Sports
Can Hijab and Basketball Co-exist? The Phenomenon of Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir
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UmA
March 10, 2009 at 11:49 AM
you might need to proof read the title and article (phenomenon, sauna etc)
gess
March 10, 2009 at 12:06 PM
As’salamu aleikum,
To the editor.
May I suggest to remove the link to SI ? It contains un-Islamic contains. It is better to give a reference.
Although I must say I am very surprised that SI decided to give space to a hijabi Muslim athlete, when the magazine is known and have been criticized to overlook most of the time female athletes.
gess.
Amad
March 10, 2009 at 1:38 PM
UmA: Fixed. jak
gess: I changed the SI link to a pdf. It is interesting, as you mentioned, that SI which is known for its less-than-appropriate calendars, and scantily clad women (as if female-body exploitation is some sort of sport??) would do something quite the opposite. Well, good for them.
Sabi, not sure what your beef is? I am pointing out what seems like an obvious issue, that SOMEONE would have brought up anyway. I wanted to take the lead to nip it in the bud as much as possible. It isn’t easy writing when you have critics from the far left, far right and every point in the middle :)
sabiwabi
March 10, 2009 at 1:08 PM
Yes, someone please proof-read these articles first. Doesn’t MM have an editor? This is not the type of article I have come to expect from MM. Also, nattering over the “correctness” of her hijab? Really? Looks like she is taking hits from Muslims and non- Muslims alike.
As I always say, “damned if you do, damned if you don’t”.
More power to you, Bilqis…continue to represent the strength of Muslim women…you have my du’as.
bintwadee3
March 10, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Sabiwabi: Your post is flawed in different ways. I wonder if you were merely trying to get us to give her some credit for wearing hijab (which the author did in the first sentence), but your wording is not proper. Maybe you don’t have an editor…
“Also, nattering over the “correctness” of her hijab?”
The author, and I and many others I’m certain, are simply fulfilling their islamic duty of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil. I don’t know about you, but I would rather “natter about someone’s hijab” than be asked by the Creator why I didn’t say anything, and then get sins for it. If you think the author of this article is trying to incite people to hate on her, then you’re mistaken. May Allaah forgive us all for our shortcomings.
“As I always say, “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” ”
Funny you should mention clichéd phrases. A couple come to mind. Here’s one:
“If you’re going to do something, you might as well do it right.”
Allaah mentions Ihsan (perfection/excellence to the best of your ability) many times throughout the Qur’an.10:26, 39:10, 53:31 to mention a few.
May Allaah guide us all to the better Islaam.
Taha A.
March 10, 2009 at 10:01 PM
her family dresses in the appropriate islamic dress code and the father has a big beard. I believe she onlly has this type of hijab only for basketball. Just lets give her the benefit of the doubt that she is trying
sabiwabi
March 10, 2009 at 11:58 PM
I am my own editor and I say what I mean, my dear Sister, Bintwadee.
Have you read the article about her accomplishments? Her choices to cover her body with LOOSE fitting clothing….yet she gets no pat on the back for that. I bet if you compared her to 75% of her hijab wearing counterparts she is probably 90% more modest! The girls in my town get away with wearing anything as long as their hijab is “proper” and it’s a disgrace. I seriously would rather see my daughter in an abaya and a skully than see her in a “proper hijab” and the rest of her body poured into her Forever 21 jeans and tight shirt. We are talking about the minds and realities of teenage girls here, not full grown women. Can’t you see the nuance? Suppose Bilqis reads this thread herself. It’s a pretty good bet that she would be disheartened. What about her values, manners, morals, ways of interacting with others? Is she exemplifying the sunnah of the Prophets behavior? Why can’t we delve into that? If she is doing so….which it appears that she is….where is our support of that?
Oh wait, we can’t, because a Muslim womans’ worth = her hijab.
Sad.
Nihal Khan
March 11, 2009 at 12:59 AM
Just for the books, Sr. Bilqis may stumble upon this article (Imam Suhaib Webb put up an article regarding her achievements and she commented).
In regards to her dress, I think it’s only fair to speak to her personally. Otherwise, we shouldn’t comment. In the Precious Provisions class we had w/ AlMaghrib, YQ said that it’s better for a girl to pretty much wear loose clothing and no hijab than to wear a hijab and tight clothing…
In my humble opinion, wouldn’t this be backbiting to an extent? I mean, don’t get me wrong, When the Prophet (SAW) saw someone doing wrong, he’d tell that person in a polite manner and in private.
I think this article needs some changes. Allahu Alam.
