Eid Mubarek - I hope you are all enjoying it :) I miss Ramadan already!

The Fruit Market

A conversation that took place in a fruit market yesterday...

Me to my mum: ..you're making kabab..?
Random Pakistani woman in a salwar kameez: *laughs*
Mother: Did you understand what she said?
Woman: Yes, how do you not like kabab?! It's great for fatoor..
Mother: You're Muslim?!
Me: Obviously.
Woman: Yes, of course!
Mother: Oh sorry it's just because you don't wear hijab, I assumed..
Woman: I used to wear it but I took it off, you know.
Me: Why?
Woman: My husband didn't like it.
Me: ..why?
Woman:  He thinks I look Bengali in it *laughs*
Mother: Oh.
Me: Err, what's wrong with..?
Woman: You know.. lots of them wear hijab.
Mother: He really shouldn't be telling you not to wear it..
Woman to me: Well, it's good your husband doesn't mind.
Me: I'm not marri-
Woman: Mine just doesn't like it. Trust me, if your husband is happy, so are you.
Me: Right.


Mother: So when's Eid..?

[Photo source]

Keep going Libyans! May Allah (SWT) defeat your oppressor and allow you to celebrate eid in peace. Ameen.

Ramadan Adverts

Adverts on Arabic TV are always tailored for Ramadan. Here are a few I like:

Pepsi Ramadan 2011



Nandos Ramadan 2006, this cracked me up XD



Vimto Ramadan 2007



Subway Ramadan 2011



Etisalat (UAE phone company) Ramadan 2011



Coca Cola Ramadan 2011 (Egypt)

Translation:

"There are many reasons to believe in a better tomorrow: For every corrupt person, 8000 people donate blood. For every person who thinks the country won’t stand on its feet, 3 million children are taking their first steps. For every lazy person in Ramadan, 13 million mothers are preparing Iftar. For every piece of bad news, there are more than 50 jokes. For every dark street, 32 million lanterns shine in Ramadan. And for every person who sees the glass half empty, millions offer each other Coca Cola".

Overly heart-warming? Perhaps.. but I love it! Statistically accurate? Highly doubt that..

Rant #329,431

Is it just the ones that I am related to or do all men (while their wives slave away in the kitchen) feel the need to act like they are THE only human beings who have to endure the hardships of fasting, giving off this impression that they might die/fall unconscious about an hour before Iftar?
 

If so, forget marriage!!!!!

Oh and I hope Ramadan is going well.. :)

Hijabi Beginner: Is The Hijab REALLY Required?

A non-hijabi Muslimah recently wrote to me because she is not convinced that the hijab is a requirement in Islam. She asked me to put forward the Islamic evidences of hijab. In this post I will try my best to do just that using Quranic iyas and authentic ahadith. 

1. Surat Al Nur: 

- Bism'Allah Al Rahmaan Al Raheem -

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be protect their private parts, and not to display of their zeenah except that which is apparent, and to draw their headcovers over their juyub, and not to reveal their zeenah save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed." [24:31]

- "..and not to display of their zeenah except that which is apparent" i.e. they should not show anything of their zeenah to a non-Mahram man, except for whatever it is apparent (clear, impossible to hide..) - most scholars agree that this refers to the hands and face...


- ...however, slight differences have arisen amongst the scholars concerning the precise meaning of ...except only that which is apparent... from Surat Al Nur which according to Ibn `Abaas (RAA), includes "the face, the two hands, and rings. This view is shared by Ibn `Umar, `Ata'a, and others from the Tabi'een." [Tafseer Ibn Kathir]. Imam Ash-Showkani states that it includes: "The dress, the face, and the two hands"; Ibn `Abaas and Qatadah have stated: "The adornments include eye shadow (i.e., Kuhul), bracelets, hand dye, and rings, and it is permissible for women to (uncover) them." [Fateh Al-Qadeer]

- 'Zeenah' (adornment) means 2 things: natural beauty and physical adornments e.g. makeup, jewelry etc

- "..draw their headcovers over their juyub.." The women used to cover their hair but leave their necks and bosoms uncovered. This iya makes it clear that women should cover their 'juyub' - which most agree refers to the neck and chest area (and some say includes the ribs) - with a head covering. I know that some Muslims use this iya to back their opinion that Islam only requires women to cover their breasts, however, why would Allah (SWT) have mentioned the 'khimaar' (a headcover) when telling these women to cover? The Quran is timeless and applies to nations at any time, if the headcover was simply cultural it would not have been mentioned at all.

