Hijabi Mag Year-Ender e-Issue 2015

THE MODESTY MAGAZINE YEAR-ENDER 2015

THE COMPILATION OF 2015 STORIES. From revert story to poems and hijab tutorials .

PROMISING YOUNG HIJABIS Be inspired by these young hijabis across Southeast Asia and the Philippines .

FEATURED BLOGGERS! Azizah Talusan Syahira Zakaria Tiq Zulkifli

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Year-ender 2015

HIJABIMAG

A compilation of stories in 2015.

promising hijabis inspirational muslimahs

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around the Philippines

revert story interview with a revert sister

tips from selling on Facebook to conquering materialism

the bloggers lane Southeast Asian bloggers talk about blogging and modesty

poetry poems about hijab

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STAPLES 03 Editor's Note 04 Promising Hijabis 13 Hijab Tutorials 17 Selling on Facebook 27 Poems

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EDITOR'S NOTE

Kai Darul EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Muslim women are is oppressed by her faith and her [Islamic] nation. ­ Lauren Rankin Muslim Filipinas are not excused from what the text above says. Living in the Muslim­dense Mindanao or in Christian­dominated Luzon and Visayas has been one of the crucial aspects that shaped the Muslim Filipina of today. Despite being one of the inhabitants of the Philippines since time immemorial, Filipinos altogether have a vague perception of what Islam really is, let alone the understanding of the hijab.

The Muslim woman is thought to not have the freedom to acquire knowledge, to strengthen herself and be useful to the society other than being a housewife.

However, the contemporary Muslim Filipina is not limited to the four quarters of her home. In fact, she has been educating themselves to certain heights, making ends meet to portray their roles in their families and career and being the premiere ambassador of her faith, all at once.

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Everyday, she takes on challenges such as being ridiculed for her faith, stared at because she chose to seclude her beauty from the world and to some extent, discriminated against just because the world chose to see her from what the media has portrayed her to be ­ an oppressed and worthless individual.

This has been proven wrong by many Muslimahs, who have gone beyond borders in their craft, talent and career. She has soared high, despite the numerous roles she had to portray to herself, her family, friends, country, and religion. Given similar opportunities, the Muslim woman can do as much as the non­Muslim woman can.

The

CONTEMPORARY MUSLIMAH FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

The Muslim woman is one of the most important figures in Islam. She represents “She is actually capable of doing great Islam with her hijab, hope because she bears things while staying within the bounds of with her the next generation for the future and her faith. I have never been prouder that I peace because she shapes the future as she am a Muslim and a Moro,” said Mylene instills Islamic moral values, ethics and Macumbal, the first Muslim woman to place principles to the future leaders of the world, second in the Philippine bar exams when her children. asked about the ‘veiled woman’ in an article for MSU IIT. “O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations In any craft and career, the Muslim woman and tribes, that you may know one another. has been making her mark. Zohayma Verily the most honorable of you with Allah is Montaner is one of the names that would the pious.” (Qur’an 49:13) come to mind when talking about contemporary Islamic art and design. The The Muslim Filipina is not and will never be 13­time international award­winning artist less in worth than men, non­Muslims or non­ and author has become one of the most Filipinas, vice versa. What sets them apart eminent names in Islamic art and from each other is their perseverance, hard calligraphy worldwide. work and compassion.

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PROPHET MUHAMMAD (S.A.W.)

HE WHO CALLS OTHERS TO FOLLOW THE RIGHT GUIDANCE WILL HAVE A REWARD EQUAL TO THE REWARD OF THOSE WHO FOLLOW HIM, WITHOUT THEIR REWARD BEING DIMINISHED IN ANY RESPECT ON THAT ACCOUNT. {Muslim}

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PULSE

PROMISING YOUNG HIJABIS IN THE PHILIPPINES Written by Kai Darul

While today’s generation has been dubbed as selfish and narcissistic, we are also the most diverse, creative and passion­loving generation.

Not only do we face the criticisms of being millennials, we are also experiencing stones thrown at us simply for being hijabis/niqabis.

Being the face of Islam, it is rather harder to make our own name in a non­Muslim­dominated country. However, things are changing and we found hijabis/niqabis that are worth the feature and be the role models to the younger generation.

Truly, a woman in Islam is not oppressed. She has the freedom to get an education, improve herself and be the catalyst of change for her community. This has been proven by some lovely hijabis around the country. We may not be able to pinpoint everyone and write about them here, but, Alhamdulillah, we managed to feature some of them.

PROMISING YOUNG HIJABIS IN THE PHILIPPINES

SITTIE NORHANIE HAMDAG LAO At 22, she served as the youngest assemblywoman of the second district of Lanao del Sur at the Regional Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Currently, she is taking up Law in San Beda College of Law. During her university days, she served as the president of the student council of Mindanao State University – Main Campus and was also awarded as one of the Ten Most Outstanding Students in the Philippines.

KHADIJA MASHEL QUEENIE PADILLA Everyone knows who Queenie Padilla is. Not only is she the daughter of the famous Filipino actor, Robin Padilla (a Muslim revert), she was also once an actress before reverting to the one true religion, Islam. This girl has been doing dawah since she came back to the fold of Islam. Queenie is an inspiration to us because she uses her fame in such a graceful and good way.

ZOHAYMA MONTANER, AL-HAJ A lot of hijabis know her, especially those who have purchased her latest Ramadhan Journal. She is a 13­time international award­winning artist and is one of the renowned artists in Islamic art and calligraphy. She is also knowledgeable about Islam and knows the Qur’an by heart. This is why she founded Al­Ihsaan Islamic School of Arts in 2012 and Banat ul­Mu’mineen in 2014. Indeed, she is one of the exceptional Muslimahs around.

ATTY. ANNA TARHATA BASMAN She heads the Legal Team of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) Peace Panel. Atty. Anna got her degree in Public Administration and LLB in the University of the Philippines. She started as a legal researcher and only after passing the Bar she re­joined the team to be what she is now. Surely, no amount of words can express our awe with this young lawyer.