As Shaykh Yasir Qadhi said, “Hijab is a concept and a way of life, not just a piece of cloth.”
sincethestorm
March 11, 2009 at 2:31 AM
I agree with SABIWABI more than Nihal. Alot of sisters started out wearing something and it wasn’t perfect. Slowly, things changed and their hijab evolved as well. It is an accomplishment to want to cover up something in this society. This young girl is trying to not compromise her faith and still be athletic. She is wearing a full sleeved shirt and long spandex tights under her uniform and still playing a physical sport. It has to be difficult and hot. She is covering and trying when some people are not even thinking about. Wearing hijab is a step towards fulfilling the injunction by Allah SWT and its not the same as trying to grow a beard. Hijab is distinctly representative of Islam only. A person who wears it is doing it becuase they fear Allah SWT. Even it is not perfect, this person is taking a step closer to Allah SWT. And so when people say its better to wear loose clothing and no hijab than to wear a hijab and tight clothing…then I think that is really discouraging to all of the sisters. We should never discourage a person to fulfill an order of Allah SWT even if it is not done perfectly. This young lady is proud Muslim sister and that is why she is wearing it. And it is a credit to her for fearing Allah SWT and stopping and thinking about it period. And this article and comments like sr. Nihal and her quoted comment from Yasir Qadhi are counterproductive.
J
March 11, 2009 at 2:41 AM
As-Salam Alaykum.
I think brother Amad’s comments were 100% appropriate. He made his intentions for writing them quite clear. We all know that the hawks from the far right would have attacked MM if he had not made those disclaimers. Furthermore, it is important to be clear about our religious beliefs. So basically, brother Amad is saying that we support the basketball sister for her pure intention, even if she is unfamiliar with the legalities and technicalities.
Brother Amad, I applaud the way you wrote this article. May Allah [swt] reward you.
Technically, Muslim sisters should probably *not* be playing basketball in public at all, as the home is the proper place for them, according to our religion. Yes, in places like Saudia, it is ok to play games in all-girl’s sports where the audience is all-girls too.
Having said all that, the basketball sister has–from what I can tell–a pure intention, and has made a great effort to conform to her religion. Not everyone is a scholar, and so we should appreciate her sincerity and piety, instead of condemning her.
I think brother Amad’s approach to this whole issue is best.
Fi Aman Allah
AsimG
March 11, 2009 at 2:44 AM
Asalaamu Alaykum,
There are significant number of Muslim brothers in NCAA division 1 basketball, but they don’t get much attention unless they have some “back home” story to show how they triumphed.
Hasheem Thabeet is probably the most famous right now who plays for UConn and is considered their big star.
J
March 11, 2009 at 2:53 AM
Remember what Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [ra] said about Mawlid. He said that the person who celebrates it with an intention to do good deeds, such a person can get sawwab (reward) from Allah [swt] for this intention, EVEN IF THE ACTION IS WRONG. Therefore, we pray and hope that sister Bilqis will get reward for her pure intention and her sacrifice. Even though her covering may fall short of the requirement, it must have taken a lot of guts to even do that much. And keep in mind that in her mind, she must be fulfilling the requirement, and actions are based on intentions. Once again, not everyone is a scholar, neither is everyone a Salafi who knows all the intricate details of things. There are countless hijabis who don’t know that the hijab should come in the front to cover the chest, but we pray that they will be judged by their intention.
Let us be extra careful with this one, and not break the spirit of sister Bilqis.
At the same time, being clear on our beliefs–as this site tries to promote the proper aqeedah and sound jurisprudence–is important. I think brother Amad managed to strike this precarious balance pretty well.
sincethestorm
March 11, 2009 at 3:05 AM
The problem is close to 8 million Muslim Americans don’t live in Saudi Arabia. We dont’ live in a segregated society. The sport is played by only females. She is trying to wear something…do something and play. Should she not play at all then? This is not the time to be inspecting other people. And esp. not young girls!!! Maybe someone will be impressed by her and want to learn about Islam. Many people still talk about Hakeem breaking his fast while praying. So, my point is its not our place to judge others and certainly not our place to discourage them. If a young kid was praying 3 out of 5 daily prayers, no one would say don’t pray 3 times if you can’t pray all 5. We would encourage them to do more but not look down at them for praying 3 times a day. Its just that simple.
J
March 11, 2009 at 3:15 AM
Wa alaykum as-salam, sister SincetheStorm,
I believe that this is similar to the dilemma faced by talented musicians once they convert to Islam. They dedicated their whole lives to music, and their talent is in music. So then they are faced with the choice of either abandoning music altogether or of going into “Islamic music”. Of course, my personal opinion–and the correct opinion–is that these brothers and sisters should leave music altogether, and Allah [swt] will recompense them with an even greater reward in the Hereafter.
However, I do very much understand how difficult this choice is, and I do not agree with those people who “bash” them for making the wrong decision. Rather, I think we should talk to them softly and with love. Nudge them in the right direction, insha-Allah.
