The story of a Butterfly
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I am a butterfly. A beautiful butterfly. Other butterflies are jealous of me because my wings are lovely with a spectrum of black, purple and green colours. Something that no other butterfly possesses as far as I have seen. All the flowers want me to hover over them because I make them look beautiful too. And when I do that, I get a lot of compliments and praises. I get the attention of every passerby even if I don’t plan to.
Oh! What a wonderful life, you may think. Compliments, invitations, beauty, attention … what else do I need? It might sound foolish to you but I am not happy. Why am I an object of display for everyone? They can choose to comment on me whenever they like, they can praise me whenever they like and they can even abuse me whenever they like. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if my beauty was only for a few selected beings, flowers or humans, who would really value it and never harm me or abuse me?
Oh I wish I could hide my beauty under a hijab. I think the world is show piece shelf where everyone is displaying themselves and competing against one another to appear more appealing to the eye than the other. Don’t they realize that it is a never ending battle which only results in dissatisfaction. Sometimes, I too see a beautiful butterfly and it makes me slightly jealous .And then, I start becoming unthankful to Allah for whatever I already have. If I were in a Hijab, I wouldn’t have been a part of this battle automatically and I would never have been unthankful to Him. Beauty is so short lived anyway. Is it not better that by taking a hijab, I would get out of this competition and then would never have to worry about facing the world one day when I am not beautiful and young anymore?
Oh! how lucky for women, Allah has created for them the Hijab. The hijab that gives her self-respect in a society where men treat women as objects of entertainment and delight, just like humans treat me. If I were in a Hijab, I wouldn’t have been so easily commented upon by humans. I would have had more self respect and dignity and I would always be sure that I will not be abused wherever I go.
Even with all the beauty that I have, I am not valuable. Yes, even with all the compliments and praises I get, I am least valuable. Value for something is created when it is not freely available to anyone, in fact, when it is very difficult to get. My beauty is freely available to ever passerby. Do you think that they value me? No. Even if they get hold of me, they just keep me in their diaries and then forget about me and later discard me when I die. Pearls, on the other hand, are so valuable. Have you ever wondered why? Because you only find it under the deep deep layers of sea and it is assessable to no one but very few. Those who possess it are proud of it and really value it. If Pearls were so freely available on land and on the sea shore, no one would have even cared. I wish I could hide my beauty under the deep layers of hijab so that those who possessed me, valued me.
Life would have been so much better, if only I could do Hijab.
I wrote this article for Iqra Times, IBA’s religious newsletter, almost one year back. At that time, I aspired to be in the team that published Iqra Times. Today, Alhamdolilah, it has been one year that I am the editor-in-chief of the newsletter. If you want to access copies of the two issues of Iqra Times my team and I worked on, click;Here]
MashAllah. Brilliant.
MashaAllah,very well-written,may Allah help us follow His commandments,even in Christianity,it is clear-cut said to get bald if hairs are visible of a women still non-muslim world do not tolerate our hijabis in their countries like france and in muslim world too,we see hijabis struggling in work place environments,as they find difficulties in following their religion.These sisters really got the courage!
@ On Quest, Thankyou for kind words. JazakAllah
@ Ali, Yeaah that is true. the patience and courage that those women have is nothing compared to ours!
Masha Allah ………… nice article ……….. btw in Islam Hijab is not for our clothes only, hijab is for our eyes too both for women as well as men……… and more importantly our boys and girls especially in our schools, colleges, offices and in every aspect of social structure need to respect each others and fulfil their social responsibilty………..
Anyway …….. Keep it up ……. Allah Hafiz
Beautiful visualization Nida really appreciated
@Sheheryar … very ++ve say… Hijab is for everything ….
@Ali … think from their perspective … Hijab is not obligatory for them or their religion… and identity is their first priority… Secondly, Face Hijab is highly recommended in Islam but it’s not obligatory… I will try to prove it via authentic Hadeeh…
Why in HAJJ or UMMRAH women are not suppose to cover their faces???
If one is living in some non-muslim estate… either they have to change their estate or try to compromise to some extend in the limits of Islamic obligations.
Thanx
Agreed,have no objections over it except the point i made was just that even non-muslims like Christians are told to cover them properly as stated in the new testament and its stringent to the level that they are told to get bald if their hairs are visible,the purdah is usually ignored in muslim states by majority of women where they enjoy freedom to practise their religion upto much extent,still their dresses are glamorous and colorful and they donot wear Abayaas to cover them appropriately,i was not saying to cover the faces though its highly recommended,focus was on the remaining body to get covered as ordained.It disturbs the social fabric when such obscenity is present,usually the people who claimed to be observing purdah are not doing it properly like some donot observe abaaya and their bodies are somewhat visible in afternoons in the presence of sunlights,some wear very light dresses,some burqas are very tight which shows one's body dimensions and so on and so forth.And we men are told to observe it first in Suraah Noor as i recall to lower their gazes,so the responsibility lies on both genders to follow the commandments,thanks.