PROMISING YOUNG HIJABIS IN THE PHILIPPINES SHARIQAH HANIMAI MACUMBAL – YUSOPH Hanimai exudes beauty, grace and intelligence all at once. She is a Certified Public Accountant, an entrepreneur and a debate trainer. She graduated Class Valedictorian and Magna Cum Laude from the Department of Accountancy of MSU – Iligan Institute of Technology. She also delved into teaching at MTIM and was part of the Philippine delegation to the WFUNA Model UN. She is also a well­loved speaker. This is why she is always invited to speak before the youth whether for commencement exercises or elegant gatherings like proms. With all those achievements, she remained humble and approachable.

KARTINI TAHIR She is currently working as the Regional Program Coordinator of the Department of Education – ARMM. This hijabi is set to finish her PhD in Islamic Education Psychology at Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta this 2016 (Ameen) at the age of 27. She got her Masters degree in Australia at University of Canberra. Her undergraduate was no joke, too. She graduated Cum Laude at the Mindanao State University – Tawi­Tawi.

AZIZAH TALUSAN She is an entrepreneur, blogger, speaker and many other great things that I cannot put into words. She is one of the Philippine Ambassadors for World Hijab Day, where we promote the hijab awareness every 1st of February of the year. This hijabi is currently studying her Masters in International Marketing at International Islamic University­Malaysia while managing her co­ founded business, hers­laha.com and Hers Ikhwat. She is also the ambassador of her secondary and university alma mater, Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy Foundation College.

JASMINE DIORKA SULEIK This hijabi has just recently graced the Philippine news websites and papers with her initiative, the interfaith #FastingChallenge. She created a community which is called Friends beyond Faith and the fasting challenge was among the activities of the group. This creates awareness and understanding among the various religions in the Philippines. How cool is that? We sure are waiting for the succeeding activities of FBF! Did you know she managed to cook everything while being a medicine student? Hashtag amazing!

PROMISING YOUNG HIJABIS IN THE PHILIPPINES

DAYANG SHARIFATUL IMAN LADJABASSAL If you are from Zamboanga City, you’ve probably seen our Princess Jasmin grace the local tv programs talking about Shari’ah and explaining it to the mass. She is not just a pretty face because she also got the brain. She is a shari’ah counselor at 25. She recently finished her law school at Western Mindanao State University and interned at the Ateneo Human Rights Center which lead their way with her colleagues in creating the Centro Advocacia Legal (CAdLe) Human Rights Center and Legal Aid Center in Zamboanga City and the Region.

DAYANG DAYANG KHADIJA BAGUINDA She graduated primary, secondary school and university as the class valedictorian. And upon graduating from the College of Law of MSU, she was the class salutatorian. During her stay at MSU TCTO, she served as the president of the MSU­TCTO student council and system­wide FEMSUSSCO. She was also a student regent of the MSU System. She was responsible on the “rotation system” of the Presidency implemented in the FEMSUSSCO right now.

LEILA MOHAMMAD She is a simple niqabi and pharmacist from the southwestern Zamboanga City. But her constituents in Universidad de Zamboanga know her well for spearheading the movement to fight for and defend their rights to wear the niqab on the campus. She served as the Ameerah (President) for the women sector of the Muslim Students Association of the said university from 2009­ 2011. Because of her, the students are now free to wear their niqabs as they please. Ma sha Allah.

These women are just some of the reasons why hijab or niqab is never a hindrance if you want to achieve something. Moreover, millennials are bound to reach heights despite being called selfish and narcissistic. Being a hijabi in the Philippines might not be all sugary, but isn’t the spice what makes the journey a lot fulfilling?

This is just the first wave of our features of amazing hijabis. There are still more to come. Hopefully, we can do an in depth feature (and no age limits) in the future, as well. If you want to suggest someone to us, hover to our contact page.

REVERT SECTION

SITTI SHAHARA: A REVERT STORY

by Karren Mambuay Photos by Sitti Shahara

Sitti Shahara is a revert who embraced Islam through the proclamation of my faith to Allah SWT, on March 14, 2015.

Prior to the decision of reverting to Islam, she personally took actions to understand or have a glimpse on what real Islam is.

When I looked back to the time I spoke to my friends that I am now a Muslim, many were shocked.

According to her, she browsed in the internet to read on many write-ups about Islam. After thorough readings, she suddenly felt peace in her heart and mind.

She gladly shared her story for many people to get inspiration from.

“Hijab always reminds me to become modest.�

REVERT SECTION

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A REVERT STORY AN INTERVIEW WITH SITTI SHAHARA

BY KARREN MAMBUAY

Q: WHEN DID YOU START EMBRACING ISLAM? WAS THERE SOMEONE WHO INFLUENCED YOU? I started to embrace Islam by way of Shahada, the proclamation of my faith to Allah SWT, on March 14, 2015. Prior to the decision of reverting to Islam, I personally took actions to understand or have a glimpse on what real Islam is. I browsed in the internet to read on many write-ups about Islam. After thorough readings, I just suddenly felt peace in my heart and mind. There was a feeling that I wanted to cry, I was touched. “What have I been doing in my life??” At that moment, I felt that I have no foundation of faith. “Who am I really praying to?”.

All my life, I just believed that there is God, in three trinities. Why it has to be three? I have been asking that in my life since childhood but I got no answer even from my parents. I grew up believing just like that with no foundation. All these came crossed in my mind. A flashback happened. A realization was made. And the big decision was created to revert to the straight path, to the right road, to go back to the one and only God. I believed in Allah SWT at that moment and indeed it was the right time. And that faith brought me to where I am now.

Indeed, there are reasons in everything, from the people that you met, the people who you are with today, and from the events that occurred in your life.

Today when I look back, I will keep on thanking Allah SWT for everything, for giving my husband to me because first and foremost, he is the one who influenced me to believe in Islam.

