Women & Islam

As-salamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. Alhamdulillah wa's-salatu wa's-salamu 'ala rasulillah, 'amma ba'ad:

The topic that I was asked to discuss here at McGill University is the elevation of the status of women in Islam. Many, upon hearing the title of this lecture, might assume it to be an oxymoron because the prevalent idea - at least in the West - is that Islam does not elevate the status of women, but that Islam oppresses and suppresses women. So people might find the title in itself to be shocking or a curiosity at least.

In discussing this topic - since it appears to me that this is a mixed audience of Muslims and non-Muslims - I'd like to make my remarks and comments brief. I will take no more than thirty to forty five minutes, and then allow you an opportunity to ask your questions. Perhaps the question and answer session might be more fruitful in addressing specific accusations, understandings or misunderstandings regarding the status of women in Islam.

As we all know, in the world today, there are - for the overwhelming majority of humanity - basically two world views. These two views are often in conflict - not only on the personal level where individual human beings are making choices, but also on the international level in terms of the debate over the authenticity and correctness of these two world views.

"And tell the believing women to lower their eyes, and guard their modesty, and that they display not their ornaments except what appears of them. And that they draw their veils over their bosoms and display not their ornaments except to their husbands, their brothers ... And repent to Allah, all of you O believers, that you may succeed." [Al-Qur'an 24:31]

"That will be better, so that they may be recognised and not annoyed. Allah is Forgiving, Compassionate." [Al-Qur'an 33:59]

American Muslim women today are rediscovering Islam as revealed by Allah, to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, more than 1,400 years ago but without any of the contradictions of ancestral culture. Consequently they are essentially engaging in a life-long exercise of rediscovering their own selves; what it means to be a human, a Muslim, and more so, a Muslim woman. Wearing the divinely mandated hijab, the veil or head covering, as a part of their everyday dresses is among the first steps toward this rediscovery. In a society which shamelessly and publicly exposes a woman's body and intimate requirements where nudity somehow symbolises the expression of a woman's freedom and where the most lustful desires of men are fulfilled unchecked, it is of little wonder such an introspection leads many Muslim women to decide to wear the hijab.

However, generalisations about Islam and Muslims are replete in today's media and, by extension, in the minds of many Americans who shape their image of the world through the media. Veiled Muslim women are typically unfairly stigmatised. They are regarded on the one hand as suppressed and oppressed, and on the other, as fanatics and fundamentalists. Both depictions are grossly wrong and imprecise. Such portrayals not only misrepresent these women's strong feelings towards the hijab, but also fail to acknowledge their courage and the resulting identity the hijab lends to them. Amongst such misconceptions is also the belief that any Muslim woman who wears the hijab is forced to do so. Nothing could be further from the truth. Indeed, the final determination to wear the hijab is often not easily reached. Days of meditation, an inevitable fear of consequences and reactions, and ultimately, plenty of courage weigh heavily in reaching the decision. Wearing the hijab is a very personal and independent decision, coming from appreciating the wisdom underlying Allah's command and a sincere wish to please Him.

"I believe the hijab is pleasing to Allah, or I wouldn't wear it. I believe there is something deep down beautiful and dignified about it. It has brought some beautiful and joyous dimension to my life that always amaze me," said Mohja Kahf, assistant professor of English and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, in an internet posting.

"To me the hijab is a gift from Allah. It gives me the opportunity to become closer to Allah. Also quite importantly, (it provides me) the chance to stand and be recognised as a Muslim," Fariha Khan, 18, of Rockville, Maryland, said.

However, with this recognition comes tremendous responsibility as highly visible representatives of Islam and Muslims. Anywhere covered sisters go, Muslims and non-Muslims alike recognise them as followers of Islam. In a land where misinformation about Islam and Muslims abounds, Muslim sisters have the opportunity to portray Islam in its true light. But the greatest responsibility related to the hijab is the understanding that there is more to it than just the scarf; the internalised modesty really matters. This internal moral system gives meaning to the external scarf. This can be perceived from the overall demeanour of any Muslim woman - how she acts, dresses, speaks, and so on. Only when the internalised modesty manifests itself through the external hijab can sisters represent Muslims according to the beautiful example set by the Prophet, upon whom be peace, and followed by his companions.

