Dear sister,
I know you have heard it all before. You have gotten the questions, the looks and the small chitchat from young and old as you walk by about your lack of observation of Hijab. I know. You probably have gotten the bitter side of advice throughout the years; you probably are fed up with the reminders about Hijab.
This is not just another one, sister. This is a sincere letter from a sister you do not know but who wishes goodness for you in your life and the Hereafter. A sister who wishes for her own self what she wishes for others. Do I desire Jannah (Paradise)? Do I desire Allah’s Pleasure? Do I desire to sit amongst the blessed company of the Prophet (peace be upon him), his family and his companions (peace be upon them) in an everlasting life of joy?
The Hereafter in which Allah promised those who believe and perform righteous actions, many times in the Qur’an, “on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve” (46:13).
I earnestly do wish for this everlasting reward, and I desire the same for you too, my dearest sister. You know as I know that our belief in Allah and His perfect Deen (religion) is followed by action. In the same verse I quoted above Allah says, “Verily, those who say: ‘Our Lord is (only) Allah,’ and thereafter istaqamu, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve” (46:13). Istaqamu here meaning those who stood firm and straight on the Islamic faith of Monotheism by abstaining from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allah has forbidden and by performing all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained. Our belief is not complete without action. On the Day of Judgment, Allah will bring forth our records and we will see our belief, words and actions. Will they match up? Or we will fall short in this?
Dear sister, I know you have said to yourself and to others, that they are not watchers over you; that they will not be judged along with you on the Day of Judgment. This is indeed true, my beloved sister, but the fact remains that you will be judged. And on that Day, you do not want to fall short or look back at your life and regret that you did not take the steps needed in order to fulfill your obligations, or to come closer to the Pleasure of Allah.
Today, my sister I have a challenge for you: A challenge in which I ask you to do, not for anyone’s sake but Allah’s. Do not do it for your family or your friends; do not do it for me. Do it for yourself and for your Rabb (Lord).
Insha`Allah, on Feb 1st (of each year), we are holding a worldwide event: World Hijab Day. On this day insha`Allah hundreds, we pray thousands of sisters will observe Hijab. Just for one day, we are asking sisters to wear the Hijab and experience it. There will be a worldwide support group. Millions of Muslims behind you and supporting you! At the end of the day, it is upon you and only you to follow through.
I am not asking you for anything more or anything less than to take one small step which in your heart you know will only bring you closer to my Rabb and your Rabb. One step closer to Jannah insha’Allah….
Beloved Sister, I ask you in the name of Allah, will you accept my challenge?