Twelve years ago when I was living in Virginia, U.S, I decided to wear hijab. Many people were surprised, because in the Muslim minority country I was given guidance by Allah SWT in my dream that I had to wear hijab. I felt fear of Allah if I was called to face Him before I put on my hijab and I would not smell of heaven!
There were so many reasons why I had not put on my hijab such as I felt not fashionable, suffered because of my hair would be covered, felt insecure, could not hang out with people who do not wear hijab, I felt that my behavior was still not fully run Islamic law, and so on. I should erase my thoughts! I repeatedly read Surah Al-Ahzaab 33: 59,
O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not to be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.
Bismillah ….. I wore hijab! Although I did not even prepare Muslima clothes in my closet, perhaps they were only one or two pieces of headscarves at the first time, but alhamdulillah Allah gave me ease with sending a friend who visited our house and brought a few pieces of head covers for me. I then realized that my past reasons about wearing hijab were not true!
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Recently, in minority Muslim countries many Muslim women have started to cover their bodies and hairs, even Muslima fashion market, mentioned in Guardian.co.uk, is very huge. It reaches $ 96 million (£ 59 million)! Moreover, Women Hijab Contest in Chicago last April (chicagotribune.com) makes us more proud being a Muslima. Muslima fashion in the Muslim minority countries is growing.
It cannot be denied that to find clothes that actually fit shar’i is not easily available in the shops. Before you decide to shop for Muslima clothing, here are the requirements based on the book of Fiqh Women that we must aware. Our clothes should be, firstly, covering the entire body except face and two hands. Secondly, not tight so it still appears the body shape. Thirdly, not thin/ transparent that your skin color still can be seen. Fourth, not resemble to men’s clothing. Fifth, not flashy colored to attract attention. Sixth, not resemble pagan woman. Finally, not used for the purpose of showing off.
Dear Muslima….let us wear right clothes in order to reach reward from Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, before our life ends….
