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Converting To Islam

Answered as per Shafi'i Fiqh by Seekersguidance.org

Question: I am a woman who is looking to revert to Islam soon but I have some questions: 1. I know Muslim women who wear hijabs and long tops or dresses. Is it obligatory to cover below the waist and if so to what extent? 2. Is the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday allowed and are you allowed to celebrate other’s birthdays (e.g a family member)? 3. Finally, if I revert and marry but then become widowed and re-marry, who will be my husband in Jannah and why?

Answer:

Assalamu alaykum,

Thank you for your question. First and foremost, congratulations on your learning about Islam and your willingness to discover yourself and change. This is a tremendous step in itself. May Allah facilitate all these matters for you.

A woman’s dress

The Muslim women that you mention are indeed fulfilling an obligation by wearing hijab and I am pleased to hear that you are keeping their company. As for their tops, a woman should dress as modestly as she is able. If your friends are comfortable in their long tops and they do it for Allah, they will be rewarded for that, by the grace of Allah. Here are more details about a woman’s dress:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/what-are-the-requirements-of-hijab/

If I were in your shoes, I would not focus on the clothing too much, but rather, I would focus on dressing modestly, which simply means to wear clothes that don’t reveal the shape of the body and are not transparent. This can be accomplished by many types of clothes. It is more beneficial for you to focus your time and energy on learning about Islam and renewing your faith. Practice will come accordingly. May Allah reward you from His endless bounty.

The Prophet’s birthday (mawlid)

According to the four schools of Islamic law in traditional Islam, it is permissible and praiseworthy to celebrate the Prophet’s birthday, may Allah bless him and give him peace. We don’t do this by cutting a cake or blowing candles, but we do it by learning and understanding his life and his sacrifices, renewing our love and respect for him, and even fasting on that day, the 12th of Rabi`al-Awwal. See the details here:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/innovation-bida-and-celebrating-the-prophets-birthday-mawlid/

It is permissible as well, to celebrate the birthdays of others, like your friends and family. Islam doesn’t teach division or being insensitive to others, so you should not fear discontinuing your regular occasions with the ones that you love. One should just watch out for imitating non-Muslims as these practices are taken from them. Here are more details:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/hanafi-fiqh/fasting-on-ones-birthday/

Which husband will one have in Paradise?

As for your third question, there is a difference of opinion on which husband will be your eternal mate in Paradise. But, remember the upshot, which is that no soul will grieve or have fear, and will not want for anything for all eternity. May Allah include us all in His good favour. See the details here:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/hadith/will-remember-husbands-paradise/

Last but not least, don’t ever feel shy to ask a question or follow up with any concerns. I highly recommend that you take free courses here at Seekers for new Muslims, or on the Prophet’s life, may Allah bless him and give him peace, or anything else that you find interesting. Take it slow and easy and ask Allah to clearly guide your heart to the truth always. May you have the very best in this world and the next.
https://seekersguidance.org/category/articles/converts/

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

This answer was collected from Seekersguidance.org. It’s an online learning platform overseen by Sheikh Faraz Rabbani. All courses are free. They also have in-person classes in Canada.

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