Salaam Aleykum!
One thing that we are encouraged as Muslims to do is follow the sunnah, or actions, of the Prophet Muhammad (sws). Sunnah, when literally translated, means a well-trodden path. There are many different sunnah we can and should follow. We can find many sunnah practices in the hadith collections and also from other sunnah practices that have been handed down since the time of our beloved Prophet (sws).
Zahra:
Following the sunnah of the Prophet (sws) is something that I learned quickly after taking my Shahadah. It seems like I learn a new sunnah every day! Of course, establishing these new habits has been really hard, some more than others, but I love that I can do things every day that emulates how the Prophet (sws) lived his beautiful life.
My favorite sunnah to follow is reciting Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and Al-Nas before bed. I live in a not-so-awesome part of town, so I don't always feel safe in my apartment. When I recite these and then Ayat al-Kursi, I feel at peace and I can relax enough to sleep.
Innovations or invented sunnah are out there, and they definitely do freak me out. I always try to research a sunnah before I attempt to put it into practice. InshAllah my research is sufficient.
Nikita:
I get really excited for Fridays, it's that feel-good Jummah day. I have to say, my favorite sunnah is reading Surah al-Khaf. I am unable to properly learn Arabic in my current state, and by continuously reading the surah, I have become more familiar with the Quran. Reading al-Khaf usually consists of an additional reading of other surahs, and then slowly but surely trying to memorize them. Doing one sunnah act can lead to others, and has truly opened my heart to living my life in a way that is closest pleasing to the Almighty.
Comment on this post and tell us your favorite sunnah!
Until next time,
N&Z
Friday, January 25, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
The hijab.
Salaam aleykum!
For those of you who follow us on Twitter, you may have noticed the amount of "SISTER WEAR HIJAB!" posts we've been getting. We want to stress that we do have some very valid reasons for not wearing hijab. If you've never been to the United States, please keep your comments to yourself. You cannot and will never understand what it's like to be an American Muslim, especially for those of us who live in more remote areas of the country where Islamophobia is rampant.
Zahra:
I have a confession: I'm an ex-hijabi. I converted and accidentally started wearing hijab full-time. I wasn't planning to cover until after I graduated, but once I had to wear it out a few times, I decided it wasn't so bad. I made the decision to keep it on when classes started back up and I just wouldn't tell my parents about it.
Bad, BAD idea.
I needed to find a part-time job so I could have something to do over the summer. I will never forget how I went in to talk to a potential employer about completing the application process and the receptionist took one look at me, went to the back to go talk to someone, came back out and said "We're not actually hiring." Somehow, someone managed to get onto my Facebook account and found pictures of me wearing hijab. They took those pictures, went to my mother's workplace, showed them to her, and started harassing her about having a Muslim kid. My mom called me and started freaking out. "You're a target for crime! You're going to get hurt!" Some other events occurred and I knew that my life would not be stable until I got out of college and out of my parents' care.
I miss wearing hijab so much, especially over Ramadan. I feel like I had so much more respect while wearing hijab. I feel like I'm missing something, and I am. I looked like a Muslim and people were not surprised when I asked if I could be excused for ten minutes so I could go pray. InshAllah I will graduate in May and by my 22nd birthday in June I will be covered up and finally feel whole again.
Nikita:
I guess I can say what really excited me about Islam was the beauty of hijab. The beauty of covering for the sake of God. Unfortunately, the hijab is often misunderstood as a means of female oppression, creating difficulties, especially for converts. My struggle with hijab and being able to finally put it on is not only a matter of ability to, but the commitment to wearing it for the rest of my life. Sometimes I feel ready to finally put on a scarf, other days, all I have to wear are skinny jeans.
Hijab is more than a headscarf, and as a revert, you often see both men and women adorning their respective hijab (men with beards, you know what I mean) yet they forget they are representing the faith. Hijab is more than a headscarf, niqab is more than covering your face, it goes so much deeper than that. I hold off on wearing hijab because of my family, my community, and because I don't feel I am at a maturity and understanding where I can represent Islam well. I have so much more growing up and developing to do. Hijab is Fard, and for this reason, Insha'Allah I will wear it in the future.
On this note, I'd also like to talk about something I've noticed coming from outside the faith; people are quick to say "sister, put on a hijab" or "brother, grow a beard" but we don't know the struggles the person is going through. We can't and shouldn't judge others just because of their outward appearance.
