Attractive Hijabs & Shari'ah

['Abd-al Latif]

^

Comparisons were never meant to replace the true spirit of hijab but to remind people of its value. The message portrayed by most of these images is intended to remind one for whom they are wearing the hijab for and what it brings to them. When a woman resolves to wear hijab it is usually to please the Creator but after a while the human forgets. Having knowledge in addition to what one knows already about hijab doesn't bring any harm, it should increases one in iman by reminding one of what Allah has guided her to and whom she is trying to please with it.

As for cultivating and refining one's manners and worship then this is something continuous. To be able to have a deep and meaningful bond with the Creator one needs to attend circles of knowledge, be with righteous company and do good deeds; wearing hijab sincerely for Allah won't replace the need to make additional effort to improve one's self.

And as for those who insult non-hijabi's, who are they? The righteous or the ignorant? It's usually the ignorant who have a lack of direction and overzealousness that makes them reckless.

 

[CosmicPathos]

if unbearded men and nonhijab women can get the same status in front of Allah (while looking good and clean in public) that bearded men and hijabi women can, then is there any purpose for growing facial hair or putting some piece of cloth on?

 

[جوري]

Attractive Hijabs & Shari'ah

I must challenge the concept of attractive hijab per article.. what is posted above just looks very busy to me. Attractive to me are Earth toned & monochromatic which I presume are the garment accepted by sharia'a and looks very professional. It is true when I travel to places like Egypt everyone looks like candy to me compared to KSA.. One can't change people's tastes but I personally love simplicity and I know it comes with a high price. You just need to browse the web and see, I think the majority dress this way because it is what is made available to them at an affordable price.. I wish more people would either cater to Muslim taste at an affordable price or folks would learn the craft of garment making but When I buy a simple gray skirt with a kick box pleat or a Jelbab from Aabuk.com it costs a fortune. Not every Muslimah can afford that and it is really unfortunate that cheap polyester crap from China is making it on Muslim bodies...

 

[TrueStranger]

^

Comparisons were never meant to replace the true spirit of hijab but to remind people of its value. The message portrayed by most of these images is intended to remind one for whom they are wearing the hijab for and what it brings to them. When a woman resolves to wear hijab it is usually to please the Creator but after a while the human forgets. Having knowledge in addition to what one knows already about hijab doesn't bring any harm, it should increases one in iman by reminding one of what Allah has guided her to and whom she is trying to please with it.

Salaam Aliakum,

I cannot speak about the intentions behind those comparisons, but their overall meaning and inferences. The value of hijab does not lie in apples, bananas, candies, and minerals. It lies in the individual and Islam. Largely, the message has a theme that has two opposing extremes. Good/bad, religious/****ed, pure/impure. One cannot simply compare a hijabi with a fresh fruit and simultaneously imply that rotten fruits indict non-hijabi. One requires having the correct knowledge to be guided towards Allah, and comparisons that downgraded non-hijabi Muslims is not a correct knowledge. I personally would not take a compliment that insults someone else.

As for cultivating and refining one's manners and worship then this is something continuous. To be able to have a deep and meaningful bond with the Creator one needs to attend circles of knowledge, be with righteous company and do good deeds; wearing hijab sincerely for Allah won't replace the need to make additional effort to improve one's self.

Manners and worship are not merely additional aspects of Islam, but essential columns of faith. One does not replace the other, but in general, people but more emphasis on outward appearance especially when it comes to hijab and ignore or downplay other characteristics of hijab.

And as for those who insult non-hijabi's, who are they? The righteous or the ignorant? It's usually the ignorant who have a lack of direction and overzealousness that makes them reckless.

I cannot simply describe someone righteous or ignorant, but these ignorant views are becoming more common these days and misplaced comparisons are not helping at all.

 

[~Zaria~]

Salaam Aliakum Zaria,

I just want to state my impression and understanding of comments that compare Hijabis with objects, books, fruits, mineral etc. The worst one was the candy. Hijab is meant to create a strong bond between a woman and her Creator, weaken her desires for worldly materials, and protect her socially. The cloth itself does not have value, but the woman's character, demeanor, and her relationship with God is the core value to the Hijab.

