Wearing a hejab

Lets face it trying to adhering to an Islamic dress code can be a challenging living in Australia or any western country, as a Muslim woman in a head scarf stands out, especially when your society bomb bards us woman with messages from billboard to magazines on what a woman "should" look like!

The head scarf defiantly takes the blunt of all these misconceptions because it is an outer signal that a person is of the Islamic faith. As Shuaib Webb, a well know American shiek said recently, "The natural outcome, therefore, for those who fear the religion, is to fear its most apparent manifestation-the hejab". I exercise my choice to where a head cover, yes a piece of cloth that doesn't have an adverse effect on my though pattern, that doesn't oppresses me or demean me, because I am a practicing Muslim woman. I believe covering my body and head is a religious obligation, just like absenting from wine, drugs or re framing from the act of stealing or murder! I have made a choice to be a practicing Muslim and this, from my interpenetration of Islam, includes wearing the head scarf. Now I am not saying my Muslims sisters that don't where a scarf are any less practicing, as they have also made a choice not wear it, and that is between them and God,and not for me to judge. Sometimes its a sticking point between Muslim woman themselves, as their can be a visual disparity between outer appearance and inner character. For me personally, I have always felt empowered and beautiful by wearing the head scarf.

The beauty I love about Islam is two phases that come to mind-there is no compulsion in Islam, meaning nothing can be forced and the second is that all actions are based on intention, so no one can judge another level of commitment or love of God. In the Quran, Muslim men are told to avert their gaze, out of respect for woman, so that's a hijab for them! Jesus is recorded in Islamic sources saying:

"Virtuous action does not consist in doing good to someone who has done good to you-that is merely returning a favor.Virtuous action consists in doing good (even) to those who have wronged you." So I believe that showing respect and goodness to others, how ever they treat us is important, as actions speak louder than words, and intentions speak louder to the heart. 

I feel it boils down to live and let live, a principal our society has yet to master. It upset me when people that judge or mock the hijab, and feel that I am asking to be discriminated against. I feel the people that judge or mock are really the oppressors as their own narrow mindedness and intolerant dictates their perception of a different behavior or belief is an oppression. Whats wrong with practicing ones beliefs as I choose? In a world that needs more spiritually in touch human beings.The world is beautiful with various types of communities, cultures and religions, and if their is respect, we live in harmony.

Increasing blessings

Acknowledging your blessing will only increase your blessings. There is two things In Islam that increase ones blessing-seeking forgiveness from Allahswt (as we all sin in different ways)and being grateful. There is even a verse in the Quran that says increase your gratefulness to me (Allahswt) and I will increase your blessings. I carry a gratitude dairy which I try and write in as much as I can (a few times a week) I feel its so good to show Allahswt that I am acknowledging all the good things that happen to me in a day, even if its been a hard day esp so since the last few months have been so hard for me and so to say yes these five things right now  Iam so happy Allahswt you put them in my life or they happened to me, makes we show Allahswt that I am ever grateful. I suppose its a habit of mind set to change our thinking as all blessing as a trust and need to be nurtured , loved and appreciated to get the full benefit form them. If Allahswt were to take anything away, or we lose a blessing or a testing experience happens, this is only for our own good and their is much khair in it as Allahswt is the best of planners and knows what is best for us in all times of our life. Always keeping a positive expectation of Allahswt mercy and hope, and acknowledge how very much in need we are of him.

I acknowledge the great blessing of being able to breath, the eyes that see, the ears that hear, the mouth that taste and the body that is able to do things. The family and friends I have in my life (even thou many are far by distance, yet close by heart). May we keep acknowledging our blessings and flavors upon us, we don't want to be in a position of regret that we only realize how important or great something was after it has left our lives. Each day we keep remember that life is a gift to be used wisely and our words and actions have an impact on ourselves and others, so may they be of goodness and may we be of the grateful!