A lot of you have asked me why I wear niqab, whence I started wearing it and what exactly inspired me. Today, I hope to answer some of these questions, in shaa Allah.
Before I proceed to the actual answer I'd like to confess that I'm not perfect and neither is my niqab. May Allah guide me better and give me the courage to observe niqab in the best way in shaa Allah. Moreover, niqab or even hijab is not the end-all-and-be-all of being a practicing Muslim, Islam is so much more than just covering yourself. Being able to dress up modestly should be a goal for every Muslim woman, but it should not be the only goal. My niqab may make me look pious, yes it hides my flaws but that doesn't make me flawless. I, like any other human, make mistakes.
Let me tell you, I wasn't always a niqabi. I started wearing niqab at the age of 16, that is, almost a year ago. I started it with my own will, when I was fully convinced and nobody forced me alhamdulIllah. Before I observed the hijab I was a like any other 'normal' teenager, who loved listening to music, singing, dancing, watching movies and hanging out with friends but then I enrolled in Quran classes, got regular with my prayers, gave up music and replaced it with recitation of the Quran. I tried to cut down on lying and hardest of all, gossiping (gheebat) and I say that in all humility alhamdulIllah.
The very first time I gave thought to wearing niqab was when our teacher, may Allah reward her, told us that covering the face has been mentioned in the Quran and she quoted and explained the following ayat of Surah Al-Ahzab, Allah says in the Quran:
“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, head-cover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)…”
[Al-Noor 24:31]
She said that drawing veils over Juyoobihinna implies covering the head and then bringing the cloth over the neck, in such a way that the face is covered too.
After this lecture on Surah Al-Ahzab, I started doing my own research and realised the importance of niqab. I found out that the Mothers of the Faithful (Umhaat ul Momineen) used to talk to non-mehrams from behind a curtain and also that they used to go out in niqab. We are to follow them in all matters regarding women as they are the best role models for Muslimaat. Also, that the face defines the beauty of a woman, there is a reason why we put so much effort in making it as flawless as possible. Therefore, it needs to be covered in order to attain the highest level of modesty.
I read material over the internet and listened to lectures regarding the issue, and then finally, after six months I was fully convinced and ready to start covering my face AlhamdUlillah!
Click here for an answer to: Is niqab fardh?
It's been almost a year and a half since I started niqab but it hasn't been smooth. Yes, I had to go through a number of tests in terms of the reactions of frends and even teachers at school. Negative vibes, *looks* and comments and remarks but I got through AlhamdulIllah. While it was still relatively easier to wear niqab in school, complications arose within my family, e.g. wearing niqab in front of male cousins and other non-mehram relatives. Allah has helped me up till now and He will help me in the future in shaa Allah. I love wearing it and I will never remove it, may Allah grant me istaqamah.
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| Image source: Niqab diaries (blog) |
There are some tips I would like to share with you, that is, how to eat in niqab and wearing niqab in the Summer season. I will try to post soon in shaa Allah. Until then, stay tuned and leave any requests in the comments below :)
Sisters, I love you all for the sake of Allah (s.w.t.)! May He guide us to Jannah In shaa Allah :D
