Modesty

Details: Category: Modesty; Hits: 15572

bashfulness The Incident...

Hot, hungry, thirsty, and fearing for his safety, the Prophet of Allāh Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām) arrives to the city of Madyan. Chased by the Pharonic police of the time, following the innocent killing of a member of the elite Coptic community, Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām) has fled from Egypt enveloped in a state of fear. Gone are the days of luxury and comfort in the palace of the Pharaoh.

Now Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām) finds himself away from home, desperate and dishevelled, surrounded by unfamiliarity, hoping and praying for guidance and protection from his Lord.

Having settled briefly, still suffering from fatigue and overwhelming thirst, Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām) comes across a water-well used by local shepherds to water their flock.

On closer inspection, Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām) finds a group of men watering their flocks from the well, but perhaps more surprisingly, he also notices two women keeping themselves to one side, waiting for these shepherds to finish so they can provide for their own flocks.

Good Will, Even After Strained Circumstance

It is during this instance that Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām), seizing on an opportunity to perform a noble deed as befits his Prophetic status, ignores his weariness and exhaustion and offers to help these two women water their flocks.

After these women explain to Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām) that they cannot water their flock until the shepherds take away their sheep from the water, and that their father is a very old man who cannot help them, Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām) removes the huge boulder covering the mouth of well and comes to the aid of these two young women.

On completion of this charitable deed, Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām) then retreats to the shade, protecting his drained body from the sapping heat, and in a private moment with his Lord, says “My Lord, I am in need of whatever good you bestow on me.”[1]

After some time, Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām) looks up to notice one of these two women walking towards him.

A Special Kind of Walk...

In describing this walk, Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) tells us of the bashful demeanour of this noble woman, walking towards Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām) with shyness worthy of such high praise that Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) mentions it specifically in his glorious book.

Befitting her modest nature and conduct, this woman then says to Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām) “Verily, my father calls you that he may reward you for having watered our flocks for us.” Notably, the invitation was not aimed directly at Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām) from her, lest he have some suspicious thoughts about her.

Rather she said: “My father is inviting you so that he may reward you for watering our sheep,” i.e., to give you some payment for that, as if to emphasise her humble nature.

The story goes on, and eventually Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām) ends up marrying one of these two women before embarking on his challenges with the Pharaoh and the children of Israel.

So, Why mention this story?

The story of Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām) covers many pages of the Book of Allāh, with details of his story explained more in depth than that of many other stories of the Prophets of Allāh.

From his earliest days as a baby placed in a basket to contend with the forceful currents of the river Nile, to his time with the Children of Israel and all the challenges he faced both with and from them, Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) provides us with vivid descriptions of Mūsa’s (ʿalayhi al-Salām) life story.

This particular passage of the story, narrated in Sūrat al-Qasas, is one of many such examples. But are these details of any relevance? Do they add anything to our overall understanding of Mūsa’s (ʿalayhi al-Salām) story?

In order to answer this question, we must appreciate the status the book that is relating this story.

A book whose verses are protected and explained in detail, from the all-Wise, Well-acquainted Lord of the heavens and the earth.

A book that, if it were to be revealed on a mountain, “you would have surely seen it humbling itself and splitting asunder by the fear of Allāh.” A book in which there is ‘no doubt’, and to which “falsehood shall not come to it from before it nor from behind it; a revelation from the Wise, the Praised One.”[2]

A book revealed by the One, and only Lord of the Universe, Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā), who created, legislated and ordained everlasting pleasure for conformity and sincere obedience and painful punishment for defiance and disobedience.

Having appreciated the importance of every single word of the Qur’ān, one can now perhaps reflect more appropriately on the portion of the verse describing the walk of the woman towards Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām),

“Then one of the two women came to him walking bashfully. She said: My father invites you that he may give you the reward of your having watered for us…”[3]

An observant reader may ask whether the story would be any different if we did not know about all this detail. Does it really make any difference whether this woman walked normally or shyly?

After all, the rest of the story is related to Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām) and this description does not have much impact on the how the rest of the story unfolds.

An honest student and disciple of the Qur’ān however would accept that every word used by Allāh in His book has been perfectly positioned, with each verse filled with linguistic eloquence matched by no other book ever read by man.

Why Did Allaah [s] Mention The Way She Walked?

The sense of shyness and humility we get from this woman is something for the Muslim to reflect on.

In an era where such shyness or introversion is seen in some quarters as a possible manifestation of anxiety, lack of self-confidence, or even a social disorder, taking a moment to reflect on why Allāh chose to mention this noteworthy trait of these women is of great benefit.

A simple “Google” search reveals the characteristic of shyness being associated with apprehension, awkwardness, low self-esteem and so on; characteristics that any individual of integrity would want to avoid.

But as Muslims, do we see shyness in the same way? If Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) chose this word to describe this woman as she walked towards Mūsa (ʿalayhi al-Salām), did He mean it in a complimentary or blameworthy manner? Is it bad to be shy?!