"The hijab by itself is just a piece of cloth, at some level. I do not think we should take (it) as an exclusive marker of a woman's moral worth or level of faith. It is the surrounding context - the etiquette, the morals - which make it anything," Kahf said.

Saba M. Baig, 21, is a recent graduate of Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey. She was 17 when she seriously started wearing hijab, and feels she is still in the process of learning internal hijab:

"My biggest realization was that the hijab was not just about wearing a scarf on my head, but more of a (veil) on my heart," said Baig. "The hijab is more than an external covering. That's the easy part of it all. It has a lot (more) to do with modesty and just the way you present yourself."

"In this life, I couldn't think of anything better than being a Muslim. Wearing hijab signifies it and reminds me of it. The hijab is important to me and it means everything to me when I wear it," Khan said.

"Unfortunately, it also has its down side: you get discriminated against, treated as though you are oppressed. I wear it for (Allah), and because I want to. Period," said Imaan, a convert to Islam, currently studying in Australia.

Yet, the general society, to some extent defines the image of the hijab.

"The surrounding context can make it oppressive," explained Kahf. "For example, in social contexts where observing hijab includes (the practice) of separating women from the resources of society including education, mosques, sources of religious and spiritual guidance, economic livelihood, etc., (hijab) develops oppressive qualities. Or when the hijab is literally imposed through punitive sanctions rather than encouraged benignly, this distorts the underlying beauty of it and turns it into something ugly. I believe it is pleasing to Allah, or I wouldn't wear it. I believe there is something deep down beautiful and dignified about it. It has brought some beautiful and joyous dimension to my life that always amaze me."

"(At the same time,) the surrounding context can make it liberating, as we in the United States often experience. For many of us, in a society which imposes degrees of sexualised nakedness on women, wearing hijab has been a liberating experience. To us hijab has meant non-conformism to unjust systems of thought. We have experienced social sanctions for wearing it, and these experiences are seared in our memories, rather than experiences of being forced to wear it," Kahf concluded.

For many women the hijab is a constant reminder that unlike other women they should not have to design their lives and bodies for men.

"Before I started covering, I thought of myself based on what others thought of me. I see that too often in girls, their happiness depends on how others view them, especially men. Ever since, my opinion of myself has changed so much; I have gained (a lot of) self-respect. I have realised whether others may think of me as beautiful is not what matters. How beautiful I think of myself and knowing that Allah finds me beautiful makes me feel beautiful," said Baig softly, her eyes glowing.

Furthermore, modest clothing and hijab are precautions to avoid any social violations. Contrary to popular belief, this is not limited to women only. Preceding the verse in the Qur'an about women lowering their gaze comes the following verse:

"Tell believing men to lower their eyes and guard their modesty. That will be purer for them. Allah is aware of what they do." [Al-Qur'an 24:30]

In addition, on the authority of Sahl ibn Sa'ad, may Allah be pleased with him, the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:

"Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones (the tongue) and what is between his two legs (the private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him." [Recorded by Al-Imam al-Bukhari]

The hijab is not worn for men, to keep their illicit desires in check. Rather, Muslim women wear it for Allah and their own selves. Islam is a religion of moderation, of balance between extremes. Therefore, it does not expect women alone to uphold the society's morality and uprightness. Rather, Islam asks men and women to mutually strive to create a healthy social environment where children may grow with positive, beautiful, constructive and practical values and concepts. Men are equally required to be modest and to conduct themselves responsibly in every sphere of their lives. In fact, in this society, enough emphasis cannot be placed on the necessity for men to keep their gaze lowered, as a concerned brother put it:

"Think about it -- what has the potential to cause more damage a sister otherwise modestly dressed but no scarf, or a brother who goes about gawking in the streets, (or) on campus? I cannot exactly quantify it, but guess the latter," he said.

Islam asks men and women to mutually strive to create a healthy social environment where children may grow with positive, beautiful, constructive, and practical values and concepts.

According to Jabir ibn Abdullah, when he asked the Prophet, peace be upon him, about a man's gaze falling inadvertently on a strange woman, the Prophet replied, "Turn your eyes away." [Recorded by Al-Imam Muslim]

In another tradition, the Prophet, on whom be peace, chided 'Ali for looking again at a woman - he said, the second glance is from the Shaytan (the Devil).

