Why I Shed Bikini for Niqab!

I AM an American woman who was born in the midst of America's
"Heartland." I grew up, just like any other girl, being fixated with
the glamour of life in "the big city." Eventually, I moved to Florida
and on toSouth Beach of Miami, a hotspot for those seeking the
"glamorous life."

Naturally, I did what most average Western girls do. I focused on my
appearance and appeal, basing my self-worth on how much attention I got
from others. I worked out religiously and became a personal trainer,
acquired an upscale waterfront residence, became a regular "exhibiting"
beach-goer and was able to attain a "living-in-style" kind of life.



Years went by, only to realize that my scale of self-fulfillment and
happiness slid down the more I progressed in my "feminine appeal." I
was a slave to fashion. I was a hostage to my looks.



As the gap continued to progressively widen between my self-fulfillment
and lifestyle, I sought refuge in escapes from alcohol and parties to
meditation, activism, and alternative religions, only to have the
little gap widen to what seemed like a valley. I eventually realized it
all was merely a pain killer rather than an effective remedy.



By now it was Sept. 11, 2001. As I witnessed the ensuing barrage on
Islam, Islamic values and culture, and the infamous declaration of the
"new crusade," I started to notice something called Islam. Up until
that point, all I had associated with Islam was women covered in
"tents," wife beaters, harems, and a world of terrorism. As a feminist
libertarian, and an activist, I was pursuing a better world for all.



One day I came across a book that is negatively stereotyped in the West
– The Noble Qur'an. I was first attracted by the style and approach of
the Qur'an, and then intrigued by its outlook on existence, life,
creation, and the relationship between Creator and creation. I found
the Qur'an to be a very insightful address to heart and soul without
the need for an interpreter or pastor.



Eventually I hit a moment of truth: my new-found self-fulfilling
activism was nothing more than merely embracing a faith called Islam
where I could live in peace as a "functional" Muslim.



I bought a beautiful long gown and head cover resembling the Muslim
woman's dress code and I walked down the same streets and neighborhoods
where only days earlier I had walked in my shorts, bikini, or "elegant"
Western business attire.



Although the people, the faces, and the shops were all the same, one
thing was remarkably distinct – I was not – nor was the peace at being
a woman I experienced for the very first time. I felt as if the chains
had been broken and I was finally free. I was delighted with the new
looks of wonder on people's faces in place of the looks of a hunter
watching his prey I had once sought. Suddenly a weight had been lifted
off my shoulders. Finally, I was free.



Of all places, I found my Islam at the heart of what some call "the
most scandalous place on earth," which makes it all the more dear and
special..

While content with Hijab I became curious about Niqab, seeing an
increasing number of Muslim women in it. I asked my Muslim husband,
whom I married after I reverted to Islam, whether I should wear Niqab
or just settle for the Hijab I was already wearing. My husband simply
advised me that he believes Hijab is mandatory in Islam while Niqab is
not. At the time, my Hijab consisted of head scarf that covered all my
hair except for my face, and a loose long black gown called "Abaya"
that covered all my body from neck to toe.



A year-and-a-half passed, and I told my husband I wanted to wear
Niqab.. My reason, this time, was that I felt it would be more pleasing
to Allah, the Creator, increasing my feeling of peace at being more
modest.


READ MORE HERE !

http://islamgreatreligion.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/why-i-shed-bikini-for-niqab/