Only for Allah (Cerbung)

8/9/2019 Only for Allah (Cerbung)

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Dheny Gnasher | http://www.tintabesi.com

Only for AllahThe morning of Thursday, November 6, 1997 my identity became clear not only to me, but to every

person I would encounter from that day forward. I decided to wear the hijaab and begin to developmyself as a more conscientious Muslim woman. It was on that very day that I revealed to the world

that I am a Muslim and that I was no longer afraid to be who I was.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, hijaab, it literally means 'barrier' or 'somethingthat covers or conceals completely'. In today's non-Islamic societies, the true meaning of the hijaabis often replaced with such notions as scarves, kerchiefs, or 'head-pieces' - as one of my co-workerseloquently put it. Many people are simply uneducated about the why Muslims must dress modestlyand because of this profound lack of knowledge and understanding many stereotypes and

misconceptions arise.

I am not going to go into the intricate details about the purpose of the hijaab or submerse myself in the ongoing debate as to whetheror not the hijaab is an obligatory practice for Muslim men andwomen. There are many fabulous books available that go throughthe ins-and-outs of appropriate Muslim dress. Better yet, I imploreall of you to pick up a Qur'an , and read over the verses concerning

modesty and dress.

In Surah 24: Al-Nur (or The Light) , verses 30-31 it says:

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity of them: And Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to thebelieving women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: they should not display their ornaments except what must

ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their

beauty..."

Today, I am simply here to share with you my personal experiences in hope that you may find some

meaning and sense of inspiration in what I have to say.

Raised in a Muslim family, I was brought up with the basic, fundamental principles and values thatIslam instills. I was taught to pray, to fast, to be kind-hearted, generous and to share the Deen of Allah graciously with those around me. The thought of one day 'covering my head' occasionallypopped into my mind, but the thought that almost always followed was - "Not until I'm ready!" Inever really understood what hijaab meant. I often thought that it was man's clever way of keeping

woman under his control.

I soon came to realize that I very wrong. In fact, the hijaab was the perfect outlet for womento seek liberation, respect and ultimate freedom from sexual harassment and the liking. Foryears and years I would wake up extra early to style my hair according to what was 'in' atthe time. I would spend over an hour caking make-up onto my face, trying to look beautiful -but never quite sure for who Each morning I would eventually make my way out into the

http://quran.com/

http://quran.com/

http://quran.com/

http://quran.com/




world - not really prepared to be judged, solely on my physical appearance, by every personI was to encounter along my path.

Now that I look back at who I was then, it makes me grateful to Allah (SWT) to see how farhe has brought me. For a time, I was confused and somewhat lost, as are many youngwomen in non-Islamic nations - trying desperately to fit in to a society that dictates thatbeauty is naked, emaciated teenagers on a billboards selling perfume and underwear.

I recently read that some of those models and actors that I once adored, practically have tokill themselves to look the way they do. From face-lifts to lipo-suction. Some even go as faras having their ribs removed so they can have tiny waists!

The harder I tried to fit in, the more frustrated I became. It finally dawned on me that theimages being flashed in front of me 24 hours a day could not possibly be truerepresentations women's liberation. I was convinced that there had to be a simpler answer

somewhere.

It was at this point that I decided it was time to put some more thought into this whole'hijaab' issue. And I did. For 3.5 years I contemplated the thought of wearing hijaab, but thefear inside of me was overwhelming. I was afraid of what my friends would say. I was afraidof what my professors and colleagues might think. I was terrified that I would be harassed atwork, or even worse - fired! All of these thoughts raced through my mind, day in and dayout. Each time I seriously though about doing it I would say, "But, I'm not ready yet!" A veryconvenient excuse I must say!

Finally said to myself, "Jennifer, look at the big picture!" Now, when I say big picture, I don'tmean next week, or in a few months or even 25 years down the road. I mean the akhira -the hear-after. I asked myself a very straightforward question. Who am I going to fear?These strangers who I know not or Allah? I finally convinced myself that it was time for meto take this step closer to Allah, as difficult as it may have seemed at the time.

As I was having my very last doubt the verse in Surah Al Baqarah (verse 286, I believe),continued to penetrate my heart: "La yukalif Allah nafsin ila was'ha". "On no soul doth Allahplace a burden greater than it can bear". These are the very words that gave me the courageto finally make the right choice. It was at that very moment that I said, "Allah, I will wear this

hijaab because I believe in my heart that you have asked me to do so. Please guide me andgive me the strength to do this."

over a year has gone by now and I can honesty tell you thatI have never felt more free or more at peace with myself and the world around me. In all fairness I will be honestand tell you that it wasn't an easy thing to do. Quitefrankly, it was probably the most difficult challenge I've hadto face in my life. Isn't it ironic how that works? The thingsthat will benefit us most and that make the most sense are

often those we fail to realize or have difficulty accepting.




I've had to deal with a variety of off-the-wall comments. But what it all boils down to is memaking a personal decision to increase my faith and become what I believe to be a betterMuslim. To me the hijab not only represents modesty, purity, righteousness and protectionbut truly is the ultimate state of respect and liberation. Alhamdulillah, I am free!

I am a Muslim woman Feel free to ask me why When I walk I walk with dignity

When I speak I do not lie I am a Muslim woman Not all of me you'll see

But what you should appreciate Is that the choice I make is free I'm not plagued with depression I'm neither cheated nor abused

I don't envy other women And I'm certainly not confused Note, I speak perfect English Et un petit peu de Francais Aussie

I'm majoring in Linguistics So you need not speak slowly I run my own small business Every cent I earn is mine

I drive my Chevy to school >> work And no, that's not a crime! You often stare as I walk by You don't understand my veil

But peace and power I have found As I am equal to any male!

I am a Muslim woman So please don't pity me For God has guided me to truth

And now I'm finally free!

Only for Allah (Cerbung)

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