He did not forced me to follow him. I just saw in him his faith. He may be wronged at times, he is not perfect, but I witnessed many times that he stood up again and asked for forgiveness.

He do charity to people at the streets. According to him, this is the investments for the Hereafter. I was amazed.

“I am struggling everyday of my life. Striving to become a better Muslim in our Ummah. Striving to invest for the Akhira. ” Q : IN TODAY ’ S SOCIETY , PEOPLE TEND TO DISCRIMINATE OR HAVE VARIOUS REACTIONS WHEN SOMEONE REVERTS TO ISLAM . WHAT WERE YOUR STRUGGLES ?

When I looked back to the time I spoke to my friends that I am now a Muslim, many were shocked. Most of them did not say anything. They just smiled.

My family hardly accepted my decision. When I started to wore hijab, changed my outfit styles, went to the masjid to pray, I witnessed the discriminating looks and smiles from my workmates.

But that moment, when you asked Allah SWT to make it easy, indeed He listened, He responded, and He helped me to go through all those struggles.

REVERT SECTION

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As time goes by, Alhamdullilah you will see the mercy of Allah SWT. Indeed He is Ar-Rahim, the ever merciful. When you are struggling for the sake of Allah SWT, it may be hard During Jummah, it has been a struggle because we are just humans, the during my work in my previous job, I am late at most Fridays and they hardly feeling of difficulty cannot be denied, understand my 5-minute tardiness. however life in dunya is jus temporary and your struggles in I am struggling everyday of my life. dunya are likewise temporary.

Striving to become a better Muslim in our Ummah. Striving to invest for the Akhira.

I am now in a new workplace. People in here kept on asking me why I Q: WERE YOU OR ARE YOU STILL decided to revert. Is it just for GETTING QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR compliance to my husband?

I wanted to fully embrace Islam, I wanted to worship Him, I wanted to follow the Sunnah of the beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW, and act on the obligatory duties of a Muslimah.

DECISION TO REVERT? HOW DID THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU ACCEPT IT?

Q: ALONG WITH EMBRACING ISLAM IS MODESTY. HOW DID YOU EMBRACE IT?

It was a great challenge! Yay! First, I began to research modesty in Islam to have knowledge on what is behind Muslimah’s clothing styles. I was amazed that modesty is an obligation. Being modest is not just self interest but Muslim women are helping Muslim/nonMuslim brothers to avoid committing sins. Both of you are benefiting on it. bracing modesty is such a great challenge because all my life I used to wear clothes that almost show your soul. :D Just kidding. I was raised in an urban area, hence wearing shorts, fitting shirts, small blouses

I prayed again to Allah SWT to make it easy for me, to help me deliver my answers rightfully and to enlighten their minds. They even told me to eat pork after all my husband is not there, no way that he will know about it. Astagfirullah!

A hijabi sister, Kai Darul, had this video about her hijab story and she just reminded me about commitment to Allah SWT. When I looked back to that situation, I thanked Allah SWT for instilling the faith in my heart, for helping me to hold on to my commitment, for keeping it high.

Coping with this kind of situation takes time.

Acceptance takes a longer time and I prayed to Allah SWT to grant this to the people around me. Alhamdullilah, I am no longer getting questions, maybe few times but not most of the times.

are the usual type of clothing style. As I mentioned, it was indeed a great challenge because I started from zero. I looked for long sleeves, skirts, long dresses. It was fun and challenging! :D Husband was very supportive since he’s based in Marawi City, he kept on buying me different type of blazers, etc.

I was inspired by how different Muslimah dressed up. Along with fashion in mind, modesty and simplicity should take over first. But modesty isn’t just about dressing up, but being modest in the way you handle yourself esp. in a crowd, the way you talk, the way you treat others, the way you engage yourself into the crowd.

"I am now in a new workplace. People in here kept on asking me why I decided to revert. Is it just for compliance to my husband? "

REVERT STORY

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"I’VE GONE THROUGH DIFFERENT TYPE OF JUDGEMENTS BECAUSE OF MY DECISION. "

Q: NOT ALL CAN GO THROUGH BEING JUDGED BECAUSE OF THE CHOICES WE MAKE. A LOT ARE STILL HAVING A HARD TIME EMBRACING ISLAM DUE TO CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. HOW WILL YOU ENCOURAGE SOMEONE WHO IS HAVING DIFFICULTIES PRACTICING HIS FAITH DUE TO OTHER’S JUDGMENTS?

Q: CAN YOU STILL REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME YOU DONNED THE HIJAB? IF SO, WHEN? I wore hijab on May 26, 2015. It was indeed a great decision.

I’ve gone through different type of judgements because of my decision. Be brave. Stand with your faith. Stand for Allah SWT. You will never please people but you will absolutely please your Creator and that is our main goal. Whatever judgments you will receive, pray for it. Speak to Allah that He will make it easy for you as you just wanted to worship him. Everything will be fine, trust me. You have to make the first step. Conquer your fear.

Stand with courage.

After you stepped out from your shell of fear, you will see, it will be a majestic feeling. You will have that inner peace and contentment. As for me, when I still not wore hijab after Shahada, it seem that I had a deep secret and it was so heavy in my heart, it is like you are forsaking Allah, you are hiding Allah from all people. I was struggling every day. Then I made the first step. The initial action matters, then everything flowed smoothly.

Subhana Allah

Q: WHAT WERE THE PROBLEMS YOU ENCOUNTERED WEARING THE HIJAB?

Q: DURING YOUR FIRST DAY OR MONTH OF WEARING THE HIJAB, HOW WAS IT LIKE?

I experienced one time at the mall. When I and my husband stroll over in an apparel, the duty on guard kept on staring at me, a suspecting look I can say. When we went out, this security guard stopped me because he has to inspect my bag according to him.

My heart was trembling when I went to the office. My hands were shaking. But that feeling that you stood up for your faith, to your obligations, a different joy came up. When the day ended, I tapped myself and said “you finally made it” then after that until now, Alhamdulillah, I am still wearing my hijab, I still hold on to my commitment.

