Wore hijab for the first time

[muslimahzoya]

And was promptly turned into a freakshow. People telling me to "go back where I came from", etc.

I'm American born. That fact seemed to anger them more than anything, in fact one told me "they flew planes into our WTC. How can you become one of them?!"

I lost family in the WTC on 9/11. To be accused of not caring about that fact is a slap in the face.

How can I continue to wear hijab if I am afraid for my safety? As it was, I'm surprised I made it out of the store with my underscarf as my overscarf (pins and all) was jerked from my head.

 

[Simple_Person]

sister,


Abu Dawud mentions in the Sunnan, related by Ahmad :
It is in the Saheehah (when you hear as-Saheehah it means it is authenticated by Shaikh Naasir ud-Din al-Albaani in his authentic books of narrations – Hadith No. 959) :The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said :“This my Ummah, is a Ummah that has mercy upon it, ‘Marhooma’- a Ummah that has mercy that’s been wrapped in Mercies; there is no punishment for this Ummah in the Hereafter except their punishment that they experience in the Dunya — killing and death and dying, trials and tribulations, earthquakes and the like.” And the wording of Abu Dawud is : ‘This Ummah reminds of the Ummah, that Allaah has placed His mercy upon. This Ummah will not have any punishment in the Hereafter, this punishment is in this world with fitn, trials, tribulations and punishments and difficulties, and earthquakes and killings, murder, death.. like this.

‘As recorded in Buhari and Muslim: The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said :“Whoever Allah wants good for him, he puts them to test. He puts them through difficulties. Like a diamond or some metal that has to be burnt and then that which is bad from it is removed so that you have that which is the pure diamond or the pure gold or whatever. Put them to tests, trials and difficulties.”

Source used: https://abdurrahman.org/2014/01/08/greater-hardship-greater-reward/

 

[nk1997]

La hawla wa la quwwata illah Billah this is one of my worst fears, and actually why I'm hesitating to wear hijab/abaya. First of all I'm really, really sorry to hear that you suffered through this.

Were these people your friends or strangers?

 

[talibilm]

And was promptly turned into a freakshow. People telling me to "go back where I came from", etc.

I'm American born. That fact seemed to anger them more than anything, in fact one told me "they flew planes into our WTC. How can you become one of them?!"

I lost family in the WTC on 9/11. To be accused of not caring about that fact is a slap in the face.

How can I continue to wear hijab if I am afraid for my safety? As it was, I'm surprised I made it out of the store with my underscarf as my overscarf (pins and all) was jerked from my head.

WTC twin towers was planned by the zionists not Muslims . that's a trick n slander to stop Islam from spreading in USA by the Jew Zionists since the year prior to this tragedy, Dr Zakir Naik defeated 100%, The Author David Cambell on open live debate in Chicago (youtube) where 3000 Christian & Jew Apologetics were stunned & shamed and that sent shock waves to underground Missionaries of the clear Chance of Islam spreading to the USA . Mostly non Jews died in the tragedy but Jews were the major occupants of WTC will be another proof from so many other proofs of planned demolition of it. see those videos which prove it.

So we follow Islam to please our Creator . Even If a so called Muslim does bad does not mean Islam is bad . If a driver makes an accident with a nice car like MBenz we have to blame the driver not the car.

 

[azc]

In this anti Islam ambience, this treatment is common occurrence

 

[muslimahzoya]

In this anti Islam ambience, this treatment is common occurrence

Sadly, you're correct.

 

[muslimahzoya]

La hawla wa la quwwata illah Billah this is one of my worst fears, and actually why I'm hesitating to wear hijab/abaya. First of all I'm really, really sorry to hear that you suffered through this.

Were these people your friends or strangers?

Strangers, but most of my family is very anti-Islam as well. My husband slipped up and mentioned I'd reverted to Islam at a family gathering the other evening, and a family member told me (with sheer fury in her eyes) that I had "better not set foot in [her] house with a rag on [my] head." Broke my heart.

