Product Review- Little Aila

Asalam Waliykum my beautiful readers, 

I Am Taking My Hijab Off... Really?

Asalam Waliykum,

Have you come across these questions before? Perhaps you were the one asking them?

Q: Should I remove my hijab because of harassment after 9/11?
Q: Someone bullied me at school after the July 7th attacks, am I allowed to remove my hijab?

Q: I was attacked while walking to the shops because of my hijab, can I take it off?

Q: People verbally abuse me when they see me in the streets, I feel scared, can I take my hijab off?
Q: I can't get a promotion in my job because of my hijab, can I remove it?

Q: No one will employ me because I wear the jilbab/hijab, should I take it off for the interviews and then try wear it after?
Q: Can I alter the idea of hijab to suit my environment, so maybe a turban and keep my clothes modest?
Q: I am not allowed to wear hijab at my school what should I do, am I allowed to take it off?

 

 

These are the questions I have been asked and ones I have seen asked to many sheikhs and imams. More and more women who practice hijab externally are asking if they can remove it for any given reason.
Before any sheikh can issue any fatwa, each case needs to be looked at individually. So just because a certain sheikh issued one sister a fatwa then it does not mean it applies to everyone else. If any of you are wanting to know then I can only direct you to ask your local Shiekh, contact Islam Q&A that can issue a fatwa online they are peer reviewed, if in the UK also go to the Sharia Council in London. Other then that no one else can judge your individual case and give you a fatwa, especially those who are not qualified at all.

Above all, we need to help ourselves and not become a nation that is dependent on others, we should look for ourselves into the lives of the women during the time of the Prophet SAW and the golden ages of Islam to find the answers.
I have gone through nearly all these things myself, I have been abused because of my hijab, refused work, refused education, refused basic human rights, refused respect and dignity, lost friends (Muslim and Non Muslim), I have had to walk home from work and listen to people threaten to abuse me and hurt me and even rape me. The most recent event that I remember is walking home from work, past a few young chavy boys, one proceeded to pick up a piece of wood from a fence and threatened to beat me with it. So yes, I have had my fair share, I have been there, I have been scared, returning to my home shaken up and emotional.

But are we at the stage where we are living in fear every waken hour? Has it gotten to a stage that we are not safe in our own homes. Lets be realistic, this may happen as a one off for some, or like me a little more often. But in general it is not a daily occurrence,  and not an hourly occurrence. It is not to the point that I am being oppressed beyond imagination that I am not able to live or function at all. Are we at the stage where Sumayyah bint Khabat (RA), was tied up and tortured for days and then killed for her faith in Allah?? Are we really experiencing that in our lives? 99% of us no, and let me make this clear I am speaking of sisters in the USA and Western Europe. Alhamdulillah we are not even experiencing 1% of what the early generation of Muslims had to go through and what we see happening to the ummah in the middle east and Asia. today
We need to look at how the pious and most devoted to Allah dealt with the oppression, that is why we need to revisit the hadiths and the historical books on the lives of the early generation of Muslims often. They are not some nice fairy tales that we read at bed time. The stories of these people are relevant for us today.

Most of these incidents that we sisters experience are one offs, and the few perpetrators are foolish and uneducated extremists. Yes the ordeal can be frightening and it can have a detrimental affect on us, because we are used to an easy life with no worries, no fear of poverty no fear of oppression and we are more then often then not, free to practice Islam without fear. So when something like this happens it feels like the worst thing ever. But when we put things into perspective we realise that firstly and MOST importantly, this is only a test from Allah. Will our iman be shaken from something like this? Will we disown our Hijab, or honour for some low lives?? Is our deen determined on the actions of a few? Therefore, why do we wear hijab and follow Islam, to please the people or for Allah?
I know one sister who reluctantly wore hijab to start with, and the first sign of trouble she was quick to remove it. This can only reflect the true nature of a person, the foundations were never there to begin with and they are willing to give up their hijab, any excuse will do. Without a strong foundation and strong conviction of love and respect for Allah how can we expect to withstand any test, just as the person who builds his home on sand. In many cases we need to revaluate our deen, the very basics and essence of the shahada.