The concept of modesty and the hijab in Islam is holistic, and encompasses both men and women. The ultimate goal is to maintain societal stability and to please Allah. Since Muslim women are more conspicuous because of their appearance, it is easier for people to associate them with the warped images they see in the print and broadcast media. Hence, stereotypes are perpetuated and often sisters seem "mysterious" to those not acquainted with Muslim women who dress according to Divine instruction. This aura of "mystery" cannot be removed until their lifestyles, beliefs and thought-systems are genuinely explored. And, frankly, this cannot be achieved until one is not afraid to respectfully approach Muslim women - or any Muslim for that matter. So, the next time you see a Muslim, stop and talk to him or her - you'll feel, God-Willing, as if you're entering a different world, the world of Islam - full of humility, piety, and of course, modesty!

Indeed, all praises are due to Allah, we praise Him, seek His Aid and beg for His Forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil in our souls and from the bad consequences of our deeds. Whomever Allah guides, no one can lead that person astray and whomever Allah leads astray no one can guide that person. I bear witness that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah Who is alone and without any partners and I bear witness that Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam is His slave and final Prophet and Messenger sent to mankind.

Certainly the most perfect speech is the Speech of Allah and the finest guidance is the guidance of Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. The worst of affairs are those that are innovated into this religion as every innovation is misguidance and every misguidance is astray and every going astray leads to the Hellfire.

It often occurs to me that many of my sisters in Islam are not properly encouraged once they begin to observe the requirements of Hijab. It may be that a sister has been obliged to wear the Hijab without truly pondering over its superiority. Perhaps she has reached the age of puberty and her Wali (guardian) has instructed her to wear it. Perhaps she has recently reverted to Islam and her close sisters have told her of its obligation. Or, perhaps her husband has commanded her to wear Hijab. A sister who does not truly know the superiority of Hijab will always remain envious of the women of the Kuffar. Why? Because they see these misguided women looking beautiful for all to see. Hence, the Muslim woman then compares herself to that woman which causes her to feel ashamed of her own Hijab.

Therefore, what follows is a reminder for my sisters in Islam. It is a reminder of the true status of these so-called beautiful women. It is a reminder that Hijab will always reign supreme and that the true man (i.e. the Muslim man), will forever be dazzled by the beauty of the Muhijabah (woman who wears the Hijab).

Some Excellent Qualities of Those Who Wear Hijab

Alhamdulilah, it is well known that the Muslim woman is a creature of Haya (modesty). Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala loves for our Muslim women to be shielded by their Hijab. It is their outer protection from the decadence of this life. Allah's Messenger sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam has said:

"Verily! Allah is Haya (modest, bashful) & Sitteer (i.e. the One Who Shields - from disobedient acts). He loves Haya (i.e. He loves for one to practice modesty and bashfulness) and Siter (shielding; covering)." [Collected by Abu Dawud; An-Nasa'i; Al-Bayhaqi; Ahmad; & in Sahih an-Nasa'i]

Thus, as possessing Haya is a quality that is beloved by Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala our sisters must feel comfort in knowing that they have this Haya and not the women who show themselves to the world; hence, such women will not be shielded from Allah's Wrath. Allah's Messenger (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's home (to show off for unlawful purposes), has broken Allah's shield upon her." [Collected by Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhi]

Therefore, we see that the Hijab of the Muslim woman has a quality that comprises Haya (modesty). Haya is what proceeds from Iman (belief). That is why when Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala commands the women to observe Hijab, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says:

"And tell the believing women ... " [Al-Qur'an 24:31]

Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala also says:

" ... And the women of the believers ... " [Al-Qur'an 33:59]

Furthermore, Allah's Messenger sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said:

"Al-Haya (modesty & bashfulness) is from Imam (belief) and Imam is in Al-Jannah (the Paradise)." [At-Tirmidhi - Sahih]

He sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam also said:

"Haya (modesty and bashfulness) and Imam (belief) are fully associated together, if one is lifted the other follows suit." [Narrated by 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar; related by Al-Hakim in his Mustadrak]