Until next time,
N&Z
PS: Follow us on Twitter, shoot us an e-mail, or ask us a question on ask.fm! We love to hear from you!
For those of you who follow us on Twitter, you may have noticed the amount of "SISTER WEAR HIJAB!" posts we've been getting. We want to stress that we do have some very valid reasons for not wearing hijab. If you've never been to the United States, please keep your comments to yourself. You cannot and will never understand what it's like to be an American Muslim, especially for those of us who live in more remote areas of the country where Islamophobia is rampant.
Zahra:
I have a confession: I'm an ex-hijabi. I converted and accidentally started wearing hijab full-time. I wasn't planning to cover until after I graduated, but once I had to wear it out a few times, I decided it wasn't so bad. I made the decision to keep it on when classes started back up and I just wouldn't tell my parents about it.
Bad, BAD idea.
I needed to find a part-time job so I could have something to do over the summer. I will never forget how I went in to talk to a potential employer about completing the application process and the receptionist took one look at me, went to the back to go talk to someone, came back out and said "We're not actually hiring." Somehow, someone managed to get onto my Facebook account and found pictures of me wearing hijab. They took those pictures, went to my mother's workplace, showed them to her, and started harassing her about having a Muslim kid. My mom called me and started freaking out. "You're a target for crime! You're going to get hurt!" Some other events occurred and I knew that my life would not be stable until I got out of college and out of my parents' care.
I miss wearing hijab so much, especially over Ramadan. I feel like I had so much more respect while wearing hijab. I feel like I'm missing something, and I am. I looked like a Muslim and people were not surprised when I asked if I could be excused for ten minutes so I could go pray. InshAllah I will graduate in May and by my 22nd birthday in June I will be covered up and finally feel whole again.
Nikita:
I guess I can say what really excited me about Islam was the beauty of hijab. The beauty of covering for the sake of God. Unfortunately, the hijab is often misunderstood as a means of female oppression, creating difficulties, especially for converts. My struggle with hijab and being able to finally put it on is not only a matter of ability to, but the commitment to wearing it for the rest of my life. Sometimes I feel ready to finally put on a scarf, other days, all I have to wear are skinny jeans.
Hijab is more than a headscarf, and as a revert, you often see both men and women adorning their respective hijab (men with beards, you know what I mean) yet they forget they are representing the faith. Hijab is more than a headscarf, niqab is more than covering your face, it goes so much deeper than that. I hold off on wearing hijab because of my family, my community, and because I don't feel I am at a maturity and understanding where I can represent Islam well. I have so much more growing up and developing to do. Hijab is Fard, and for this reason, Insha'Allah I will wear it in the future.
On this note, I'd also like to talk about something I've noticed coming from outside the faith; people are quick to say "sister, put on a hijab" or "brother, grow a beard" but we don't know the struggles the person is going through. We can't and shouldn't judge others just because of their outward appearance.
Until next time,
N&Z
PS: Follow us on Twitter, shoot us an e-mail, or ask us a question on ask.fm! We love to hear from you!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
"I asked for strength..."
"...and Allah gave me struggles to make me stronger."
Asalaamu aleykum!
Juma'a mubarak! Al7amdullilah, we have made it through another week. School has started back up for most of us, which means endless nights of studying and a potentially unhealthy amount of caffeine.
We wanted to start off our weekly blogs by sharing our greatest struggle with you. Like everyone, we have struggles. Sometimes, we feel like they are magnified because we are reverts. We know that Allah would not give us anything we can't handle. We want you to know that you're not alone in your hard times, and we want to give you someone to relate to.
Zahra:
I have had my fair share of rough times since I reverted to Islam. One of my biggest battles is the fact that I cannot attend Juma'a salat. Unfortunately, my school schedule does not allow me to attend the one thing that would teach me the most Islam and give me reward by praying in congregation. Also, the closest masjid is about a 90 minute highway drive away from my college. There have been semesters where I had the time off to go, but the drive made it impossible to make it back to class on time.
I miss going to regular Friday prayers, and I certainly do appreciate it when I am actually able to attend. As the old adage goes, "you don't know what you have until it's gone." InshAllah I will be able to work in a place that will allow me to have Friday afternoons off so I am able to go to a masjid for Friday prayer.