 

What was rather alarming and upsetting for me, was that one young sister asked a certain You tuber "Shaykha" and I use that term in a sarcastic manner, her school does not allow hijab what should she do? The sister answering is not a sheikh, not an alim and is hardly practicing herself yet she told the young girl that it is ok to remove it if the school says so, and that she should look at other ways to be modest and the headscarf is not the only thing hijab is about. Astagfirallah, I watched in horror and in utter shock. Who gave this "shaykha" the authority to give such an answer, on who's authority I ask???!!! Instead of directing the young sister to a proper sheikh, given her a number to call for her mosque etc, she decided to issue a fatwa herself!!! O_o

 

 

We have to remember that hijab is an obligation and that Allaah has enjoined on the Muslim woman, which is proven in the Qur’aan and the saheeh Sunnah, and the ummah is agreed upon it despite the differences in their madhhabs and schools of thought. No madhhab has deviated from this view, and no faqeeh has gone against it, and this is what the practice of the ummah has been throughout the centuries. Allaah says in the Quran:

 

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”
[al-Ahzaab 33:59]  

       

“and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment”

[al-Noor 24:31] 

I personally have come across issues like this, where I have had to choose my hijab over an amazing job. And I know if I was ever in that predicament of that young sister, I would firstly kick up a fuss, make the school aware I am not happy to comply, get parents involved, get the media involved, seek legal advice. If all else failed and nothing worked I would remove myself personally from that school and attend another school or opt for home schooling. That is me, because I am devotedly passionate about my hijab and very defensive about it, it is part of me, part of my identity as a Muslimah. No job, no education can ever make me remove my jilbab, no amount of money. In Sha Allah I pray Allah makes us all have that mentality and love for hijab too, because that is how we should be. When the Ansari women heard of the ayat concerning hijab they wasted no time to implement it and that is how we should aim to be, In Sha Allah. Just as passionate about implementing the Quran into our lives and love for the hijab.

 

 

 

Another point I would like to raise is related to my previous post here Modern Day Traps- Sisters on the go or stay at home? That if times do get difficult then we need to see what we can do to ensure our safety, for example going out only for necessity, having a mahram with us and the obvious not traveling alone at night. There is a Fatwa and further explanation on this matter on Islam Q&A given us examples of what to do and what steps to take Islam Q&A.

Again, I stress if you have certain questions then direct them to the appropriate people. I can give my opinion based on my Islamic knowledge that I have, BUT, always check with a sheikh or scholar! Never turn to anyone for a fatwa especially some non practicing You Tubers who are 'Hijabistas' or 'Fashionistas'. They are the wrong kinda people you want to be consulting with when it comes to matters of the deen.

Jazaka Allah khier for reading, What goodness is in this post is from Allah and anything that I have said is wrong is from myself. I hope this can be of benefit to some sisters, and if you know this will help someone then you are free to share.

Wasalam -x-  

Modern Day Traps- Sisters On the Go or Stay at Home?

Asalam Waliykum,

I haven't posted a more Islam related post on the blog in a while. Today I want to discuss and present to you the topic of Sisters traveling and leaving the home. This is a topic I myself have struggled with, and continue to do so even now. So, by writing this I hope it will not only help you, but also myself. In Sha Allah Khier. So please read on....

DIY: Recycle & Reuse Candle Jars

Asalam Waliykum,

Do you love candles? especially the ones that come in glass jars? I do! My favorite has to be Yankee candles, and the glass jars they come in are so nice and pretty. I used to chuck them in the recycle bin and it seemed like such a waste, but I never knew what I could use them for. However, I came across some advice a year or so ago, about removing the left over wax and reusing them to store food or snacks or decorate them or simply put other candles inside.

Exposing the Marriage Bandits- Sisters Magazine

Asalam Waliykum Sisters, 

Today I would like to re-share a post I read a couple of days ago about Marriage bandits and the increase of incidents of such sham marriages occurring. Please read on and do re-share this with other sisters in particular the new reverts and sisters who may not have a much family to support them.

DIY: Henna your Hair at Home Lush, Lush!

Asalam Waliykum Sisters,

Firstly, I want to thank everyone for the lovely comments and support. I really appreciate it and glad to see my posts are beneficial to many of you. I do read every message and do my utmost best to reply when I can.

On with the post! I wanted to create a detailed guide and step by step of how to achieve Red hair at home using Henna. Which I had promised you oh so many months ago! Anyway...In particular Henna from Lush. So keep on reading for lots of tips and tricks...

M.I.A

Asalam Waliykum, 

Subhana Allah.... been well over a month since I have blogged. In Sha Allah I hope to be more active on my blog and get more posts up over the next few weeks. I have been MIA due to sickness and illness. Alhamdulillah I am much better now, took a few weeks to get over my sickness. So, In Sha Allah have some good posts coming up soon.