The number of women who wear hijab has probably increased over the past ten years, but the value of Hijab sadly hasn't. That is probably due to people emphasizing the cloak, and not the importance of prayer, devotion, and the inward characteristic of hijab.

There is something disturbing about pens becoming "useless', apples become "rotten", banana's "turning black", unwrapped candies being "surround by flies". These things are for the most part true, but we are comparing them to Human Beings....and that is where it becomes a problem. This attitude usually allows certain Muslim women and men to directly insult women who for whatever reason are not wearing their Hijab. Has a non-Hijabi woman completely diminished in value? Is she useless? Rotten? Surround by flies as if she is filthy? That is the message of those words. We have to remember that sometimes the atmosphere is polluted, fruits with fresh peels are rotten from within, sheath cracks, and the pages of the book are of low quality, and no amount of exterior protection will change that easily.


I heard the term "HoeJabi" yesterday for the first time in a Muslim talk show. What demented mind constructed such a term? And what purpose was it meant to serve? In the process of advocating, praising, and encouraging the Hijab we unfortunately make comparisons which might be appealing to some, and insulting to others. Let's just focus on what God and His Messenger says about Hijab, and its importance and ignore new innovative endorsements of the Hijab. Some people might disagree with me, but most hijabis will continue to wear their hijab without constantly hearing some of those misplaced comparisons.

Wa-aliakumsalam sister,

JazakAllah for expressing your views.

I completely agree with your initial statements......as has been discussed in this thread, hijab does not only refer to the outer garb of a woman.

However,

The similitude of the hijab to those things which are known to protect, remove from harm and emphasise how precious that concealed item is - are all means of praising the hijab, and as brother 'Abd al Latif has said - to remind people the purpose and wisdom of hijab.

The comparisons that have been drawn above - are all true.
The unwrapped candy does indeed draw flies and insects towards it.
The apple does indeed go bad, without its peel......

Just as these items require the protection of their respective coverings - so too, do women.
Alhamdulillah.

These examples are in no way meant to be demeaning of those who do not observe hijab.
Rather - within these examples are lessons......for those who wish to reflect on Allah (subhanawataálas) wisdom in all matters.
There are soo many similitudes in life (not just with regards to hijab) - for man to draw upon these and contemplate upon their meanings.

And yes, a change of the external self may not necessarily reflect the internal self.

However, very often - it is initially by means of a inner/ spiritual 'awakening' - that 'propels' a woman to observe hijab completely and willingly (when in the past, she may have found great difficulty in doing so).

The woman who choses to ignore the commands of hijab, most certainly needs to reflect on the weaknesses within her imaan and taqwa which are hindering her from obeying her Creator in this regard.

And yes, many will (mentally) distinguish between the 'hijaabi' women and the 'non-hijaabi' women......the 'bearded' men and the 'non-bearded' men.......
And this is not with the intention to belittle/ insult their choices or to be judgemental.

But rather - these physical attributes of a mu'min serve to create sub-conscious 'first impressions' to any observer.
Which is why Islam emphasizes the importance of attire/ not dressing like the disbelievers, etc.

If we wish to provide a true reflection of our internal selves - then it is up to us, to make an effort to reveal this externally as well - both in our attire and behaviour towards others.


:wa:

 

['Abd-al Latif]

Salaam Aliakum,

I cannot speak about the intentions behind those comparisons, but their overall meaning and inferences. The value of hijab does not lie in apples, bananas, candies, and minerals. It lies in the individual and Islam. Largely, the message has a theme that has two opposing extremes. Good/bad, religious/****ed, pure/impure. One cannot simply compare a hijabi with a fresh fruit and simultaneously imply that rotten fruits indict non-hijabi. One requires having the correct knowledge to be guided towards Allah, and comparisons that downgraded non-hijabi Muslims is not a correct knowledge. I personally would not take a compliment that insults someone else.



Manners and worship are not merely additional aspects of Islam, but essential columns of faith. One does not replace the other, but in general, people but more emphasis on outward appearance especially when it comes to hijab and ignore or downplay other characteristics of hijab.



I cannot simply describe someone righteous or ignorant, but these ignorant views are becoming more common these days and misplaced comparisons are not helping at all.

