5/5/09

Colorful Abaya Fashion - A bright spin on classic black






Four pretty abaya designs in bright colors. I really love Al-Haramlek designs. They are so regal, anyone who wears them ends up feeling like a princess!



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5/4/09

Madiha's Latest Hijab Design Tutorial - Semi Formal Hijab Style



Finally, yay! :) I eagerly await this chic Muslimahs design posts. Here's Madiha's latest hijab style tutorial. A very nice semi-formal design. Think wahlimas, 3aqiqas, and other semi-dressy events. Another beuatiful design from our favorite veil fashion guru. Enjoy!

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New Summer Style Idea - Kimono Sleeve Maxi Dresses!



Paisley Print Kimono Sleeve Maxi Dress on Ebay



Black large print paisley kimono sleeve maxi dress



Abstract print kimono sleeve maxi dress

I love these because they offer more coverage than the traditional strappy (or strapless) style maxi dress. All these styles were found on Ebay, a Sister's best friend for great fashion finds. Ebay rocks. Happy shopping! :)

Hijabistyle Shopper Tip: When searching Ebay, narrow down the results by using the key words: "maxi dress kimono"

If you just search "maxi dress", you're gonna end of with about 7,000 listings.

* a nice kimono sleeve maxi dress isnt very expensive at all. Expect to pay around $35.00 - $45.00 with shipping. A pretty sweet deal. :)

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5/3/09

Hijab Q n A - Clearing up some basic misunderstandings of Islam and the Hijab.

From time to time, I receive condescending posts from bloggers . Below is a post from the ever-present Anonymous who is in need of a little TLC. Instead of deleting this ( my usual procedure for posts of this nature), I decided to respond to this individual's grave misunderstandings about Islam, Muslim Sisters, the Hijab and yes Sharia Law....omgosh She's going there! - Yes, in this case, dispelling these misunderstandings and beliefs is important to foster compassion, understanding and tolerance amongst people of all faiths and persuasions. How can people learn to co-exist if we don't open up and try to learn about each other? In the end, our differences make us colorful and beautiful. The world would be a pretty boring place if everyone was 'purple' - dont you think? I prefer the full spectrum of the rainbow :)

From Anonymous on May 2nd at 3:15am:

“I found your blog very amusing (-:
So would you please let us know in which Islamic state these nice garments can be used? (Islamic state is a country where Sharia Law are executed)
After escaping my country because of Islam its very funny to see how you think Islam is just Hijab and a ban on pork and alcohol!
Anyway the irony is that they can wear these just in secular countries or those try to be secular!
how is it Islam is something I can't understand!
maybe you should check them with some Imams or Moftys!”

As there was so much to address, I have posted my responses line by line.


1.“So would you please let us know in which Islamic state these nice garments can be used? (Islamic state is a country where Sharia Law are executed)”

Reply:
There are currently no countries in the world that follow Islamic standards of gov't or implement Sharia law the way it was intended – hence there are no true Islamic countries in the world. In a true Islamic state, a person of another faith could exist happily, freely, and peacefully with no fear of retaliation from anyone, much less the gov't because of their beliefs. Clearly wherever you lived, was not such a place.

2.“After escaping my country because of Islam its very funny to see how you think Islam is just Hijab and a ban on pork and alcohol!”

Reply 1 : where did I say any of that? Please search my entire blog, I have never stated such a simplistic misunderstanding of my Faith .

Reply 2:
Its very sad that you feel you had to “escape” your country. Let me clarify that Islam was not the problem. The problem was intolerance by a select few power-hungry people. This has nothing to do with Islam. Islam is practiced by humans – and humans are imperfect beings. A religion cannot chase a person down and oppress them, people can. Whomever made you feel that you had to leave, was not a Muslim. It would be like saying that Christianity made the people who perpetuated the Spanish Inquisition do so. A very silly notion.

3.“Anyway the irony is that they can wear these just in secular countries or those try to be secular!”

