Good Hijab, Bad Hijab?

QUESTION:
Is it haram or not preferable to wear colorful ornately decorated hijabs? Should one stick to solid colors? I have oftentimes heard different views. I was told that wearing solid, colored, undecorated scarves is "good hijab" because it is more modest. On the other hand, I have heard others argue that wearing beautiful scarves is being modest enough, and that although the ornate scarves are obviously more pleasing to the eye than the solid colored scarves, that is acceptable because women should not look horrible either. I am confused. What then really constitutes good hijab?

ANSWER:
One of the most famous hadith proofs for hijab is the following, "A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that Asma?, the daughter of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) came to the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him) while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: 'O Asma?! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to the face and hands." [Abu Dawud]

These are the evidences for hijab. As to what form the hijab takes, that can vary depending upon local custom. Scholars are unanimous that the hijab must cover every part of the woman's body, except for the face and hands. Some Hanafi scholars say that the face, hands, and feet are all exempted. The clothing used to cover the body should be opaque and loose-fitting. In other words, the color of the skin and the contours of the body should not show through the clothing. The head should be covered with some form of a khimar or head veil. The head veil should cover the hair, neck, ears, and bosom. Furthermore, women should not make themselves up or use perfume when they go out. Using makeup and perfume would defeat the whole purpose of hijab. It is easy to see how the West has built a whole industry revolving around making the female as seductive as possible with makeup, perfume, revealing clothing, and constantly changing hair styles. This is not an image that we Muslim women want.

As to what fabrics, colors, or styles of clothing you use, that is up to you, as long as you have satisfied these basic requirements. It is recommended to wear a jilbab, or over-garment. However, a long, loose-fitting tunic with a long skirt also satisfies the requirement for covering the body modestly. If you look at styles in the Muslim world, you will see everything from an Arab abaya to an Iranian chador, from Afghani burqas to Malaysian skirt and tunic sets, from smart business suits to Indo-Pak shalvar qamiz. You will see a diversity of fabrics, colors, and designs. All of these can fulfill the basic requirement of hijab, which is the modest covering of the hair and body. As far as color is concerned, a lot of that is cultural. While wearing black in Iran or the Arab world is customary, in Africa and Southeast Asia it is customary to be colorful and this is not inappropriate.

Diversity is one of the strengths of the Umma. I don't think it's appropriate for people to tell you that if you wear a black hijab, your hijab is good, but if you wear a hijab with flowers on it, your hijab is bad. As long as you are modest and have not dressed in a way that will attract attention to yourself, you are fine. You can tell if you are wearing something that is showy or flashy. What colors you wear are entirely up to you. Just use discretion.

Check this link to read the full article.

Fashion Trends for Spring 2008

Good bye winter and welcome Spring! Spring is my favorite season of the year, all things seem to be perfect for me...the atmosphere, the fruits this season and most of all the fashion trends of course! So what's in for this season? Most designers nowadays believed that graphic prints, bold colors, feminine style dressing and white pants is the most fashionable this season.

Graphic Prints

Some fearless fashionistas are combining these strong patterns by layering floral over abstract, stripe over polka-dot, large-scale prints over small. My advice is to sport one busy piece at a time and keep the rest of your outfit neutral. A loud blouse over quiet khakis, or a vibrant print wrap dress set off by subdued accessories, will score style points without blinding your audience.

Bold Colors

Citrus yellow, mint green, ocean blue, lilac and crimson — these are undeniably dazzling hues but they're also surprisingly flattering. As with this season's big prints, it's best not to drape yourself in blazing color from head to toe. (Check this link to read more) .

Below are some of my choices from various fashion websites for this season's trends. Check out the links provided to shop more choices.

Tunic: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/

Pants: http://www.jcrew.com/

Bag: YSL at http://www.neimanmarcus.com/

Slide: Miu Miu Ayers at http://www.neimanmarcus.com/

Bangle: http://www.avenue.com/

Hijab: Solid wool and cashmere pashima at http://www.cj.shop.com/

Modest Black Dress from Artizara

Nadya Gown with Bolero Jacket

Still remember my first post about MBD or Modest Black Dress? Well, this is what I found lately from Artizara. It is a silk chiffon floor length formal gown heavily hand-beaded front and back with silver and black beads in an elegant wave pattern. A sensuous delight to wear, the gown is fully lined in 100% silk jersey. Bias cut styling for a great fit. Full sleeve silk bolero jacket provides a chic cover-up to the sleeveless gown. Incredibly detailed by hand, and impeccably styled! I like it :)

Fashionable Tops at Artizara

When talking about long and modest tops online, artizara's collection is one of my favorites. They always feature new and stylish tops that match my fashion taste. I checked their new tops collection this morning, below are my choices.

The Jardin Long Denim Jacket

Long Denim Jacket with a cascade of roses embroidered at front. Colorful and versatile. The color combination is very feminine yet strong and powerful.

Contrast Tailored Long Button Down shirt with optional belt

Finely tailored long button down updated with a contrast collar and cuffs, and finished with antique brass buttons. Two colors.

Check this link to view more of their products.

Modest Black Dress

Most women especially fashion observers believed that little black dress or LBD is essential to a complete wardrobe, it is "rule of fashion" that every woman should own a simple, elegant black dress that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Well, well, well...that's how influential Coco Chanel is in fashion industry since she was the one who popularized this kind of dress during the 1920s.

So what about us muslim sisters out there, can we wear this black dress also? Definitely yes, but not LBD or little black dress, we will call it MBD or modest black dress, hmm..sounds great, what do you think?

This morning, I consumed almost 2 hours looking for long and modest black dress online but this is only what I found, I hope I will be able to find something cuter than these Insha Allah.

Dress: Sean Collection
Sandal: Kenneth Cole
Clutch: Analucia
Hijab: Basile (courtesy of www.islamic-world.net/sister)
Accesories: Netaya

Dress: Chadwicks

Bag: Liz Claiborne

Ring: Diamond me

Bracelet: Diamond.com

Hijab:Dolce & Gabbana (courtesy of www.islamic-world.net/sister)

Except from the Hijabs, all items are from http://www.amazon.com/

In love with Jeans

I spotted this jacket in amazon this morning and I really like it, but not with the skirt so I browsed for something that nearly match my idea, and this is what I found:

The color combination is not perfect but the manufacturer said that other colors are also available.

Click the links below to shop for the items:

Jacket

Skirt

Denim Long Skirts

As what fashionistas always said, fashion is a statement of life-style...aside from modesty, long skirts are graceful and appealing to the eyes...

http://www.modestclothing.com/

http://www.fashionsera.com/

Different Hijab Styles

hooded half-neck wrap

Zig zag necktie

Behind the ears

Layers behind the head

Diamond Breast Hijab

Scrunch silk hijab

Butterfly twist hijab

Photos by: Alixianne

Helloooooooo....

Hi…this blog is all about muslim fashions dedicated to all Muslim ladies out there who wanted to dress modestly yet in a fashionable way. Watch out for my post!