 

[Serinity]

may Allah help you sister. WTC has nothing to do with Islam.

I'd report that to the police. Such a thing is unacceptable (tearing your outer scarf off)

They have this stereotype of how a Muslim is (running around bombing people, however silly that sounds). Maybe go with a brother of yours if you have one??

we need to make an organisation that reports such. Most of them are ignorant as can be.

may Allah help you, I feel sorry for you. Try to go to some Masjids and socialise with pious practicing sisters.

Know that whatever hardship you go through, Allah has it recorded, and Allah never forgets.
Allahu alam.

 

[Simple_Person]

Strangers, but most of my family is very anti-Islam as well. My husband slipped up and mentioned I'd reverted to Islam at a family gathering the other evening, and a family member told me (with sheer fury in her eyes) that I had "better not set foot in [her] house with a rag on [my] head." Broke my heart.

Then you respect her decision and do not visit her home. However you show good character towards everybody. If you see her at another family members home, you treat her well and be kind to her. In'sha'Allah, she will want to hang out with you and want to know about Islam. People's character is the first thing that is being noticed. However do keep in mind that it also depends on the condition of the people themselves. Some are very cynical to begin with. These people do not believe in change and will never believe that you have changed. They will try to poke you and poke you and poke you to "confirm to themselves" that you have not changed. These people will never believe that you have changed even if years have gone by. So it does not matter if you are a Muslim or Christian or Atheist, they will stay cynical.

Treat them nice and leave them be, as they also do not accept any feedback or advice. Pondering is the last thing they do. In'sha'Allah some day when Allah(swt) brings them a calamity that nobody can help them, they start to think different.

If the case with that family member of yours is hate, that is much easier to "handle". There is you (they don't hate you) and there is Islam (they might hate Islam). Show them true Islam, then they will recognize that their hate is misplaced.

 

[noraina]

Wa alaykum assalam,

Sister, I truly understand how you're feeling. Unfortunately in this day and age Islamophobia is on the rise - I feel very conscious whenever I go outside and I do fear any form of hate crime, and it's really sad that things have become like this.

However, what keeps me going is the firm believe that Allah will reward you for anything you do for His sake. When you wear the hijab, it is such a life-changing decision you make for the sake of your deen - and we can be assured that for the hardships we face now, we'll find the fruits of our efforts with Allah swt.

And, especially as a Muslimah, there are some general safety tips you can follow. First, avoid going out alone, try to go with your husband or another male relative, or even some female friends or other Muslim women. There is always safety in numbers. And obviously avoid certain 'dangerous' or crime-prone areas, or going out when it is too dark.

Second, and this is easier to do in the winter. Put a hat or something over your hijab. It makes your hijab a little less 'obvious' but you're still covering yourself, and it might help you as you build up your confidence or if you feel very insecure in'sha'Allah. Similarly, if the abaya seems a little too much, try wearing long skirts and loose shirts on top and progressing from there.

And as for relatives hostile towards Islam - whenever we go towards the deen, there will be some who will resent that decision. As the brother above has said, deal with them with respect and compassion, keep a little distance from then and treat them with the best of manners, and show them the beauty of Islam through your character, words, and actions. And those who are willing to learn and accept, definitely will, in'sha'Allah.

 

[Shamnadanu]

Don't worry sister...There are people who respect you because of that....

 

[Scimitar]

Strangers, but most of my family is very anti-Islam as well. My husband slipped up and mentioned I'd reverted to Islam at a family gathering the other evening, and a family member told me (with sheer fury in her eyes) that I had "better not set foot in [her] house with a rag on [my] head." Broke my heart.

lol,

tell her she better not come within 100 feet of yours or the cumin will make her sneeze

Scimi

 

[piXie]

Allah :swt: says (translation);

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient [2:155]

This is the path of the people of truth. This was the path that Ibraheem (AS) took and look at the opposition he faced. This was the path Isa / Jesus (AS) took and the opposition he faced. And this is the same path the final messenger Muhammad :arabic5: took, and the opposition he and his follwers faced and continue to face. May Allah protect you, give you patience and keep you steadfast. May Allah help to guide the people through you. Aameen.

