UAE Abaya Bling Bling

Abayas with bling - a controversial covering in some parts of the of Gulf. In Dubai, abayas that have jewels, lace, and other ornate applique are considered apart of the daily fashion routine for many Sisters there. While in other parts of the Gulf like Saudi Arabia, these abayas are considered too flashy for public wear.

The first video i believe is a snippet from a BBC documentary on abaya/fashion in the Gulf. The second is a fashion show from i don't know where with GORGEOUS bling bling abayas.

So does bing on an abaya negate its purpose? What do you think?



Cover with Faith, Style and Modesty!

www.almuhajabaelaniqa.com

Hijabifying Your Style - neck/chest scarves

Eileen Fisher Cotton Voile Shibori Wrap from Bloomingdales



Kalamkari print square scarf from eShakti




Antique Floral Print Scarf from Forever21




Neck and chest coverage is in - and has been in for over a year! Even the veil fashion models have joined in on this one. So we have no excuse not to wrap it up! The best thing about the trend is that its very mainstream-chic, which means thats you'll blend in more for a change! How often does this happen to a hijabi, really???!!!

Take advantage of this style fenom. You can go by just about any ladies shop and find a slew of scarves, or you can bust out your old square/oblong scarves and keffiyas. You dont have to drop a grand on this accessory craze...and you'll be adding to your modesty :) No excuse not to cover up "the girls" now!

Cover with Faith, Style and Modesty!

www.almuhajabaelaniqa.com

Top 10 Funniest Things a Muslim Woman is Asked

Instead of a fashion post, i thought i'd put up this cute and articulate video illustrating just a few of the many strange and weird questions and comments a Muslim woman hears as she goes about her day.

To our Non-Muslim Readers: If you have questions about Islam, the Hijab, or Women in Islam, please feel free to ask! Just keep the questions kind, thanks. :)


Courtesy of butterfly2729 on YouTube.


Cover with Faith, Style and Modesty!

www.almuhajabaelaniqa.com

Hijabi Street Style - Then and Now

The top photo is particularly poignant - this isnt your mom's abaya collection! - My how things have changed. As the world becomes a smaller and smaller place due to the internet super highway and global transportation we see many new changes in fashion all over the world. Muslimas and their style are no exception. Young Sisters are adopting trendy runway fashions while trying to meet the requirments for hijab. The line between faith and fashion is beginning to blur.

Meeting the requirements for hijab incorporated with trendy runway fashion : What do you think about these outfits? :)


*these photos may not meet the conditions for hijab. Please see our hijab diclaimer at the top right of the blog.



Cover with Faith, Style and Modesty!

www.almuhajabaelaniqa.com

Hijab Q n A - Clearing up some basic misunderstandings of Islam and the Hijab.

From time to time, I receive condescending posts from bloggers . Below is a post from the ever-present Anonymous who is in need of a little TLC. Instead of deleting this ( my usual procedure for posts of this nature), I decided to respond to this individual's grave misunderstandings about Islam, Muslim Sisters, the Hijab and yes Sharia Law....omgosh She's going there! - Yes, in this case, dispelling these misunderstandings and beliefs is important to foster compassion, understanding and tolerance amongst people of all faiths and persuasions. How can people learn to co-exist if we don't open up and try to learn about each other? In the end, our differences make us colorful and beautiful. The world would be a pretty boring place if everyone was 'purple' - dont you think? I prefer the full spectrum of the rainbow :)

From Anonymous on May 2nd at 3:15am:

“I found your blog very amusing (-:
So would you please let us know in which Islamic state these nice garments can be used? (Islamic state is a country where Sharia Law are executed)
After escaping my country because of Islam its very funny to see how you think Islam is just Hijab and a ban on pork and alcohol!
Anyway the irony is that they can wear these just in secular countries or those try to be secular!
how is it Islam is something I can't understand!
maybe you should check them with some Imams or Moftys!”

As there was so much to address, I have posted my responses line by line.