You're missing my point. I never said that the value of hijab lies in objects nor was I comparing hijab with fruits. What I said was that there is nothing wrong with these pictures. If you've browsed any of my threads/posts before then you would have seen that I am far removed from encouraging people to practice Islam through 'modern' means, i.e. nonsensical emotional nasheeds, pictures etc. I always quote the Qur'an and hadeeth.

Let me try again. If a sister wants to wear hijab because she doesn't want flies (metaphorically speaking) coming to her and feels hijab is the way out, then the intention is wrong; if she does it because it's the norm, the intention is again wrong and if she does it because doesn't want to be seen as 'rotten' on the inside, the intention is still wrong. One has to wear hijab for Allah. But if one wants to wear hijab for the right reasons and these pictures give them a push, what's wrong with it?

 

[TrueStranger]

Wa-aliakumsalam sister,

JazakAllah for expressing your views.

I completely agree with your initial statements......as has been discussed in this thread, hijab does not only refer to the outer garb of a woman.

However,

The similitude of the hijab to those things which are known to protect, remove from harm and emphasise how precious that concealed item is - are all means of praising the hijab, and as brother 'Abd al Latif has said - to remind people the purpose and wisdom of hijab.

The comparisons that have been drawn above - are all true.
The unwrapped candy does indeed draw flies and insects towards it.
The apple does indeed go bad, without its peel......

Just as these items require the protection of their respective coverings - so too, do women.
Alhamdulillah.

These examples are in no way meant to be demeaning of those who do not observe hijab.
Rather - within these examples are lessons......for those who wish to reflect on Allah (subhanawataálas) wisdom in all matters.
There are soo many similitudes in life (not just with regards to hijab) - for man to draw upon these and contemplate upon their meanings.

And yes, a change of the external self may not necessarily reflect the internal self.

However, very often - it is initially by means of a inner/ spiritual 'awakening' - that 'propels' a woman to observe hijab completely and willingly (when in the past, she may have found great difficulty in doing so).

The woman who choses to ignore the commands of hijab, most certainly needs to reflect on the weaknesses within her imaan and taqwa which are hindering her from obeying her Creator in this regard.

And yes, many will (mentally) distinguish between the 'hijaabi' women and the 'non-hijaabi' women......the 'bearded' men and the 'non-bearded' men.......
And this is not with the intention to belittle/ insult their choices or to be judgemental.

But rather - these physical attributes of a mu'min serve to create sub-conscious 'first impressions' to any observer.
Which is why Islam emphasizes the importance of attire/ not dressing like the disbelievers, etc.

If we wish to provide a true reflection of our internal selves - then it is up to us, to make an effort to reveal this externally as well - both in our attire and behaviour towards others.


:wa:

There will always be difference of opinion and views, and for me personally it's quite difficult to see the logic or wisdom of comparing objects, plants, animals, or minerals with the Hijab. One can’t simplify human nature. There are modest women who dress modestly and have ‘flies” around them. Sometimes the apple’s peel is in fact rotten. And those observations can also be said to be true. However, at the end, they do not provide a holistic picture. I really can’t use such terms to refer to humans and their behavior. A woman is not only protected by the hijab, but also by the law ( Islamic) and society (Usually not the case in most countries).

The candy ad remains to be misleading. The flies ( I'm assuming Men) are not there merely as a “result” of the missing wrap, but also because they are committing a crime- harassing or sexually assaulting the woman. One just cannot argue/imply that wearing proper hijab alone will protect Muslim women, and once she takes it off, any problem that might arise is her fault. Sister, there are plenty of incidents that involves a hijabi getting unwanted attention and/or being harassed by Muslim men. More importantly, the ad gives the false impression that Hijabis are chaste, holy, and virtuous. Two unnecessary and extreme generalizations. These are neither lessons nor examples that are in the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) or the Qu’ran.

It’s obvious that these examples are by nature distorted when dealing with Hijabis and non-Hijabis in the sense that it creates a one dimensional perspective of reality, not to forget overgeneralizations. We simply do not know the “preciousness” or the “holiness” of any woman. These phrases are superficial and lack the most essential meaning of hijab and its purpose.