2. Surat Al Ahzaab:

"O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their outer garments about themselves (when they go out). That is better so that they may be recognised and not harassed. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful." [Al-Ahzaab, 33:59]

- Abu Dawood related that Aishah (R) said: "After this Aayah was revealed the women of the Ansar appeared like crows." (because of the color and shape of the cloaks they wore).

- "..to be recognised.." i.e. as Muslim women (would modest clothing alone allow people to recognise you as a Muslim woman?)

3. Ahadith

There are other ahadith on the hijab but these are the ones I have picked to post:

- Aishah (R) said: "May Allah bestow His Mercy on the first Muhajirat (emigrants). When Allah revealed:...and draw their headcovers over their necks and bosoms... they tore material and covered themselves with it." [Al-Bukhari]

- Usamah ibn Zaid said: Allah's Messenger (S) gave me a gift of thick Coptic cloth he had received as a gift from Dahiah Al-Kalbi, and so I gave it to my wife. Thereafter the Prophet (S) asked me: Why didn't you wear the Coptic cloth? I replied: I gave it to my wife. The Prophet (S) then said: Tell her to wear a thick gown under it for I fear that it may describe the size of her limbs. [Narrated by Ahmad, Al-Bayhaqi, and Al-Haakim]

- Narrated by Aishah: Allah's Apostle used to offer the Fajr prayer and some believing women covered with their veiling sheets used to attend the Fajr prayer with him and then they would return to their homes unrecognized. [Bukhari]

- The Prophet (S) said: There will be in the last of my Ummah (nation of believers), scantily dressed women, the hair on the top of their heads like a camel's hump. Curse them, for verily they are cursed. In another version he said: ...scantily dressed women, who go astray and make others go astray; they will not enter Paradise nor smell its fragrance, although it can be smelled from afar. [At-Tabarani and Sahih Muslim]

Also keep in mind that the concept of 'hijab' is not an Islamic one but a command from Allah (SWT) to the Jews, Christians and the all of the monotheistic religions before that. It has only been recently that the question of the obligation of hijab has been risen amongst the Muslim ummah, before it was accepted and expected.

I hope that has cleared up your doubts, if not, perhaps you should focus on some other part of your religion and I am pretty sure you will want to adopt the hijab sooner or later, Insha'Allah :)

Islamic Reminders

Some Islamic quotes; I especially like the last one:

 

Source

5 Things To Do Before Sleeping

Source

Ramadan..

..I hope it's going well for you all!

Can anyone beat an 18 hour fasting day?? XP

The Bisht Abaya

I love the bisht abaya - it is traditional and the cut is modest yet elegant. I bought two on my recent trip to umrah as I usually wear them to the mosque.

Below, are examples of bisht abayas. The abaya is essentially two very large pieces of material sewn together whereby the main body of the abaya extends over most of the sleeve area. If you were to stand with your arms stretched outward in a bisht abaya it would look like a massive square with short arms sticking out on either side..

Although more expensive than what you would pay over there, Sunnah Style sells some nice plain bisht abayas for those of you who want one but aren't going to Arabia any time soon.

An outfit idea..

Bisht Abaya by stylishmuslimah

Lace Look

Here's an outfit idea for a formal-ish occasion where comfort is key (I can't walk in heels to save my life):

Lace by Zaenab

Top photo from Rayannes Designs

My Favorite Reciters

I really love the Quran recitations from Sheikh Maher Al Muaiqly and Sheikh Abu Bakr Al Shatri, here are a couple for you to listen to:

Hope you liked :)

Smart-Casual

I'm liking the casual-but-smart look these days.. perhaps it's a sign that I'm getting old.. :( Anyway, here's an outfit idea for you: 

Smart-Casual by Zaenab

NHS Tips For Ramadan

With ramadan around the cornor, I thought I would post some health tips for fasting that I found on the UK's National Health Service website.

