A Muslim Woman's Diary

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Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV, Supreme Head of the Ahmadiyya Movement has set clear guidelines for observing hijab/purdah for Ahmadi women in Western countries. He advises women born and bred in Pakistan who have moved here, to maintain the form of hijab/purdah that they used there, i.e., the burqa, with the face covered. Women who work outside the home may take off their hijab/purdah at work, if necessary, but should wear it at all other times. Hazrat Ubbay bin Kab, a companion of the Holy Prophet, aptly explained taqwa by likening muttaqi (the righteous) to one who walks through thorny bushes, taking care that his clothes are not caught in and torn by their branches. In other words, a righteous person is one who is ever on his guard against sin and takes God for his shield against temptation. The head is wiped over with wet hands, and the inner side of the ears wiped with the forefingers and the outer side with the thumbs. I wouldn't fight so hard if I didn't believe that someone wasn't out there." I pause and then it hits me. "Me either." And I mean it.”

Thus if you remember that Allah sees your every action, and hears your every word at all times, you would steer clear of wrongdoing. All kinds of problems can be avoided or resolved if every action taken is based on taqwa. Taqwa can be demonstrated in daily life if simple values are constantly practiced, such as sympathy, tolerance, humility, kind speech and gentleness, patience and truthfulness. Islamic Journal | Prayer Book | Muslim Diary | Islamic Diary | Muslim Notebook | Muslim Gift Idea | Allah 1st | God First | Hadith Qudsi The most important aspect of good hygiene is cleanliness. In accordance with the Islamic belief that the condition of the body affects the mind, physical cleanliness is essential for spiritual well-being. Allah says:

Muslim women, like us, are image-bearers of God, so we love them as people created and loved by God. In all our lives and cultures there are things that fall short of what God has made us to be. So we pray for them, as for ourselves, for God’s complete redemption in Christ of all that falls short of His glory.

Another hygienic practice promoted by Islam is the washing of the private parts of the body after using the toilet. Water is used to clean these areas, and only the left hand should be used for this purpose. The use of water aids in the removal of bacteria from the body and thus helps to prevent infection. Hands, of course, should be thoroughly washed after the process. In addition, certain other hygienic practices observed by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) have been encouraged for all Muslims. These include: oiling and combing of hair after washing, keeping fingernails and toenails trimmed and clean, and removal of superfluous body hair, including the armpits and pubic areas. He also encouraged the use of perfume after bathing. Muslims are commanded to keep their clothes clean and neat also. Clothing, whether simple or rich, should be clean and free from dirt. Then I brought up the obvious, that the physical vulnerabilities of a woman can be traced to that most important function of human accomplishments, the absorption of her strength in carrying, nursing and rearing children. I have always known that this one fact doomed females to a subordinate status in all societies. Instead of attaining honour for being producers of life, we are penalized! To my mind, this fact is the scandal of civilization!” After morning prayers and devotions, you are prepared to meet the events of the day. The most important points to remember are to act with taqwa (the fear of Allah) in your heart, and to keep in mind the commandments of Allah, and the sunnah (practices) and hadith (sayings) of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). All religions have their own special days of worship, celebrations, rituals and observances. Islamic festivals and ceremonies are also distinct ways of glorifying Allah and sharing the joy that flow from the blessings of being the “best people” who are guided to the true faith.

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Other CeremoniesOther occasions celebrated by Muslims include weddings, births and religious gatherings. At weddings, the nikah and walimah are usually celebrated. The birth of a child is celebrated by sacrificing an animal and inviting relatives friends and the poor to a feast called the “Aqiqa.” When a child finishes the Holy Qur’an for the first time, his parents celebrate with an “Ameen,” where friends join in prayer for the child, and sweets are distributed.