1.“So would you please let us know in which Islamic state these nice garments can be used? (Islamic state is a country where Sharia Law are executed)”

Reply: There are currently no countries in the world that follow Islamic standards of gov't or implement Sharia law the way it was intended – hence there are no true Islamic countries in the world. In a true Islamic state, a person of another faith could exist happily, freely, and peacefully with no fear of retaliation from anyone, much less the gov't because of their beliefs. Clearly wherever you lived, was not such a place.

2.“After escaping my country because of Islam its very funny to see how you think Islam is just Hijab and a ban on pork and alcohol!”

Reply 1 : where did I say any of that? Please search my entire blog, I have never stated such a simplistic misunderstanding of my Faith .

Reply 2: Its very sad that you feel you had to “escape” your country. Let me clarify that Islam was not the problem. The problem was intolerance by a select few power-hungry people. This has nothing to do with Islam. Islam is practiced by humans – and humans are imperfect beings. A religion cannot chase a person down and oppress them, people can. Whomever made you feel that you had to leave, was not a Muslim. It would be like saying that Christianity made the people who perpetuated the Spanish Inquisition do so. A very silly notion.

3.“Anyway the irony is that they can wear these just in secular countries or those try to be secular!”

Reply: The pics and videos posted on this blog are from all over the world including: the USA, United Kingdom, Europe, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and China - to name a few. I have always stated that not all of the pics here illustrate images that meet the conditions for hijab. As my fashion disclaimer states : “many of these outfits are for Mahram/Ladies only events.” Islam is a religion for all people on earth, not a select few. Anyone can be a Muslim. Since i've already clarified that no country on earth is technically a “Muslim” country – im not sure where the “irony” lies.

4. “how is it Islam is something I can't understand!”

Reply: I sincerely don't know – that is between you and your Creator. Obviously you haven't been exposed to real Muslims or true Islam, for one. I would encourage you to learn about it from people who practice Islam in your new country. Learn about it from people like me, who believe that oppression and subjugation are wrong and have no place in Islamic societies, or ANY society for that matter.

5.“maybe you should check them with some Imams or Moftys!”

Reply 1: again, I never claimed that all these pics represent appropriate hijab. Please try to understand the difference between a beautiful fashion photo, and demure dress in public. It would be like someone saying that because this is a blog predominantly about veil fashion, that I couldn't post cute ideas about underwear, shoes or swimsuits.

Reply 2: I don't follow a “Mofty” or any particular set of Imams. Islam encourages everyone to seek knowledge. It encourages us to learn as much as we can about our faith. Im an American Sunni Muslim. I know enough about my faith to state that some of what is posted here, does not meet the conditions for hijab, this is not a point of contention that needs clarification. This again is why the “hijab fashion disclaimer” on my site exists and why the I posted the conditions for hijab.

Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to hopefully dispel some basic misunderstandings about Islam. Any time one can open up the channels of communication and learn about something new is great! Im am sorry that you are hurting and that you feel injured. I pray that God will soften your heart and ease your pain. I pray that He will help you find knowledge and understanding. I pray that you will become happy with yourself and your own beliefs, whatever they may be. I ask that the other Sisters on this site pray for you as well, and that God will give you peace and serenity. If you sincerely would like to learn more about Islam, I would be honored to help you.

Peace be with you Anonymous. You are in my prayers.


Cover with Faith, Style and Modesty!

The Great Niqab Debate

What is the niqab? For our non-Muslim readers, it is most commonly known as the face veil. And what i bet you didnt know is that a great debate rages within Muslim communities about whether or not it is Fard (required), Mustahaab (loved, a good thing to do - but not required) ...all the way down the line to a cultural practice that is not Islamic. Blog wars get started over this topic! It is important to note that the majority of the Muslim scholars have agreed that the niqab in general is Mustahaab. It is a choice that Muslim women make, just like they choose to wear hijab. But the hijab however, is required Islamically speaking. Do all Muslim women choose to wear hijab? No, some don't. It is a personal decision that every Muslim woman makes. This is between her and her Creator.