That was okay because I thought that was the store’s protocol. What was different, it was just me who he inspected while the other non-Muslim girls’ bags were not inspected. T_T I may be wronged and I asked forgiveness for that, but I thought it was because I am the only one who was wearing hijab and a Muslimah at that store.

Q: HAVE YOU FELT STARED FROM HEAD TO TOE IN PUBLIC PLACES? WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION?

Q: DID WEARING THE HIJAB CHANGE YOU? HOW?

YESSS! Oh my! :D :D But Alhamdulillah! I was not affected of it. Why should I? – this was on my mind ☺ I am thankful that my environment is not a discriminating one. When I am in a public place, people just give me a slight glance or a look with respect. I am being respected. Such a great feeling.

Modesty. Hijab always reminds me to become modest.

Modest in such a way I handle myself, the way I dressed up, the way I give respect to everyone, the way I treat them.

Hijab keeps on reminding me of ALLAH SWT. It always reminds me of how great is His love. It reminds me that angels are on our side and records everything that we do and say.

"Afteryousteppedoutfromyourshelloffear,youwillsee,itwillbeamajesticfeeling."

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Q: WHAT WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT CAN YOU TELL THOSE WHO ARE ASPIRING TO WEAR THE HIJAB BUT DON’T HAVE THE GUTS TO DO SO YET? Always be reminded of Allah SWT. Always be reminded of the obligations He set. Always be reminded of the deeds that you sow in the dunya will be reaped in the Hereafter.

If you have fear in the Judgement Day, then you will take a step while you are in Dunya ☺ Harsh as I am, but this is my motivation. You go girl! ☺ It will be a different joy.

Alhamdulillah! ☺ I may not be perfect, never will I be, I cannot brag my love to our Creator, but I can brag His love to me. This is my story. I am a revert who is still struggling every day of my life but Alhamdulillah, the blessing of strength always pours down from UP THERE ☺ TIPS AND TRICKS

HIJAB TUTORIALS facebook.com/hijabi.soul facebook.com/classiccrownhijabstoreph

@im1inaminion @thepeppygirl

JOENAH JOYCE ESMALLA

After years of telling myself to shut up because i'm too afraid of being judged and of what people might say, I am learning to get my voice back. I want to tell you my story, what it's like to be in my shoes and to tell you that despite how difficult it might be there IS hope.

And somehow hoping that I can help and inspire you. Perhaps I have more to share than darkness and I could spread some beauty into the world too...

I can't say that i'm 100% A-okay. I'm still not out of the woods yet but i'm getting there. But I am so much better than yesterday...

HOW I DEAL WITH IT

1. Therapy and Medicine

I've been taking meds for 4 years now and it really helped me stabilize my mood. Medications are also quite expensive, i'm just so lucky that my parents can give all the possible support I can get. Alas, talking also helps. I've been through sessions of therapy and it helped!

All i'm saying is if it works out for you, continue taking it. Like I said there's no harm in trying.

2. Support System I'm beyond lucky that I have a great support system. I'm thankful to have my parents that supports me not just financially but also emotionally. Having a family and friends that loves me and understands me even though sometimes i'm too hard to understand and to deal with had a great impact in making me a better person. Telling me to not let my illness define me and giving me constant advice, they're like my sidekicks in fighting my monsters.

Of course I lost a lot of friends who easily gave up on me, at the end you'll really know who your true friends are.

I'm deeply grateful to have all of them!

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" I guess having Bipolar is a constant battle, it's always there and will always be there hiding in the closet inside me. But like I said, there IS hope.

The fact that i'm still alive and writing this down proves it. I'm not out of the woods yet but i'm getting there. "

3. Environment & Lifestyle change Healthy and positive environment attracts positive energy. It's true! When you're surrounded by pessimists and negative people, it may affect you big time and may drag you down. Letting go of toxic people was a great help.

Avoiding such people doesn't mean that i'm (or you) a bad person, its just about choosing happiness over toxicity.

At the end, if i'm not gonna do it, i'll be the one who will suffer.

It was a great challenge changing my lifestyle though sometimes i'm still guilty of breaking them. It's hard but no pain no gain. Here are some of the changes I've undergone: Getting enough sleep is important.

Sleeping 8-9 hours helped me stabilize my mood and boosts up my hormones.

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vibes into something good, positive and productive, thus it'll make you more passionate and inspired to do more productive things.

5. Becoming a Hijabi Lastly, I've realised that reverting to Islam made a huge difference in my life. I tell you, I may not be the most knowledgeable or devoted Muslim but Islam especially wearing the hijab really made a difference in my life. Wearing hijab and becoming modest made me become cautious in my action in the public and towards other people, it teaches me to act proper and that includes to be aware of me being impulsive, to think before I speak. I can stay i'm still a bit lost spiritually but i'm learning, i'm getting there step-by-step. It really changed my life. It made me stronger. Inshaallah, i'll be better than I was yesterday.

Avoid chocolates, sodas and other junk. I'm still having troubles with this but i'm trying. I'm trying little by little.

Also, eat vegies and other bipolar friendly food, there tons of choices in google if you're interested.

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Exercise can help too! It alleviates depression and balance your mood. It also increases attention and decision making. But now that i'm working it's hard to exercise everyday, I barely have time but i'm doing the best that I can to find time.

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4. Hobbies It's really important that you find the things that you'd love to do, it's a great help. Whether it's baking or gardening, cleaning your house or painting, whatever you're interest is just do it. Cry and then stand up, stop sulking under your blanket and just do it. It can help you in divert all those negative 14

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5 TIPS TO CONTROL MATERIALISM Written by Kai Darul

Materialism is something that each of us is struggling with. We enjoy material things in our lives to the extent that we think we cannot live without them or we constantly need an upgrade. In today's modern era where business marketing is simply incorporated into our daily activities, it is rather harder to decide if what we are eyeing to purchase or get is our need or want.