So my personal belief is that even if a sister has a great talent with basketball, if she sacrifices it for Allah [swt], then that is a trade that will be of great profit. Allah [swt] asks in the Quran: “Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan, that Allah will double unto his credit and multiply it many times!” (Quran, 2:245) So I believe that if a sister who has immense talent in basketball, which could benefit her greatly in this life, if she gives it up for the sake of Allah [swt], then Allah [swt] return this “loan” many-fold in the next life.
Having said all of this, I agree with you 100% that we should be soft and considerate to the sister, who for all we know may be getting immense reward from Allah [swt] for her sincere intention and sacrifice, no matter if her action may be wrong in the legalities and technicalities.
I generally take a pretty conservative view of what Muslimahs should have in the public sphere, and I believe that their place is in the homes, away from the public eye. I do not think putting them center stage, where a whole crowd and audience stares at them, is correct. Wallahu Aalim.
But again, I can’t stress it enough: the sister made a huge sacrifice, and may Allah [swt] reward her for her sincere intention! We really need to understand that ignorance is a protection for the awwaam (masses) who may not be cognizant of all the nuances of the religion. Therefore, we should be extra forgiving of them, insha-Allah.
Fi Aman Allah
J
March 11, 2009 at 4:03 AM
I just want to add the example of David Chappelle, who left a $50 million deal for Allah [swt]. As his brother, William, said: “How much is your Imaan worth?” David decided that $50 million is too little. Subhan-Allah.
Amad
March 11, 2009 at 8:18 AM
salam,
Thanks to everyone for keeping the discussion polite.
As “J” said, please remember that Muslim writers on the net have to walk a tight-rope between the right and the left… inshallah on the middle path, which is never easy.
I find the criticism that this post would be disappointing to the sister slightly amusing, especially after the modifications from yesterday (after reading some of the comments).
sabi: “yet she gets no pat on the back for that”.
Ok, then let’s review my statements (let’s be objective about our judgments):
And then let’s review the “negatives” (1 half line)::
And check the foot-note on it:
Amad
March 11, 2009 at 8:19 AM
A few follow-up questions:
1) Am I wrong to say that this does not fulfill general requirements of full hijab according to all schools of thoughts (I would say even Shias would agree with me)?
2) If I am right, would it be just to avoid mentioning it? In fact, if the sister reads this post, perhaps she would read the linked post, and may be able to do a bit more.
3) Isn’t the tone of the post positive, even with the hijab nuance mentioned WITH a disclaimer?
Let me also add something more. I was going to say this in my post but then I didn’t want to be attacked for justifying the “lesser” hijab, but Sr. Bilqis is at least trying to do the hijab, under tremendous amount of pressure (from fame and peers), relative to many sisters who don’t have any of these issues and still don’t even try. I will also agree that wearing loose clothes and a head-scarf is much better than the “full” head-scarf accompanied by tight jeans and t-shirts. Having said that, relative comparisons don’t change the absolute, and so I felt it my responsibility to point that out.
sabiwabi
March 11, 2009 at 1:52 PM
I feel that the last two comments were directed at me, so I’ll respond.
It’s your article Brother, you should write what you to. Don’t let others ‘perceived’ responses distract you from the type of article that YOU want to write. Just be ready for both types of reactions next time. When your article is only 10 sentences long, it only takes a couple of references to her hijab for the issue to become the predominant theme (and SI is guilty of the same thing…as if hijab makes her superhuman or something). Non-Muslims gawk over the fact that she can run and throw a ball with extra fabric tied on her body and Muslims gawk over the fact that she doesn’t do her hijab right. What’s a Muslim teenaged girl to do? I feel for her.
My overall feeling with the MM article was that I was disappointed to see her hijab mentioned at all. She seems like a strong, positive Muslim teen who does her best to adhere to her faith while trying to make an impact in a field that you rarely see Muslimahs in. I’ll reiterate the word “teen”. I used to sit in and volunteer at our local teen youth nights and what those poor girls are going through these days…it’s insane. Being hit with criticism from BOTH worlds. As if being a teen wasn’t hard enough in the first place. Maybe if we (the Muslim communities) started to uplift and celebrate those girls accomplishments without holding them under the “yeah but her hijab…” microscope first; we would start to see the changes that we want to see with our teenaged girls. I firmly believe that.
They have to feel secure and loved by the community (with a hijab, no hijab or half-hijab) or we will lose them to the world. That is my sole concern as I have seen many teen girls go that route in my 13 years of being Muslim.
Amad
March 11, 2009 at 3:15 PM
Sabiwabi, your point noted.
Anonymous
March 11, 2009 at 4:13 PM
True Nasiha is always given in private, no need to publicly state the errors of our fellow Muslims
Wa Allahu Allim
AbdelRahman
March 11, 2009 at 5:43 PM
It is not our job to acknowledge the fact that maybe she’s not fulfilling proper hijab on a public forum such as MuslimMatters. In her interview with ESPN, she referenced the fact that her mother prefers that she wear looser clothing. We don’t know what she wears when she’s not playing basketball, only when she’s on the court.