You mentioned that you live in a Christian society and it seems the people there only know about Muslims through what they have heard from the media. They are ignorant. They are afraid and angry, and their minds are full of stereotypes. It doesn't mean that all of them are bad people though. Have you tried wearing your scarf the way nuns do - it seems that the people in your community have forgotten that covering the hair is also from the teachings of Jesus (AS). It seems they need a reminder regarding their own faith and how mother Mary dressed.

I would advise you to go to the priest and speak to him. Tell him that you wish to follow the true teachings of Jesus and look like Mary and tell him what happened. Ask him why the community reacted like that when this is from Christianity and it is meant to be a Christian society. Perhaps he can address his congregation.

 

[Rifqah]

Mashallah very inspiring to read. May Allah (swt) reward and strengthen all sisters for observing correct hijab.

( I don't find driving so easy just getting used to wearing a scarf myself, Alhamdulillah.)

 

[Born_Believer]

And was promptly turned into a freakshow. People telling me to "go back where I came from", etc.

I'm American born. That fact seemed to anger them more than anything, in fact one told me "they flew planes into our WTC. How can you become one of them?!"

I lost family in the WTC on 9/11. To be accused of not caring about that fact is a slap in the face.

How can I continue to wear hijab if I am afraid for my safety? As it was, I'm surprised I made it out of the store with my underscarf as my overscarf (pins and all) was jerked from my head.

I'm very curious what part of the US you are from as I know many people in America wear the hijab and have probably never experienced such things or have done so with much less everity than you did. I hope you gain patience from this encounter and remember, the hijab is not for them, it is for Allah. Do not give up your religion out of fear. Be strong.

My sister too wears the hijab (we're in the UK) and there is a rise in such incidents but Alhamdulillah she herself has never experienced anything on the level you have but if she did, my advice would be the same.

It is the same as the time of the Prophet PBUH where the Muslims were tortured and they failed to give up their faith. Take confidence from them and their far worse situations. If posisble, open up dialogues in your community, maybe ask your mosque to help organise a day where people can come in and ask questions of muslims, male or female, as to why they dress or look the way they do. Dialogue helps. In the UK, we are starting to have mosque open days, where non Muslims can come in and see the inside of a mosque for themselves and meet actual Muslims and not just go off the fear mongering on the news.

Keep your patience and remain strong.

 

[muslimahzoya]

I'm very curious what part of the US you are from as I know many people in America wear the hijab and have probably never experienced such things or have done so with much less everity than you did. I hope you gain patience from this encounter and remember, the hijab is not for them, it is for Allah. Do not give up your religion out of fear. Be strong.

My sister too wears the hijab (we're in the UK) and there is a rise in such incidents but Alhamdulillah she herself has never experienced anything on the level you have but if she did, my advice would be the same.

It is the same as the time of the Prophet PBUH where the Muslims were tortured and they failed to give up their faith. Take confidence from them and their far worse situations. If posisble, open up dialogues in your community, maybe ask your mosque to help organise a day where people can come in and ask questions of muslims, male or female, as to why they dress or look the way they do. Dialogue helps. In the UK, we are starting to have mosque open days, where non Muslims can come in and see the inside of a mosque for themselves and meet actual Muslims and not just go off the fear mongering on the news.

Keep your patience and remain strong.

I live just outside of Houston, TX. It's a predominantly white, conservative, evangelical Christian area. I was honestly shocked!

 

[Born_Believer]

I live just outside of Houston, TX. It's a predominantly white, conservative, evangelical Christian area. I was honestly shocked!

ahhh...I dont want to say no wonder but no wonder. Inshallah I'll make dua things get better. What shocked me was that it happened during your first time wearing the hijab, that would be traumatic for anyone but just keep at it. And again, do try and engage in dialogue where possible.