'Hijabi' public figures

Salam everybody! Lately, I've been observing a few young and popularly rising Hijabis attacked on social medias for the way they 'tarnish' the image of Muslim women for not completely covering their Awrah. Many of those who are unhappy with how these Hijabis present themselves choose to anonymously antagonize them via Ask.Fm accounts and I've even seen a few shamelessly tweet in public of how terribly they represent us fellow Muslimahs.

Here is my take on the matter!

Ladies, I think most of the time we often forget that Rome was not built in a day. A person's Hijrah in becoming a better person is not accomplished overnight, let alone to completely cover her Awrah. Especially if a person has never before dawn a Hijaab in her everyday life (*coughs* ME), she must go through several phases before she can perfect herself. Perhaps begin by dressing conservatively. When she is comfortable, she may then practice putting on a Hijaab when she feels the time is right. These phases are not necessarily achieved in days or weeks, it could even take years of practice. God is great, my mother has recently gone the extra notch and started wearing handsocks! Alhamdulillah, God bless her.

It's all right, sisters. Slow and steady wins the race. Our Niyyat (true intentions) is what counts. Our Niyyat is between us and Allah SWT so it's important for us not to cheat on ourselves! However girls, remember that the responsibility of our Awrah does not pertain to simply dawning a Hijaab. One must remember to perform her Salah, fast during Ramadhan and better themselves as a person. Commit to God, and InsyaAllah the rest will fall into place. Remember that Islam teaches us to cover our Awrah, not our minds!

I know sometimes, it may be irksome to see girls not covering their Awrah properly, or maybe few who 'Sekejap pakai, sekejap tak pakai' especially when you are churning so much effort to cover up (and God bless you, you go girl!) but constantly ask yourself this; are you covering up to seek validation from those around you or from Allah SWT? It is a norm for us to judge the people around us, let alone somebody we do not know personally. It is in our nature to judge, it is inevitable. As difficult as it seems, the least we can do is to try rationalize, understand what they're going through and make good judgement ☆

So, the next time you encounter a sister in process of her Hijrah, be more forgiving, accepting and compassionate. We are only human and sometimes, we are tested with all kinds of 'Dugaan' everyday and ever so often, we fail. So be kind to one another because these popular Hijabis you claim as 'public figures' are not the only ones responsible in giving Muslim women a good name, but ours as well.

Phew! I sure have a lot to say for a person who has yet to cover her Awrah. Do not hesitate to correct me if I'm wrong. Salam!