Regardless, it’s not the job of a website to address the issue of her hijab and to point out how she could be wearing it more in accordance with the majority opinions of the scholars of Islam. If you wish to give her naseeha, then get her e-mail address and do it privately. Even if the intention of the post wasn’t to bring up a “is she legit or is she not?” argument, you would be as intelligent as a rock if you didn’t think this topic would come up. My recommendation is to take the post down.
Although it has a good intention, this post has more potential harm than benefit, in my humble opinion. Nice try, though ;-).
bintH
March 11, 2009 at 6:59 PM
I’m gonna have to agree with the post above me.
It’s just going to call for arguing on what is the proper hijab and what isn’t.
Although it is great that this sister is successful in playing basketball, I can already see many problems that will arise for her if she plays for the NCAA.
J
March 11, 2009 at 7:33 PM
Bro Amad, you just can’t win. lol
If you say one thing, you’ll get toasted by one side. If you say another, you’ll get toasted by the other. haha
You sir have a difficult job that I do not envy!
Amad
March 11, 2009 at 8:34 PM
Ok folks, I have updated the post once again to make the reference to hijab even “lighter”. But I feel that I would fail in my writing responsibility to let the SI article author mention “full” hijab (she did not just say “hijab”, but “full hijab”), without giving some clarification. This is the best I can do. And while I appreciate your good intentions in asking for post removal, I hope that you can appreciate my right to disagree. I do give pause and thought on reader comments, and that is reflected in my adjustment to the post twice.
wasalam
P.S. If anyone has a contact for the sister, we will be happy to interview her on her positive attributes as a Muslimah in this society.
Siraaj Muhammad
March 11, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Salaam alaykum,
I thought it was balanced. It provided all sides of the discussion without being judgemental or negative. It’s good that we’re clear about what mistakes our role models are publically making without attacking them.
Siraaj
BintH
March 11, 2009 at 11:35 PM
Just wanted to clarify, I didn’t disagree with you Br. Amad. If it is indeed good that we can be clear about what mistakes our role models make without attacking them then that’s perfectly fine. I, of course, am not better than anyone, but I didn’t want my opinion to come off as attacking her, as at least she covers her hair instead of not at all. However, I will agree to say that hijab is a way of life, not just a piece of cloth, and not just for your hair only. I would be happy to see a woman in full hijab ( and I mean full) playing basketball, but then again, I wouldn’t. She’s going to be on TV twenty four seven, with people viewing her, I just would like it to be more private but have her still be successful, unfortunately you cannot do that in the NCAA, so all I can say is make du’aa for her.
BintH
March 11, 2009 at 11:37 PM
And just to add in, if anyone knows her or has contact with her, I hope they can advise her nicely about it. InshaAllah she takes it as good advice and that someone cares about her rather than getting sensitive about it like the rest of us might get.
usman
March 12, 2009 at 12:47 AM
salaam, i agree with br amad (props for a well written article) as Muslims we should not be afraid of saying what is clearly said in quran and sunnah. Hijab is fard and it is clearly stated wat needs covering and how. Sister Bilquis is not covered islamicly, and yes this should be said to her politley. Their is no judgment of her intentions or that she is a bad muslim. The issue went her to hijab, and hijab in islam is clear.
bintwadee3
March 12, 2009 at 2:57 AM
Sr. sabiwabi:
My comment about you needing an editor was a sarcastic, and rather harsh, rebuttal of your editor comment to the author. It was not my place, and for that, I’m sorry.
I have indeed read the article about her accomplishments and, being a sport-lover myself, am astounded. Alhamdulillaah she’s doing an amazing job, and no one here is denying that (to my knowledge).
I can attest to the fabric wrapped tight as can be around girls heads, in addition to the painted on jeans and, well, shape revealing clothes. You have very good points but we’re looking at it through different points of view.
Scenario in what seems to be your POV according to your examples (correct me if I’m wrong): if we all looked at the people below us, here meaning those (whom we believe to be) less practicing than we are, well then theres no competition. We’re at the top of our game. Assuring ourselves with statements such as “Well they only pray 2 times a day and I only skip Fajr” is nothing to be happy about. Yes, alhamdulillaah you’re almost completing your obligation to Allaah. Do you want a medal?
My POV: It still is not completing the obligation of hijab. I don’t deny that she dresses alot better than girls our age (I assume you’re in your teens, as I am), but that doesn’t cancel out the fact that it does not fulfill the requirements of hijab that Allaah commanded of us. You can’t just say “Well, we’re Muslim but we decided we don’t want to pay Zakat.” We all know that one was dealt with in the sahaba’s time.