For those who are also affected by the usual illness that we encounter during this time for the year, remember to have sabr and remind yourself with the hadith above. In all hardships always remember there is much good that can come out of it. 

Recorded by Bukhari in al-Adab ul-Mufrad (no. 493), verified authentic by Sheikh al-Albani:

"Expect good, because Allah (s.w.t.) makes a believer's sickness an expiation (for his sins) and a period of repose.  As for a disbeliever falling sick, he is like a camel whose owner ties it and then lets it loose --it does not understand why it was tied, nor why it was freed."

Lush Haul- November Edition

Asalam Waliykum, 

Haven't raved about Lush in a while, and recently received a Large order of my favorite products. Thought I would share with you guys and also turn this into a recommendation type of post and another shout out to the company. They never cease to impress me. I have a few reviews up on the blog already so do check those out to, Here, Here and Here oh and one more Here! 

One reason why I love Lush, and I'm not sure if I made this clear from the start, but  they are ethical and not some blood sucking super power company such as the likes of Unilever, Sara lee, Nestle, Danone, Este Lauder, Disney, L'oreal, Starbucks, Intel, M&S, Johnson & Johnson, Mc'D  etc, etc that dominate the shelves in most shops. Why do I have a problem with these blood sucking giants, well most are proud supporters of Zionism and IsraHell and are supporting zionists causes and charities, this information is readily available online you only need to investigate and you will see for yourselves.  I believe that  boycotting is an effective way to get the message across especially as Muslimahs,  women are the main consumers of beauty products. We can make an impact if we stop being so lazy and start shopping ethically. Small changes in our shopping habits make a difference. Just look at the back of your products and you will see who the 'mother' company is, you will find if you search long enough you can trace all products back to 6 major companies some are listed above. 

Anyway, with that rant over and onto the Lush goodies I purchased this Month. 

Signs of youm qiyama, already fullfilled....

Asalam Waliykum,

I watched this Video a few days ago and really wanted to share it with you all, please spend the 5 mins to watch this very informative clip. This is a wake up call for us all. 

"Surely these are signs for those who reflect" 

Say (unto the disbelievers): Travel in the land, and see the nature of the consequence for the rejecters!

I love to Henna!!

Asalam Waliykum,

One of my Favorite hobbies is hennaing, if that is a word not to sure, any-who I will use it anyway. I do it randomly in the year, not just for the Eids, but any time I feel like it. I just wanted to share some of the henna I have done recently in the last  few months. Just like with my other hobbies I want to be able to share this with you guys, and even inspire some sisters. There are many halal hobbies us sisters can pursue, and doing henna is an old traditional hobby, with lots of benefits. One being you always get asked to do peoples henna! Below is a series of my latest creations, do read on....

(4) Quilled Handmade Greeting Cards- Flowers

Asalam Waliykum,

Subhana Allah I have tried to write this post for the last 4 weeks, each time I start something comes up and I get distracted. The usual Life and all that stuff, so sorry for the long hiatus. Insha Allah back to normal this week. 
So back to the post, again more of my artsy stuff,  this time with a slightly different design. Bright flowers on black card stock. Also tried a new quilling technique for the flowers and leaves. It is a little complicated to explain. Hoping to purchase a camera to record some proper tutorials on Quilling in the near future, so stay tuned for that!

I really like the new technique, looks effective and looks intricate, it takes longer to do, so I decided to stick to a simpler design of a flower and a few leaves. 

I used a lovely thick card stock that I could only find online, and made the cards into C6 size using my own equipment at home. The envelopes I purchased in bulk it works out far cheaper to buy in bulk online then to make my own.

The strips are from online store of JJQuiling, I have now purchased my own shredder so I can now make my own strips. At the moment I make some strips but now I have a great nifty machine that is made for the job I will be able to save a lot more money and get any colour stripes I want in consistent size.  

This card can be altered to suit any occasion by changing the colour of the card stock  the petals and the design. I went for something simple initially and something that takes a reasonable amount of time to make. Some of more complicated designs can take up to 6/7 hours and if i was to sell those they would be pretty pricey. 

Do stay tuned for another post out this week, another card design I have done this summer.

Jazaka Allah khier for reading. Please feel free to share this post, just be sure as always to link my blog. Do not forget to follow and like my Facebook page HERE!!! 


