to get them to stop - it doesn' work - it only makes us tired and angry and them tired and angry.

I would suggest - and this is only my opinion - if you really want to help your sister - help her learn more about islam and stop focusing just on the hijab. Insha'Allah - in time - if Allah opens her heart to it - you may find that she will start to wear the hijab on her own. I spent quite a bit of time when I first became Muslim mulling over the fact that Muslim women were supposed to wear hijab - I knew it, but was unable to find the strength to do it myself. That Rammadan I felt guilty because I couldn't read the Qur'an, so I promised Allah that I would read as much as I could about Islam and prayed that Allah would accept that from me instead. I studied and I read and learned a lot, masha'Allah and Alhumdulilah - I found the strength to wear hijab through increasing my knowledge. Alhumdulilah, that Eid, I never took off my hijab again. So, it is possible to find that strength within us - but perhaps tackling the issue of wearing hijab head-on is not the right place to start.

If you have a nice article you have read about an Islamic issue - or you listened to a really good lecture - share it with her. Don't tell her - "I think this will help you" - but instead just say this is something I listened to and thought you might enjoy listening to it as well. I think that if she starts to increase her faith - then perhaps the feelings inside her heart that made her realize that hijab is necessary will overcome her and she will find hijab a necessary way of life - insha'Allah.

The second best thing you can do is make dua for her that Allah will open her heart to the idea of wearing hijab and to help her to have Islam not only in faith, but in action as well.

<<I hope, insha'Allah, this will be of some benefit to you>>

Asalaam 'Alaikum,
Sumayyah *Muslimbychoice*

Is hijab a must for women?If a women does not wear is she uh compelled to wear it?

Asalam o alikum warahmatulahi warabakatuh..

yeh bro iss fardh aka compulsary..

One of the verses in the Quran protects a woman's fundamental rights. Verse 59 of Surah Al-Ahzaab reads: "O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when outside) : so that they should be known (as such) and not molested".

wasalam o alikum warahmatulahi wabarkatuh.

so if a woman does not wear it she's forced to wear it?

Asalam o alikum warahmatulahi wabarakatuh..

yeh bro she has to wear it, like salah is compulsory on a muslim and so is hijab on a muslim woman.

"...so that they should be known (as such) and not molested"."

more info: http://www.islamfortoday.com/syed06.htm

wasalam o alikum warahmatulahi wabarakatuh