A saying of the Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) sheds light on the matter, where we are told that “shyness does not bring anything except Good.“ Elsewhere we are told even more emphatically that “shyness is a branch of faith!”

Furthermore, we hear that the exalted character of the beloved Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) was described to be “more shy than a virgin in seclusion.”[4]

In an age where arrogance, immodesty, brashness and sometimes outright disrespect can be often looked upon fondly by some, the sincere Muslim remains firm in the knowledge of what characteristics please his creator.

The young Muslim boy who emulates his favourite footballer’s ‘cocky’ traits, or the young Muslim girl who sees the ‘prettiest’ women on TV as those who wear very little and show far too much, or even the highly qualified Muslim academic who holds an esteemed position, or the affluent and successful Muslim businessman who is blessed with great riches and wealth, must remember that modesty and humility is an honour for the true slave of Allāh.

Never should a Muslim feel that being humble will hamper their progress in this pretentious world. Rather our focus is on our hereafter, attributing importance to that which will lead us to gardens of bliss and delight.

Social vices such as outlandish dress sense, vulgar language and sexual openness and obscenity unbecoming of human beings, all combine to make that ‘shy’ trait even more difficult to hold on to. Very rarely does the media present to us a humble role-model for us to look up to and learn from. Shyness is slowly becoming that ‘black sheep’ characteristic.

Amongst all of these tribulations, the Muslim holds firm to his faith, and the characteristics it brings with it. The Muslim is humble yet firm, concise yet polite, modest yet confident, and shy yet totally and utterly content. As related to us by the best of all creation, Prophet Muhammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam), “if you do not have any shame, do as you wish!”[5]

Look At Your Heart

So the next time we have the inclination to be boastful, to reveal more of our bodies than what Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) has given permission us to, or to be condescending and crass in our behaviour towards others, just remember how Allāh praised that lady’s walk and look to your heart and think, “do I want to be of those that Allāh praises on the Day of Judgement too?”

Why look to your heart? Because as related by Ibn al Qayyim (raḥimahu Allāhu) “the strength of one’s modesty and shyness relies on the strength of one’s heart.”

May Allāh grant us the blessing of embodying these beautiful traits and save us from that which incurs his wrath upon us. Āmīn.

Details: Written by Shaykh ‘Abd ar-Rahmaan ibn Naasir al-Barraak; Category: Modesty; Hits: 11056

Shaykh ‘Abd ar-Rahmaan ibn Naasir al-Barraak (may Allaah preserve him) was asked: What is the ruling on a female Daa‘iyah appearing on TV in full Shar‘i Hijaab for the purpose of Da‘wah and Fatwas? He replied:

Praise be to Allah. To proceed:

The basic principle is that the woman is Fitnah for men. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “I am not leaving behind me any Fitnah more harmful to men than women.” (Agreed upon). Hence those who follow their whims and desires are very keen to introduce women into all media programming, both audio and video. Based on that, it is not permissible for a woman to appear on TV, even if she is wearing hijaab, in the name of Da‘wah and giving Fatwas, because innumerable men will listen to her even if she only appears on the channel on the basis of teaching women.

Moreover, there is no need for her to undertake da‘wah and issue fatwas via TV channels. The basic principle is that that is to be done by men, and men are more suited to that. Throughout Islamic history men have been the ones to teach, call people to Islaam and issue Fatwas in the Masaajid and so on. They are the Khateebs and Imaams. It is not permissible for women to do any of these things unless it is among other women.

Moreover it is well known that women’s participation in video and audio media results in things that are contrary to Sharee‘ah, such as their going out unnecessarily, mixing with men, making images of them even if they do wear Hijaab. This results in negative consequences that Islaam came to prevent, as Allaah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner. And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance” [Al-Ahzaab 33:32-33].

A woman may be making a display of herself in her clothing even if she wears hijab.

Based on the above I say: It is not permissible for a woman to appear on satellite TV channels as a Daa‘iyah, Mufti or teacher. Rather, she should restrict her Da‘wah activities to her fellow women at home or in a school or in the women’s prayer space in the Masjid.

On this occasion we advise our sisters who are in charge of Islamic channels to fear Allaah and not to be deceived by the words of those who have wrong views and do not see anything wrong with women appearing on Islamic channels and even promote that and support it with specious arguments. It is sufficient to note that this is in accordance with the whims and desires of modernists, who do not care about anything but falsehood or that which leads to falsehood. Hence they like the Islamic channels on which women appear and they regard them as keeping pace with modern times, and they do not like the channels on which no women appear and they regard them as backward and describe the people in charge of them as being extremists. These people are like those of whom Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
“...but those who follow their lusts, wish that you (believers) should deviate tremendously away from the Right Path” [An-Nisaa’, [4]:27].

We ask Allah to guide us to the straight path and to keep us away from the path of those who earned His Anger and of those who went astray.

End quote from Shabakat Noor al-Islam.