Reply: The pics and videos posted on this blog are from all over the world including: the USA, United Kingdom, Europe, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and China - to name a few. I have always stated that not all of the pics here illustrate images that meet the conditions for hijab. As my fashion disclaimer states : “many of these outfits are for Mahram/Ladies only events.” Islam is a religion for all people on earth, not a select few. Anyone can be a Muslim. Since i've already clarified that no country on earth is technically a “Muslim” country – im not sure where the “irony” lies.

4. “how is it Islam is something I can't understand!”

Reply: I sincerely don't know – that is between you and your Creator. Obviously you haven't been exposed to real Muslims or true Islam, for one. I would encourage you to learn about it from people who practice Islam in your new country. Learn about it from people like me, who believe that oppression and subjugation are wrong and have no place in Islamic societies, or ANY society for that matter.

5.“maybe you should check them with some Imams or Moftys!”

Reply 1: again, I never claimed that all these pics represent appropriate hijab. Please try to understand the difference between a beautiful fashion photo, and demure dress in public. It would be like someone saying that because this is a blog predominantly about veil fashion, that I couldn't post cute ideas about underwear, shoes or swimsuits.

Reply 2: I don't follow a “Mofty” or any particular set of Imams. Islam encourages everyone to seek knowledge. It encourages us to learn as much as we can about our faith. Im an American Sunni Muslim. I know enough about my faith to state that some of what is posted here, does not meet the conditions for hijab, this is not a point of contention that needs clarification. This again is why the “hijab fashion disclaimer” on my site exists and why the I posted the conditions for hijab.

Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to hopefully dispel some basic misunderstandings about Islam. Any time one can open up the channels of communication and learn about something new is great! Im am sorry that you are hurting and that you feel injured. I pray that God will soften your heart and ease your pain. I pray that He will help you find knowledge and understanding. I pray that you will become happy with yourself and your own beliefs, whatever they may be. I ask that the other Sisters on this site pray for you as well, and that God will give you peace and serenity. If you sincerely would like to learn more about Islam, I would be honored to help you.

Peace be with you Anonymous. You are in my prayers.


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5/2/09

Abaya Fashion Styles in Dubai




Fresh off the runways in Dubai, beautiful abaya designs featured on MBC's show Style. I love the Swarovski crystals and the pretty borders on the hijabs. Flowing, feminine and regal.


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5/1/09

Egyptian Hijab Fashion Styles - Tunic and Pants Suits






















Hello all. This evening I ran across these beautiful fashion photos of models wearing tunics with jeans and jilbab and abaya pant suits. I really like the veil designs they are using. Very pretty and swanky. Some of the more tailored designs would be especially great for work or school. Im a big fan of the pants option. These just gave me a little inpiriation for updating my wardrobe. :)

*Please read the hijab fashion disclaimer at the top right of the blog, as not all of these styles meet the conditions for hijab. Some are better suited for Ladies/Mahram events. :)


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4/30/09

How to wear hijab - Egyptian veil series part 8 - soiree style



Here is a pretty, albeit complicated veil design for weddings, soirees, parties etc. One new trend going thru the Muslim world is to wear the hijab like a turban with a piece wrapped above the forehead. It add extra fullness to the top, and draws the eye up. Another style option for you to add to your fashion files.

هنا جميلة ، وإن كانت معقدة النقاب عن تصميم حفلات الزفاف ، والأماسي ، وما إلى أحد أطراف هذا التوجه الجديد يمر العالم الإسلامي على ارتداء الحجاب مثل عمامة ملفوفة بقطعة فوق الجبين. انها تضيف ملء إضافية إلى الأعلى ، وتلفت العين. أسلوب آخر خيار لك أن تضيف إلى حسابك بطريقة الملفات.


*This post is a style for ladies/Mahram events only.
*This video plays music.


Need hijabs to get this look?
Buy them here!