My dear sisters in Islam, know that these women who beautify themselves for the world to see possess no Haya; thus, they are void of any Iman. Instead of looking to the latest fashion models for guidance, you, my dear sisters, must look to the wives of the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Look at the extreme amount of Haya that 'A'ishah bint Abu Bakr (radhiallahu 'anha) possessed even in the presence of the deceased:

"I used to enter the room where the Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and my father (Abu Bakr) were later buried in without having my garment on me, saying it is only my husband and my father. But when 'Umar ibn al-Khattab was later buried in (the same place), I did not enter the room except that I had my garment on being shy from 'Umar." [As-Simt Ath'amin Fi Manaqib Ummat'l-Mu'minin by Ibn as-Sakir. Al-Hakim brings a similar narration which he says is "good according the conditions of Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim."]

My dear sister in Islam, I know that it is quite difficult for you to go out wearing Hijab in a society that mocks and torments you. I know that you, indeed, feel strange and out of place. However, if you knew the status of those who are mocked by the Kuffar as well as the status of the strangers, you will continue to wear your Hijab (i.e. to cover your entire body with a Khimar as commanded (24:31), as well as with a Jilbab (33:59), with the exception of the hands and face; however, knowing the recommendation to cover those parts (as well) with dignity. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says in His Book:

"Verily! (During the worldly life) those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed. And whenever they passed by them, used to wink one to another (in mockery); And when they returned to their own people, they would return jesting; and when they saw them, they said: 'Verily! These have indeed gone astray!' But they (disbelievers, sinners) had not been sent as watchers over them (the believers). But on this Day (the Day of Resurrection) those who believe will laugh at the disbelievers. On (high) thrones, looking (at all things). Are not the disbelievers paid (fully) for what they used to do?" [Al-Qur'an 83:29-36]

Allah's Words should serve as a support for you my dear sisters. Also, take comfort in being a stranger among these lewd and sinful women. Allah's Messenger sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said:

"Islam began as something strange, and it would revert to its (old position) of being strange, so good tidings for the strangers." [Narrated by Abu Hurayrah and Reported in Sahih Muslim]

As-Sufur and It's Characteristics

As-Sufur means to expose or to uncover. Therefore, instead of practicing the Hijab (covering), the women of the Kuffar practice as-sufur. As-Sufur is sinful as it leads to at-tabaruj (i.e. to make a dazzling display of oneself). Displaying oneself is a attribute of one who is jahil (ignorant). Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says:

"And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves (at-tabaruj) like that of the times of ignorance ... " [Al-Qur'an 33:33]

Allah's Messenger sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said:

"The best of your women is the affectionate, the fertile (in productivity), the propitious (favorable), the consultative if they fear Allah. The most evil of your women are the Mutabar'rijat (those who do at-tabaruj), the Mutakhayyilat (who strut/swagger), and they are the hypocrites. Those who enter Al-Jannah (the Paradise) are like the Cough Crow." [Al-Bayhaqi in his Sunan]

My dear sisters in Islam, we see from the above Ayah and Hadith that displaying oneself is indeed Haram. Further, it is a quality of the most evil of women! Therefore, do not be envious of the women of the Kuffar. They only have this life to enjoy while the believing women will have Al-Jannah. There is nothing in your Hijab whatsoever to be ashamed of as it is the garment of the righteous and pious female slaves of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. In order to truly show you how evil those women who make as-sufur and at-tabaruj are, let us ponder over the following statement of Allah's Messenger sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam:

"Of the people of Hell there are two types whom I have never seen, the one possessing whips like the tail of an Ox and they flog people with them. The second one, women who would be naked in spite of their being dressed, who are seduced (to wrong paths) and seduce others. Their hair is high like the humps (of camels). These women would not get into Al-Jannah (the Paradise) and they would not perceive its odor, although its fragrance can be perceived from such and such a distance." [Sahih Muslim]

Sisters in Islam, these women who practice at-tabaruj are common among us today. These are women that even the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam did not see! Look around you and you will see those women who are clothed but naked! Look at the hair styles of the women who practice at-tabaruj - are they not high like the camel's hump? My dear sister, perhaps we are the first generation since the time of the Prophet Adam to witness such women. If one ponders over photos taken thirty to forty years ago, one will see that the women of the Kuffar did not make at-tabaruj as their offspring do today. These are women who will be in the Hellfire, save Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has mercy upon them by guiding them to Islam! Thus, how can you envy them? My brothers, how can you desire them over your creature of Haya? These filthy women will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise. This Hadith also shows us that what the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam came with (i.e. the Qur'an and the Sunnah) is the Haqq (truth)! This is a prophecy that has come to pass in front of our very eyes. Hence, will we continue to envy these evil women or be grateful to our Lord for your Hijab which brings Haya?

