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Hi guys, this will be a new collection of basically photographs taken by my other half. It will usually be me posting the posts up showcasing his photographs or sometimes, the posts will be typed by him. Hopefully you love the photographs. Personally he's one of my inspirations when taking photographs, at times I'm sneaking a glance at how he takes his shots and just copy of him. His way at looking at things, scenes, places etc is beautiful. There will be times when tips will be posted a long with the photographs, otherwise it's mostly visual.

  

All photographs rightfully belong to HSheikhPhotography, please do not steal and use as your own.

Photography Instagram Page

Illustration does not belong to me.

Assalamu'Alaikum / hiya lovelies. On February 1st, it's #WorldHijabDay. A day which is spreading awareness of why women choose to the wear the hijab, and encouraging women whether Muslim or non Muslim, to wear the hijab for the day to understand how us women and girls who wear a hijab feel, and see their perspective. 

To some, this may feel like its a mockery of the hijab by making other women wear it for a day. I understand where they are coming from, but I also would like others to be aware of how life is like for girls/women that wear the hijab, even if it's just for the day. Yes there will be that minority that say that we should be letting people know everyday, and not on February 1st about the Hijab, but I'm grateful there is a day for this. That the hijab is recognised. 

What is my story? My journey of wearing the hijab started at the age of 8/9. I, in no ways was I forced to wear the hijab, by my parents or an elderly person. It was my choice. And that is the important information that some people need to understand and clearly read.  It was all my choice. Now the question why did I wear it comes in. I wore it because it's a piece of cloth that brings me closer to Allah, and because I'm a Muslim. 

Ever since the age of 9 I have always worn my scarf. There have been times especially in my secondary years, in which I have taken my scarf off on 2/3 occasions. Why I did it, was because I just wanted to dress up. And there does come a phase like that where you feel like taking it of for a day, or week etc. And looking back at it, I regret taking it off, because there was no use, the next day I would come back with a hijab back on. I knew no matter what that my hijab had to stay with me. 

I feel incomplete without my hijab. The whole purpose of the hijab is modesty, and that is what I love and want everyday in my life.  On those 2/3 occasions when I didn't wear a scarf, thinking back to it, I didn't feel much comfort, because there was just the constant worrying about how I looked, or making sure my hair was fine etc that kept going through my mind. Whereas when I have my hijab on, I don't worry about my hair being shown because I know it's covered. I just have it check once or twice.

My hijab gives me an identity. A piece of me is missing without my hijab. My hijab is a constant reminder that I am a Muslim. A servant of Allah, who is on this earth to worship him and only him. My hijab brings me closer to Allah, and makes me do good, rather than bad. And that, that is what makes me happy. 

That is basically my hijab story.

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Questions and Answers 

Fiona Abbey: So why do women/girls wear the hijab?

Because it is mentioned in the Quran, that both female and male should cover themselves up. Not just that, but it is also mentioned in the Quran how women should dress like (dress code). The following verses from the Quran portrays that.

قُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ يَغُضُّوْا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَ يَحْفَظُوْا فُرُوْجَهُمْ, ذَلِكَ أَزْكَى لَهُمْ.
“Say to the believing men that: they should cast down their glances and guard their private parts (by being chaste). This is better for them.”

قُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَ يَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوْجَهُنَّ...
“Say to the believing women that: they should cast down their glances and guard their private parts (by being chaste)…”

وَ لاَ يُبْدِيْنَ زِيْنَتَهُنَّ إِلاَّ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَ لْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلىَ جُيُوْبِهِنَّ...
“...and not display their beauty except what is apparent, and they should place their khumur over their bosoms...”

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ, قُلْ لأَزْوَاجِكَ وَ بَنَاتِكَ وَ نِسآءِ الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ: يُدْنِيْنَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلاَبِيْبِهِنَّ...
“O Prophet! Say to your wives, your daughters, and the women of the believers that: they should let down upon themselves their jalabib.”

Now if you look into the word, Hijab, in Arabic is basically means to cover. The first two verse is regarding the hijab of the eyes, this means lowering your gaze at the opposite sex, and guarding oneself from the opposite sex.

The third verse mentions the word 'Khumur', which is the plural of 'Khimar'. The khimar in Arabic means something which you cover your head with, which is known as hijab to others. And lastly the fourth verse uses the word 'Jalabib', and this is a long wide dress covering from the chest and downwards.

Overall what the third and fourth verses is saying, is that female Muslims should wear a cloth over the head until it's reached over the chest, and a wide dress to cover the rest of the body. These two parts create modesty, and it's a way of covering our beauty from others, other than family and husband.

Teri-May Howells: What does the hijab mean to me and how do I feel about wearing it?