About the minds of teenage girls, in my humble opinion, it has nothing to do with anything. Your brain will continue to develop for the rest of your life. Age doesn’t justify maturity or immaturity. Alot of mature, “sound-minded” individuals do extremely assinine things all the time. Correct me if I’m wrong, but are we not held accountable for our actions (islamically) when we hit puberty? I believe so. A common phrase among girls is “Well as long as I have the intention, Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, and Most Merciful.” To these girls, I say “And Allaah is also swift in punishment!” Allaah is Just and He will deal with each accordingly.
If Bilqis is reading this, I would like her to know that it is not only actions of the heart that count, but of the limbs and tongue as well. I say this not out of spite, nor contempt, but a form of cautionary naseeha, if you will.
About her values, manners, morals, ways of interacting with others, of course we could speak of what little (if any) knowledge we have in those aspects, but that is not the topic at hand.
Her worth being her hijab, I don’t think anyone even came close to implying that. If the article was titles “Is bastketball superstar Bilqis a good girl who does what she’s told? Lets all evaluate her morals, values and manners and then determine her worth” then your statement might be plausible. Hijab and basketball was the point of the article. No one automatically assumed “BAD MUSLIM, SHE HAS A SKULLY WHICH MEANS SHE DOESN’T PRAY, FAST OR PAY ZAKAT!” No one said that.
Can hijab and basketball co-exist? Even if she played in full abaya/hijab, maybe even niqab, I would still say no if there were non-mahram men around.
This comment is not meant to offend anyone, just to express an opinion on this matter. WAllaahu ta3aala A3lam.
AbdelRahman
March 13, 2009 at 1:27 AM
That’s fine and dandy, the whole point is that it’s not anyone’s job on this site to point out someone’s flaw, let alone an 18 year old girl who hasn’t even graduated from high school and is receiving all of this media attention. If anything, contact SI and ask them to correct it, but bringing up a weak part of a sister’s faith to the MM community of readers isn’t necessary, and is of poor taste.
AbdelRahman
March 13, 2009 at 1:42 AM
Like the commenter above said, Imam Suhaib put an article about her on his blog, and she later came and commented. How would you like it if there was a blog with many, many readers, and one of your flaws (possibly due to ignorance or blossoming iman) was pointed out, albeit in a “soft” way? No one would.
I completely agree that this post falls in a form of backbiting, as it is (1)criticism in public that doesn’t need to be made in public and (2)something said about her without her direct knowledge and something I don’t think she’d appreciate. Look at the difference between how Imam Suhaib posted his article (in praise of her efforts and accomplishments with no conditions) vs. how it’s been posted here, with an * next to her achievement. Which audience do you think she’ll be more prone to fall in to, and insha Allah become better by becoming a part of?
We all have flaws, and it’s from Allah’s mercy that He hides them for us. Let’s not get bit by the holier than thou bug and decide to pick out others flaws, even in a manner that doesn’t seem so harsh to us.
Amad
March 13, 2009 at 6:01 PM
AbdelRahman, the problem I believe is not in the text of the post, but how you are framing it. To rip on a few words in the post, and gloss over everything else positive, is also unjust reading. I did not put an * next to her achievement, that is what you did. I put an an * next to the Sports Illustrated writer’s contention that this represents full hijab.
For instance, if a different article had a focus on a Muslim male athlete and mentioned how the brother sported a full Islamic beard, yet the brother only had a goatie, I would do exactly the same as I did here. Point out that the statement in the article is inaccurate. It doesn’t take away from the brother’s achievements; rather, it points to inaccuracy in the article. It is as simple as that.
The hijab or the beard are part of the Muslim package, but they are not pillars of the faith. At least the sister in this case is trying compared to tons of other muslim women who don’t have this sort of pressure/problem, yet they can’t even don modest clothes, let alone hijab. So, let’s keep this in perspective and not read too much into the post.
wallahualam
Amad
March 13, 2009 at 6:05 PM
The first part of this sentence is unpractical. The article is out, and if you think explaining the nuances of hijab to a SI writer is going to be helpful or that she would issue a correction, then you know that’s not going to happen.
As for the second part, bringing up a weak part of the sister’s faith, how did you get that? I never questioned her faith. I corrected the writer. And even with that, I provided a defense for why the sister might believe its full hijab. Again, I think, you have framed the post in a certain way in your mind, which is not the frame that is provided by the apparent and clear text in this post.
Siddiqua
March 14, 2009 at 4:01 AM
Assalamoalaikum wa Rahamtullah wa Barakatohu
I have been reading some ot the articles and comments posted for the last few days.
Allah SWT in His infinite Mercy and Compassion has given us a Book full of Light, for the one who submits truly unto His Will and is truly His slave.
There is no doubt or confusion or varioation in our Book, the Quraan Al Kareem.
Then we have the preserved ways of His Prophet SAW, a firm guidance to the good.