If you are able to attend the masjid, please do. The masjid is a valuable resource and there are great rewards in praying in congregation. Take advantage of what Allah has provided for you. You don't know who would readily take your place and appreciate the value!
Nikita:
In today's world, religion isn't a big deal. I've noticed many people casually claiming to be Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish...but it seems to be more of a title than guidelines for their actions. That's why when you hear people convert, you're surprised. In this day and age, where everyone is busy and the dunya controls our thoughts and actions, really, who gives theology much thought?
I have lost friends as a result of my conversion, and having to "come out" about converting is by biggest struggle thus far. Many are surprised to hear I converted, but when they hear "I converted to Islam:" cue shocked expressions.
Alhamdulillah, with time and patience I was able to save most of those relationships, but there were definitely points where I felt completely alone and abandoned. Some friends never came around, it wasn't a huge fight that ensued "coming out" about my faith, but slowly...
"Hey, want to hang out this weekend?"
"Um no, sorry. I'm busy"
became a more frequent answer. Those things happened about a month or two ago, and at this point, unfortunately, those I considered practically family no longer acknowledge me or have any form of communication with me.
Being a born Muslim, you have the advantage of people initially accepting you for all of you. When you change part of yourself (in this case, converting to an often misunderstood faith), you can't always accurately gauge the reaction of peers, family and friends. I feel as though being a Muslim almost clears your slate, it pushes negative impacting influences away, and draws close those who remind you of Allah (swt). Ultimately I say Alhamdulillah, because though I have lost close friends, I have gained new valuable friends who remind me of my faith. Honestly, I'm much happier because of it.
Until next time,
-N&Z
Asalaamu aleykum!
Juma'a mubarak! Al7amdullilah, we have made it through another week. School has started back up for most of us, which means endless nights of studying and a potentially unhealthy amount of caffeine.
We wanted to start off our weekly blogs by sharing our greatest struggle with you. Like everyone, we have struggles. Sometimes, we feel like they are magnified because we are reverts. We know that Allah would not give us anything we can't handle. We want you to know that you're not alone in your hard times, and we want to give you someone to relate to.
Zahra:
I have had my fair share of rough times since I reverted to Islam. One of my biggest battles is the fact that I cannot attend Juma'a salat. Unfortunately, my school schedule does not allow me to attend the one thing that would teach me the most Islam and give me reward by praying in congregation. Also, the closest masjid is about a 90 minute highway drive away from my college. There have been semesters where I had the time off to go, but the drive made it impossible to make it back to class on time.
I miss going to regular Friday prayers, and I certainly do appreciate it when I am actually able to attend. As the old adage goes, "you don't know what you have until it's gone." InshAllah I will be able to work in a place that will allow me to have Friday afternoons off so I am able to go to a masjid for Friday prayer.
If you are able to attend the masjid, please do. The masjid is a valuable resource and there are great rewards in praying in congregation. Take advantage of what Allah has provided for you. You don't know who would readily take your place and appreciate the value!
Nikita:
In today's world, religion isn't a big deal. I've noticed many people casually claiming to be Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish...but it seems to be more of a title than guidelines for their actions. That's why when you hear people convert, you're surprised. In this day and age, where everyone is busy and the dunya controls our thoughts and actions, really, who gives theology much thought?
I have lost friends as a result of my conversion, and having to "come out" about converting is by biggest struggle thus far. Many are surprised to hear I converted, but when they hear "I converted to Islam:" cue shocked expressions.
Alhamdulillah, with time and patience I was able to save most of those relationships, but there were definitely points where I felt completely alone and abandoned. Some friends never came around, it wasn't a huge fight that ensued "coming out" about my faith, but slowly...
"Hey, want to hang out this weekend?"
"Um no, sorry. I'm busy"
became a more frequent answer. Those things happened about a month or two ago, and at this point, unfortunately, those I considered practically family no longer acknowledge me or have any form of communication with me.
Being a born Muslim, you have the advantage of people initially accepting you for all of you. When you change part of yourself (in this case, converting to an often misunderstood faith), you can't always accurately gauge the reaction of peers, family and friends. I feel as though being a Muslim almost clears your slate, it pushes negative impacting influences away, and draws close those who remind you of Allah (swt). Ultimately I say Alhamdulillah, because though I have lost close friends, I have gained new valuable friends who remind me of my faith. Honestly, I'm much happier because of it.