As mentioned before, the hijab gives me identity, it means everything to me as it's simply just not me if I don't have the hijab on. I've been wearing it for nearly 10 years, that it's become a part of me. Wearing the hijab has become so normal and natural to me, that I love wearing it. It's beautiful.

Rebecca Beccaboo Powell: Any positive attention you have received? 

I quite like this question, and this is because I know how the media focuses on the negative parts, and the negative bits don't create a true and full image of something. People tend to get confused between the Niqab and Hijab. The difference is the niqab is a veil covering the face, other than the eyes, where as the hijab is mentioned, a cloth that covers the head and chest. Now neither is bad. I don't wear the niqab but I once did for a couple of weeks when I was attending Madressah (Islamic Evening School), and I didn't get any negative attention, because of the city I live in. I honestly think it depends in the city/society you live in. If I had worn the niqab in France, then firstly I might just be arrested as it's banned there, and secondly I might even just be checked at the border. Whereas the city I live in, thankfully is multi cultural, so whether you wear the hijab or niqab, it's seen as normal. That may just be my point of view. Back to the question, personally yes, it's not so positive attention, it's just that I haven't experienced any bad remarks, or problems due to wearing the hijab.

Laura Haley: Have you experienced any funny moments?

Nope. I actually haven't, though I loved the mini story you told me. I wish I had something to share but I don't :(

Lauren Aitchison: How do I feel about the hijab being seen as oppressive?

I find it upsetting and ridiculous. The assumption is based on a minority of stories, otherwise wearing that hijab at the end of the day is a decision made the women/girl. Her decision between herself and her Lord. It can't be forced upon because the whole reason for the hijab isn't to please or obey what someone has commanded you to, other than Allah. Nuns that cover there head, is that seen as oppressive? No. So why do people think that the female Muslims who were the hijab are oppressed into wearing it.

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Now that the questions have been answered, I myself asked a couple of my friends on their perspective on the hijab.

Shanita:

Since when have you worn the hijab?
I know started wearing the hijab a couple of years ago, about during the second year of college.

What does wearing the hijab mean to you?
Wearing the hijab, simply means pleasing Allah.

Why do you wear the hijab?
I wear the hijab, to safeguard myself from other people and for Allah.

What would you like to tell others about the hijab?
If you were thinking about wearing the hijab. Wear it, don't think about what other people will think. Think about yourself.

What do you think about World Hijab Day?
I think it's quite interesting. It's a way of giving Dawah and it's a taster for Muslims and non Muslim to try the hijab.

Hannah:

Since when have you worn the hijab?
Since the age of 8.

What does wearing the hijab mean to you?
It means modesty and respect because the hijab teaches us to be good people.

Why do you wear the hijab?
I wear the hijab because it's part of my religion and because it makes me feel safe.

What would you like to tell others about the hijab?
I would tell other girls to wear the hijab with respect and not to be afraid to wear it and to make sure that they portray that wearing the hijab is safe and modest

Fatima (La Vie De La Beaute) 

Tell me something about yourself?
Since when have you worn the hijab?
What does wearing the hijab mean to you?
Hijab isn't just wearing a scarf on your head but to me it is about covering yourself with modesty. The hijab is like my crown & forms a big part of my identity. Without it I just wouldn't feel like myself.
Why do you wear the hijab?
What would you like to tell others about the hijab?

What do you think about World Hijab Day?

My 10 Year Old Little Sister

Since when have you worn the hijab?
I have worn my hijab since the age of 7

Were you forced to wear the hijab?
No. My teacher at madressah told me and the entire class, that wearing the hijab makes you feel more safe and secure. That is why I wanted to wear the hijab. P.S the teacher didn't force me.

What does wearing the hijab mean to you?
The hijab is a means of security, and it's a way of me pleasing Allah.

Why do you wear the hijab?
It makes me feel safe, because I don't have to worry about anything, like hair showing.

What would you like to tell others about the hijab?
I would tell others that don't be concerned about what others think, if you want to wear the hijab, wear it.

What do you think about World Hijab Day?
It's good because females who don't wear the hijab will be trying out something new, and it may make them come into Islam.

(The answers by my sister is actually by her.  I didn't make her say anything. She genuinely feels all this. The one thing she continuously says is that wearing the hijab makes her feel safe)

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From my experience, and what my family and friends have said shows you the real and true image of what the hijab means to us and why we wear it. The constant portrayal of it being negative, or that we are oppressed, or have no free will is wrong. In Islam there is a reason for everything, and like what Fatima has said, the reason why us Muslim girls cover up by wearing the hijab, niqab or burka is because Allah wants our true beauty to not be flaunted out everywhere, because we are worth a lot. And that's of the reason why many of us do wear it.