Allah SWT says in His Holy Book that He created us only that we may worship Him. If we hold firmly to this reason of our being in this duniya, which is only our temporary abode and a test for our everlasting destination, then most clearly the Holy Quraan repeats again and agan that to achieve the true success we have to follow Allah’s Commands and the Sunnah of Rasulillah SAW firmly and without wavering.
To be muslim is to know for sure that Allah is our Creator, our Lord, Our Master, our Owner and that unto Him is our return and we will be judged, according to the guidelines established in the Quraan and the Sunnah. Allah SWT is Al Ghani; we are the beggars hoping and praying for His acceptance of our deeds and His Mercy that we may succeed in the duniyah and the Akhirah.
So the one who follows the Straight Path, giving up the prohibited and doubtful mattters of the duniyah, for the Sake of Allah SWT, that is the true slave of Allah SWT who will be given the real success, Jannah forever.
Argumentation is firmly prohibited by Rasulillah SAW and hated by Allah SWT. There is no “dsicussion” of Allah’s Commands. Once Allah SWT has ruled on a matter, there is no gainsaying or varying or scurrying from here to there in a vain attempt to reconcile one’s own worldly desires with the imcomparable Truth.
The one who is established most firmly on the Straight Path, by Allah’s Mercy, worries not one whit about the opinion of anyone except he fears: Does Rabb ul Alameen accept this from me? Most certainly he is not fearful of the kuffar media.
Allah SWT in His Mercy, Compassion and Wisdom has made Al Islam the deen of ease and clarity. We are the arrogant ones who mix it all up, creating thereby only fitan and fasaad. So beware my dear brothers and sisters in Islam. Allah SWT has ruled. And there is none who can change one whit or iota of His Truth. So for Allah’s Sake, stay firm and honourable to this His Straight Path. And inshAllah we will all be gathered together in the Highest Jannah and be with our Lord besides Whom there is no Lord. Ameen ya Rabb il Alameen.
sincethestorm
March 14, 2009 at 5:28 AM
@ Amad, You have a daughter and I don’t think you would appreciate an article like this on a blog about her. You may be presenting an almost positive artible but at the same time you are putting someone else’s daughter and her actions on centerstage. I find it terribly inappropriate because she is a young girl!
@Siraaj This teen is not looking to be a role model. And, I think its ridiculous that people, random strangers on their computers, think this is the best way to bring this issue to light with all the problems we have amongst our ummah!
Siddiqua
March 14, 2009 at 5:29 AM
Assalmoalaikum wa rahmatullah wa baraktohu
A clarification for the following:
“Argumentation is firmly prohibited by Rasulillah SAW and hated by Allah SWT”
should read
Argumentation is hated by Allah SWT and Rasulillah SAW strictly forbade any of his sahabas to engage in it.
May Allah SWT forgive all my mistakes and errors.
sincethestorm
March 14, 2009 at 6:33 AM
@Amad i apologize my comment in retrospec. was not appropriate.
AbdelRahman
March 15, 2009 at 2:27 AM
Basically, in simpleton’s terms, there need not be any emphasis of her “not quite full hijab (insert HTTP link for what full hijab is).” Everyone here can tell that a doo-rag and long sleeve tights with leggings is not something that qualifies as hijab. But again, there’s not need to point it out in an article to a community of people who can already tell the difference.
Agree to disagree, I guess.
Siraaj Muhammad
March 15, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Yep, pretty much :)
Siraaj
Siraaj Muhammad
March 15, 2009 at 4:23 PM
By the way, I hope you realize that comments are also public, and the one statement you just made was far harsher than anything Amad said in the entirety of his article.
Siraaj
AbdelRahman
March 15, 2009 at 8:26 PM
I don’t think so – she herself in the ESPN interview mentioned that she told her mom that she knew she should be wearing looser clothing. I don’t think my statement was “far harsher” at all. I think writing an article about it on a site like MM was, bluntly put, moronic. Maybe commenting on it so much was even more dumb, who knows.
Siraaj Muhammad
March 16, 2009 at 12:43 AM
Exactly my point.
Siraaj
Hidaya
March 16, 2009 at 1:44 AM
She is only 18 MashaAllah……I didn’t even know what Hijab was at that age, so hats offf to her, mashaAllah.
Fuad Ahmed
September 3, 2009 at 4:00 AM
I admire her. Just look into her mind and the confidence level she has. And Hijab is OK.
cukaash
May 27, 2013 at 9:43 AM
Salam, Muslimah.
Thank you so much for your insightful question. It shows a desire to understand the essence of Islam, not just the rituals. May Allah guide us all to the true beauty of His religion, and allow us to submit to it.