Whatever I have written that is true is from Allah alone while anything that is false is from myself and Shaytan.

Subhanakallahummah wa bihamdika, ashadu an laillaha illa anta, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk

When news of the Christian army that had prepared on the horizons to wipe out Islam reached him, Abu Qudamah ash-Shami moved quickly to the Mimbar of the Masjid. In a powerful and emotional speech, Abu Qudamah ignited the desire of the community to defend their land, Jihad for the sake of Allah. As he left the Masjid, walking down a dark and secluded alley, a women stopped him and said, "As salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah!" Abu Qudamah stopped and did not answer. She repeated her salam again, adding "This is not how pious people should act." She stepped forward from the shadows. "I heard you in the Masjid encouraging the believers to go for Jihad and all I have is this ... " She handed him two long braids. "It can be used for a horse rein. Perhaps Allah may write me as one of those who went for Jihad."

The next day as that Muslim village set out to confront the crusader army, a young boy ran through the gathering and stood at the hooves of Abu Qudamah's horse. "I ask you by Allah to allow me to join the army." Some of the elder fighters laughed at the boy. "The horses will trample you," they said. But Abu Qudamah looked down into his eyes as he asked again, "I ask you by Allah, let me join." Abu Qudamah then said, "On one condition, if you are killed you will take me with you to Jannah amongst those you will be allowed to intercede for." That young boy smiled. "It's a promise."

When the two armies met and the fighting intensified, the young boy on the back of Abu Qudamah's horse asked, "I ask you by Allah to give me 3 arrows." "You'll lose them!" The boy repeated, "I ask you by Allah to give me them." Abu Qudamah gave him the arrows and the boy took aim. "Bismillah!" The arrow flew and killed a Roman. "Bismillah!" The second arrow flew, killing a second Roman. "Bismillah!" The third arrow flew, killing a third Roman. An arrow then struck the boy in the chest - knocking him off the horse. Abu Qudamah jumped down to his side, reminding the boy in his final breaths, "Don't forget the promise!" The boy reached into his pocket, extracted a pouch and said, "Please return this to my mother." "Who's your mother?" asked Abu Qudamah. "The women that gave you the braids yesterday."

Think about this Muslimah. How did she reach this level of Taqwa where she would sacrifice her hair when today other women do the same to imitate Kafir icons, and her son when other women would die so long as their son stayed home. Indeed, she spent her life in the obedience of Allah, and when exam time came, she passed. Not only did she pass herself, but her children shone with that same beauty of Iman, children that she herself raised.

Very often - and perhaps in our times when we have forgotten much of the Sunnah - the lectures, khutbahs, and talks are all directed to the Muslim men. We forget that from the Hadi – guidance and way – of Rasulallah - sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam - was that he would allocate a specific day of the week to teach the women. Women would come up to him in Hajj, in the street, even in his home and ask him questions about the Din. At the 'Eid Salah, after addressing the men, he would take Bilal and go to the women section and address the women. Allah revealed an entire Surah by the name of Surah An-Nisa' – the Women. And another by the name of – Maryam. And a third by the name of Al-Mujadalah – the women who pleads. It is in enlivening this Sunnah that today this speech shall be addressed to the believing women, Al-Mu'minat.

Dear Sister, Dear Mother, Dear Daughter. Everyone is looking for happiness and fun, and I am sure you are not excluded. Where is that happiness and fun though? And where and when do you want that happiness? Do you want happiness, do you want to have 'fun' in this life at the expense of the hereafter? Or is it in the hereafter, when you meet Allah that you want to be happy?