In addition to that,there are schools of thought[Deobandi,Brelvi,Jamaat e Islami etc] who considers its mandatory to cover the face and they have very strong arguments to substantiate it still our focus is on common points which we muslims overall share and to avoid controversies.This debate may be relevant when muslims do already observe remaining purdah properly.
Bible hv hundreds of version nd the original one is almost vanished… so wat the bible says abt parda we cant debate… yeah agreed that even Christians are told to cover them properly.
Secondly, glamorous and colorful dresses are not restricted for Muslim women but they are enforced to do parda for “NA MARAMS”.
Agreed that the skinny dress make their things quite visible and Muslim sisters should be curious abt their dresses and visibilities. So here reference of Surah Noor comes that men are supposed to lower their gazes.
Women should understand the truth behind “If Pearls were so freely available on land and on the sea shore, no one would have even cared.”
I m just a Muslim, believe One Allah, One Muhammad (P.B.U.H), One Quran and 4 Hadees, I dunno the concept behind [Deobandi, Brelvi, Jamaat e Islami etc]. As far as Face Hijab is concern … I asked the simple question “Why in HAJJ or UMMRAH women are not suppose to cover their faces???” for me … its cus of Identification.
Thanx
I am also just a muslim but donot consider it appropriate to quote here that it is held among majority of muslims that all mothers of momineen[wives of Prophet(S.A.W)] did complete purdah including covering their faces,same are the opinions of Sahabah and majority of fuqahah karaaam,am not educated one in religion therefore quoted the examples from the surrounding to relate,not covering the faces in hajj is just an exception,there you would also find the intermingling of sexes which is prohibited in other cases,the basic of deen is to obey the commandments and to come as near as to the Aa'aamal that were highly praised i.e. of Sahabah(R.A) and family of Prophet(S.A.W).
Further,in societies,non-muslims also live,muslim women have to cover themselves properly at any cost as non-muslims wouldn't follow the commandment of lowering the gazes even if we assume that all muslims come near to their religion and obey what ordained or come to basic respect element which is inherited in all humans i believe,any sensible human wouldn't consider it justified to break the other human in to seperate body parts and enjoy the gaze,its disgusting in itself,you will find many individuals who want to see women properly dressed as they give them due respect.
Thanx
The position which i took was simple: There are two opinions,one which held that covering face is appreciated and highly recommended while the other held that there is no purdah with out it, i said its better not to debate it as there are two opinions among ulemas through out muslim ummah and you and me are not expert to select one here once and for all.
@Ali … Brilliant .. thats wat i was abt to say "There are two opinions, one which held that covering face is appreciated and highly recommended while the other held that there is no purdah without it"
As far I remember … tafseer explain the background that a time came when the muslims came up in a estate where the non muslim (Men) stare at Muslim Women … so the Face hijab was ordered (but it never push to obligatory).
You knw in JADDAH every woman enforced to wear scarf and Abaya evn non muslims women including britishers and french…
so Y cant they setup rules on their land?
thanx
I don't know what you're referring bro about tafseer,as far as rules on land are concerned,did Prophet(S.A.W) made such rules?,if we find it,it would be a guide for us to follow. Btw countries which today muslims have,has no status in Islam neither the systems they follow,therefore am not concerned with Jeddah rules,apart from it,yes non-muslim states can do any thing right from removing scarf to nude searches,there comes the obligation of Hijrah.
Surah Al-Ahzaab, Verse #59
‘O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks ("Jalabib") veils all over their bodies (screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way Tafseer Al-Qurtabi) that is most convenient that they should be known (as such) and not molested: and Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful."
Surah An-Nur, Verses #30 and #31
‘And Say to the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head cover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)
Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 1, Book 8, Hadith # 368
Narrated 'Aa'ishah (Radhiallaahu Ánha) Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) 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 . Shaikh Ibn Uthaimin in tafseer of this hadeeth explains "This hadeeth makes it clear that the Islamic dress is concealing of the entire body as explained in this hadeeth. Only with the complete cover including the face and hands can a woman not be recognized. This was the understanding and practice of the SAHÂBAH and they were the best of group, the noblest in the sight of Allaah (swt) with the most complete Eemaan and noblest of characters. so if the practice of the women of the sahabah was to wear the complete veil then how can we deviate from their path? (Ibn Uthaymeen in the book "Hijaab" page # 12 and 13)
Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 1, Book 4, Hadith # 148
Narrated 'Aa'ishah (Radhiallaahu Ánha): The wives of Rasulullaah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) used to go to Al-Manasi, a vast open place (near Baqia at Medina) to answer the call of nature at night. 'Umar used to say to the Prophet "Let your wives be veiled," but Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) did not do so. One night Sauda bint Zam'a the wife of the Prophet went out at 'Isha' time and she was a tall lady. 'Umar addressed her and said, "I have recognized you, O Sauda." He said so, as he desired eagerly that the verses of Al-Hijab (the observing of veils by the Muslim women) may be revealed. So Allaah revealed the verses of "Al-Hijab" (A complete body cover excluding the eyes).
