Style Inspiration- Rabia Z

I am obsessed with dressing up.The draws that hold my handbags are never big enough.My large cupboards never seem to close,thanks to the absurd number of clothing I own.Let's not even get started on my shoe's...
It may come across as superficial,but as a young Muslimah,I feel it is of utmost importance that we feel good in whatever we wear,modestly.When we feel good,we most definitely look good.When that gorgeous silky scarf matches perfectly with your newly purchased dress,the feeling is unreal,you want to wear that outfit to sleep too.

Growing up,I was the only young girl I knew who wore a hijaab.This made keeping it on extremely hard,as we all know how important it is for a young girl to feel like she fits in.As i grew older,I realised that I had it all wrong.I slowly learned more stylish ways to tie my hijaab (thanks to my ever-stylish older sister).I looked at magazines,the current fashion and fads and adjusted them slightly to suit my newly-found love for my hijaab.

Sure,I have a long way to go (ask any mother) but I can say with confidence:
ALHAMDULILLAH,i <3 my hijaab.
Here are some gorgeous outfits from the uber-trendy Rabia Z's Autumn Winter 2011 Collection.Go forth and dazzzle!!!

Ofcourse,we must always remember that it is what's inside that counts and one shoud never judge a person by the outter appearance.This article is simply to encourage young (or older) Muslimah's regarding their hijaab.

Allah (SWT) knows best.

A Valuable Lesson

A man bought a slave and after bringing him home,the following conversation ensured;

"What is your name?"

"A slave has no name.Whatever name my master prefers,that shall be my name"

"What food do you like?"

"I like whatever my master likes for me"

"What clothing would you like me to buy for you?"

"I am pleased with whatever clothing you buy for me"

"What work can you do?"

"I shall do whatever work you need me to do"

"Tell me what you enjoy"

"Of what significance are the pleasures of a slave compared to the pleasures of his master.I enjoy whatever you enjoy"

Hearing these replies of the slave,the master began to weep because it made him realise that his relationship with Allah (SWT) ought to be the same.He said to the slave:

"You have taught me what my attitude with Allah should be"

The slave then focused his attention to Allah and said:

"Oh Allah!What bounty can I have that is better than the ability to diligently serve one of  Your bondsmen.So,by Your infinite Grace,forgive my sins and shortcomings for I know that You are the Most Kind and Most Merciful."

It is the duty of every Muslim to behave like the slave in the above incident and to have no desire that is opposed to what Allah (SWT) and our Prophet(SAW) want.

When Allah is pleased with a person,no difficulty is insurmountable.

Allahu-Akbar!

Source: A Gift to a Bride

To Smile or Not to Smile- That is the Question

The past two days have drained me.I've been quite cranky and tired and achy and the list could go on.I gave my poor husband 'frozen' food for Sehri today, ''Antarctic temperature'' he said.
One would immediately assume that the long fasting hours have gotten the better of me,but no,amazingly,it is after I break my fast that I seem to slip into this horrible,horrible behaviour.It been the first time I am on my own in Ramadhaan since I am married (last year was spent in Saudi,Alhamdulillah),I am finding it quite a struggle to adapt to  the rush of Iftaar.The first day the dirty dishes piled up so high,it would have been enough to make any grown woman sob.

Today at the mall,I could not even muster up a smile at a begger.And that's when it got me thinking: Is this really the way one should spend one's Ramadhaan?Constantly stressing about what to cook the next day,what to prepare for Iftaar,Sehri,when to fit in what,what time to get up,what time to sleep....

Whatever happened to this been the most Blessed month of the year for us?Spending our time in the obedience of Allah-dhikr,nafl Salaah,Quraan recitation?And been kind and charitable??

No doubt we women have alot on our hands during this month.But we need to realise that the focus is NOT on the preparation of food and how good that ice-coffee will taste.Stressing about the cleaning of the house-let us set specific times to clean up,so that we are not constantly running all over with that duster or dish-cloth.Let us plan our meals before-hand so that we do not slip up on an ingredient whilst cooking.Time management,I've realised,is vital in this month as we should be spending majority of our day in Ibaadat.

Last but not least,let us prepare our food with love and savour every moment.Watch your husband/child take that first bite of food and feel proud that Allah (SWT) chose you to make this possible.

P.S. all thanks to my mum who made me realise that crazy,is no way to be

Until next time

Ramadhaan!!

Ramadhaan Mubarak!! to those who read their first Taraweeh last night and to those who will read their first tonight..
Last year,I was lucky enough to spend the blessed month in Makkah and Medinah so my heart was QUITE sore listening to Shiekh Sudais last night via the Internet.May Allah grant us all the ability the make full use of this month and let it not leave us without making changes in our lives..

Ameen

Muslim Humour- Bad Hijaab Day

Style Icon- Touch of Blair

I am quite addicted to the hit tv-series Gossip Girl and am currently watching the series for the third time.Yes,the story-line is fantastic;a mixture of intrigue and anticipation,scandal and seduction,love and betrayal...and ofcourse GLAMOUR.But,the real reason I adore it?I am always tempted to pause the episode,grab my sketch-pad and quickly outline one of many fabulous get-ups as inspiration for my next outfit or simply to drool over.

My favourite character is Blair Waldorf,not just because of her quick and hilarious retorts,scheming mind and unique expressions,but her sense of style.Just lengthen that skirt a notch and drape a fabulous hijaab (you can always lay that headband carefully upon your hijaab) over that glossy hair- and voila!-stylish,elegant and modest.

