Mama

Your Fears are Valid

I don't want you to ever think of using that black thing some muslim women use to cover their faces,her mum says angrily after Zakiyyah made her intentions known to her mother.

It's not for you,it can't be for you. Leave them with it,it's their life,her mum yells.

You're my daughter, I don't use it,and I will never use it. No daughter of mine will use it,her mum kept saying with her hands pointing to Zakiyyah warning her not to ever try considering it.

Every good thought you have of that black thing ,thrash it now,her mum continues.

Reaching for the stars

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Oh, is this what I sent you to school to do,her mum questions.

To go to school and come back with a different mindset, is this some sort of brothers doing?

They've promised you nikkah, or what had they preached that made your perspective change?

I heard you now attend Madrasah when I sent you to Western school and that you now contribute to MSSN affairs,her mum furthers.

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Henceforth,

You must not contribute to MSSN affairs again, I don't want you to mingle with sisters that'll change your mentality.

Also,

You must stop that Madrasah and focus on only your course's academics.

Zakiyyah kept quiet all the while her mum was talking with her face towards the floor,having different thoughts run through her young mind.

After a little while,

She raised her head up to see the woman who birthed her, and in her soft voice, she said….

Mum,can I ask you a question?

Go on ,her mum says, not looking at her daughter.

Why don't you want me to use the black thing some women use as you called it? Zakiyyah asked.

Please,feed my curiosity, Ummy, "she says.

Her mum felt reluctant to answer the question. After some while,she finally spoke.

With a gentle and calm voice,she says;

My daughter,

You're such a beautiful girl,look at your beauty shining through the mirror.

Good men are out there looking for you,they can't wait to meet you and appreciate Allah's masterpiece.

What would become of you when you hide behind those veils?

How would they get to see the beauty behind the veil?

How would they show interest in you when they can't see your face,let alone get married to you?

Her mum says with worry, and silence filled the room.

How do you even plan to secure a job in a world that's not in favour of women who cover?

How do you plan to grow in your career ?

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Don't you notice those women who cover their faces that they don't have any career and they just sit at home waiting for their husbands to give them money?

And those sisters and brothers you meet in school that they might have preached it to you,that's how they made my friend's daughter turn against her mother.

Zakiyyah raises her head and says ,

Mum,your fears are valid.

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Indeed,I'll not fail to acknowledge every one of your fears because your fears for me are your love for me—she says.

You have nurtured me with love and faith,and you constantly prayed for me to become stronger in faith.

You taught me that I shouldn't worry about my future, for it's in my Lord's hands, you said if anything is done for his sake,he will pave a way out for the person.

I could remember how much you preached modesty,telling us how Allah has commanded us to dress modestly and this made me to want become better and to be counted among those who would be honoured with the peak of Hijab which is Niqaab.

Everything is from your constant preaching,mum.

I'm not hiding,I only want to turn to my Lord.

Her mum saw herself as the one who nurtured the faith in her for making her daughter consider it afterall it's the peak of modesty.

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Come here,girl ,her mum says, pulling her in a hug.

I'm proud of you,her mum says.

Now,

You'll be patient with me to finally accept you observing the Niqaab.

You really have to be patient, finish your degree first, and then you can finally use it.

And know that you are everything you choose to be.

You're so sweet ,mum, "she says.

Jazakumullahu khayran for giving me a listening ears ,she says, and her mum apologises for her harsh words.

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Epilogue 

Zakiyyyyaaaaahhhh,her mum called.

You forgot to put on your Niqaab, her mum yelled.

Mum,I didn't forget,I was about to come get it.

Hurry,his family is here already.

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Jazakumullahu khayran for reading UR'S Journal.

Till I write to you again,

I leave you in the care of my Lord.

UR♡