Overall I hope you lovelies have taken something out of this post, do take part on 1st February, you don't have to like it or force yourself, but there is nothing wrong with trying out. If you have any questions about Islam, hijab anything, then contact me on takeaglimpse-@hotmail.com, or through any of my social media accounts linked below and above, or simply just leave a comment down below.


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 Hiya! How are you guys? Hows the month of January going for you all? For me it's been going well, but the stress of college is just so frustrating,with mock exams coming up, it's just revision and revision all the time.Okay, I'm lying, I haven't even started *cries*. But instead I've been going to lemon pepper and sprinkles cafe again and again. I love food, especially desserts, despite convincing myself to go on diet, I will never stop eating desserts. And I'm happy with that.


So for my visit yesterday, my partner treated us to Red Velvet Cupcake, Passion Heaven Mocktail and Oreo Sundae. Ummm! They were all so delicious. I've already mentioned how amazing the red velvet cupcakes are, and it hasn't changed one bit. You'd think after going a couple of times, the taste of the foods and desserts would change, but no Alhumdullillah everything is as great as they were the first time we popped in. Just can't get enough of that cupcake.


The mocktail. A mixture of passion fruit and lemonade. I'm not much of a fan of passion fruit,but this mocktail was definitely tangy and great. I loved the sugar around, because it added that extra hint of sourness, making you squint your eyes, yet enjoy that lovely taste. Oh and that glass is one of my favourite types! I love receiving drinks in them.


Lastly the oreo sundae. Honestly you are paying for you get. I love how there were pieces of oreo in the sundae hidden away. They weren't small pieces that you eat quickly.But you actually get to enjoy the oreo biscuits, fudge sauce, and ice cream. They are blended yet not to blended that all the items are vanished into a milkshake type. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

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I honestly can't stop going there. Either for desserts, drinks, hot lunch. They are just great, Masha'Allah. So far they have not failed to disappoint my partner and I. Instead we are always leaving with a smile on our face when coming out of the cafe. If you have visited this cafe or restaurant, then leave your experience/s in the comment section down below.


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All photographs rightfully belong to SimplyRabiaPhotography (Me), please do not steal and use as your own.

Hiya! This post is about one of the popular topics that is always around on blogs, or YouTube. Hair Do's, and Hair Don'ts. I've kindly been introduced to Madison Reed,  which is a company that focuses on healthy hair, and providing the best hair colour suited to your choice. 

I've handled a fair amount of hair problems, or made sure I did certain things in order to keep my hair healthy and smooth, because which person doesn't want that?

Yay! 

- Be comfortable with your hair. What I mean by this is love your hair. This is because if you don't love your hair, you will continuously be trying out products, using heating items, which is not always good. Not only that but stress is a total no no!

- Use heat protection. I've had some past experiences which I totally regret, and if I knew back then to use heat protection then it would totally prevent then hair thinning which occurred to me. So by all means use your straighteners, curlers etc, as long as you protect your hair. 

- Let your hair breathe. What do I mean by that? I mean let it out loose, your hair shouldn't always be tied up in one way or another.

- Always test hair products out. Use a bit on a small part of hair, just so you know whether it will cause any problem for you or not. Also it's much better than you wasting the whole product, and getting no result, and wasting your money. So it's always better to be safe.

- Trim your hair every 6/8 weeks. This will remove any split ends, and allow your hi to grow more.

Nay! 

- I'm sure this is one that many of you have heard, and that is do not wash your hair everyday. Honestly don't. You aren't allowing nutrients and healthy oil reach the roots of hair, if you wash it everyday. That just leads to thinning and unhealthy hair. If you find your hair greasy, then put it up in a messy bun. Just give yourself that push to not wash it off.

- Don't comb your hair when it is wet. You think it's for the good, but you will just end up pulling more hair out. Instead use a wide tooth comb if you are that will avoid less pulling.

- I've heard using cold water to wash you hair, would create smooth hair. But that's not true. Just as long as you wash your hair every 2/3 days, it's fine.

- Say nay, to using so many hair products. It will ruin the feel, and the health of the hair. Give it some time to be in it's natural form.

- Lastly use less heat appliances. As mentioned before love your hair. I have wavy hair and I would always used to straighten my hair which didn't help besides a couple of hours.  Just a couple of years a go I stopped using it, and ever since I've kept my hair in it'd natural form, and I love it. I love my wavy hair!

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Those mentioned above are some do's and don'ts I would recommend when looking after your hair. Below is a picture of some other do's and don'ts which I haven't mentioned, that are explained by stylists. Also here's a hair dye quiz which you can take, to find out which hair dye would suit you, in case you are curious or confused.

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