To me, it appears as we’re indirectly mocking these women by saying they attract files, diminishing their value by associating them with insects, and emphasizing negativity and badness by comparing it to what appears to us as “pure”.

There are other ways to encourage the Hijab without judging or comparing Muslim women with objects, plants, animals, or minerals. I will respect anyone who sees these comparisons differently, but I can’t respect the comparisons that are made.

 

[TrueStranger]

You're missing my point. I never said that the value of hijab lies in objects nor was I comparing hijab with fruits. What I said was that there is nothing wrong with these pictures. If you've browsed any of my threads/posts before then you would have seen that I am far removed from encouraging people to practice Islam through 'modern' means, i.e. nonsensical emotional nasheeds, pictures etc. I always quote the Qur'an and hadeeth.

You also said

"Comparisons were never meant to replace the true spirit of hijab but to remind people of its value"

Do you honestly think that those comparisons can remind people of the value of Hijab? And if your answer is yes, then would you agree that those comparisons also de-value non-hijabis in the process?

Let me try again. If a sister wants to wear hijab because she doesn't want flies (metaphorically speaking) coming to her and feels hijab is the way out, then the intention is wrong; if she does it because it's the norm, the intention is again wrong and if she does it because doesn't want to be seen as 'rotten' on the inside, the intention is still wrong. One has to wear hijab for Allah. But if one wants to wear hijab for the right reasons and these pictures give them a push, what's wrong with it?

I think there is a good reason why there isn't any prescribed worldly punishment for not wearing the hijab in the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and the Qu'ran. Dress code can not be equated with behavior.

I will tell you what I find wrong with these images and comparisons. It does not only describe the supposed "pureness" of a Hijabi, but goes a step further and degrades the non-Hijabi. Like I've stated before, if not a Hijabi, then one must be useless, rotten, unprotected etc....The hijab is being used as a tool to measure a woman’s supposed religiosity, purity, preciousness, and even sexuality. Generalization and stereotypes is all these comparisons provide.

Walahi, Muslim women who wear the Hijab and the Niqab should know this experience first hand. I personally get angry when I see Westerns making indications that stereotype women who wear the Hijab or the veil. The associated negativity includes notions such as "oppressed", "asexual", "subordinate", "uneducated", and ignorant of her own "existence". Generalizations and Stereotypes.

Again, you do not have to agree with me or even understand my view, but it's an opinion I hold.

 

[CosmicPathos]

Abdal Latif: if you can answer my question above?

Generalizations are very important for human societies to work. Without generalizations, human societies will become non-functional. Some generalizations are right, some are wrong, once you realize that the one you made is wrong, you correct it, and make another one. That is how societies work. A person who does not get into med school, despite numerous tries, it can be reasonably generalized that he/she is not cut for it. Yes, this generalization could be wrong, but the onus is on that person to prove it wrong.

As for someone saying that dress code does not equte to behavior. This is quite childish and irresponsible claim. Dress code, if you have free will, represents one's thoughts, behaviors and intentions for the most part. A doctor who dresses like a rock star at work is highlighting unprofessional behavior. |A businessman who dresses in Khaki shorts and sandals at business meeting is being unprofessional. A Muslim who dresses like kaafirs is being sinful.

Someone mentioned that hijab cant be compared to candy wrappers because does it mean non-hijabis are rotten? Why do not you think they are rotten when it comes to following this specific command of Allah? Are two people who engage in zina rotten? Well Western ethics say that as long as it consensual, it is a normal human activity and totally benign. But does Islam consider such two people filthy unless they repent? Yes. So why cant such reasoning be extended to unbearded men and nonhijabi women? Why special pleading for sinners?

And yes human behavior can be simplified to basic components: genetics + environment + neurotransmitters + pathologies. That is how science progresses and that is how the whole discipline of psychology works.

 

[جوري]

that is how the whole discipline of psychology works.

It is NOT and I think you'll soon learn once you sit for your MLE's just how many correct answers there are amidst the one most correct. Life isn't so black and white and we're certainly all individuals .. Allah swt has conferred such a dignity on us that doesn't loan itself to a broad brush:

[FONT=Verdana,arial]
Al-Mutaffifin (Those Who Deal in Fraud) [83:26] [RECITE]

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Khitamuhu miskun wafee thalika falyatanafasi almutanafisoona​

83:26 : And for this let those aspire, who have aspirations:

Generalizations are only created and meant so that kaffirs can classify us in totality as terrorists.


