Note: Advice For Sisters Interested In The Niqab

📜 Question: What advice can you give a Muslimah who is interested in wearing the niqab?

📝 Alhamdulillah as a niqabi since about 12 years old back in Saudi Arabia and still wearing the niqab in my 30s here in the Philippines I advise you to:

1° First purify your niyyah/intention of wearing the niqab. Are you wearing the niqab to join the fabulous team of niqabi sisters worldwide, or are you tired of people staring at your cute face, or are you covering it so your skin doesn't become darkened by the sun's rays? The best reasons to wear the niqab would be to sincerely please Allah the Almighty by leveling up your love for modesty, by keeping your actual beauty reserved for your husband exclusively, and to dress modestly like how the noble wives of the beloved Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wa sallam used to have their bodies and faces covered when outdoors.

2° Be patient while wearing the niqab, especially if this is your first time. Expect some ignorant individuals from among Muslims and non-Muslims who may mock or laugh at you for wearing the niqab. The term "ninja" and "molto" or "monster" would become more common, along with questions like "Why do you wear that?" or "Are you seriously acting like you're better than us because you've become more religious?"

When any child or adult makes fun of you for wearing niqab, you have three ways to react to them:

1• Calmly smile and patiently explain what the niqab is, and why you chose to wear it.

2• Jokingly make a ninja move and say something clever like "Hey what about you? Are you a secret ninja too?" or simply laugh at their ignorance while walking away from nonsensical remarks which reflect their bad upbringing or insecurity.

3• Maintain Sabr and silently walk away from rude, insecure and uneducated strangers who probably never traveled abroad or were exposed to different customs. Be kind enough to pray to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala that He guides them to understanding and embracing Islam someday. 

You will Inn-sha-Allah be rewarded for staying patient when going through any difficult situation.

3° Choose a niqab with the kind of cloth that allows you to breathe easily. Don't make things more difficult by wearing a niqab that is thick enough to be a winter jacket or mini blanket.

4° Try to have at least two niqabs, not just one. Obviously if one niqab hasn't been washed yet, you still have an extra one.

5° If you're among those sisters who go out with some make-up on even underneath the niqab, expect some concealer or foundation markings around the inner part of your niqab. You can easily wash them off with water or wet wipes.

6° Remain steadfast as a niqabi Muslimah. Being the only niqabi among a group of hijabis or women who don't wear hijab shouldn't stop you from sporting the niqab. It is a huge sign that you trust Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala when you refuse to give up wearing the face-veil even if you're the only one in your family, workplace or class wearing the niqab for Allah's sake.

7° The more you spend time with fellow niqabi sisters, the more you become an expert at identifying people by their body size and recognizing different voices or ways of speaking and distinguishing friends by their overall behaviour. One of the beautiful aspects of wearing the niqab is you don't want people judging you by your face, but who you are as a person is based on what's inside your heart, the good deeds you do solely for the sake of Allah the Most Wise, the contributions you generously provide and kindness you give to the Muslim Ummah, your unique personality and your main desire to enter Jannah Paradise without being concerned by the expectations of society and demands of the fashion industry.

May Allah the Most Merciful make you more courageous and patient as you decide to wear the niqab for His sake only. Ameen.

📖 ‘Urwah reported: Aisha RadhiAllahu 'anha said, “May Allah have mercy on the foremost women of the Muhaajirun. When Allah revealed the verse, ‘Let them draw their cloaks over their bodies,’ (The Noble Qur'an 24:31) they cut their sheets and veiled themselves with them.”

Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 4481

Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari

Poem: 13 Life Lessons Learned From 33 Years

💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful

💌 Thirteen lessons learned from thirty-three years of living,

From our stay in Saudi Arabia to Philippines,

To remind myself and for others' self-improvement,

Another way to express thanks for Allah's blessings.

~*~

One: Childhood memories - some bring smiles, others sorrow,

But tough experiences I went through has helped me grow.

Moments where to verbal bullying I was exposed

Taught me some words can hurt, but not if they make you strong.

~*~

Two: Teenage years are some of the toughest adventures,

Where your faith is tested along with your character.

Ensure when you befriend, you choose those with right manners,

As your circle can make you a winner or loser.

~*~

Three: Even when you've reached twenty, you still haven't grown.

You're not mature yet. There are tons of things to be known.

Throughout your twenties you'll commit some mistakes and wrongs,

But they're worthwhile if they inspire wisdom to divulge.

~*~

Four: Recall you're human. You're bound to slip now and then.

Expect to forget promises or form misjudgments.

Whenever you've erred, rush to Tawbah as a Muslim,

Learn from each loss and error. Try not to repeat them.

~*~

Five: Getting married doesn't guarantee "perfect life".