Here are some helpful FAQs (taken from here):

These answers have been put together by medical experts and Islamic scholars and researchers.

1. Should a person with diabetes fast?

People who have their diabetes under control, either by their diet or using tablets, may fast. However, their GP may require them to change their medication to help them take tablets outside fasting times. Those who need insulin to control their diabetes should not fast.

2. I get severe migraines when I don't eat and they get worse when I fast. Should I fast?

People with uncontrolled migraines should not fast. However, managing your migraines is possible with the right medicine and certain lifestyle changes. Ask your GP for further advice on controlling your migraines.

3. Should a person with high or low blood pressure fast?

People with well-controlled high blood pressure may fast. Their GP may require a change to their medicine to help them take tablets outside fasting times. Someone with low blood pressure who is otherwise well and healthy may fast. They must ensure they drink enough fluid and have enough salt.

4. Is fasting harmful when a woman is expecting a baby? Must pregnant women fast?

There's medical evidence to show that fasting in pregnancy is not a good idea. If a pregnant woman feels strong and healthy enough to fast, especially during the early part of the pregnancy, she may do so. If she doesn't feel well enough to fast, Islamic law gives her clear permission not to fast, and to make up the missed fasts later. If she is unable to do this, she must perform fidyah (a method of compensation for a missed act of worship).

5. Is Ramadan a good time to quit smoking?

Yes. Smoking is bad for your health. Ramadan is a great opportunity to change unhealthy habits, including smoking. Find out more about stopping smoking.

6. From what age can children fast safely?

Children are required to fast upon reaching puberty. It isn't harmful. Fasting before this age is tolerated differently depending on the attitude of the parents and the child’s general health and nutrition.
Fasting under the age of seven or eight isn't advisable. It's a good idea to make children aware of what fasting involves and to practise fasting for a few hours at a time.

7. Can I use an asthma inhaler during Ramadan?

Muslim experts differ on this issue. Some say that using an asthma inhaler isn't the same as eating or drinking, and is therefore permitted during fasting. In their view, people with asthma can fast and use their inhalers whenever they need to.
But other scholars say that the inhaler provides small amounts of liquid medicine to the lungs, so it breaks the fast. They say that people with poor control of their asthma must not fast until good control is achieved. Some people with asthma may opt for longer-acting inhalers so that they can fast. See your GP for further advice.

8. Can I swim during fasting?

Yes, but do not drink the water. A bath or shower or swimming has no effect on the fast. But no water should be swallowed during any of these activities as that would break the fast.

9. Can a person fast if they are getting a blood transfusion in hospital?

No. A person receiving a blood transfusion is advised not to fast on medical grounds. They may fast on the days when no transfusions are required.

10. I am on regular medication. Can I still fast?

If the medicine needs to be taken during fasting, do not fast. If this medication is required as treatment for a short illness, you can compensate for missed fasts by fasting on other days when you are well.
If you are on long-term medication then you could talk to your GP about whether you could change your medication, so that you can take it outside the time of the fast.
If your disease is unstable or poorly controlled, do not fast. Those who are unable to do the missed fasts later, due to the long-term use of medication, should do fidyah.


11. Does a breastfeeding woman have to fast?
No. Islamic law says a breastfeeding mother does not have to fast. Missed fasts must be compensated for by fasting or fidyah once breastfeeding has stopped.

12. Can a Muslim patient take tablets, have injections or use patches while fasting?
Taking tablets breaks the fast. However, injections, patches, eardrops and eyedrops do not break the fast as they are not considered to be food and drink (though there are differences of opinion among Muslim scholars on these issues). Islamic law says sick people should not fast.

13. Could dehydration become so bad that you have to break the fast?

Yes. You could become very dehydrated if you do not drink enough water before the fast. Poor hydration can be made worse by weather conditions, and even everyday activities such as walking to walk or housework.