Before anyone can have a true and complete understanding of hijab and its real meaning, one needs to take a step back and start at the beginning. Allah says in the Quran, which Muslims believe is the word of God, what means:
[Not for (idle) sport did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between!] (Al-Anbiyaa’ 21:16)
In this verse Allah makes clear that everything He created has a purpose. Every star in the sky, every fish in the ocean, and every leaf on a tree was made for a specific reason. So too was the human being created for a specific purpose. And Allah explains this purpose clearly in the Quran. He says what means:
[And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.] (Adh-Dhariyat 51:56)
It is important to note even the construction of this statement. Allah did not just say that He created jinn and mankind to worship Him. He began with a negation. He said: “I did not create the jinn and mankind.” By saying it in this way, Allah begins by clearing the board from any other purpose before He states what our one and only purpose is: to worship Him and Him alone.
Now, it is in that context that one should begin to understand hijab. Hijab should properly be seen as simply another show of devotion to our Creator. Just as we pray and fast because He commanded us to do so, we should view hijab in the very same light.
Just as praying and fasting sincerely for Allah’s pleasure brings us closer to Him, so too does wearing hijab — if done with the same sincerity. By obeying Allah’s commandments, hijab is just another way to worship our Lord. And in so doing, it brings us closer to realizing our purpose of creation.
That purpose can be reflected even in the clothes that we choose to wear. If when we choose our dress, our intention is to please Allah, that action in itself is an act of worship. In the very choice of one piece of clothing over another, is an act of worship.
Many people like to refer to hijab as a “personal choice”. Yes. It is a personal choice. It is a personal choice to submit to God rather than the fashion of society. It is a choice to be beautiful to God, rather than to people. And it is a choice to cover and dignify the body Allah gave you, rather than give in to a culture that teaches women they are to be sex objects who sell their bodies to market beer.
However, hijab should not just be seen as a cloth one puts on the head. Rather hijab is a symbol of our worship and servitude to God. It is a symbol of modesty, that is not just about our attire; it extends to our whole demeanor.
If someone is wearing the hijab of modest clothing but is not modest in their behavior, they have only shown the external modesty. But internal modesty is missing. Because both internal and external modesty is essential, Allah mentioned the two together in the Quran:
[Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty…] (Al-Mu’minun 24:30-31)
In this verse of the Quran, Allah does not just talk about the dress of modesty, but also the demeanor of modesty. In fact, both internal and external modesty is so important that the Prophet (peace be upon him) connected it with faith itself.
Unfortunately, we live in a society that teaches the exact opposite. In our society today, modesty is viewed as a sign of weakness and insecurity, when in fact modesty is a sign of dignity and self-respect.
True modesty means not only being modest in front of people, but also in front of Allah.
Regarding your question about “fashionable hijabs full of designs and prints,” there is no black and white answer. The question one must consider is what the purpose of hijab really is, and whether a particular type of dress contradicts that purpose.
For example, if one is wearing a headscarf that is excessively beautified, and therefore draws more attention, one must wonder whether that is fulfilling the object of modesty, both internal and external.
Ultimately, Allah knows best. We seek His guidance in all our affairs; and we pray that He shows us and allows us to remain firm on the straight path.
I hope this answers your question. Please keep in touch.
Salam.
cukaash
May 27, 2013 at 9:56 AM
Praise be to Allaah.
Verses that have to do with hijab:
1 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And tell 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, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful”
[al-Noor 24:31]
2 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And as for women past childbearing who do not expect wedlock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment. But to refrain (i.e. not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them. And Allaah is All‑Hearer, All‑Knower”
[al-Noor 24:60]
“Women past childbearing” are those who no longer menstruate, so they can no longer get pregnant or bear children.
We shall see below the words of Hafsah bint Sireen and the way in which she interpreted this verse.
3 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“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]
4 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Enter not the Prophet’s houses, unless permission is given to you for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation. But when you are invited, enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse without sitting for a talk. Verily, such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet, and he is shy of (asking) you (to go); but Allaah is not shy of (telling you) the truth. And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. And it is not (right) for you that you should annoy Allaah’s Messenger, nor that you should ever marry his wives after him (his death). Verily, with Allaah that shall be an enormity”
[al-Ahzaab 33:53]
With regard to the Ahaadeeth:
1 – It was narrated from Safiyyah bint Shaybah that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) used to say: When these words were revealed – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – they took their izaars (a kind of garment) and tore them from the edges and covered their faces with them.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4481. The following version was narrated by Abu Dawood (4102):
May Allaah have mercy on the Muhaajir women. When Allaah revealed the words “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)”, they tore the thickest of their aprons (a kind of garment) and covered their faces with them.