Anticipate frequent fights between husband and wife.

When shaytan interferes and wants you both to divide,

Defeat his desires and be brave enough to ditch pride.

~*~

Six: Oftentimes we may have incorrect opinions,

Misjudging some souls only to know they're different

From our initial assumptions based on experience.

Suspicion in some cases are shaytan's suggestions.

~*~

Seven: We gravitate to souls who resemble us 

Or who share our love for Allah so they've earned our trust.

Regardless of the bond, many good friends must depart.

Your heart remains whole if to people you're not attached.

~*~

Eight: It's not easy to move on from something you like.

From serving Allah is willingness to sacrifice,

To abandon bad habits and what Allah dislikes,

To forsake dunya because you prefer Paradise.

~*~

Nine: Life is a series of ups and downs, highs and lows.

Sometimes you're in a good mood, other times you feel low.

Survive by thanking Allah for the gifts He bestowed,

And be patient when trials or challenges are thrown.

~*~

Ten: No matter how many achievements you've attained 

With Allah's Will, there's always someone whose gains outweigh

Your accomplishments, so arrogance is not portrayed.

You're trained to not be too proud for rizq that Allah gave.

~*~

Eleven: When you're grateful to Allah, with Shukr,

You'll realize you can't envy the lives of others.

With sweet contentment you can focus on what matters.

A person's triumphs don't signify you're a failure.

~*~

Twelve: Part of Allah's tests is sending troublemakers,

Liars, scammers, traitors, trolls who are not well-mannered,

And foes disguised as "friends" who undermine your efforts.

To deal with them, grant distance and enhance your Sabr.

~*~

Thirteen: Every soul whom Allah decrees you would meet

Has a gift to offer you or a lesson to teach.

Either you benefit them or they gain your misdeeds

Each time they backbite about you, depress or mistreat.

~*~

Allah's Prophets too had enemies who caused much strife,

Who rejected their calls, who assumed their truths were lies,

Yet with Allah's Love and Guidance those Prophets survived.

People's hatred doesn't mean by Allah we're disliked.

~*~

Push yourself to remember our main purpose in life -

To worship Allah Only, to deserve Paradise.

Steadfastly speak the truth though many let themselves lie.

Though some find you "insincere", Allah sees what hearts hide.

~*~

Do your best to be whom Allah commands you to be -

Allah's striving servant who worships Him to succeed 

In this world and the next, be granted Jannah's entry,

For trusting Allah, not fearing His slaves' enmity.

~*~

📖 Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu 'anhuma narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Take advantage of five before five: Your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your riches before your poverty, your free time before your work, and your life before your death." 

Source: Shu’ab Al-Imān 9575 

Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani

Poem: Distance Yourself From Jealous People.

💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 From the groups of souls whom we avoid for Allah's sake,
To preserve our well-being and shield our Imaan/faith,
Are spiteful types whose envy is shown in subtle ways -
Seeing our joys and smiles is what inspires their sour face.
~*~ 
Their jealousy is what pushes them to act unkind,
To behave in an unfriendly way, and to backbite,
To undervalue your statements as they roll their eyes,
Undermine your good traits while your flaws are magnified.
~*~
They're the type of insecure folks who love to slam doors,
Who expect you to like them yet they got you abhorred,
Memories of your mistakes they remarkably hoard,
While your positive qualities they proudly ignore.
~*~
Your kindness is inspiration to their eye-rolling.
Each time you're friendly, they assume you're just pretending,
Being "insincere", or desperate for attention.
Their rudeness is evidence they're jealously threatened.
~*~
It seems they can't accept Allah's Qadr/Destiny,
It's as if they think there's something wrong with His Decree,
Complaining "How is so-and-so blessed?" and "Why not me?"
Their dissatisfaction is what triggers their envy.
~*~
Jealousy is what causes potential friends to hate,
Relatives to not support, best pals to separate,
Siblings to compete, polygynous marriage to fail,
Strangers to misjudge you without hearing what you'll say.
~*~
To deal with these envious people: Maintain patience.
Put some distance so your blessings do not disturb them.
Pity their inner struggles. Continue contentment.
Thank Allah you're not the jealous oppressive person.
~*~
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Beware of envy, for it devours good deeds just as fire devours wood or grass."
Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4903
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Suyuti
📖 Anas Ibn Malik RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Envy consumes good deeds just as fire burns wood. Charity (Sadaqah) extinguishes sinful deeds just as water extinguishes fire. Prayer is the light of the believer and fasting is his shield from the Hellfire."
Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 4210
Grade: Hasan (Fair) according to Ibn Asakir
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Whoever wrongs his brother in his honor or anything else should resolve the matter today before it cannot be resolved with gold and silver coins. If he has good deeds to his credit, they will be taken from him according to the measure of his injustice. If he has no good deeds left, he will bear the evil deeds of the one he has oppressed."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 2317
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari

Poem: Stay Away From Suspicion.

💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Reminder to myself and others to not suspect,
To not doubt other Muslims' intentions and motives
Without valid proofs to defend your doubts and verdicts.
People's realities are not based on what you guess.
~*~ 
You can't claim that a woman is "plastic" or "selfish" 
For that one time she failed to do what you did expect.
Haven't you thought, she has a tendency to forget,
Maybe she was busy, or she went through some tough tests?
~*~ 
Don't assume that a friend is a "fake" when she neglects 
You often and doesn't instantly answer your texts.
Her inbox may have been full your text wasn't noticed
Or she meant to answer but then got disconnected.
~*~ 
Viewing someone as "arrogant" or a "narcissist"
Is unfair if only a few times you both have met.
Who they are differs from how they behave in public.
You have no right to judge them if you're not real friends yet.
~*~
A person's worth can't be measured by what has been said
About them by strangers, hateful colleagues and critics.
Get to know that person well before acting savage
With accusations and complaints which are incorrect.
~*~ 
Those who roll their eyes assuming we're "inauthentic",
"Insincere", "self-centered", or "self-obsessed hypocrites",
Should fear Allah and do Tawbah from their injustice.
Why the bad thoughts? Our heart - did they fully inspect it?
~*~ 
We can't control people's words nor force them to accept 
The fact that Only Allah knows the truth about us.
Don't quit trusting Allah. Have the courage to forgive 
Those who obey their nafs in causing jealous hatred.
~*~ 
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the most false of tales. Do not seek out faults, do not spy on each other, do not contend with each other, do not envy each other, do not hate each other, and do not turn away from each other. Rather, be servants of Allah as brothers."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 5719, Sahih Muslim 2563
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
📖 Al-Bayhaqi reported: Hamdun Al-Qassar, may Allah have mercy on him, said, “If one of your brothers commits an error, seek seventy excuses for him. If your hearts do not accept it, know that the fault is with yourselves.”
Source: Shu’ab Al-Imān 10436
📖 Al-Bayhaqi reported: Ja’far Ibn Muhammad, may Allah have mercy on him, said, “If you hear something from your brother that you reject, make an excuse for him up to seventy excuses. If you cannot do it, then say: 'Perhaps he has an excuse I do not know.'”
Source: Shu’ab Al-Imān 7853

Poem: What Is Good Character?

💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Allah the Almighty loves those with good character,
Those believers who strive to maintain proper manners,
Who try their best to behave decently with others,
Striving to pass Allah's tests with Sabr and Shukr.
~*~ 
Those blessed with fine conduct know when to be fair and kind,
So they're not taken advantage of by the unkind.
Kindness doesn't mean you give others gifts all the time,
But you treat them well, as you avoid gossip and lies.
~*~ 
If you have nothing nice to say, you remain quiet.
Good character inspires you to defend and protect,
Like a defender of the weak, bullied and oppressed.
With Akhlaaq, you're not the type of friend who gets jealous.
~*~ 
Upon noticing someone's flaws, you first check yourself,
Understand you're not perfect, then advise them to help.
Your advice is one-on-one. You never mean to hurt.
Mistreating others only makes one's self-hatred worse.
~*~ 
From good character is wanting others to succeed,
To thrive for Allah in both worlds, through faith and good deeds.
You enjoin right, forbid wrong, remind generously,
And welcome criticism to improve eagerly.
~*~ 
You dislike what Allah hates: Dhulm, rumors, backbiting,
Gossiping, kibr, laughing at others' shortcomings,
Stealing, breaking promises without valid reasons,
Suspicion, and looking down on Allah's creation.
~*~ 
From traits that Allah loves: Patience, courage for His sake,
Gentleness, gratitude, truth in what you do and say,
Mercy, not envying others for what Allah gave,
And knowledge that Allah is our Judge on Judgment Day.
~*~ 
📖 Abdullah Ibn Amr RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "Verily, among the best of you are those with the best character."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 3366
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "The best of you in Islam are those with the best character, if they have religious understanding."
Source: Musnad Ahmed 9880
Grade: Sahih
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "Shall I not tell you what distinguishes the best of you from the worst of you? The best of you are those from whom goodness is expected and people are safe from their evil. The worst of you are those from whom goodness is not expected and people are not safe from their evil."
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhī 2263
Grade: Sahih 
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the people are safe, and the believer is the one people trust with their lives and wealth."
Source: Sunan Al-Nasā’ī 4995
Grade: Sahih
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "The most complete of the believers in faith are those with the most excellent character, and the best of you are the best in behavior to their women."
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhī 1162
Grade: Sahih