Let's be honest. It is difficult to say no to the new Macbook when you already have a good laptop, or to that newly-arrived dress in your favorite boutique downtown, or just the new paid app on your App and Play Stores.

How do we combat materialistic urges? It won't be easy, but when we try, it will be worth it.

5 TIPS

TO CONTROL MATERIALISM

UNFOLLOW BRANDS ON INSTAGRAM/FACEBOOK/TWITTER/EVERYWHERE ELSE! The main purpose of brands going online is to promote their products to sell more. The truth is most of the brands make use of social media Facebook, Youtube, Google, Twitter, Instagram. A lot of brands actually pays for advertising on these platforms. How do you know that this is a paid ad or not? Just look if it has "Ads by" or "Sponsored" on it.

"THE HEIRARCHY OF NEEDS" IS JUST WHAT YOU NEED. OTHER THAN THOSE ARE WANTS! If you don't know, The Heirarchy of Needs is popularized by Abraham Maslow. It is a pyramid that shows us the level of needs of a human being. You see, your needs are actually more on the inner than outer appearance. Our needs will be the first priority. If we know how to determine needs from wants and how to prioritize, we can always get away from excessive spending on material things and spend our extra cash on something that matters more.

ALWAYS GIVE TO CHARITY. TRUST ME, THIS LESSENS OUR URGE OF MATERIALISM ESP WHEN YOU PERSONALLY HAND THEM OUT. We all have more clothes than we actually need/use (then we even think of buying more to the extent that our wardrobe cannot hold them anymore). How about giving some of them out to charity? Uhm, sounds magnificent! Here's a little challenge. In your closet, instead of hanging your clothes the way that you could easily get them, hang them the other way around. At the end of the month/year, look at the hangers that hasn't been touched. You now know which to give out to charity.

YOU DON'T NEED TO UPGRADE YOUR GADGETS EVERY TIME THERE IS A NEWLYRELEASED ONE. AND TBH, IT DOESN'T REALLY MATTER IF YOU REUSE YOUR CLOTHES. Why do we worry so much if we don't get to upgrade our gadgets or buy new clothes, cosmetics, etc? We all have the same skin that is there for a lifetime. You can't have a pink skin as you wish (don't even mention of painting it pink, you get my point).

DON'T EVEN THINK OF PLEASING PEOPLE. THEY WON'T BE! We think that when we buy more clothes, upgrade our gadgets, spend more than what we need, we please people. Truth is, no.

We can never please people. Even if we are the richest man on earth, we still cannot please people. Instead of pleasing people, please yourself. Again, the highest form of your need is the self­ actualization. This can be achieved through prayer, meditation and spirituality.

In the best possible way, let us control this evil within us. It will never bring us happiness. Instead, cultivate relationships with fellow people and with your Maker. That is where the true happiness lies, the genuine one!

THE LIFE OF THIS WORLD IS ONLY THE ENJOYMENT OF DECEPTION QUR'AN 3:185

ONLINE STORES, AND IN PARTICULAR HIJAB STORES ARE POPPING UP RIGHT AND LEFT NOWADAYS. WHAT MAKES A STORE SUCCESSFUL? WHAT TURNS A CUSTOMER OFF? HERE ARE 5 OF THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES MADE BY SELLERS WHEN SELLING ON FACEBOOK: Do not be emotional

Don’t overshare ­ In an environment where people share every meal they eat and every thought that crosses their mind, it can be very easy to fall into the trap of oversharing on Facebook or Instagram.

Show customers that your page is professional by avoiding personal posts. Avoid statuses like “nasunog nanaman ulam namin!” or “ang haba ng pila sa LBC” or “ang cute talaga ng anak ko”. Limit these to your own personal page where it belongs.

­ This means, not letting emotions decide how your transactions will go. Make fair store policies and stick to them as much as possible. Common mistakes include getting bullied to sell at an overly low price due to a sob story, or shipping in advance (without payment) with so many promises to pay. Sellers mostly end up regretting these kind of decisions. Being emotional also includes ranting about bogus buyers.

Unfortunately they will always be there and we need to accept that and take it in stride. Ranting will give a negative vibe to your page and who knows if they just have a real excuse now and may still buy in the future.

Treat every single person with respect.

COMMON MISTAKES Made by Facebook Online Sellers by: Jannah Valdez (Hijabi Soul Designs Owner)

Never ever EVER lie to make a sale

Don’t sell items you hate

­ Always be honest in all your dealings.

This builds trust and reputability for your store. Most importantly, it follows what Allah and our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught us.

­ One of the biggest challenges for any store is choosing which items to sell. A good test is to ask yourself whether you would use it.

Lying might make you a sale now, but it will lose you many more in the future. If it won’t fit an XL customer, just tell her.

If shipping won’t reach in time for her event, don’t promise it will.

Try to strike a balance between good quality and affordability. Selling cheap, poor quality, ugly items will often turn out to be a poorer investment than buying a more expensive item that people will want to buy.

Lying includes posting pictures which do not match the item. Try to take your own pictures as clearly as you can.

Price items fairly ­ not too high, but also not too low. Do your homework and study the industry benchmarks.

As a final tip ­ Do not despair or become impatient when it doesn’t work out right away.

Remember that all success and failure is in the hands of Allah Azza wa Jal. Put blessings (baraqah) in your work by giving charity from your profits. In your business, make sure to follow His commands of excellence, honesty, patience, justice, and respect for others.

HIJABI SOUL DESIGNS IS CURRENTLY ONE OF THE BIGGEST AND BEST FACEBOOK SHOPS FOR MUSLIMAHS IN THE PHILIPPINES WITH A FOLLOWING OF OVER 20,000.

MISIFF 2015

UNITES MUSLIMAH FASHION LABELS FROM MALAYSIA, INDONESIA AND SINGAPORE

PRESS RELEASE KUALA LUMPUR – The recent Moslema in Style Fashion Forward 2015 (MISIFF 2015), a dazzling fashion show event that took place at Tun Razak Hall 4, PWTC made its mark in the fashion history for being the platform that showcased 12 Muslimah fashion labels from Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

The international event which was held on the 7th and 8th of November 2015 was officiated by YB Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, Deputy Minister of Malaysia Tourism and Culture.