Until next time,
-N&Z
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Meeting the Baby; I'm Nikita :)
Assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatulahi Wa Barakatu.
I really hope I spelt that right. My name is Nikita, a 17 year old "baby muslim," if you will, on account of my actual age and time I've been a muslim. I took my Shahada August 18th 2012, right before the last maghrib of Eid ul Fitr. The first thing I usually get when people hear I converted is, "Masha'Allah! 17?!" I've never felt my age was an issue, to be honest. The truth is the truth, and regardless of age, recognition of the truth should be acted upon.
I'm growing up in a mixed race household. My mom was born and raised in India, while my dad is a mixture of most things European. I was raised exposed to both the Hindu and Catholic faiths of my family, never fully understanding either, always feeling out of place in both.
I'm far exposed, and proud more into my Desi (South Asian) heritage than my European heritage, and with that comes the religious aspects as well. For those who are also South Asian, I'm sure you can relate to the huge, close knit communities, and in that has come my fear of "coming out" about my faith.
I've been a muslim for almost 5 months, and not a single family member (or community member, Alhamdulillah) knows about it. I have a fear of them knowing; because I'm young, because of my extended family on BOTH sides, because my religious hindu family that raised me would be torn. For this reason, I am holding off on hijab, at least until I'm in college.
I live the diverse DMV area, thats DC, Maryland, Virginia for you, and we have a very large, welcoming community here. I sometimes think about my safety, I sometimes think about how my community would view me. Insha'Allah, with time, I will have the strength, and willpower to wear my hijab and keep it on.
I cant say I knew everything I was getting into when I took my shahada that day. The little things I used to love, (I was a nailpolish FIEND) suddenly became limited. There are days where I upset myself because I feel im not doing everything right, or that my actions are not pleasing my creator.
With time. It all comes with time.
Insha'Allah may you continue reading these blogs, whether a muslim or just a curious internet surfer, you can only learn, right? :)
Thank you for reading, and sorry for the grammatical errors; I love using commas.
Assalamualaikum,
Nikita :)
Meeting Zahra.
Salaam aleykum!
My name is Emily, better known as Zahra. I'm a 21 year old nursing student with two cats. I love riding my bike, going to museums, and drinking too much coffee. Oh yeah, I'm an American Muslim.
Allow me to share my story with you:
I was 17 when I first started studying Islam. I actually gave a speech on Islam for one of my classes in high school. I graduated high school and went straight to the University of Kansas to study pre-nursing. I met some wonderful Muslims, one of which invited me to attend Friday prayer at the local Islamic center. One cold Friday, I covered up my hair and sat on a chair in the back of the men's section and listened to the khutbah. I was totally mesmerized by watching the men pray in congregation. The recitation of the Qur'an captivated me.
I wanted more.
I continued going to the masjid for several months, each week learning more about Islam. I met many wonderful people and began to study Islam not for expanding my general knowledge about the world, but for my own personal gain. I celebrated Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr that following summer. I watched as some people I knew converted to Islam, yet I still couldn't do it. I started to lapse in my studies, falling into some very stupid situations. I left Islam behind to pursue worldly gain.
Eventually, my time at KU had to come to an end. I moved to Central Kansas to start the two years of craziness that is nursing school. I realized that I really missed going to the masjid. I missed the wonderful people I used to spend a lot of time with. I missed feeling close to God. I picked up my books again and began to research. I read, and read, and read. Then, I read some more until I got to an online book about the science in the Qur'an. I had never come across anything like this before. I sat for hours, looking at this online book. Something said to me: "it's time."
December 17, 2011. I sat in the office at the masjid in Kansas City, just after praying Isha prayer. Four of my closest friends surrounded me. This was it. This was the day that my life would gain new meaning. I cried as I choked out the words that I had practiced over and over again.
Ashadu ana la ilaha il Allah, wa ashadu ana Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh.
-Z
My name is Emily, better known as Zahra. I'm a 21 year old nursing student with two cats. I love riding my bike, going to museums, and drinking too much coffee. Oh yeah, I'm an American Muslim.