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4/29/09

Summer 2009 Egyptian Hijab Fashion Styles pt 1













Add Image

Yes, its another ode to Egyptian fashion here. Today's post focuses on light, flowy, fluid outfits and styles. Lots of very pretty light weight colorful fabrics and drapes. A very feminine and soft, free look for summer. Think: Henna party on a summer's eve. Enjoy :)

*please read our 'hijab fashion disclaimer' as most of these pics are suitable for ladies/Mahram -only events. More coverage and augmentation would be needed to meet the criteria for hijab.
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4/28/09

Sporty Hijab Fashion Styles for 2009






Summer's on its way and the weather here is already in the upper 80's! So today i thought I'd do a quick pic galley featuring sporty hijab fashion styles and ideas*. Its no longer chic to be a couch potato mama. Fit is in! So get out there and hit the gym, bike trail, paint ball concourse, - whatever gets your blood pumping :)Take some inspiration from these sporty ideas for modest ladies!

While i dont know where to get the other styles, i can tell you that the bottom hijab sport pic is from Shukr Online!


*please read the hijab fashion disclaimer at the top of the blog.




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4/26/09

An Envious Sister - My Recent Run-In with the Evil Eye















I decided to post this after a series of sad events and good Deen building experiences recently happened. My purpose in writing this is to educate myself and friends about the dangers of the Evil Eye (Ain Al Hasad) and how we can protect ourselves from being afflicted by it.

My Story: I recently went thru a miscarriage. It was devastating for me and my family. I was close to the end of the first trimester, about to relax into the rest of the pregnancy, when I started to have pain and miscarry. When I got home from the hospital we buried the remnants of that little soul that had barely had a glimpse at life. My mother in law over the phone kindly reminded me that I “have a little green bird waiting for me in Jennah, insha Allah, and that could have more children.” Everyone was gentle and kind, and slowly I began to heal and move on.

A few weeks later after confiding in a friend that I was still very sad, she very delicatly mentioned that she thought I might have been afflicted by Ain Al-Hassad.

“What? No way, are you serious?” I asked in dismay not wanting to take her seriously.

“Yes, its quite possible” she said “ Lots of people knew that you were pregnant. And it was your third child. It makes sense that some people would have been jealous.”

It was then that I began to sit down and really read about envy, and the evil eye in Islam. I knew the basics, but I admit that I never thought it could happen to me. I guess I was oblivious, and wrote it off as a super natural thing that only happens in the Middle East, Astaghfir Allah.

So after reading the book Jinn and Human Sickness by Dr, Abu'l-Mundhir Khaleel ibn Ibraheen Ameen and listening to lectures about Hassad, envy and jealously online, I decided to take stock of my life paying special attention to my frenships and aquaintances. I began evaluating each relationship, trying to see if i had missed anything or wasnt seeing the whole picture. As it turned out, i had some really rose colored glasses on in several of my relatively close relationships. When i stood back and evaluated situations and conversations, keeping in mind what i had learned, i began to see that some Sisters that i believed were friends, may have been foes all along. Again my being oblivious, or inability to read them well, or refusal to aknowledge negative treatment, may have been my downfall. On top of all of that i felt the need to share my joy over the pregnancy with just about everyone, which Im now sure was a major mistake.


What can invite Hassad and the Evil Eye?

Marriage (especially happiness in marriage), children, friends, a new job, beauty, house/material possessions, intelligence, abilities, attributes, education, - just about anything that you can think of can be envied and make people jealous.

“Everything that has a Na'mah in it, is envied by the people.” Prophet Mohammad (sws)

The first sin that was created was Hassad. I didn't know that. Basically, a person sees something that another has been blessed with. They begin to envy them and grow jealous. They then wish that the other doesn't have it, or worse that the person will lose it and it will come to them instead.

How can I protect myself from the Evil Eye?

“Seek the success of all of your needs by being quiet” Prophet Muhammad (sws)

This much I have learned. Hassad is real! Don't be silly like me. In your happiness over whatever Allah(swt) has blessed you with, don't go around telling people. Keep it to yourself and thank Him for His Generosity and Mercy and seek refuge in Him from the envy and jealousy of others.




The Messenger of Allah(sws) commanded us to pray for blessing for everything that we like. That includes things that other people have that we desire – in fact, it is VERY important to pray for blessings for our Sisters, because we naturally often pray for blessing for ourselves.


