Friday, 21 December 2012

COMMON MISTAKES IN FASHION PT1

Assalamualaikum,
Again we'll discuss about the common mistakes that are being done today by Muslimah in fashion and style. Of course, further in my blog, I'll try to put up suggestions of latest fashion for us.

Picture 1


There are 3 mistakes here.

1. The khimar (head cover) is not long enough to cover the chest area.
2. The skirt is not covering up until the ankle. The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. 
    said " You should make it longer, not shorter".
3. No socks.

Picture 2


There are 4 mistakes here.

1. Again, the khimar is not long enough to cover the chest area.
2. And again, the skirt is not covering up until the ankle. 
3. And again, no socks.
4. The sleeves are too short.


By this point, you can see that there are many important aspects of wearing hijab that go far beyond the clothes themselves. I do understand that it may take quite some time and money to make your wardrobe more Islamic. My advice (and they way I did it) is, as soon as you begin to consider covering, even though getting the other aspects in place is far off, start slowly adapting your wardrobe, and your style of dress. 

I began by not wearing shorts outside the house, then no short- sleeves, then wearing un-tucked long shirts with pants, and eventually adding the scarf and more modest clothing, after I had worked through all the previously mentioned factors.You will know when you are ready because you won't be able to stand going out uncovered anymore and doing what you know is right is more important than what anyone else thinks. Changing your wardrobe in this manner is easier on your pocketbook, as well as for you and your family to get used to. 

Hope this post is a great help to you who follows my blog :)

Any additional infos or comments or corrections are most welcome.

to be continued.....




Tuesday, 18 December 2012

HEAD COVERS OR KHIMAR & HIJAB

Assalamualaikum,

Alhamdulillah, I'm free to write tonight. All my boys are asleep. This is the time where I can be alone with my laptop and write. It's been my dream to write, even though I'm a little bit nervous about it, but I'm comfortable with what I'm doing now. My own blog! It was my 2012 new year's resolution...i know it's towards the end of 2012...but I did it. :) Mission accomplished.

Our topic tonight is 'Head Covers' or 'Khimar' & 'Hijab'. 

Khimar refers to your head covers while Hijab is the overall dressing from head to toe. 

Covering your hair is a must for Muslim women (Muslimah). And covering your head doesn't mean that you only cover your hair. This is where many people make mistakes. Please take note that you have to cover your neck and chest as well. And the khimar must be loose. 

The word "hijab" comes from the Arabic word "hajaba" meaning to hide from view or conceal. In the present time, the context of hijab is the modest covering of a Muslim woman. There are 3  main reasons why.

  1. It's because Allah told us to do so. "O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not annoyed..." (Qur'an 33:59)
  2. Other secondary reasons include the requirement for modesty in both men and women. Both will then be evaluated for intelligence and skills instead of looks and sexuality.
  3. A Muslim woman who covers her head is making a statement about her identity. Anyone who sees her will know that she is a Muslim and has a good moral character. Many Muslim women who cover are filled with dignity and self esteem; they are pleased to be identified as a Muslim woman.
When to start wearing a proper hijab? The following is a Tradition of the Prophet: "Ayesha (R) reported that Asmaa the daughter of Abu Bakr (R) came to the Messenger of Allah (S) while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: 'O Asmaa! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to the face and hands." (Abu Dawood)

Refer to the photos below. 
 Correct khimar

Correct khimar

Correct khimar

This is the right one. A very simple khimar, with 'not bright' colors which is advisable because it does not attract attention to oneself. Fashionable still! Sweet! And the most important thing, it follows the guidelines. Believe me, hijab does not make anyone less attractive - that is one most haunting thoughts in women's mind. True or not? 

And below are the examples of WRONG khimar style which are consider up-to-date to certain people. MasyaAllah, we have the responsibilities to correct them if they are wrong. If you have friends or relatives that are still confuse about the meaning of a proper khimar, please share these information. Do not keep it to yourself.

Wrong!

First mistake. Of course this one looks so nice. The color, the ruffles and the beads. Do not get carried away. This is not called khimar at all. It never covers the chest properly. This is wrong. You're paying for a sin! My fellow Muslimah, some things are very nice and yet they are not meant for us as Muslim. This is a must go item from your closet if you have it or you can pass it on to your daughter if they have a very small frame and not so very tall yet, and as long as it fully covers her chest, it's hers to keep till then.

Wrong!

The second mistake. The scarf covers just the hair. The neck and chest are fully exposed. This is not considered as khimar at all. Again, the fashion is totally not meant for us Muslim. 

The third mistake is the hair bun. It is not to be worn so up high and can be seen so big like a camel's  hump. It is strictly prohibited even if you wear it with a long hijab. Your hair must be tied as low as possible.

Wrong!

Wrong!


 The fourth mistake. The khimar is being tighten around the neck area. The guideline says that the khimar must be loose. By tightening it around your neck makes it wrong. So please be aware. 

So dear friends, please ensure that we and our love ones wear the correct hijab once we step out from our house. Till we meet again. Good night. Take care and Assalamualaikum.

BASIC FASHION FOR MUSLIMAH

.
Assalamualaikum,

Alhamdulillah we meet again. Before we proceed to our topic which is related to the photo above..let me tell you something else about myself. I'm new to this blogging and stuff. So at the moment, I really don't know how to design my blog so that it will look much more attractive and pleasant. Hrmmmm...lots of things for me to learn but nevertheless I'll try my best to upgrade this blog to the best I can do :) .

Okay back to the photo above...those are the guidelines to the proper way of dressing as Muslimah. Like it or not..we must comply! Of course it is hard for some people...don't look far...I take myself as an example. I didn't cover myself until the age of 36. I was aware that it is sinful not to cover and now I've my regrets.

1) The head cover or tudung must be long enough to cover your neck and your 
    chest. It must not be made from a transparent material.

2) Your sleeves must be long enough to cover the whole arm till your wrist. 
    Wearing an inner is a good additional choice as sometimes your sleeves  
    might roll up.

3) Your shirt or dress must be loose and long enough to cover your thigh. Must 
     not be transparent.

4) Your skirt or pants must be loose and long until it covers your ankle.

5) Socks must be worn.

6) Shoes - up to you...flat heels or stiletto heels...as long as the sole of your 
    shoes doesn't make any loud sound while you're walking. Go for rubber 
    sole.

There you go, only 6 basic steps on what to wear. These are the guidelines. Of course you can wear something trendy as long as you go according to these guidelines.

Well, are we abiding these guidelines then? Look into the mirror each time before you step out from your house and go through your checklist. InsyaAllah you'll not do any mistakes.

This reminder is not only for you, but for myself as well.

Any additional info are welcome to be shared among us. Of course what I have here is just the basic. And we shall discuss more in my next post, InsyaAllah :)