​

[/FONT]

 

[CosmicPathos]

It is NOT and I think you'll soon learn once you sit for your MLE's just how many correct answers there are amidst the one most correct. Life isn't so black and white and we're certainly all individuals .. Allah swt has conferred such a dignity on us that doesn't loan itself to a broad brush:


Al-Mutaffifin (Those Who Deal in Fraud) [83:26] [RECITE]

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Khitamuhu miskun wafee thalika falyatanafasi almutanafisoona​

83:26 : And for this let those aspire, who have aspirations:

Generalizations are only created and meant so that kaffirs can classify us in totality as terrorists.


​

wsalam sis, I agree that we dont know how it works but there are some basic facts. Even Prophet Muhammad pbuh understood basic human psychological functioning. I just need to mention one incident. There was an orphan child sitting and not playing around like other people. Prophet pbuh saw it and went to him and started the conversation by saying something that when he was a child, he lost both his parents. Prophet pbuh knew that this is the only way which would let this child confide in him, because Prophet has been through what he is going through. It is all basic human psyche (which of course is result of our brain, our neurons and all that music).

and those generalizations of kaafirs are wrong. evidence is contrary to that. come on sis, you also acknowledge that without generalizations, we cant function. We get some right, others wrong. That is how Allah swt created our brain to function. When I see a Muslim with a beard, I wont be wrong to generalize that he eats halal food. If I find him eating pork, then yes my genearlization was wrong, but the fact still remains that most bearded Muslims eat halal and I extrapolated from that and that is quite reasonable. we do the same thing in medicine, we generalize from population studies and apply the evidence to the individual on the assumption that most likely the individual falls within 2 std deviation of the bell curve.

 

[جوري]

wsalam sis, I agree that we dont know how it works but there are some basic facts. Even Prophet Muhammad pbuh understood basic human psychological functioning. I just need to mention one incident. There was an orphan child sitting and not playing around like other people. Prophet pbuh saw it and went to him and started the conversation by saying something that when he was a child, he lost both his parents. Prophet pbuh knew that this is the only way which would let this child confide in him, because Prophet has been through what he is going through. It is all basic human psyche (which of course is result of our brain, our neurons and all that music).

wa3lykoum aslaam wr wb akhi,

Do you not believe that his action shows complexity rather than simplicity? It was the prophet PBUH who said:
مسلم عن ابن مسعود قال "ما أنت بمحدث قوما حديثا لا تبلغه عقولهم إلا كان لبعضهم فتنة.

and though it is a weak hadith we can see it play in several portions such as with the Bedouin who came to ask the prophet PBUH on how to be a good Muslim and he told him only of the five pillars as he knew the Bedouin wouldn't reason laws of governance, economics and inheritance!
So human psychology wasn't invented by westerners sometime a century ago as let's face it not only are they constantly amending their ways, they've been proven wrong about a great many things.
If you truly reason Islam in your heart and mind you'll find no greater philosophy, creed or a way of life. You can't coin common sense and turn it into a science I am hoping that one day you'll see past all the crap they teach.. Everything even math is borne out of our imagination if you'd reflect on:

Al-Baqara (The Cow) [2:31] [RECITE]

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WaAAallama adama alasmaa kullaha thumma AAaradahum AAala almalaikati faqala anbioonee biasmai haolai in kuntum sadiqeena​

2:31 And He taught Adam the nature of all things; then He placed them before the angels, and said: "Tell me the nature of these if ye are right."

that amongst other things will define the fitrah of man.