“If one of you sees something that his brother has, let him pray for blessing for him.” - Prophet Muhammad (sws)


This is why you often hear Muslims saying things like: “She had a baby, Masha Allah.” or “She is beautiful, Masha Allah.” or “She graduated from college, Masha Allah.” or “They just bought a house, Masha Allah.” or “She is getting married, Masha Allah.” etc etc etc...you get the idea.


Sahl ibn Haneef (ra) said: the Messenger of Allah (sws) said:
“If one of you sees something that he likes in himself or his wealth, let him pray for blessing for it, for the evil eye is real.” Narrated by Ibn Al-Sunni , and by Imam Ahmad and Al- Haakim



Could your Sister be envying you?





Listed below are the characteristsics of one who envies. Take a look at your relationships and compare them with this list. Do these characteristics remind you of anyone you are close to?

1. The envier is always angry at the decrees of Allah(swt)

2. The envier always complains and raraley thanks Allah(swt) even if he owns the whole world.

3. He/She follows up the mistakes of the one whom he/she envies, and tries to seek out his faults, and exposes them and exaggerates about them before others.

4. He/She conceals or ignores or belittles the good qualities and distinguishing characteristics of the person whom he/she envies.

5. You will notice that the envier cannot speak I front of the one who he/she envies without addressing him/her in a laughing, jocular manner, but deep down he/she is filled with hatred and resentment that is clear from the way in which he/she looks at him/her.

6. He/She clearly criticizes the one whom he/she envies, with or without evidence.

7. He/She looks for opportunities and makes the most of any chance to harm the one whom he/she envies in him/herself or their wealth.

8. Finally, the envier is a troubled person, due to the resentment that is always festering in their heart, depression and dullness show on their face.
*pages 263-264 of Jinn and Human Sickness


Conclusion: It is natural to see something good that your friend has and want it for yourself. The danger lies in develping jealousy and hatred for your Sister because of Allah's(swt) blessings upon her.

The Messenger of Allah (sws) said: "The evil eye is real and can bring down a person from a high mountain."

Seek refuge in Allah(swt) from the Evil Eye. Take caution in the way you look at your Sister and her blessings. Thank Allah(swt) for everything He(swt) has bestowed upon you, and ask Him to bless you and purify your heart of Hassad.

Finally, if you believe that you may have afflicted someone with the Evil Eye, intentionally or unintentionally: Pray for forgiveness and their well being. You may be asked to wash with water, making Wudu or Ghusl. Then that water is poured over the person that was affected so that the water may cancel out the effect of the evil eye and heal them. If you are asked to wash for someone, it is obligatory. Don't be embarassed to do it, or to ask someone to as well.

Another treatment for those afflicted by the evil eye is Ruqyah and Dhikr. If you are interested in learning more about how this is done, washing, or just for more info on envy, hassad and jealousy follow this link: Jinn and Human Sickness





Taken with permission from The Musing Muslima Blog :)

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4/25/09

Why We Love Madiha's Hijab Styles



Why do we love Madiha you ask? Because she designs beautiful hijab styles in very easy to follow tutorials with great tips! Here is one of her designs. Love this one because its chic and modest! Great job! :)

Want more for Madiha's Hijab Designs? Visit her blog at: http://unr3achable1tch.0fees.net/

Need scarves to create this look? Buy them here!



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Hijab Fashion Watch - New Jilbab n Pants Suit Styles







Are you a lover of jilbab? I especially like the jilbab pant sets! Its basically a modest suit, with an extended jacket. Perfect for work or play. These range from professional designs all the way to ornate evening/soiree styles. Everyone needs at least one basic button down jilbab (especially in the fall and winter) and a light weight jilbab pants suit. Love em!

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4/24/09

Formal Egyptian Hijab Fashion Gowns









Have a special occasion coming up? Get some inspiration from these Egyptian formal gown and veil designs. Apparently hoop skirts are back. Lots of embellishment on the dresses and light chiffon crystal veil designs.

*most appropriate for Mahram/ladies events like weddings, henna parties etc.
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