People say hurtful things because I am Muslim
- Muslimah at Peace
Assalamulekum, I have been wearing hijab for quite some time now & I really love it, but for a few months I am facing a lot of marital problems due to which I have to find a job to support my 3 children and myself.
My husband has moved my children & I into a new place where we have to live alone. Here there is a lot of hatred for muslims and people say hurtful things when I go out wearing my hijab in this situation its really getting tough for me to find a job here.
I would hate to take off my hijab now. Please guide me what to do. I am in a lot of stress and depression.
Jazakallah
~ Jasmine78
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Just always pray and firget them just keep wearing hijab and do what you should do. Allah will help you that could be your test.
Asalaam alaikum oh my dear Sister,
I feel fortunate to read your plea and to offer my advice to you. Since I first embraced Islam, I have seen the weary souls of the brave Muslim women who carry the banner of Islam so courageously in their sacred hijab. So I will tell you a small story of someone I once knew.
Like you, this sister emigrated to a new country to attend school and start a new chapter in her life in the United States. She wanted to secure a job to provide her with some work and money for when she wasn't studying and went to apply at a retail store. During her interview, she was granted a job and told to appear for training a few days later. When she did, her instructor told her, "You must remove your scarf." The young sister replied, "But this is my religion." Without remorse, the instrcutor said, "It's either the scarf or your job."
I imagine that for a moment, the sister went silent and sadness brushed over her soul. Barely 9 months into her new country, struggling with the English language, her hijab was in jeopardy by the new world surrounding her. She smiled cautiously and said, "Thank you, but no, I do not remove my scarf for anyone." During the worst economic recession in almost a 100 years, this brave, new immigrant Muslim girl stayed on the Right Path. One month later, she was rewarded by the Almighty Allah (swt) with a better job at a more prestigious company with better benefits and more opportunities. Within 5 months, she was earning twice her initial salary as she got a new promotion. Alhamdulillah, Allah (swt) rewards his beautiful Muslim women graciously.
Understand that what people see in them is a reflection of their own shortcomings, as your hijab represents the greatest affinity of modesty brought upon the mercy of Allah (swt). These people hate the fact that they cannot surrender their souls to a higher power and rather than reflect in humility, the great Shaytan of their hearts lashes out with hate. Their weakness is born in every insult and hurt they hurl your way. When they say these things, you will see that they are losing their battle inside their hearts and know that their soul is being blackened in that moment. And remind yourself that Allah (swt) sees all and knows all of your trials and dutifully makes note of your patience and grace. He makes sure your account of good deeds is registered by you keeping your heroic hijab in place as a defiance to the evils of this society.
Dear Muslim woman, how many rewards will await you in paradise for your hijab! Only Allah (swt), the All-Wise knows and only the angels may be able to count. Remember that your hijab is your shield against the arrows of the Shaytan. Yet, Iblis is not only taking aim at your hair, but your heart, too! Be careful dear Sister, be alert and take refuge with your Lord from the evil that has been created.
Also know that much like the Virgin Maryam (sa), you are being challenged by the society around you, too. Read her story in the Qur'an to draw wisdom and patience from her. Understand that her struggle is your struggle personified by your ability to hold on strong to rope of Allah (swt) with your hijab intact. Like the great Muslim battles of yore, your hijab is the flag that flies triumphantly for Islam. Remember how special your role is every day!
I also advise hijabis to arm themselves with confidence and a few martial arts skills, too. It's important to be safe and secure. Also, sincerely ask people when they question your hijab, "Would you speak like that to Mary, the mother of Jesus (as)?" Explain how you are wearing a hijab just like her, like Christian nuns and all pious women before. Remind yourself and perhaps them too, that your hijab is the beauty granted to you by God and you plan on always being beautiful for Him.
If your potential employers question it, remind them that it is your right that cannot be usurped. And tell them that the diversity you bring is a strength and a courageous asset to their company. That your hijab in a hostile society proves your loyalty and conviction, which are positive traits fro every human being and worker.
I also want to say as a Muslim man, that I am sorry that this world is this way. As Muslim males, we have often failed to recognize your status as the representatives of Islam. We have failed to bring justice over the lands where we live and have so much work left unfinished. This state of affairs is our doing, but Insha'allah, soon Allah (swt) will spare us from this plight when we stay faithful to His Divine Mission.
May Allah (swt) grant you strength. Here is a video for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N7Ml525dVs
As salamu alaykum, Sister Jasmine 78,
There is a beautiful dua to soften the pain in your Heart, you will find it at the end of the post I am going to give you, this post belongs to a beautiful serie "How to achieve tranquility of the Heart" written by Jinan Bastaki on Suhaib´s web, insha´Allah, this will ease your pain.
http://www.suhaibwebb.com/islam-studies/quran/a-source-of-healing/
You know which is the best spiritual martial art, prayer, will give your Heart the confidence that you are protected, I had a friend of mine that was with other friend, she is a very pious muslimah, they were attacked, but none could touch her, the other was terribly beaten, she said the only difference between us is that I pray and she doesn´t, they both had hijab.
She taught me the following dua and she said that I should recite it before going out,
"Bismillahi alladhi la yadurru ma`a ismihi shay’un fi al-ardi wa la fi as-sama’i wa huwa as-sami`u al-`alim "
(In the name of Allah; with His name, nothing whatsoever on earth or heaven can inflict any harm; He is All-Hearing and All-Knowing).
Of course, not to mention salat on time and going deeper in your deen. Allah(swt) has given you a big task, because to be in a place where people acts the way they do, shows a great need of Light. To those that are used to darkness, you are the Light that bothers their eyes, keep shining on modesty and, little by little, they will get used to your Light, insha´Allah. Your prayers will smooth your shine not to hurt their "eyes" but will leave a memory on them of Him(swt), Alhamdulillah.
Allah(swt) knows best.
All my unconditional Love and Support,
María
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
assalam alikum,
you just ignore them , they can not do any thing to you, let them say anything. hijab is your right and dont divert from it. allah will take care of you definitely.
khuda hafiz
Bless your heart Jasmine. I am so sorry you have to suffer because of the ignorance of others, but it does get better with time. I am a Christian that lives in a large Western city with many Muslims. I've got a wide circle of Muslim friends now, and the more I spend time, the more I really love the fact that these women wear hijab. (I have male Muslim friends too). I sometimes wish I could wear a headscarf for modesty in my own belief system, but that is not our way. Hold your head high and be proud that you take your religious beliefs seriously, no one has the right to make you feel bad for doing what you feel and know is right. Trust me, I have to deal with many Christian haters in my own country as well, and I just smile and keep going. You will find that not all people out there will be rude or unkind because of your faith.