If you produce very little or no urine, feel disoriented and confused, or faint due to dehydration, you must stop fasting and have a drink of water or other fluid. Islam doesn't require you to harm yourself in fulfilling the fast. If a fast is broken, it will need to be compensated for by fasting at a later date.

14. Can I fast while I have dialysis?

People on peritoneal dialysis must not fast and should perform fidyah. Haemodialysis is performed about three times a week and causes significant shifts of fluids and salts within the body. Such patients must not fast and should perform fidyah.

Also check out this neat meal plan that they put together for suhoor and fatoor. Somehow, I think sticking to it would be easier said than done :/

Full time abaya-wearers in the West

For a while last year I toyed with the idea of wearing an abaya but in the end I decided against it. Obviously, in Saudi Arabia pretty much all the women wear abayas or jilbabs of some sort so I was wearing a black abaya and black shayla for 3 weeks on our recent trip to umrah - boy was that hard! I have been to Saudi Arabia for 5 or 6 weeks at a time before but never did I miss my wardrobe so much!

I have to say kudos to you young ladies who give up your 'normal' clothing to wear the jilbab/abaya full time outside of the house because it must be bloody hard. I have never really thought about it before but I genuinely hope that every Muslimah living in the west who decides to wear an abaya for the pure sake of pleasing Allah (SWT) receives abundant rewards in this life and the next. Seriously, I have a new found respect for abaya-wearers for not conforming and putting their religion and desire for modesty first. I know people who say that what you wear does not reflect your religiosity and I kind of agree; what I will say though is that to wear an abaya/jilbab every single day requires serious jihad al nafs (" jihad of the self") that deserves so much more reward than a girl like me who just dresses modestly with a headscarf. Allahu a'lem.



Outfit Idea: Slouchy Florals

An outfit idea for a hot but not that hot summers day :) I'd say leave the belt out and cardigan open to keep it modest.

Brown Scarf by Zaenab

Makkah & Medinah - A Recent Trip

(*EDIT* OK so I was having a bit of a rant when I wrote this the first time so I have made some changes to make it less crazy.)

If you were curious as to where on earth I have been for the last 3 weeks, I went to Umrah alhamduliAllah. I haven't been for the last few years and my oh my has there been some changes.

A lover of lists, I thought I would compile one giving you my view of the pros and cons of Makkah and Medinah.

Pros:

- The current extension work of Masjid Al Haram. It's really about time. Only thing is is that it was due to finish last year and they are still only about half way though.

- The removal of old, rundown buildings, hotels and shops in the vicinity of the haram in Makkah

- A noticeable reduction in the number of beggars in both Makkah and Medina, especially children who have been deliberately mutilated for the purpose of begging.

Cons:

- The ZamZam "Grand" Hotel in Makkah. Wow. It's the most ugly building I have ever seen. It looks like a tacky version of the Big Ben and looks so out of place next to the Haram. I really don't advise anybody to waste their money on that place - it is not a 5 star hotel (though it charges as one) no matter what anybody says. The rooms are bad, the service is awful and the hotel has a 4 story mall at the bottom of it full of western shops - very spiritual indeed.

- Women have the smallest fraction in the courtyard in which I did not get to pray a single jama'a prayer in because you have to be there an hour in advance to even hope of getting a place. To add insult to injury, the whole expanse of the roof space is reserved for men only apart from in Hajj season. HOW is that fair..????!! Just look at the amount of space they get while we are cramped away in cornors of the mosque with screaming bloody children.

Look at the size of that roof space..

- A general lack of common courtesy and increasing selfishness amongst Muslims. When did it become a taboo to say please, thank you, excuse me and SORRY?

- Pervs. Anything that breathes and they will look. It's ironic and disappointing given their proximity to the ka'ba/masjid al nabawi.

- OK so I know that it is socially acceptable for Arab men to hold hands and everything but can you just please stop..? :)

**Having said all of this, I still want to go back to Makkah and Medina all the time and leaving them is the most painful experience. The spiritual peace that you attain from simply viewing the Ka'ba is amazing and far outweighs my childish complaints. This post is simply for a bit of banter and to give you an idea of my take on certain aspects of these two holy places.**

(Top pic from madinamakkah.blogspot.com)