Every where you go you shall find a swarm of people and media and culture swearing to you that happiness is the happiness of the Dunya. Is it really happiness though? On the day of Repayment, Allah shall take the most 'happiest' kafir of the Dunya and dip him in Jahannam – Hellfire. Then he shall ask him, "Have you ever seen any happiness?" The Kafir will say, "Never!"

Nay, the happiness is only the happiness of the hereafter no matter what happens in this Dunya. Allah shall bring on the Day of Repayment the most tested human and dip him in Jannah – Paradise. He shall then ask him, "Have you ever seen sadness?" And that person shall say, "Never!"

And don't think that this happiness and fun is exclusive to the hereafter. It is very much tied to this life as well. Listen and understand the words of Allah:

"Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer verily to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)." [Al-Qur'an 16:97]

Dear Sister, you have to understand that you or anyone may enter Hellfire! By Allah, we are not better than Fatimah, the daughter of Rasulallah - sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. And he said to her, "O Fatimah the daughter of Muhammad, Ask me whatever you wish from my wealth, for I shall avail you nothing to Allah." Meaning that it doesn't matter if you're my daughter, if you don't work for Jannah, saying to Allah that my father is so and so will not help you in anyway.

Islam is filled with many Mu'minat that completed their Taqwa of Allah. When the other girls put up posters of kafir singers and kafir athletes and kafir actresses, you should put up posters in your heart of Fatimah and many other Mu'minat.

Asiyah, the wife of Fir'awn. Her Iman in Allah thrived under the shadow of someone that said, "I am your Lord, Most High!" When news reached Fir'awn of his wife's Iman he beat her and commanded his guards to beat her. They took her out in the scalding noon heat, tied her hands and feet and beat her perpetually. Who did she turn to? She turned to Allah! She prayed, "My lord, build for me a home with you in Paradise and save me from Fir'awn and his deeds and save me from the transgressive people."

It was narrated that when she said this, the sky opened for her and she saw her home in Paradise. She smiled. The guards watched astonished - she's being tortured and she smiles? Frustrated, Fir'awn commanded a boulder to be brought and dropped on Asiyah, to crush her to death. But Allah took her soul before the boulder was brought and she became an example for all the believing men and women till the end of time:

"And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Fir'awn (Pharaoh) – when she said, 'My Lord, Build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Fir'own and his deeds, and save me from the transgressive-disbelieving people.' " [Al-Qur'an 66:11]

When we talk about Jihad and Shuhada' - martyrs, do you know who the first Muslim in Islam to be killed in the path of Allah was? It was Summayah, the mother of Ammar. When Abu Jahl heard of her Islam and her husband Yasir and her son Ammar, he whipped them all and beat them. So much so, that Rasulallah would pass by them as they went through this test of their Iman and would say to them, "Be patient O family of Yasir, for you have a date set (when you shall enter) Jannah!"

As Abu Jahl beat Sumayyah one day, she refused to recant her Din, something that enraged Abu Jahl. He took a spear as she lay on the burning sand, looking up to the sky, and he speared her through her midsection. She was the first of her family and the entire Ummah to meet Allah as a Martyr.

Dear Sister, our role models come from the Qur'an. You may have heard the story of the boy and the king. When the entire village became Muslim by the death of that young boy, the king ordered that an enormous fire be kindled and that all those who would not recant their religion be burnt alive. A Mu'minah, stood with her baby over the fire. She looked at her baby, and seeking her child's weakness and innocence, she considered turning her back. The baby said to her, "What are you waiting for mother. Go forward for you are on the truth!" She nodded. Then with her baby in hand she was pushed to her death.

"And they ill-treated them for no other reason than that they believed in Allah, Exalted in Power, Worthy of all Praise! Him to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth! And Allah is Witness to all things." [Al-Qur'an 85:8-9]

And dear sister, your role models come to you from today. As her son tells us, a senior women in a Muslim land decided that all the vanity that normally happens in the gatherings of women was not for her. She turned to Salah and praying at night, and in her old age, she found herself calling to her so one night from her prayer room. He son says, "I came in and she was in Sajdah saying that she was paralysed!" Her son took her to the doctors and she began a cycle of rehabilitation, but there was little hope. She then commanded her son to take her back home, take her back to her prayer room, take her back to that Sajdah. As she prayed to Allah in her sajdah, the night came when she called to her son. "Astawdi'ukallah alladhi la yadi'u wa da'i'uh – I leave you in the trust of Allah, and whenever something is left in Allah's trust it is never lost." She passed away in her sajdah. Her muscles froze in that position and so they had to wash her body as she was in Sajdah. The prayed Janazah for her as her body was in sajdah. The carried her to the grave yard as her body was in Sajdah.