Details: Written by Muslim Youth Movement; Category: Modesty

Vid3

Details: Written by Kelly M. Flanagan - Clinical Psychologist, Writer, Blogger; Category: Modesty; Hits: 11929

daughters Dear Little One,

As I write this, I'm sitting in the makeup aisle of our local Target store. A friend recently texted me from a different makeup aisle and told me it felt like one of the most oppressive places in the world. I wanted to find out what he meant. And now that I'm sitting here, I'm beginning to agree with him. Words have power, and the words on display in this aisle have a deep power. Words and phrases like:

Affordably gorgeous,
Infallible,
Flawless finish,
Brilliant strength,
Liquid power,
Go nude,
Age-defying,
Instant age rewind,
Choose your dream,
Nearly naked, and
Natural beauty.

When you have a daughter, you start to realize she's just as strong as everyone else in the house -- a force to be reckoned with, a soul on fire with the same life and gifts and passions as any man. But sitting in this store aisle, you also begin to realize most people won't see her that way. They'll see her as a pretty face and a body to enjoy. And they'll tell her she has to look a certain way to have any worth or influence.

But words do have power and maybe, just maybe, the words of a father can begin to compete with the words of the world. Maybe a father's words can deliver his daughter through this gauntlet of institutionalized shame and into a deep, unshakeable sense of her own worthiness and beauty.

A father's words aren't different words, but they are words with a radically different meaning:

Brilliant strength. May your strength be not in your fingernails but in your heart. May you discern in your center who you are, and then may you fearfully but tenaciously live it out in the world.

Choose your dream. But not from a department store shelf. Find the still-quiet place within you. A real dream has been planted there. Discover what you want to do in the world. And when you have chosen, may you faithfully pursue it, with integrity and with hope.

Naked. The world wants you to take your clothes off. Please keep them on. But take your gloves off. Pull no punches. Say what is in your heart. Be vulnerable. Embrace risk. Love a world that barely knows what it means to love itself. Do so nakedly. Openly. With abandon.

Infallible. May you be constantly, infallibly aware that infallibility doesn't exist. It's an illusion created by people interested in your wallet. If you choose to seek perfection, may it be in an infallible grace -- for yourself, and for everyone around you.

Age-defying. Your skin will wrinkle and your youth will fade, but your soul is ageless. It will always know how to play and how to enjoy and how to revel in this one-chance life. May you always defiantly resist the aging of your spirit.

Flawless finish. Your finish has nothing to do with how your face looks today and everything to do with how your life looks on your last day. May your years be a preparation for that day. May you be aged by grace, may you grow in wisdom and may your love become big enough to embrace all people. May your flawless finish be a peaceful embrace of the end and the unknown that follows, and may it thus be a gift to everyone who cherishes you.

Little One, you love everything pink and frilly and I will surely understand if someday makeup is important to you. But I pray three words will remain more important to you -- the last three words you say every night, when I ask the question: "Where are you the most beautiful?" Three words so bright no concealer can cover them.

Where are you the most beautiful?

On the inside.

From my heart to yours,

Daddy

----------

Like the last letter I wrote to my daughter, I wrote this first for her and the day I'll eventually read it to her. But I also wrote it for every woman who needs to hear the words of a father. Women, no one else can define your beauty for you. But they'll try.

My daughter is 4 years old now. If her awakening to the makeup aisle comes at the typical age, I figure we have about five years to radically alter the arc of history and the subjugation-by-image of the female gender. We've got a lot of work to do. And it begins in the heart of each and every woman.

Source: Huffington Post.

Details: Written by Shaikh Waleed Al-Saleh; Category: Modesty

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "When an adulterer commits illegal sexual intercourse, then he is not a believer at the time he is doing it, and when a drinker of an alcoholic liquor drinks it, then he is not a believer at the time of drinking it, and when a thief steals, then he is not a believer at the time of stealing, and when a robber robs, and the people look at him, then he is not a believer at the time of doing robbery." (Al-Bukhaari)

*Please click here if you can't see the above video.

“And come not near to unlawful sex. Verily, it is a Faahishah (i.e. anything that transgresses its limits: a great sin, and an evil way that leads one to Hell unless Allah forgives him)” [17:32 – interpretation of the meaning]

Regarding the Mi'raaj (ascension), in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"... then we proceeded and came to something like a tannoor (a kind of oven)." [The narrator] said: "I think he said, 'in which there were clamouring voices.'" He [the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)] said: "We looked into it and there we saw naked men and women. Flames were coming to them from the bottom of it, and when the flames reached them, they made an uproar. I said to them [i.e., the two angels who were accompanying him], 'Who are these?' They said, 'Proceed, proceed!'... I said to them, 'I have seen strange things this night. What is this that I have seen?' They said, 'We will tell you.... The naked men and women in the structure that resembled a tannoor oven are the adulterers and adulteresses.'" (Narrated by al-Bukhaari).