“With participation from various countries, this has been a long awaited event among Muslimah fashion fans as on its fourth year, the MISIFF 2015 fashion show will be showcasing international Muslimah fashion designers such as By Anita Yuni, Anniesa Hasibuan, Eksotik by Indah Ambarwati from Indonesia and Sufyaa from Singapore. In addition to that, local designers such as Sri Munawwarah, Minaz, Haziq Scarf, Losravelda, Werda, Telekung Siti Khadijah and Shara Islamic are also participating in the fashion show. As the Silver sponsor for MISIFF 2015, Sri Munawwarah Design will showcase a collection which was recently showcased in London, early October this year” mentioned Datuk Mas Ermieyatie Samsudin in her speech.

There were also exhibition booths offering various fashion labels and products specifically for women and family which were a hit among the visitors. But that’s not all. The participating vendors were not limited to big Muslimah fashion names such as seperti Sri Munawwarah Design, Haziq Scarf, Shara Islamic Fashion, Siti Khadijah, Bella Amara, Minaz, Werda, Ameera Zaini Hijab Revival, Shea Rasol, Sun Fabulous and many more, but also participation from celebrities such as Neelofa with her brand, Naelofar Hijab, Irma Hasmie and Ziana Zain who met her fans while promoting ZAYYEN, a collaboration between the singer with Zatu Emerald boutique. As for women’s beauty care products, a Halal cosmetic brand from Paris, Khadija, was among many international Halal brands that were being used backstage at MISIFF 2015.

Realising how massive Muslimah fashion market is worldwide with an estimation of $USD 500 billion in 2019 and 82% increase in purchasing power since 2013, the platform to promote this sector should be linear with the positive growth that contributes to the world’s economy.

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Each of MISIFF programs provides access to Malaysia’s Muslimah fashion designers and retailers to introduce and position their brands internationally. The good relationship between Moslema In Style and foreign sponsors established years ago through events such as Muslim Lifestyle Expo UK, Islam Channel UK, Saverah Women Expo London,

To achieve Moslema In Style’s objective, “Usrah Usahawan” session was held after “Hijab Talk”. The talk was given by a panel, who is an important individual behind a renowned Muslimah fashion label, Dato’ Tuan Hasnah Tuan Yusoff, the founder of Sri Munawwarah Design and a guest panel, Encik Muhammad Rafie bin Ramli, the founder of Felinna.

Indonesia Muslim Fashion Week, Modanisa Istanbul and the most recent, Moscow Halal Expo; entitled Moslema In Style the exclusivity to present Malaysia’s brands and most importantly to penetrate larger Muslim and Halal market at international level.

“Our effort in bringing Malaysia name forward through Muslimah fashion platform really requires all the support and cooperation from all parties,” said Emy Yuzliza, the founder of Moslema In Style in her speech.

Aligned with Islamic practice in presenting Muslimah fashion, only women were a part of the backstage crew from make-up artists to stylist, and fashion shows were accessible only to invited female guests.

International hijab icons such as Kubra Kapki from Turkey, Aydha Mehnaz from Bangladesh, Azizah Talusan from the Phillipines and Romy Ahmed from United Kingdom were invited for

“Hijab Talk”

session. Emy added,” During the ‘Hijab Talk’ session which was open to public, we were able to see and hear these hijab icons’ experiences in

The MISIFF 2015 event has received support and endorsement from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia and Sri Munawwarah Design. “Sri Munawwarah Design is a Malaysian brand that has received The BrandLaureate Award and is not a foreign name in Malaysia and United Kingdom’s Muslimah fashion industry. Sri Munawwarah Design has just recently returned from London after showcasing their latest collection there,” said Emy. As the official TV station for the event, TV9’s Lin Nisa personalities, Faatin Akib and Shea Rasol also made a special appearance on the runway at MISIFF 2015. Other official media involved in covering the event include Utusan Malaysia newspaper, ATIYA.my – Malaysia’s Muslimah lifestyle web portal, Ala Hijab – Turkey’s web portal, Asians UK magazine from United Kingdom, Azizah magazine from the U.S.A, Muslim Bride magazine from South Africa, Hijabi Mag magazine from The Phillipines and Gaya Magazine from Singapore.

their countries. This was a golden opportunity for these hijab icons’ social media followers to see their countries’ representatives telling and sharing tips according to their respective cultures and customs up close!”.

HIJABIMAG.COM

MISIFF 2015 was sponsored by Sri Munawwarah Design, Mindquest Production, Mirul Amir Photography, Base Model KL, The Duchess Tailor, Pro Taxi, Kotak Gambar, Rumah Pengasih Warga Prihatin, Muslim Lifestyle Expo UK and Moscow Halal Expo, Russia.

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The Bloggers

lane

FAITH, THOUGHTS AND STYLE

THE BLOGGERS LANE

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SYAHIRA

ZAKARIA

BY KAI DARUL

DESCRIBE YOUR BLOG.

Blog: www.stylebysya.com Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Instagram: @syahirazakaria Twitter: @stylebysya FB Fan Page: Stylebysya

Stylebysya is the lifestyle blog of Syahira Zakaria, a twenty something weirdo, that started as her diary for her journey in married life from the age of 20.

WHY DO YOU BLOG? Why I started blogging and why I continue to blog are two different things.

I started blogging on 17 February 2014, exactly one month from #syadhilwedding (read: my wedding). One of the reasons why StylebySya was created was that I wanted to document my journey as a young (20 years old at the time) student wife.

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THE BLOGGERS LANE

Another reason is that my family and friends had asked me to help guide them in fashion. I am a law student, and we, students, are tired of overpriced and over the top clothes that you can find all over magazines and on the internet. I begin my journey in the fashion world, with the sole aim of helping girls out there to live within their means. Everyone wants to be beautiful. And everyone can be. I slip in some fashion tips in my look posts from time to time. So watch out for them!