The thing I like most about her style is that (inspite of a few outfits) they pretty much decent and with a few tweaks,us Hijaabi's can easily pull it off..

Here are some of my favourite oufits from Queen B's closet:



Polished and poised

Nautical!I would sail far off for this dress,especially since I
have a bag which would go perfectly with it:

Or if you want to make a real statement:



Beautiful.Add black bolero inside or maybe even out,if it doesn't cover the
 gorgeous gold detail on the top

How sweet is this!Pair with an off white or black skinny jeans and a simple hijaab

Almost makes me want to go back to high school-almost

I'm not entirely sure what colour I would add to this-
the white looks just too good to spoil

Some more stylish headbands

So,my fellow trend-setting Hijaabi's,there's no reason we can't look stylish and modest at the same time!

Check out my next post for ways to wear your headband over your hijaab.

Until next time

xoxo

Muslim Humour-Muslim Drivers

Chasing a Dream

Ramadhaan Preparation

First Taraweeh in just a weeks time-Insha Allah!The excitement mounts and so does the stress,hopes and anxiety..
I always end my Ramadhaan feeling as though I did not take full advantage of this blessed month.Did I recite enough Quraan?Did I perform sufficient Nafl salaah?Was I kind enough to the less fortunate?Did I give enough charity?

One sister put it beautifully:

"This is a month which ALLAH TA'ALA has designated for the revitalization of the soul and one's spiritual ascension after a year full of sin and spiritual retrogression "

This is only posssible if we prepare for it accordingly.

Here are some easy ways to prepare our minds and hearts for the Month of Mercy:

"1. INTENTION TO PREPARE:One of the most essential elements of preparing for the arrival of Ramadhaan is to make the intention for preparation ,for verily “every action judged by it’s intention”(Hadith-Bukhari).
  The preparation begins the day we start practicing humility and patience and learn how to control your nafs (desires) and anger.

2.LET'S DO RESEARCH:Even after years of fasting,many of us do not know the intricate principles regarding Saum.In order to gain this necessary knowledge,we need to consult our Islamic scholars and reliable sources,because " action without knowledge is fitna "

3. INCREASE THE WORSHIP:In this month,one should start increasing one's worship. This will allow us to adjust our routine for the arrival of Ramadhaan. Increase all forms of Ibadah(worship) such as Fasting,recitation of Qur’an, Zikr, Sadaqah(charity) , Nafl (voluntary)Salaah etc.Great emphasis is placed on reciting the glorious Quraan-e-Kareem.A very useful way to ensure one completes a Khatam (entire Quraan) is to read 5pages after every Salaah Insha-Allah.



4. ADJUST SLEEPING HABITS:Ramadhaan teaches us to adjust the way we lead our life. Therefore, before the arrival of Ramadhaan, it is ideal if you start adjusting your sleeping habits. You should start off by going to bed early and rising early. If you are used to this routine, you will not feel sleepy and tired when Ramadhaan arrives.

5. DEFINE OBJECTIVES:Ramadhaan is the ideal month to embark on your journey to fresh objectives. If you are a smoker and want to quit this habit, you should start in this month. If you want to be an early riser, Ramadhaan is the perfect month for you.

 

"O you who believe, fasting has made compulsory upon you as it made compulsory upon those before you so that you may become ALLAH fearing." (Quran:2:183)

 "Whoever fasts and stands for worship in Ramadhaan out of faith and anticipation of reward, all of his previous sins will be forgiven." (Ibn Majah)

In essence, Ramadhaan is the most blessed and rewarding month. Therefore, all Muslims should try their best prepare for this auspicious month of Ramadhaan.Inshaa-ALLAH!"

Some info provided by eislam.co.za

Turbans: Hijaab Trend?

I've been fascinated with the latest hijaab trend: Turbans. At first,I was convinced it would just not suit me,despite lovin' the whole look.But then a very daring friend tried it out on me and - ta da!I couldn't get enough of it.I spent literally the entire night trying to perfect it,much to my husbands amusement.


However,I'm not entirely convinced about the whole open-neck aspect.If you are used to covering up,then maybe the end pieces could be brought over to cover the neck.Alternatively,you could wear a polar neck,high collar or a big bling choker to cover up..Let me know what you think.


Here are some hijaab inspirations:

This looks gorgeous: Wrap a brightly (preferably contrasting) coloured scarf around the neck

Turban Tutorial

Images via:dilaandzata,Hijaabi and The City,-call me ina-,infiniteLIA

Most Merciful

Dont Judge - neh?

The thought of  'blogging' always baffled me..An online diary?What was the point?Why would anyone want to divulge their every thought for the whole cyber-space to 'see'?Was it for celebrities or businesses looking to advertise?Or for bored but brainy individuals?

I'm not entirely sure when I read my first blog,or what inspired me to start 'blogging'.But I do know this,most Muslim girls like myself are too hesitant to do something like this..To have someone judge you,your thoughts or even if it may be your style of typing.Fact is,we are our own worst critics.We lack motivation and drive.One too many times have I hesitated or had to rethink a decision a thousand times over for a fear of  "What will people think?".Rightly so too,Muslims judge Muslims,instead of realising that we are all brothers and sisters in Islam.

I encourage you to read my blog with an open mind.To realise that this is coming from a young 20-something Muslimah who is merely trying to find her way.However,I acknowledge that in moving away from the worry of other peoples judgement,one must always retain and protect his/her dignity.

May Allah-Subhanahu-wa-Ta'allah guide us all.

I reserve the right to protect my name and identity for a fear of  'judgement'.