Anyhow, the niqab has stirred up so much attention in Western soceties because it is automatically associated with oppression of women, and loss of their human rights. Unfortunately, many people over here never get to actually talk to a woman who wears it. So i thought i'd post this two-part video where a saudi women who wears niqab and journalist for an English paper, allows cameras into her home and answers all those questions that my non-Muslim friends have brought up. Enjoy!

The videos are in English :)

Having a Bambi Moment - Angry Bloggers Need Not Apply

Im having a Bambi moment. This Disney movie clip from Bambi puts it perfectly:

"If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all."

I started this blog to reach out to my fellow Muslim Sisters and also to embrace my Non-Muslim ones. A few people (both Muslim and Non) seem to have a chip on their shoulder or an axe to grind when their fingers hit the keyboard. Its mean, and uncalled for. The Golden Rule states: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Put another way, "Love for your Brother, that which you love for yourself."

This blog is supposed to open up channels of communication, not close them down with mean spirited comments or close-minded opinions. The Hijab Question and Answer portion has been very successful and well received, Alhamdulilah (Praise be to God). I hope to continue and expand it in the future to a broader range of topics God willing.

Please be kind. This blog is currently open to be viewed and responded to by everyone. I originally didn't moderate comments, but was forced to begin doing so because of a few bad apples. :(

All kind comments, positive attitudes and honest questions are welcome. Mean spirited folks - please find another place to vent. You are in my prayers.

Peace and Love

Proud to wear Hijab - an Egyptian Pop Song Celebrates Women Embracing Hijab

The song's translation means : Congratulations to ladies wearing hijab. Truly this is the right and best thing for you. May God(swt) guide and be with you."

If you've ever wondered what hijab looks like in the eyes of Egyptian women, here is one snapshot. Hijab is a choice. Hijab is not imposed by men. Hijab is a beautiful expression of self esteem and devotion to God. :)

I love the scarves in this one...they are so pretty!

To Hijab or Not to Hijab - Is that the question?

This book illustrates that thoughts of the average Muslim teenager grappling with wearing the hijab, peoples opinions, and how to get by as a observant Sister in a predominantly Non-Muslim society without making cultural waves. Read a review of Randa Abdel-Fattah's book "Does My Head Look Big In This?". A great read for anyone wanting to delve into the mind of a young Muslim teen!

This post is in response to a question asked by one of our Non-Muslim followers: Does the Hijab (i.e. headscarf in particular) make a difference in terms of modesty?

As a Muslim woman, i believe that it does and that my Creator knows whats best for me. There are the traditional responses about how a woman's hair is her crowning glory, how it adds to her sexual appeal etc etc etc. And yes, our hair is a very beautiful part of us. Lets face it, men are visual creatures. Its a well-documented fact the men are wayyyy more visually stimulated sexually than women. Not to say that women dont appreciate an attractive male physique, just that men....REALLY appreciate ours, really really really... ;).

So keeping that fact in mind, as Muslim women we try to make it easier for men (arnt we nice?), by covering our bodies in public, including our hair. (please note: men are also required to dress and behave modestly after all, one of the Names for God(Allah) is The Equitable, this post however, focuses specifically on the headscarf for women).

The headscarf is just another piece of the proverbial "hijab" pie, and without it, our modesty would not be complete. It would be like wearing a skirt, headscarf and belly top....you would certainly attract sexual attention that way. Sexuality is a powerful tool, one that Muslim women wield quite skillfully. The headscarf is just another part of our choice to be modest in public. Our choice to decide who views us in a sexual manner. The headscarf is a sign of true women power!

Get your hijab-on! :)

Meeting the Criteria for Hijab

Lets be honest, not everything posted on hijab fashion sites or sold in stores meets the criteria for hijab, right? These two pics above illustrate my point. Super cute for sure, but more appropriate for ladies functions or family gatherings. Not all hijab fashion designs may work. But never fear, there is a place and time for every cute wrap - and don't ladies appreciate those designs the most anyway??? :)

Some people think that hijab automatically means wearing all black - and it may in certain parts of the world where women wear all black in public. Wearing anything else would stand out like a sore thumb and attract unnecessary attention.