I continue to blog because I realized over the years that my voice is heard and I have inspired girls out there!

Which is amazing and something I never thought I would achieve with the blog in such a short time. My readers continue to support me and for them, I continue to blog.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE BLOGGING MOMENT? #syadhilwedding. It’s the most challenging posts to write on because I have to find a balance in order to talk about marriage. Marriage isn’t easy and there are many challenges that I’ve had to face and to tell my readers about these challenges, I try my best to ensure that it is not a lash out to any specific person or group.

Rather, it’s a sharing session where I advice my readers on what to expect if they were ever to go through what I have to. It’s also very therapeutic for me to let it out.

My favorite blogpost is about the surprise I received from TAYLOR SWIFT at her Red Tour in KL. My sister won meet and greet passes via a Twitter competition by Cornetto. We were the first to meet Taylor which was when I told her about Enchanted being my wedding song. In the middle of the concert, she dedicated Enchanted, the surprise song, to me. I squealed in joy and then burst into tears.

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WHAT WAS THE MOST CRUEL COMMENT YOU RECEIVED FROM READERS? The most cruel comment I received would be when I was sharing about the challenges I faced in my daily life, like facing friends that are bullies, and this person would tell me that I think too much about what others say. And that I am taking my ‘friends’ jokes too seriously. Because being called a bad wife in the middle of the crowded hallway in college is funny?

MESSAGE TO ASPIRING BLOGGERS? Blogging isn’t about fame and free gifts. It’s a responsibility towards society and I hope all of you take it seriously. Your voice is loud, so choose what you want to be heard.

WHICH DO YOU PREFER? 1. PASTELS OR NEUTRALS OR BRIGHT COLORS? Bright colors.

2. PRINTED OR PLAIN? Plain.

3. PIZZA OR PASTRIES? Pizza!

4. HIGH HEELS OR FLATS? High heels for pictures but flats for walking. LOL!

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THE BLOGGERS LANE

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TIQ

ZULKIFLI

BY KAI DARUL

DESCRIBE YOUR BLOG.

Name: Tiq Zulkifli Blog: www.automatiqhigh.com Location: Singapore Instagram: @automatiqhigh Twitter: @automatiqhigh Facebook Fan Page: Automatiqhigh

It’s really just a space for me to write my thoughts and post visuals. I talk about my cat, my life, and everything else under the sun but it focuses on mostly beauty and fashion.

WHY DO YOU BLOG? I’ve been following the beauty and hijab scene for a while and love how it’s a great industry that involves a lot of education. So I use my blog to share my beauty and fashion knowledge.

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THE BLOGGERS LANE

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WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE BLOGGING MOMENT? There is no particular moment but I love it when I get comments from readers telling me they enjoy reading my beauty posts. I came into a store once and a girl asked if I’m automatiqhigh because she love reading my posts.

1. PASTELS OR NEUTRALS OR BRIGHT COLORS? Bright colors.

WHAT WAS THE MOST CRUEL COMMENT YOU RECEIVED FROM READERS?

2. PRINTED OR PLAIN? Plain.

I don’t think I’ve seen anything that is too cruel. But if they are, it’s the usual, “you are wearing too much makeup” or “makeup is not hijab.” It’s really not so bad.

3. PIZZA OR PASTRIES? Pizza!

MESSAGE TO ASPIRING BLOGGERS? Keep doing what you like doing and don’t give up. It takes a while to grow and be well known. Also, there will be “senior bloggers” who dislike new ones or refuse to make friends with you, ignore them. You do you.

WHICH DO YOU PREFER?

4. HIGH HEELS OR FLATS? High heels for pictures but flats for walking. LOL!

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THE BLOGGERS LANE

AZIZAH TALUSAN

Blog: www.azizahtalusan.com Location: MALAYSIA Instagram: @azizahtalusan Facebook Fan Page: Azhi Zhah (personal), HERs Ikhwaat (Business)

by Kai Darul

Azizah, an excellent Muslim Filipina studying in Malaysia, shares her inspiring story about hijab and her whereabouts.

WHEN DID YOU START WEARING THE HIJAB AND HOW WAS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE?

Since I was born and grew up in Saudi Arabia, we were taught to wear hijab, not because our family is conservative or what. It was because we need to understand the veil’s wisdom at very early age.

I remember the moment when we visited the Philippines for the first time. It was when the 9/11 terrorist attack was still fresh. That time, we were wearing full black abayah, we don’t speak Tagalog nor that good in English.

It was also pretty hard since we the Muslims are part of the minority in the Philippines. Everyone looked at us as if we were the third class citizen, and would treat us with rude face and disrespectful manner.

Then I started to realize what the hijab really meant when I got exposed to the different standard of living, environment and people from the strictest country, Saudi Arabia, to open country, Philippines. I saw how people in the Philippines treated women with veil and abaya. The feeling was totally different, Wallahi, and I was in full swing appreciating what Islam was trying to make us understand its wisdom behind.

I thanked my parents especially my mom (Allah yarhama) for raising us this way and taught us to go beyond our comfort zone with piece of scarf everywhere we go.

Everyone looked at us as if we were the third class citizen, and would treat us with rude face and disrespectful manner.

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Love what you do and appreciate every single thing you have, be contented.

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU START BLOGGING? I started blogging in 2009, while I was day dreaming. lol. I had lots of thoughts to write down, one of those is my personal journey.

DESCRIBE YOUR BLOG. My blog basically is all about contemporary women (Middle East and Asia)’s experience, UNESCO (Mainly Education and Culture), Youth Development Community, Travelogue, and the best part is stories of People I Met (Success, pain, struggle and many to mention).

BEING A HIJABI, ENTREPRENEUR AND BLOGGER, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME SUCH? So far, I face challenges every day, which is the commitment.

