The Basis for Gender Separation in Islam

It was a common practice in Arab society before the advent of Islam for men and women to sit together and have casual conversations. This was not considered a vice nor looked upon as a cause for suspicion.[1]

Imam Mujahid (d. 104 AH) said:

“Women would go out and walk intermingling with men, this was the display of the former times of ignorance,”[2] referring to the ayah: “and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance.” [33:33]

This practice continued into the early stages of Islam. Women believers were initially neither obliged to cover or conceal themselves from men, nor were they prohibited from intermingling or conversing with them.[3]

It was in the month of Dhūl Qʿadah in the 5th year of Hijrah, when the verses of hijab were revealed[4] that these pre-Islamic practices came to an end.

Hayaa within the Home

When many of us think back and remember our grandmothers or even great-grandmothers, the picture that comes to mind is of an old woman wearing a shapeless, loose, long, flowing garment that also covered her arms and part of her neck. These standard and generic ‘nanima outfits’ were certainly not stylish, but they definitely represented the treasure which many Muslims of today have lost – hayaa, shame and modesty.

By and large, the old women hailing from that era had not received an advanced education (if any formal education at all), and even their Deeni knowledge was rudimentary due to the scarcity of maktab madrasahs. However, most of them possessed the core values of Islam in their lives, such as generosity, selflessness, humility, and most importantly – hayaa.

Do Not Abandon Hijab for Your Future Husband!

 Ladies, you need to understand that a potential spouse who asks you to abandon hijab is not going to make a good Muslim husband or father.

In the past week alone, I have heard of three separate cases in which a practicing Muslim woman, who observes hijab, has been told by a potential suitor that he’d like her to stop covering her hair for him to consider marrying her.

Subhan Allah!

What on earth has happened to these men? How did they end up falling so low?

Common Underlying Issues

There are three problems that are often underlying issues with when it comes to such a man:

1. He is weak in his din, i.e., he is not an observant, practicing Muslim. Either he doesn’t know that hijab is wajib (obligatory); or he does know but he doesn’t care. He does not have the will or strength to obey Allah or respect the limits of Allah.

ARE THE TWO OF YOU BLIND?ARE THE TWO OF YOU BLIND?

Sayyidah Ummu Salamah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) narrates the following:

I was once in the blessed presence of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) while Maimoonah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) was also present. While we were with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), ‘Abdullah bin Ummi Maktoom (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) arrived, and this was after the law of Hijaab was revealed. When ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) arrived, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) instructed us, “Adopt Hijaab from him.” We replied, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! Is he not a blind man who can neither see us nor recognize us?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) responded, “Are the two of you blind? Can the two of you not see him?” (Sunan Abi Dawood #4112)

WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE

read time: 3 min

For sisters, many of us are either pursuing degrees or academic qualifications for the purpose of securing work opportunities, due to necessity or just to enjoy the much sought after ‘sense of Independence’.

An Islamic consciousness would usually drive a sister to wonder: “To work or not to work?”

So when one of the Shuyookh was asked this question, this was his response:

❝There is a need of women to work at certain times/situations eg. widow,single, divorcee with no male mahrams to care for her or husband not working etc, but where does she work? Amongst men? Does she speak to them and they to her? She laughs with them and they laugh with her, asking each other about their affairs? She has a delightful time with them, and they have a delightful time with her, until her Hayā’ (modesty) goes away, where she wouldn’t have any significance?

6 TYPES OF HAYAA (MODESTY) YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallahu Anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, “Faith or belief consists of more than sixty branches or parts, and Hayaa is a (big) part of faith”.

There is no true English definition of the word ‘Hayaa’ but the closest one can get to it is shame, modesty, and bashfulness. Hayaa is an essential characteristic of a Muslim; it must be obtained in order to attain faith as they come together as a pair:

Abdullah ibn Umar (Radhiyallahu Anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, “Indeed Hayaa and Iman are companions. When one of them is lifted, the other leaves as well.”

Ibn Al-Qayyim is reported to have said that the moral character of a person is determined by how much Hayaa his heart possesses. Clearly, we find that the greater the humility and modesty is of a person, the further they will stay away from sins and the better-mannered the individual will be.

THE FIRST STEP TO HEAVEN

As Salaamu alaikum. I am Zamiya, eleven years old. I pour love from my heart and soul into everything I write.

I never thought I would actually cover my head until, what, eighth grade? To me, it seemed like a tiny, unnecessary part of my life, not an actual purpose. My mother wore the headscarf, and at school, hardly any girl was wearing the Hijab. I thought I would stand out, like neon yellow in a darkened background. I never thought it really was obligatory to wear it at all- until the day I found a special book.