Allow me to share my story with you:
I was 17 when I first started studying Islam. I actually gave a speech on Islam for one of my classes in high school. I graduated high school and went straight to the University of Kansas to study pre-nursing. I met some wonderful Muslims, one of which invited me to attend Friday prayer at the local Islamic center. One cold Friday, I covered up my hair and sat on a chair in the back of the men's section and listened to the khutbah. I was totally mesmerized by watching the men pray in congregation. The recitation of the Qur'an captivated me.
I wanted more.
I continued going to the masjid for several months, each week learning more about Islam. I met many wonderful people and began to study Islam not for expanding my general knowledge about the world, but for my own personal gain. I celebrated Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr that following summer. I watched as some people I knew converted to Islam, yet I still couldn't do it. I started to lapse in my studies, falling into some very stupid situations. I left Islam behind to pursue worldly gain.
Eventually, my time at KU had to come to an end. I moved to Central Kansas to start the two years of craziness that is nursing school. I realized that I really missed going to the masjid. I missed the wonderful people I used to spend a lot of time with. I missed feeling close to God. I picked up my books again and began to research. I read, and read, and read. Then, I read some more until I got to an online book about the science in the Qur'an. I had never come across anything like this before. I sat for hours, looking at this online book. Something said to me: "it's time."
December 17, 2011. I sat in the office at the masjid in Kansas City, just after praying Isha prayer. Four of my closest friends surrounded me. This was it. This was the day that my life would gain new meaning. I cried as I choked out the words that I had practiced over and over again.
Ashadu ana la ilaha il Allah, wa ashadu ana Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh.
-Z
So what's this blog all about, anyway?
Salaam aleykum!
We are Nikita and Zahra, two relatively recent reverts to Islam. We have never met, but have been brought together through the wonderful invention of social networking. We do have one thing in common: we don't wear hijab.
"Sister, why don't you wear hijab?"
"But sister, you don't wear hijab! You are not a good Muslim if you don't wear hijab!"
"Say what?! You're Muslim?! But you don't wear that head thingy!"
These are just a few of the various comments we get when someone finds out that we are Muslims. We don't wear hijab for various reasons, so please don't tell us that we need to put it on tomorrow. We know we're in the wrong for not wearing it, so please do not berate us for being a "bad example." Let us explain.
There is a reason why this blog is called "The Reverts' Hijab"! We wanted to start this blog to share our journey with Islam with all of you! The vast internet audience! We want you to see our struggles and our victories, things we learn, and the situations that might not go so well for us.
Eventually, we want you to watch us as we take some major steps in our lives, such as graduating high school and college, starting work, living in the real world, and as we put on hijab (inshAllah).
This blog is our way of connecting with brothers and sisters of Islam, and also to help spread the sweet and amazing message of Islam. We want those who want to learn more about Islam to see that we are very real people that have lives just like you do! We just happen to be Muslim!
Don't be afraid to give us advice, share your stories, or ask us questions. We'd love to hear from you!
Until next time,
-N&Z
We are Nikita and Zahra, two relatively recent reverts to Islam. We have never met, but have been brought together through the wonderful invention of social networking. We do have one thing in common: we don't wear hijab.
"Sister, why don't you wear hijab?"
"But sister, you don't wear hijab! You are not a good Muslim if you don't wear hijab!"
"Say what?! You're Muslim?! But you don't wear that head thingy!"
These are just a few of the various comments we get when someone finds out that we are Muslims. We don't wear hijab for various reasons, so please don't tell us that we need to put it on tomorrow. We know we're in the wrong for not wearing it, so please do not berate us for being a "bad example." Let us explain.
There is a reason why this blog is called "The Reverts' Hijab"! We wanted to start this blog to share our journey with Islam with all of you! The vast internet audience! We want you to see our struggles and our victories, things we learn, and the situations that might not go so well for us.
Eventually, we want you to watch us as we take some major steps in our lives, such as graduating high school and college, starting work, living in the real world, and as we put on hijab (inshAllah).
This blog is our way of connecting with brothers and sisters of Islam, and also to help spread the sweet and amazing message of Islam. We want those who want to learn more about Islam to see that we are very real people that have lives just like you do! We just happen to be Muslim!
Don't be afraid to give us advice, share your stories, or ask us questions. We'd love to hear from you!
Until next time,
-N&Z
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