Shaykh Muhammad al-Ameen al-Shanqeeti (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
This hadeeth clearly states that what the Sahaabi women mentioned here understood from this verse – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – was that they were to cover their faces, and that they tore their garments and covered their faces with them, in obedience to the command of Allaah in the verse where He said “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” which meant covering their faces. Thus the fair-minded person will understand that woman’s observing hijab and covering her face in front of men is established in the saheeh Sunnah that explains the Book of Allaah. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) praised those women for hastening to follow the command of Allaah given in His Book. It is known that their understanding of the words “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” as meaning covering the face came from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), because he was there and they asked him about everything that they did not understand about their religion. And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad) the Dhikr [reminder and the advice (i.e. the Qur’aan)], that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought”
[al-Nahl 16:44]
Ibn Hajar said in Fath al-Baari: There is a report of Ibn Abi Haatim via ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Uthmaan ibn Khaytham from Safiyyah that explains that. This report says: We mentioned the women of Quraysh and their virtues in the presence of ‘Aa’ishah and she said: “The women of Quraysh are good, but by Allaah I have never seen any better than the women of the Ansaar, or any who believed the Book of Allaah more strongly or had more faith in the Revelation. When Soorat al-Noor was revealed – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – their menfolk came to them and recited to them what had been revealed, and there was not one woman among them who did not go to her apron, and the following morning they prayed wrapped up as if there were crows on their heads. It was also narrated clearly in the report of al-Bukhaari narrated above, where we see ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), who was so knowledgeable and pious, praising them in this manner and stating that she had never seen any women who believed the Book of Allaah more strongly or had more faith in the Revelation. This clearly indicates that they understood from this verse – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – that it was obligatory to cover their faces and that this stemmed from their belief in the Book of Allaah and their faith in the Revelation. It also indicates that women’s observing hijab in front of men and covering their faces is an act of belief in the Book of Allaah and faith in the Revelation. It is very strange indeed that some of those who claim to have knowledge say that there is nothing in the Qur’aan or Sunnah that says that women have to cover their faces in front of non-mahram men, even though the Sahaabi women did that in obedience to the command of Allaah in His Book, out of faith in the Revelation, and that this meaning is also firmly entrenched in the Sunnah, as in the report from al-Bukhaari quoted above. This is among the strongest evidence that all Muslim women are obliged to observe hijab.
Adwa’ al-Bayaan, 6/594-595.
2 – It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to go out at night to al-Manaasi’ (well known places in the direction of al-Baqee’) to relieve themselves and ‘Umar used to say to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Let your wives be veiled.” But the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not do that. Then one night Sawdah bint Zam’ah, the wife of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), went out at ‘Isha’ time and she was a tall woman. ‘Umar called out to her: “We have recognized you, O Sawdah!” hoping that hijab would be revealed, then Allaah revealed the verse of hijab.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 146; Muslim, 2170.
3 – It was narrated from Ibn Shihaab that Anas said: I am the most knowledgeable of people about hijab. Ubayy ibn Ka’b used to ask me about it. When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) married Zaynab bint Jahsh, whom he married in Madeenah, he invited the people to a meal after the sun had risen. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sat down and some men sat around him after the people had left, until the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stood up and walked a while, and I walked with him, until he reached the door of ‘Aa’ishah’s apartment. Then he thought that they had left so he went back and I went back with him, and they were still sitting there. He went back again, and I went with him, until he reached the door of ‘Aa’ishah’s apartment, then he came back and I came back with him, and they had left. Then he drew a curtain between me and him, and the verse of hijab was revealed.
Al-Bukhaari, 5149; Muslim, 1428.
4 – It was narrated from ‘Urwah that ‘Aa’ishah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to pray Fajr and the believing women would attend (the prayer) with him, wrapped in their aprons, then they would go back to their houses and no one would recognize them.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 365; Muslim, 645.
5 – It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “The riders used to pass by us when we were with the Messenger of Allaah (S) in ihraam, and when they drew near to us we would lower our jilbabs from our heads over our faces, then when they had passed we would uncover them again.
Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1833; Ibn Maajah, 2935; classed as saheeh by Ibn Khuzaymah (4,203) and by al-Albaani in Kitaab Jilbaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah.
6 – It was narrated that Asma’ bint Abi Bakr said: We used to cover our faces in front of men.
Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah, 4/203; al-Haakim, 1/624. He classed it as saheeh and al-Dhahabi agreed with him. It was also classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Jilbaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah.
7 – It was narrated that ‘Aasim al-Ahwaal said: We used to enter upon Hafsah bint Sireen who had put her jilbab thus and covered her face with it, and we would say to her: May Allaah have mercy on you. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And as for women past childbearing who do not expect wedlock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment” [al-Noor 24:60]. And she would say to us: What comes after that? We would say: “But to refrain (i.e. not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them”. And she would say: That is confirming the idea of hijab.
cukaash (cukaash10)
May 27, 2013 at 10:12 AM
and in my opinion bilqiis abddul qadiir she much better than many people in the world honestly, those who don’t using any thing about the hijab she is best just the way she is.