Every day I wake up, I look myself in the mirror and ask myself what have I done so far, how can I contribute to my society and what I can teach my young generations especially my little girl for their future endeavor.

Being a Young Global Ambassador (United Nations, USA) is pretty tough, facing projects which needed to be implemented, finishing my master degree and managing our business HERs-LAHA plus personal life as mom and a wife.

So what I normally do is reinforcement, meaning take every decision positively. Do your best and leave the rest to Him Almighty. Love what you do and appreciate every single thing you have, be contented. Listen to every wisdom Allah has given to you because there is a message behind. Believe in miracle and always take decision quickly and move on.

DOES YOUR PRESENCE ONLINE AFFECT YOUR OFFLINE LIFE? IF SO, HOW? Well, my offline life isn’t affected too much. As you can see I don’t have a lot of followers in Instagram. I tend to be more into personal communication/network through meet up, email and whatsapp rather than having lot followers, but no good friends.

As a mom, a student and an entrepreneur who is actively involved with social community, I time management and balance life is crucial.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE BLOGGING MOMENT? Hmmmmm well I love every part of my write-ups, every story has meanings that I like to share to our young ladies out there.

People often think that I am a kind of person who is living with luxurious kind of life. Yes, that is true but it is not the reality. What they never knew was that I sleep on the floor, I eat Maggi only. My most memorable blogging moment, when I joined one of the toughest competition known as Nuffnang one of the leading community for bloggers last 2013, that time I was pregnant 7months, so by mercy of God I managed to win people’s heart by leading a good example as a mom-to-be, a wife, a student and a youth leader in Malaysia.

ANY PIECES OF ADVICE TO YOUNGER AND STRUGGLING HIJABIS ALIKE? To my dear young women, I know how it feels like being a hijabi or a non-hijabi, and coming from different walks of life in any situation, environment and lifestyle. All I can say is just be who you are inside out.

Whether your parents raised you well or not, you are lucky enough to understand your duty as a woman. Actually it is not just about hijab.

When we face difficulties, it is us who make it hard on ourselves.

Because we let our akhlaq (attitude) be dependent on how other professed of us.

Being a hijabi is not difficult, believe me. It’s just how you perceive it and deal with people from different religion, culture. I have a lot of non-Muslim friends, in fact more in number than Muslims, they even love and appreciate how I carry myself with piece of scarf on my head. It’s nothing. So make it as your own high-end signature everywhere you go. You will find respect, harmony and peace through the hijab.

HIJABI

POETRY

EIGHT HOURS

EVERLYN JAJI Now I will undress my hair and shape it into a perfect bun.

For eight hours, I will be the mother of a helpless child or an adolescent, or the friend of he who is deprived of candies or dried fish, or the grandchild whose name changes everyday, ever hour.

It could have been eight blessed hours of no uninvited stranger gazes, of no sin added to my sin bank, had they not been so singleminded about my kind’s aged war with theirs.

“

If, for once, they smile at me and at my hair dressed, perhaps I am a teacher to the children, the adolescents and the aged.

As the one seems strange and hostile later proves to have a shakable hand.

Perhaps my veil can sweep sands off their hearts so that it could bear, like a melody Let its sound fill our need of dove and friends.

Now I will be a mother, a friend, a grandchild whose name changes everyday, and I like to think my hair is dressed.

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WEARING HIJAB

KHADIJA ANNALISE Wearing hijab doesn’t make me oppress, and it doesn’t mean I value less.

It teaches purity and chastity, a commandant from my Lord to protect my dignity.

Wearing hijab doesn’t stop me from having fun, as long as it’s not involving haram.

It gives me much respect to myself, and others respect me as a person as well.

Wearing hijab means having freedom, It is my choice, my rights and my protection.

Makes me feel spiritually closer to the Creator, So people recognize me as a muslimah.

Wearing hijab teaches women like they are queens , Her beauty is only for her husband to see.

For people to honor her in higher degree, And don’t treat her like she’s cheap.

Wearing hijab is like covering and protecting a beautiful jewel , Like inside a shell – deep in the ocean -is a pearl.

Especially diamonds deep inside in the ground, And the gold that is deep in the mine, covered with layers of rock so it takes longer to be found.

FINAL DESTINATION FINALLY

SAHRA MACHARIA You are yet to see real trouble When the earth shaken to its last rubble Everything man lived for will all crumble Laa illah ila Allah will not stumble Those living without aim now fumble Eventually when they cant mumble Unable 6feet under to answer final riddle Sorted out from those among the noble Secure will they be than finger in a thimble Woe to those who took life for a jingle Flaunting proudly in public they wiggle When the final horn blown will yoddle Indeed all their deeds will burst like a bubble Bit none will give an ear to their grumble Their refuge but a blazing fire that will cuddle Them as fuel in excess they will tumble In the pit of hell like a mountain of pebble Pain worse than agony of death now double Submit to Him and set an example of being humble Times now changed into something else but simple How so they make fuss cause of just a pimple Without piety all matters will definitely stumble For the devil has made you his personal saddle Best to follow the right path of faith hustle Contrary path full of snakes that ever rattle But a short while we shall spend in this bustle Persevere and wisely use your inner muscle Therefore being in heaven among the best sample Only if evils mouth permanently you staple Then sincerely follow the last best example Muhammad (SAW) abduhu wa Rasullulah.

”

hijabimag Editor-in-chief Kai Darul

Section Editors: Beauty and Fashion Lifestyle Spirituality The Hijabi

PR Manager Tasks Scheduler Web Designer

For this Issue: Creative Designers Writers and Contributors:

Joenah Joyce Esmalla Kai Darul Najmah Capal Ayeesha Dicali

Karren Kaye Mambuay "Precious Blue Pearl" Najmah Capal

Najmah Capal Kai Darul Ever Jaji Jannah Valdez Joenah Joyce Esmalla Kai Darul Karren Kaye Mambuay Khadijah Annalise Sahra Macharia

Manila / Zamboanga City, Philippines hijabimag.com/contact

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