​

 

[MustafaMc]

Although I believe that wearing a scarf is an essential part of a woman's hijab, I also believe that the intention of the woman for modesty in her dress is reflected in the choices she makes in what to wear. If we are honest with ourselves, a woman has a natural tendancy to make herself look beautiful as it is in man's nature to look at beautiful women. The degree to which a person strives to control those natural tendencies (for the sake of Allah) is, in my opinion, a reflection of his/her faith. I personally don't believe a strict mandatory dress codes like a niqab or only drab scarves should be forced on women. Again I believe it is a matter of faith and her heart should tell her what is acceptable Islamically as opposed to what is the bare minimum to get by with. I don't think the color or designs on a hijab is what attracts men, but rather the shape of her body and the flow of her hair. That is what she should conceal. My opinion is that an example of the influence a woman's hair has on her attractiveness, is that almost no African-Americans wear their naturally curly/kinky hair, but instead use straighteners and many braid their hair quite intricately. Again, if a woman fears Allah, she should cover her hair and modestly conceal the shape of her body.

I am reminded of the hadith, Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah 's Apostle said, "Treat women nicely, for a women is created from a rib, and the most curved portion of the rib is its upper portion, so, if you should try to straighten it, it will break, but if you leave it as it is, it will remain crooked. So treat women nicely."

 

['Abd-al Latif]

:salamext:

Sis TrueStranger, I have never disagreed with you and I am not arguing against you. I hold the same view as you but I have only gone further and said that there is nothing wrong with those pictures. Pictures will never replace the true meaning of worshipping Allah but I don't see the harm in looking at the benefits from another angle after first knowing whom we are doing our actions for. Is there anything Islamically wrong with this?

I fully understand the value of having substance and not judging one's image alone. I can't speak for sisters but I can at least talk about myself; I've noticed over the years that a lot of people feel intimidated by me because I have a beard. Does having more facial hair than is the custom in UK make me threatening in some way? Or does it mean that I should automatically be given preference to lead the prayer because the people should assume the man the with the longest beard is somehow always supposed to be the imam? When one has not been accompanied by righteous company who affirm one's good actions, see such images just bring a mere smile to one's face. It's why I said that I see no harm in them but again it can never replace the true meaning of doing actions, with knowledge, for the sake of Allah.

Cosmicpathos, sorry I didn't know your question was directed to me. The only one's who are higher in the sight of Allah are those with the most taqwa. And having taqwa is not exclusive to actions of the heart, it includes actions of the limbs and statements of the tongue. So if one grows a beard or wears hijab for the sake of Allah then he/she is far better than one doesn't wear hijab at all or grows a beard.

 

[Insaanah]

Hijaab really doesn't sit well with the comparisons/analogies given on the previous page. If we want to take the comparison of fruits and their skins, then what covers our interior, is actually our skin. Without our skin, our organs would not be held in place, we would look unbelievably ugly, we would smell unbearable, and our insides would dry up (amongst other major bodily problems that would happen) and we'd die. Hijaab is stretching it a bit.

No one puts it better and more graciously than Allah:

O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful. (33:59)

I also think that rather than looking at hijaab (referring to scarf and jilbaab here) in isolation as is so often done, one needs to look at where it fits into the whole Islamic system in context:

http://www.islamicboard.com/general/134309050-stoning.html#post1468117

This is what is said about hijaab on a short leaflet on Islam:

Muslim men and women must dress modestly. Hijaab literally means 'to cover' and is generally used to refer to the covering a Muslim woman (Muslimah) adopts out of modesty when in public. It is one aspect out of a wider context of purity of thought and action for both men and women. This includes lowering one's gaze, avoiding freemixing with the opposite gender, behaving in a proper manner in necessary interactions with the opposite gender, etc. Due to differences in temperament and nature between men and women, a greater degree of privacy is required for women. Hijaab protects a Muslimah - it is not a sign of authority of man over woman, nor of subjugation or oppression. A Muslimah's standards of modesty come from God, not from man, nor from society at large, and there is inner peace that comes from that.

And Allah knows best in all matters.

 

[MustafaMc]

So if one grows a beard or wears hijab for the sake of Allah then he/she is far better

So, if a person wears a hijab AND grows a beard, then is he/she even better than doing either alone? (Sorry, for the humor, but I couldn't help myself.;D) BTW, I agree with what you said.

 

['Abd-al Latif]

So, if a person wears a hijab AND grows a beard, then is he/she even better than doing either alone? (Sorry, for the humor, but I couldn't help myself.;D) BTW, I agree with what you said.

