Reverting to my niqab and steadfastness

Question:

Asalamualaikum

I really want to do an alimah course but i don’t know where to start from. I have no friends who are practicing muslims. Another thing is i use to wear a niqaab from 2005. I took it off in 2009 and that was the biggest mistake I ever made. I have never took my abaya and hijab off but recently i am craving to wear my niqab again as i know it will protect me from a lot of things. Even with my loose abaya and hijab i have men staring…and i don’t want anyone looking at me. I am married. I fear Allah .. My family will laugh and say for how long now? Can you please advise me.

Jazakallahu khairan.

Salam

Answered by Umm Yusuf Abdul Sattar
Verified by Mufti Abdur Rahman ibn Yusuf

In the name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful

As Muslims, we are obligated to adhere to all of the tenets of our faith, regardless of how our families, our friends, and society may react. As a practicing Muslim, you have held fast to the laws of modesty; your unwavering commitment to wearing an abaya and hijab are a testament to that. In the same way, we encourage you to re-adopt the niqab, which is considered necessary (wajib) according to the jurists of the Hanafi school of thought. In the words of our Beloved Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), “There is no obedience to any creation in which the disobedience of the Creator is involved.” (Baghawi) Your concern should not rest on what your family or friends may say about your wearing niqab; rather, your concern should rest solely on pleasing Allah Most High.

We also commend you on your yearning to complete the Aalimah program. Alhamdulillah, there are so many institutes offering full-time learning programs, in-person, as well as online. If your family obligations prevent you from enrolling in a full-time program, start with one class, master it, and then move on course by course. The words of our Beloved Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) are a source of guidance for us in every aspect of our lives. “The most beloved actions to Allah are those performed consistently, even if they are few.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Lastly, we strongly encourage you to visit your local Islamic center, masjid or classes. It is essential for your spiritual growth that you develop positive, Islamically-grounded relationships with other women from your local community. Often times, it is the support from like-minded community members that helps us overcome obstacles raised by our own families. Remain steadfast in your prayer and your remembrance of Allah Most High.

Ustadha Umm Yusuf