Books are important to me. Writing is my heart and soul, and is not a passion, but a mechanism of survival. I needed it in my life- so of course, when I read that particular piece of art, I could not help, but become mesmerized. It told about a seemingly simple girl from the United States of America, who was struggling with keeping her headscarf – covered head high – she was strong, fiery, and fearless in the eyes of Allah Ta’ala. Along the way, she was faced with uncountable challenges – her scarf had been forcibly removed, Fitnah, discrimination, and a lot more. When I realized how indifferent she was, even with the Hijab – and that putting it on after reaching puberty was necessary.

HOW I CAME TO LOVE THE VEIL

By Yvonne Ridley

LONDON

I used to look at veiled women as quiet, oppressed creatures — until I was captured by the Taliban In September 2001, just 15 days after the terrorist attacks on the United States, I snuck into Afghanistan, clad in a head-to-toe blue burqa, intending to write a newspaper account of life under the repressive regime. Instead, I was discovered, arrested and detained for 10 days. I spat and swore at my captors; they called me a “bad” woman but let me go after I promised to read the Koran and study Islam. (Frankly, I‘m not sure who was happier when I was freed — they or I.)

Back home in London, I kept my word about studying Islam — and was amazed by what I discovered. I‘d been expecting Koran chapters on how to beat your wife and oppress your daughters; instead, I found passages promoting the liberation of women. Two-and-a-half years after my capture, I converted to Islam, provoking a mixture of astonishment, disappointment and encouragement among friends and relatives.

A VOICE BEHIND A VEIL

By Khadijah Natalie Arbee

 

I am a muslim women. I wear the niqaab (face veil).

I’m one of those to whom the new law in France would apply. I’m one of the ones being discussed by politicians, human rights groups and the media.

I’m one of those whom many feel the need to liberate.

I’m one of those you may think is oppressed.

I’m one of those many of you detest the sight of…

I’m one of those whom you may believe is uneducated; one of the ones you may think has no voice.

But I do. So let me speak.
I am not Arab, Asian or even African. I am Australian. No, not ‘first generation’, ‘second generation’, or an immigrant. On my mother’s side, I’m of French-Canadian descent, and on my father’s side; British. I grew up as a Christian, and attended church occasionally. I was in the school swim team, and district netball team. I holidayed with my family in the summer on the Gold Coast, and I’m educated. I have a university degree.

TOP TEN EXCUSES OF MUSLIM WOMEN WHO DON’T WEAR HIJAAB AND THEIR OBVIOUS WEAKNESSES

“…How can I cover what Allah has blessed me with of silky soft hair and captivating beauty?…”

 

Get on the train of repentance my sister, before it passes by your station. Deeply consider my sister, what is happening today before tomorrow comes. Think, my sister – starting now.
All praise is due to Allah Ta’aala as is deserved by His Majesty and Great Power. I send prayers and ask for blessings upon His Noble Messenger who drew the path for us to the pleasure of Allah and His Jannah. This path is a straight one that is surrounded by virtue from all sides and attends to the best moral characteristics which are increased by the clothing of purity, concealment, and chastity. It is the path trod by the two halves of human society, namely the man and the woman, toward harmonious contentment and happiness in this life and the Hereafter.

This is precisely why the Protector, the blessed and above all imperfection, has made wearing hijaab an obligation upon the woman as a safeguard of her chastity and protection of her honor and sign of her faith (Eemaan). It is on account of this that societies (both Muslim and non-Muslim) that have distanced themselves from the way of Allah and deviated from His straight path, are ill societies in need of treatment that will lead them to recovery and happiness.

WHY I SHED BIKINI FOR NIQAB: THE NEW SYMBOL OF WOMEN’S LIBERATION

By Sara Bokker

I am an American woman who was born in the midst of America’s “Heartland.” I grew up, just like any other girl, being fixated with the glamour of life in “the big city.” Eventually, I moved to Florida and on to South Beach of Miami, a hotspot for those seeking the “glamorous life.” Naturally, I did what most average Western girls do. I focused on my appearance and appeal, basing my self-worth on how much attention I got from others. I worked out religiously and became a personal trainer, acquired an upscale waterfront residence, became a regular “exhibiting” beach-goer and was able to attain a “living-in-style” kind of life.

Years went by, only to realize that my scale of self-fulfillment and happiness slid down the more I progressed in my “feminine appeal.” I was a slave to fashion. I was a hostage to my looks.

As the gap continued to progressively widen between my self-fulfillment and lifestyle, I sought refuge in escapes from alcohol and parties to meditation, activism, and alternative religions, only to have the little gap widen to what seemed like a valley. I eventually realized it all was merely a pain killer rather than an effective remedy.