It's why I said if one wears hijab or [one] grows a beard. I would have thought the absence of mentioning a gender shouldn't cause this confusion.

 

[MustafaMc]

Muslim men and women must dress modestly. Hijaab literally means 'to cover' and is generally used to refer to the covering a Muslim woman (Muslimah) adopts out of modesty when in public. It is one aspect out of a wider context of purity of thought and action for both men and women.

Assalamu alaikum, masha'Allah, wonderfully written. I agree with what you wrote.

I am of course not a woman and I don't know the difficulty of wearing hijab in the West. I have kept a beard since early 2002 due to my desire to follow the sunnah of Muhammad and I have no intention of ever shaving it off. However, if I am coerced to do so one day (as in prison or such), I don't think I would be any less a Muslim because of it. Perhaps, a Muslimah's attire is a reflection of what is in her heart and the strength of her iman and taqwa.

 

[~Zaria~]

Assalamu-alaikum,


I am not sure why these comparisons, that are simply highlighting one aspect (of many important aspects of hijab) - has been construed so negatively.

​

The image is actually critical of men - by comparing them to flies (lol).......from whom woman need protection.
From the first picture, it is clear that even the candy, covered in its wrapper - may gain the attention of some flies.
i.e: the hijab is certainly a hinderance from the unwanted attention of men (hence less 'flies' around, but of course, its not a guarantee against all men).

By saying:

"You can't stop them......


is laying blame at mën - not women.


"But you can protect yourself. Your creator has your best interests at heart."

This is meant to empower women to protect themselves - by means of hijab.

And to emphasize just one of the great reasons behind Allahs command for hijab.

The picture likens woman to something sweet and pleasurable - such as candy.
The woman in hijab is still the same candy - except that she is covered up.

In other words - the non-hijaabi woman is not compared to something that is inferior or demeaning......but rather, something that is exposed and vulnerable to the evil external forces of this world.


It all depends on how one wishes to view something - is the glass half empty, or half full?

Personally, i think that women need all the encouragement we can give them, backed by good reasonings (such as above) - that insha Allah, something.....anything.....may result in a change of heart.

And sometimes, the hijab may not be adopted purely to gain the pleasure of Allah.
Sometimes - it may be adopted just because ones father/ husband has said so......or the realisation that it protects ones modesty......or the need to 'fit' into a group of other 'hijaabis'......

Whatever the initial reason to wear hijab, it is, insha Allah, a step in the right direction.


:wa:

 

[Cabdullahi]

Assalamu-alaikum,


I am not sure why these comparisons, that are simply highlighting one aspect (of many important aspects of hijab) - has been construed so negatively.

View attachment 4779


The image is actually critical of men - by comparing them to flies (lol).......from whom woman need protection.
From the first picture, it is clear that even the candy, covered in its wrapper - may gain the attention of some flies.
i.e: the hijab is certainly a hinderance from the unwanted attention of men (hence less 'flies' around, but of course, its not a guarantee against all men).

By saying:

"You can't stop them......


is laying blame at mën - not women.


"But you can protect yourself. Your creator has your best interests at heart."

This is meant to empower women to protect themselves - by means of hijab.

And to emphasize just one of the great reasons behind Allahs command for hijab.

The picture likens woman to something sweet and pleasurable - such as candy.
The woman in hijab is still the same candy - except that she is covered up.

In other words - the non-hijaabi woman is not compared to something that is inferior or demeaning......but rather, something that is exposed and vulnerable to the evil external forces of this world.


It all depends on how one wishes to view something - is the glass half empty, or half full?

Personally, i think that women need all the encouragement we can give them, backed by good reasonings (such as above) - that insha Allah, something.....anything.....may result in a change of heart.

And sometimes, the hijab may not be adopted purely to gain the pleasure of Allah.
Sometimes - it may be adopted just because ones father/ husband has said so......or the realisation that it protects ones modesty......or the need to 'fit' into a group of other 'hijaabis'......

Whatever the initial reason to wear hijab, it is, insha Allah, a step in the right direction.


:wa:

If the campaign ad above portrays men as flies...then at least I'm a free living thing with wings unlike the inanimate object that has a short shelf life....sweet now, soon to be bitter.