I LOVE black, its elegant, classy and very striking. An abaya with a scarf is soooooo beautiful! I LOVE abayas. I also love wide-leg pants, pashminas, skirts, jilbabs, caftans, knee length tunics, modest suits etc....There are tons of ways to meet the criteria for hijab! Be creative! Not everything cute will pass the "demure test". But you'll feel better about yourself for choosing to be modest and obey your Creator.

Be honest with yourself before you leave the house. Is this really appropriate? Why am i wearing this? Does what i have on attract a lot of attention? Am i dressing to please someone else? What is my intention?

Hijab is also an attitude, a modesty in behavior. How we behave says a lot about who we are, and how much we value ourselves. Be a proud, confident woman! Hold your head up. Treat yourself with respect inside and out, and others will respect you for it!

Women of ALL Faiths wear scarves :)

Salaam-Peace to all my awesome readers out there!

Ive gotten several questions and comments about non-Muslim women wearing the headscarf, how Muslims might react to it, and also comments and feelings of our greater non-Muslim societies' reaction to this "statement".

First off, its important to note that the scarf (headscarf/hijab) has been worn by women of many faiths and cultures pretty much since the beginning of civilization. Some wear it to keep warm, some because its fashionable, some because it is a part of the traditional cultural dress, and some because its a part of their faith. Unfortunately, wearing a scarf, veil, tichel, pashmina, hijab, dupatta (whatever you want to call it) today has become a symbol of oppression and extremist belief.

I am not an extremist, not even close. I am a VERY proud American. I vote, work, participate in community events, shop, go to school, exercise, travel...etc etc etc. And i do it all as a women wearing a scarf. I encourage ANY women who wants to wear a scarf to do so. The hijab is not just an Islamic practice. Jewish, Christian, Jain, and Hindu women (just to name a few) also wear headscarves. It doesn't stop me from conducting business, interacting within my community, volunteering at the homeless shelter, or even speaking in public at a forum. I love to meet new people from all walks of life, and my oh-so-interesting-scarf as often been the catalyst for many of the random conversations that have lead to lifelong friendships!

The best way for people to get over their fear and apprehension about the scarf (after all it is just piece of material)is to see women from non-Muslim groups and other faiths and beliefs wearing it as well. Wear it because its fashionable. Wear it because you don't feel like doing your hair that day. Wear it because its cold. Wear it...just because you want to! Its your body. You have control over it! 100% of it, even what goes on your head! :)

Non-Muslim Women Wearing Hijab

I recently received a comment by a lovely non-muslim lady wondering about my/our opinion on non-Muslim ladies wearing hijab, and how it would effect us. i want to thank you so much for writing and for looking into hijab, why we wear it, and considering all the options for yourself. So often in public i get very ignorant comments bout my hijab or modesty in general...which is really sad. So i want to thank you for looking into Muslim Hijab from a more authentic source....a MUSLIM WOMAN :)

First of all, while i cant speak for the whole community, my assumption is that ANY woman (or man) for that matter - regardless of creed, culture, political views etc., who dresses modestly would be well-received and appricited by Muslims here, and all around the world. The Hijab actually refers to one's complete dress code and behavior, not just whats worn on the head - although "hijab" in both Western and Muslim societies has come to be known as the head scarf for pop-culture reasons. When one wears hijab, we are telling the world that we value ourselves, command respect from others, and want to be evaluated based on our minds, ideas and actions...not on our bra-size. :)

I think most women can relate to this experience at one time or another, cat-calls, innuendos, even inappropriate touching (i.e.your boss forgot his personal space bubble at home ....again!) All being modest does, is deter people from mistreating us based on our gender and sexual appeal, or at least, make them think twice before doing so.

My modesty - headscarf included , tells the world that i am more than just my sexuality, that i have a brain, and am intelligent enough to know that i have value beyond the bedroom.

thank you so much for writing. Get your hijab-on!