The buried her as she was in Sajdah. And the Prophet said that we shall all be resurrected on what we died on, she shall be resurrected on the day of judgement in Sajdah to Allah – Jalla Jalaluhu wa taqaddasat asma'uhu - because that it how she lived and died.

There are many other stories that we know about of powerful believing mothers, wives and sisters and many, many that Allah only knows about. Whenever a halaqah is going on, the Muslim women outnumber the men. At the American Open University, (www.open-university.edu) the overwhelming majority of students are Muslim women. Go to an Islamic teachers/schools conference, attend a lecture and you shall see the mismatch of sisters to brothers. Sometimes it is sad to see all these brothers lacking the motivation that many Muslimahs have. But if there is a beautiful sign in all this, it is that – insha'Allah ta'ala – those sisters are going to raise an army of believing men and women in the coming generation. Wallahu akbar!

When Imam Ahmad was still young, his father died. He would tell his students of the work his mother went through in raising him, and he would pray for her. In the cold Baghdad nights, she would wake long before him to warm the water so that her son Ahmad could make wudhu for Fajr. Then she would wrap him in blankets, herself cloaked in her Jilbab, and guide him through the dark, cold alleys to reach the main Masjid, long before Fajr so that her son could get a good seat in class. Her son Ahmad - at that age in grade 2 or 3 - would sit all day long studying Qur'an and Sunnah, and she would wait for him to finish so that she could drop him home safely. At the age of 16, she prepared money and food for him and told him, "Travel for your search of knowledge." He left for Makkah and Madinah and many other places and et many great scholars. She raised Ahmad to become one of the four greatest Imams in Islam.

Dear sister, after all this, ask a non-Muslim what it is that he wants from you? Does he want you to be liberated? Liberated from what? From Allah and his Messenger? From the Qur'an and the Sunnah? From Jannah? From this din that Allah chose for you?

And what is he going to give you in return? Happinness? By Allah, he does not own any happiness to give. Is he going to give you love and protection from punishment in the grave and from the gateke pers of hellfire and from death? Why is it that they want to liberate young beautiful women? Why don't they liberate the seniors? Why don't they liberate the indigenous? Why don't they liberate the inmates? Why is their target audience a young and skinny and tall women (their definition of beauty) between the age of 13 – 28? And why is their first call for you to take off your Hijab?

Remember that friend – if you consider him so – carefully, for – without any doubt, by Allah - he shall be your bitterest enemy on the day of Repayment:

"Friends on that day will be foes, one to another - except the Righteous." [Al-Qur'an 43:67]

One Kafirah summed up exactly what they think of women, "It's not who you are, it's what you wear and what you look like!" And listen to Fabian, a french 'model' (of what?), as she spit on the fashion industry. "Fashion houses made me into a mannequin, a wooden idol. The mission: to manipulate hearts and alter minds. I learnt how to be worthless, nothing on the inside, cold. We lived in a world of filth in all that filth means."

When the Prophet - sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam - stood on the plain of Arafah and gave his farewell speech he said to the Ummah, "Treat the women kindly!" History records that in Europe in the same year, at the same time that Islam was saying this, the Christian clergy were arguing hether a women was a human or an animal! Those clergymen are the ancestors of the Kuffar that now want to 'liberate' you.

There is much more than can be said. I shall conclude with the advice of Rasulallah - sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam - to every Muslim mother, daughter, and wife: "If the women prays her five (Salah), fasts her month (of Ramadan), protects herself (from committing Zina), and listens to her husband, it will be said to her, 'from any door you wish, enter Paradise!' " Sister, that is where you want to be.

"O ye who believe! give your response to Allah and His Messenger, when He calls you to that which shall give you life; and know that Allah cometh between a man and his heart, and that it is He to Whom ye shall (all) be gathered." [Al-Qur'an 8:24]

Allah and His Messenger are calling you to life. Dear sister, reply!