This was such a wonderfully informative interview. I think ALL women of faith, not just Muslims, can benefit from it because God gave the same commandments for all of us regarding modesty. You can watch the interview in it's entirety above. Below are a few things that really stood out to me...
What is hijab and how should it affect us on an inner and outer level?
- What we do on outward DOES have an impact on within.
- Beauty was created for us to admire BUT only certain people have that right to gaze.
- Sacred things are set apart with barriers and treated with dignity. For example, the Holy of Holies is always covered by a veil as an expression of it's holiness/sacredness.
For Muslim women living and working in the West, how do you suggest we can ensure that we are growing spiritually, whilst being surrounded by materialism and often being tempted by it?
- We don't recognize the good life but rather the managed pursuit of pleasures.
- Focus on the five daily prayers. Keeps you grounded because it takes precedent over everything else.
What advice would you give to sisters (reverts and non-reverts) who are finding it difficult to start wearing hijab?
- Modesty is innate.
- Many find it difficult but religion itself is hard and a struggle. Following God offers us paradise but the price is high and we have to make that sacrifice.
What methods can one use to increase one's iman? Many people nowadays suffer from having severe "dips" in their faith, and become very distressed upon realizing this. Could you suggest some methods that might help to rectify this type of spiritual crisis?
- Remember that God is ALWAYS near.
- Experience the world as a gift and always see it's beauty. To know the percentage of you imam , look at the percentage of people you see beauty in. Seeing beauty is seeing God's intentions in that person.
- Truly fall in love with God and we will see His majesty/beauty.
- Train your hearts to see God. If you've seen the moon, you're not going to argue rather it exists or not.
*This was my favorite portion of the interview. It begins at 27:14 if you're interested in watching it. Such great practical advice to apply to everything, not just hijab.*
Do you have any tips for sisters to maintain the correct intentions when wearing hijab, when it's always criticized in some way or another by both Muslims and non-Muslims?
- Too much concern of the opinion of others is human but it's not the religious way.
- Simply respond with: "Thank you, brother/sister. We all have so much to learn." It's better to "play dumb" than cause a dispute, especially with a fellow believer. HUMILITY.
When thoughts of taking off her hijab come to a sister, what can she do?
- Islam is based on the beauty of God's law. It is not important for us to do what we want but rather conform to what God has commanded us to do.
- God has given us Shariah with LOTS of details so there's never any question. Following it gives us the opportunity to turn away from our ego and towards the Spirit.
- See hijab as a spiritual method and a way of re-centering ourselves in a crazy world. Once we see it this way, we won't even have the desire to take it off.
- Need to see Shariah as mercy keeping us away from our own rubbish. Also if we see the beauty of Islam through someone who is really living it, we will begin to see Shariah as not just a bunch of rules.
- Keeping company of the best people you can find is CRUCIAL.
Mashallah I really enjoyed your post, especially the part about seeing the world as a gift and appreciating it's beauty. Its easy in the materialistic environment we live in to fall into depression or to keep our happiness in the control of others. But I find that focusing on our blessings is truly the key to being content in life. Jazakallah khair!
ReplyDeleteYes! It is SO important for us not to lose focus on what's really important and remember to focus on the many blessings God has given us.
DeleteMashallah I really enjoyed your post, especially the part about seeing the world as a gift and appreciating it's beauty. Its easy in the materialistic environment we live in to fall into depression or to keep our happiness in the control of others. But I find that focusing on our blessings is truly the key to being content in life. Jazakallah khair!
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ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog, shines light on the benefits of wearing hijab ,and what it can do for your iman once you decide to wear it. The methods on how to increase your iman is awesome as well.
Glad you enjoyed the post! Hijab is so important - both inward and outward. I love how this interview focused on both.
DeleteJazakh Allah khair. I really enjoyed reading your blog. It is so easy to forget sometimes and spiritual reminders like this really give your faith a "boost"! Wearing hijab is also a state of mind; you have to want to do it and to do it wholeheartedly and know whatever struggles you face are in the way of God. So, when in need, when you're feeling down and spiritually low, call on Him and He will answer.
ReplyDeleteYes yes yes! It's SO important for us to know that God is ALWAYS there. When things get too tough or we're in a spiritual drought, we can always count on Him to help us.
DeleteJazakAllah khair for this lovely reminder!
ReplyDeleteA complete and holistic understanding of why the religion requires us to cover is paramount. And once the beauty of hijab is truly felt and whole-heartedly comprehended, that in itself is enough to make sure it stays for the rest of our lives. A constant reminder to ourselves that our relationship with God is forever and He would not impose something unless it was in our best interests, helps cement our trust and belief in our Creator.
Easier said than done at the best times..but you know, when the going gets tough, the tough get tougher? <3
Definitely easier said than done but luckily, we have a God who is always there to support and encourage us. We just have to trust Him. Great thoughts, sister. <3
DeleteFor another very interesting interview with Abdal Hakim Murad, but then on the topic of authority and leadership in today's Muslim world: http://www.halalmonk.com/abdal-hakim-murad-authority-within-islam
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