(Remember when I reach 1,000 followers on Instagram, Facebook and on my blog I will be doing a giveaway of my handmade creations)

Wasalam -x- 

Hijab Styles for Different Face Shapes

Asalam Waliykum, 

Over the years sisters have asked for my opinion on what Hijab style suits different face shapes. So I decided recently that I would dedicate one post to this subject, although I realise the purpose of wearing the hijab is not to look "nice" or "Attractive", however it is something we should wear in a presentable manner and in a way that we feel comfortable in. The last thing we want to do is wear a style that makes us feel uncomfortable and isn't practical, where we spend most of the day playing around with it and constantly fidgeting. Not to say that if the Hijab style doesn't "suit" your face shape then you should not wear the hijab, not at all. In Sha Allah we realise the purpose of the Hijab is for Allah and we wear it regardless of if it "suits" us. So when we leave the house each day we look in the mirror to be sure the Hijab is presentable and pleasing to who? Pleasing to the Creator and not His creation. 

Dhu Al-Hajja Welcome/Marhaba

Asalam Waliykum, 

"The One of Pilgrimage" or the Month of Pilgrimage is now upon us. Last night the last month in the Hijri Calender Arrived to bless us once more.  

The Month is so special and important to us Muslims, that Allah Swears an Oath by it, when He says in the Quran "By the Dawn; by the ten nights" (Surah Al-Fajr 89:1-2) Swearing an oath by something indicates its importance and great benefit. 

Proper Hijab- Jilbab/Khimar/Abaya..??

Asalam Waliykum, 

I have been wanting to write about this topic for such a long time. It has been something I have put off for obvious reasons, I have done something similar on Facebook before and have been under attack by my fellow Muslim sisters and brothers which is sad. However, in the end I have decided it is my duty to give dawah, and although the truth hurts it needs to be said. I have been inspired by the sister who owns the One Chinese Muslimah blog. This sisters blog posts are always straight to the point, honest and truthful and she supports all her points with Hadith and Quran and views from valuable scholars and Sheikhs. Allah bless her and may she continue this good work, I recommend you do have a look at her blog.

(3) Quilled Handmade Greeting Cards- Baby Feet!

Asalam Waliykum, 

I am back after what seems a long time, with more of my cards, Yes! still with the baby theme. Lots and lots of tiny, ickle, cute baby feet! I have seen this design the quilled baby feet a lot online. So here is my version, and I redesigned the card to match the quilled feet. This has to be my favourite design. Very tricky to master the technique and getting the perfect shape consistently each time. Lots and lots of practice and managed to get some perfect little feet on my hands!

Company Feature: Emoshe Boutique

Asalam Waliykum, 

One thing I want to do more of on my blog is interviewing and promoting Muslim women who are getting started in the business world. I think it is very important to show support to sisters and give our customs to them. I personally only buy hijabs and clothing from Islamic stores online, when possible. People often have worries about quality, and security but most companies allow customers to review items and blog about it, record a YT video and reccomend through other social media. So good stores are always recommended and well reviewed.  

One of these companies is the delightful Emoshe Boutique, a company owned by the lovely Sister Sana.

DIY- Moroccan Hammam in your own home!

Asalam waliykum,

I never thought of doing a post on this before, only after seeing a few sisters speak about their Hammam experiences did I think to do this. This is a sort of continuation of my last post, the Moroccan Haul which can be found Here!!

Moroccan Haul- Moroccan goodies

Asalam waliykum 

I was not to sure what to call this post, it is not really a haul, more of recommendation of certain products I received, used and love. My intention for this post it not to boast what I have, or to show off. My intention is to reccomend products that may be of benefit to sisters that are also affordable (apart from the Argan oil) for anyone and most are 100% natural!

(2) Quilled Handmade Greeting Cards: Baby Prams!!!!

Asalam waliykum 

I was inspired to make these cards after seeing something with a similar design in the shops. I love unique designs that are not the usual boring themed cards. I got a lot of positive feedback on this design, and it is now one of my favourite cards to make!

The first time I made these I didn't have a proper quiliing slotted tool and so you can say it was a little rough at the edges.

Hijab For Men... To veil or not to veil?

Asalam waliykum, 

**Excuse the title, I am not promoting mean to wear the headscarf in this post.**

One of the biggest misconception about Islam is in regards to Hijab. In this post I will be focusing more on the clothing for men. We are forever hearing and read about the Hijab of the woman in the media, in the blogging world, you tube etc. I have hardly come across anyone speak about the Hijab for men. This is a great injustice being done here, Islam is about equity and although Hijab may not look exactly the same for men as it does for women, they still have to wear another form of hijab which is Fard/obligatory for them.