(sorry to interrupt you people but i am amazed to see men taking so much interest in this topic!)
Nida,it directly affects our lives be it our sisters,daughters,mothers,wives or our other fellow beings in society,if women took their due interest,things would be better!Its sad that women have not played their role much well maybe as they are not in touch to the masjids compared to men,talking on individual level not systematic change.
Lolz … correct … Men are so curious abt their Sisters n wives … :P… and do u think Women will take interest in this topic ???? 😛
Kidding …
Infect the bottom line it to get a true guidance according Quran and Sunnah …
Further,you should be glad not amazed that there are still people in the society who wants to change the bad things prevalent in our society,our efforts can be better explained from a parable of a bird who wanted to extinguish the fire of Namrood though his part was insignificant.
Between frankly we want to see women graceful,marketing and advertising has found new ways of consumerism and selling them apart from prostitution and human smuggling which still exists and is finding new ways of thriving via technology. No more slavery and degradation in the name of freedom.
@ Nida: LOL ……….
Rather its amazing that not a single woman has commented yet except you : (
its un-understandable to me how when talking to hijab the first thing people like to talk about or rather debate about is the niqab! for Allah's sake people, come to common terms first, as it is asked by Allah (SWT) Himself in the Quran!
Emzee: Agreed,one should start from common points as said in Holy Quran about da'waah to Ahal e kitaab. Moreover,if you read all comments made above,its not true that the whole discussion revolved around covering one's face,it is an important ingredient of purdah,so was touched and both opinions among muslim ummah was stated,interested ones can research over them and can consult Ulema for guidance.Thnx
Sana: Your comment was a turn-off.
thanx Allah here people are talking to get guidance frm Quran…
just turning dimensions a bit … As Beard is highly recommended in Islam, same is for Niqab(Face Cover)… means if you do it … u will get high rewards … if u dont … no sin will be written down…
Same for Salat (Sunnah and Nafilz)… if u offer… u will get rewards … if wont … no sin will be written …
As far “come to common terms first” is concerned … it is used for non believers, to start them from their lessons…
Muslims are supposed to believe Quran anyhow…. Yeah we have hundreds of Tafaseers for details… we should concern them aswell …
Hope I cleared my self…
Disagreed with your beard[no 2 opinions] and niqaab[2 opinions though] stance.
Brother … we have to be sure for wat is obligatory, what is highly recommended and wat are secondary’s …
Now a days there are many fiqas … which a person going to be follow??? as someone mentioned previously "Deobandi, barailwi, shia, sunni, Ahmadi, Aghakhani… bla bla bla"
We have One Allah, One Messenger (PBUH), and One Kittab (Quran)… so why our beliefs are different … its just cus we dont do research … we just follow wat our parent, gradient or some mullah says … we dont want to read Quran's translations… we don’t want to jumbled up in finding the authentication of Hadees
Beard is something that is Highly recommended .. as it was the practice of all Phophets … but give me any reference of Quran or Hadeeh where a shaved man was punished just cus of it ????
Do research Brothers and Sisters … believe me … we can differentiate the facts… don’t go wat I say or other says … we hv our knowledge and expertise … Allah made us the most honorable creation of the world and this decision power (b/w right and wrong) makes us different from others.
…THINK…
Thanx
These are firqah not fiqah,ahmedis are non-muslims so better not include them in Islam.About research,it is false assumption of the people that all muslims have taken their religion for granted,without any research,its not true,i can give you the references very easily but its better that as you're a proponent of research,do please research yourself,it won't take much time.Your attitude about ulema is a turn-off for me though.
thanx for my correction brother … I really appreciate …
Mark my words… as a Muslim u r not supposed to declare a person a Muslim or a non Muslim … cus neither u know nor u r going to get reward of his deeds … but yeah if u somehow declaring a Follower (which ever FIRQAH he belongs to)as a non Muslim … that may drag you to the hell fire…
Secondly … brother if u hv some evidences or references … being a Muslim it’s ur duty not to hide it … we all are Muslims and followers here … u can disclose … as its not ur proprietary
Third I m not that genius or muftih … I can be wrong aswell… scroll up n check "don’t go wat I say or other says " i think it was in simple english without any mistake.
means go n research … if u find something based on ur research… share it to guide us… u will get reward …
My attitude towards every creation is respective n I apologies if my words hurt someone's feelings …
hope you get what I mean
thanx
Salaam,
This may be a good read for you 🙂
http://www.igotitcovered.org/2010/02/24/why-do-i-wear-hijab/