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Zaid Alsalami,
Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from ANU, Canberra. He has written and translated several Islamic texts and also prepared educational videos on Islamic rulings and practices. 707 Answers
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Zeinab Donati,
Zeinab Donati has been studying books about various Islamic subjects for more than 19 years. She is deeply interested in history and politics as well as social issues in particular those pertaining to women. 32 Answers
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Rebecca Masterton,
Dr Rebecca Masterton graduated with a BA in Japanese Language and Literature; an MA in Comparative East Asian and African Literature and a PhD in Islamic literature of West Africa. She has been teaching for seventeen years through different media, and has also worked in media for ten years, producing and presenting programs for several TV channels. 110 Answers
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Amina Inloes,
Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the Islamic College in London and also the Managing Editor of the Journal of Shi'a Islamic Studies. 651 Answers
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Shyrose Jaffer Dhalla,
Zakira Shyrose Jaffer Dhalla is a graduate of York University in Canada from where she obtained a BA in Psychology and Sociology and a Masters in the field of Education. She lectures on Islam at mosques, universities, churches and interfaith gatherings and also recites majalises in Urdu, English and Gujarati. A published freelance writer, playwright, motivational speaker and Anti-Racist Educational Counsellor by profession, she conducts workshops on Race and Cultural sensitivity and often appears on TV program panels and radio talk shows to speak on Race Relations. 4 Answers
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Masuma Jaffer,
Dr Masuma Jaffer is a qualified dentist, with a Masters in Islamic Studies and has also attended Hawza in Qum. She obtained a PGCE - teaching qualification – and has taught Hawza studies at the Islamic College in London. She also has a Diploma in Counselling and is a Qualified Chaplain and worked with women prisoners at Holloway and with Hertfordshire Police advising them on Muslim matters. 10 Answers
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Bismihi ta'ala
As human beings we are naturally inclined to covering up, and this is something intrinsic within our very nature that Almighty God has endowed upon us.
Islam mandates that we stay with our fitrah, under all circumstances, irrespective of time or place. We need to preserve our traditional ways as modest dignified human beings, irrespective of what our current society has evolved into.
If we look back 50 years, we can see that "covering up" was not only the trend, but all of society found it to be abnormal for someone to have their hair exposed.
As Muslims, male and female, we must feel empowered by what the Almighty has mandated upon us, because the benefit will all return back to us. If we fall short of strengthening our faith in this, by educating ourselves and surrounding ourselves with a positive spiritual and religious atmosphere, then we will start entering into doubts and giving into misconceptions.
As a Muslim, you know that hijab is obligatory, and your level of knowledge or faith might not be that strong to feel its value and necessity. Taking it off will not increase your knowledge or faith in it, but rather remove you further away from it.
We all struggle with our spiritual and religious challenges we face on a daily basis. For instance, how many of us really feel connected to God when we pray? If it was the case that because I don't feel that connection with God, I am going to stop praying until I get that connection.
Or, I don't understand the Quran, and therefore I am not going to read it until I am "ready". That will never happen.
I can say that these kind of thoughts are shaitani thoughts, and we need to be positive about it and work on it. Yes, we need to challenge ourselves, and question our ways, but also find satisfactory results that would not only please ourselves, but also please the Almighty.
Abandoning hijab will not bring her closer to Islam or will not grant her access to understanding the importance of wearing hijab. It will do exactly the opposite. When we turn away from God, things wont get better.
Yes, it is very difficult to wear hijab, especially in an environment which goes completely against it, but that is the beauty of it, and it is what will make you stronger.
The best scenario would be for her to continue on with observing hijab, but dedicate as much time and effort in learning about it. Spend time on researching about your religion and how you can increase your faith and practice it with comprehension and devotion. Be inspired by the right people and gain positive influence through religious people.
Do not be distracted or deceived by how society has evolved itself into today. Preserve your dignity, your modesty and your nature of who you are, and be proud of it.
With prayers for your success.