A Muslim Woman's Diary

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There is no vessel worse for a person to fill than his stomach. A few mouthfuls should suffice to keep him on his feet. But if he must eat more, then let him fill one-third of his stomach with food, one-third with drink and leave one-third for easy breathing. After morning prayers and devotions, you are prepared to meet the events of the day. The most important points to remember are to act with taqwa (the fear of Allah) in your heart, and to keep in mind the commandments of Allah, and the sunnah (practices) and hadith (sayings) of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). In Chapter 2, Women’s Issues, you have already come across the explanation of hijab or purdah. Once again, Islam stresses the relationship between body and mind. The wearing of the outer garments and veiling of the body leads to veiling of the heart and shielding it from impure thoughts.

When Muslims practice Islamic hygiene in the correct manner, they benefit in two ways: their outward purity helps them achieve inner purity, and the whole society benefits because many health hazards can be avoided. The most important aspect of good hygiene is cleanliness. In accordance with the Islamic belief that the condition of the body affects the mind, physical cleanliness is essential for spiritual well-being. Allah says:When in doubt, try and keep your heart, thoughts and sight firmly focused on seeking refuge in Allah with patience and trust. Allah revealed in the Holy Qur’an that He answers the prayers of believers (see Holy Qur’an, 2:187). Even when the way is dark and dreary, and you are not making the progress you hoped for, do not even think of giving up! Concentrate your efforts on self-improvement, and beg Allah’s help. The head is wiped over with wet hands, and the inner side of the ears wiped with the forefingers and the outer side with the thumbs.

The first three categories are prohibited because they are harmful to the body, and that which is harmful to the body is harmful to the spirit. The last prohibition relates to something which is directly harmful morally and spiritually, as it amounts to association of others with God. Allah has made the provision that a believer may use prohibited food if absolutely necessary; i.e., if it is a matter of life and death. The end of the Holy month of Ramadhan is marked by the festival of Eid ul Fitr. This joyous day is celebrated to give thanks for the blessings of Ramadhan. Muslims attend the congregational Eid prayer service which is held in the morning, and then spend the rest of the day exchanging greetings and gifts with family and friends. They wear new clothing, cook delicious food and invite friends and neighbors to celebrate with them. Fasting during Ramadhan inspires sympathy for the hungry and needy, and encourages Muslims to donate generously to the poor. When you visit your brethren tidy up your clothes and your mounts for Allah does not like dirt and untidiness.

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Allah desires not to put you in a difficulty: but desires to purify you and complete His favors unto you that you may prosper.” (Holy Qur’an, 5:7) Beg of Allah all that you stand in need of, even the salt you need or the shoelace that has snapped. Bathing is the complete washing of the entire body. As Islam encourages one to be in a constant state of cleanliness, it goes without saying that bathing should be part of a Muslim’s daily hygiene. Allah states in the Holy Qur’an: While you may perform ablution before every prayer, it becomes necessary only after using the restroom, after vomiting or bleeding occurs and after one has been asleep. Acquiring the habit of wudhu not only fulfills the religious injunction, it also helps you maintain habitual cleanliness and self discipline. If you are a new convert to Islam through Ahmadiyyat, you will be meeting Ahmadi women from other countries. While their customs and language may make them seem like strangers to you, they are not strangers. You are bonded to them as sisters in religion. Moreover, you are all members of the Ahmadi women’s organization, the Lajna Imaillah (see Chapter 7 for more information).