A LETTER FROM A CHRISTIAN TO MUSLIM WOMEN

March 7th, 2007

By Joanna F
Writer, Journalist – USA

Between the Israeli assault on Lebanon and the Zionist “war on terror,” the Muslim world is now center stage in every American home. I see the carnage, death and destruction that have befallen Lebanon, but I also see something else: I see you. I can’t help but notice that almost every woman I see is carrying a baby or has children around her. I see that though they are dressed modestly, their beauty still shines through. But it’s not just outer beauty that I notice.

I also notice that I feel something strange inside me: I feel envy. I feel terrible for the horrible experiences and war crimes that the Lebanese people have suffered, being targeted by our common enemy. But I can’t help but admire your strength, your beauty, your modesty, and most of all, your happiness. Yes, it’s strange, but it occurred to me that even under constant bombardment, you still seemed happier than we are, because you were still living the natural lives of women. The way women have always lived since the beginning of time. It used to be that way in the West until the 1960s, when we were bombarded by the same enemy. Only we were not bombarded with actual munitions, but with subtle trickery and moral

Stranger Around Muslims and Non-Muslims!

(The experiences of a Muslim youth, by an anonymous 16 year old Muslim, Texas)

‘Islam began as something strange and it will return to being strange as it began. So Toobaa (glad tidings) to the strangers.’ —Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)

I never felt like a stranger when I was in Kindergarten — I guess I was too young to understand. It wasn’t until first grade that I remember feeling different. While my classmates were at Music Class, I stayed behind in our classroom. I sat at my desk watching my teacher grade papers, wondering why I wasn’t with the rest. Sure, I understood music was haraam…but why was ‘I’ the one who had to be different from everyone else? I asked myself the infamous question over and over. Why ME?

The Hijab – Reflections by Muslim Women

 My Journey to Freedom

By Sumayyah Joan

It will be three years since I stood before two Muslim sisters and declared openly my belief in God (Allah) and His Messenger, peace be upon him, and thus freeing and liberating myself from my former self-imposed bondage. Stepping out of the darkness of disbelief into the light of Islam, it’s funny that I found such freedom in the very thing that was keeping me from Islam in the first place – the hijab.

Even though I get the wide gamut of strange stares, points and comments, this covering makes me feel honored, safe and cherished.

The word hijab comes from the Arabic word “hajaba” meaning to hide from view or to conceal. Women who don’t reveal their beauty in this society and give in to this oppressive system, are looked upon as invisible, without sexuality and backward.

Because I’m often mistaken for a nun, or terrorist, I feel the reactions to the hijab for many women, is the truest test of being a Muslim.

But in reality, the hijab is easy!

Blond with Blue eyes

A True Story Of A Niqabi Sister In France

This is a story for us to reflect on…

After picking groceries in the supermarket, the Niqabi sister stood in the line to pay. After few minutes, her turn came up at the checkout counter. The checkout girl who was non Hijabi Arab Muslim girl started to scan the items of the Niqabi sister one buy one and then she looked at her with arrogance and said :

” We have in France many problems, your Niqab is one of them!! We, immigrants, are here for trade and not to show our Deen or history! If you want to practice your Deen and wear Niqab then go back to your Arab country and do whatever you want!! “

The Niqabi sister stopped putting her grocery in the bag and took off her Niqab from her face… The checkout girl was in total shock! The Niqabi girl who was blond with blue eyes told her:

” I am a French girl, not an Arab immigrant! This is my country and THIS IS MY ISLAM!! You born Muslims sold your Deen and we bought it from you! “

End of story

This is a fact! Many revert Muslims have stronger faith than born Muslims! SuhanAllah!

“Islam began as something strange, and it will return to being something strange, so give glad tidings to the strangers.” (Muslim)

Why do I wear Hijab

 I probably do not fit into the preconceived notion of a “rebel”.  I have no visible tattoos and minimal piercing.  I do not possess a leather jacket.  In fact, when most people look at me, their first thought usually is something along the lines of “oppressed female.”  The brave individuals who have mustered the courage to ask me about the way I dress usually have questions like: “Do your parents make you wear that?” or “Don’t you find that really unfair?”
 
A while back, a couple of girls in Montreal were kicked out of school for dressing like I do.  It seems strange that a little piece of cloth would make for such controversy.  Perhaps the fear is that I am harboring an Uzi underneath it!  Of course, the issue at hand is more than a mere piece of cloth.  I am a Muslim woman who, like millions of other Muslim women across the globe, chooses to wear the hijab.  And the concept of the hijab, contrary to popular opinion, is actually one of the most fundamental aspects of female empowerment.

MY JOURNEY TO FREEDOM

 

By Sumayyah Joan

It will be three years since I stood before two Muslim sisters and declared openly my belief in God (Allah) and His Messenger, Peace be upon him, and thus freeing and liberating myself from my former self-imposed bondage. Stepping out of the darkness of disbelief into the light of Islam, it’s funny that I found such freedom in the very thing that was keeping me from Islam in the first place – the hijab.