Fix Up, Look Sharp

So what makes a Muslim stand out? His appearance, attitude, dress, behaviour and good deeds.

As a suitor and a da'wah carrier, you lead by example and show that you have a message.

The prophet (saw) was travelling to meet some brothers in Islam and he told his companions:

"You are going to visit your brothers, so repair your saddles and make sure you are dressed well, so that you will stand out among people like an adornment, for Allah (swt) does not love ugliness." [Ibn Al-Hanzaliyyah]

The appearance of a man cannot be separated from his inner nature. He has a responsibility. A responsibility to look after himself.

The prophet (saw) said to Abdullah ibn 'Amr:

"Have I not been informed that you fast all day and pray all night?' I said, 'Yes, Messenger of Allah.' He said, 'Do not do it. Fast and break the fast, and sleep and pray. Your body has a right over you, your eye has a right over you, your wife has a right over you, and your visitor has a right over you." [Bukhari & Muslim]

That's right . . your body, has a right over you.

Now you get those who go way over the top and you get those who outright neglect themselves. The key is moderation.

Lets break it down a little . .

Appearance
Dress properly. No doubt, branded goods cost. A sense of style on the other hand doesn't. I suppose I could write an essay on the how to and how not to dress but I'm sure you've all got an individual sense of fashion. Besides, that's not my intention hehe :)

The Muslim man is very clean. He should wash regularly and follow the Sunnah of the prophet(saw). He shouldn't have any unpleasant smells coming from himself or his clothes.

You should look after your hair and beard. there's a narration where the prophet (saw) compared an unkept persons characteristics to the shaytaan. Thus, it's extremely important to fix up and look presentable.

That's right boys, if you want to go out and buy a hair straightener, go treat yourselves today!

*Ahem*

So . . lets continue . .

Body and Health
Look after your body. For it has a right over you. I really can't emphasise this enough.

A few guidelines I stick by:

• Eat Breakfast - Energy from the first hour and you tend to be less hungry throughout the day. It also sets the trend for the day. One tends to eat healthier.
  
• Eat whole foods 90% of the time - Whole foods are unprocessed/unrefined (or a little). Examples: Fresh meat, fish, eggs, veggies, fruit, rice, oats, nuts etc . .
• Eat small but often - You feel fuller and it stops you from having unnecessary cravings and overeating when you do go for that one huge meal. Yes, we're all guilty of it!
• Protein and Fuits/Veg with each meal - You need protein to help build/maintain muscle and fruit/vegs are full of the good stuff and usually low in calories.
• Drink water - Prevents dehydration and helps you control what you eat with each meal.

Exercise. Exercising gives you strength, energy and vitality to your body. You will look better, feel better and more importantly look after what Allah (swt) has provided you with. There are hundreds of reasons why one should train. Do take the time to Google the advantages.

I'm a big fan of Boxing/Weight, Resistance, Isometric, Plyometric Training. Do something that works for you. Schedule something you can stick to. Contrary to popular belief, you can spend 35 minutes in the gym and still build muscle mass. There's this false perception you must spend hours to see a return. Something is better than nothing.

Final Words
Look good and be good. You will be more active, attractive, confident, energetic, empowered and fly™.

Go out there and present the deen of Allah the way it should be done. Be prepared to be distinguished by your appearance, dress, behaviour and good deeds. Lead by example. Excel in all areas. You are the full package. Ready to find the wifey.

Peace out :)

The one that got away

I remember when I first heard her speak. It was at a debate. She raised her hand and made a comment. I was surprised to learn it was a young lady. Wow. Mashallah! I was impressed. I have never heard a female talk so eloquently. In fact, it's abnormal for a young person to talk like that. Yes I learnt that because I too, was one of these abnormal people who talked too much sense for a kid. I had no idea who she was. This was over 3 years ago, maybe 4?

I attended an event about 2 years ago. Guess who was chairing the event? It was the mystery girl! Noor (light) glowing on her face, dressed ever so modestly. She was beautiful. More so, she was pious and intelligent. This time I left with a name.

I soon got caught up in my world. I moved on, life moved on.

A few weeks ago on facebook, I was posting on a friends wall. I noticed a note he was tagged in. It was by the same girl. I was like ooooooo . . eeeee.

I touched a few bases to find out more about her. Same age, same year of University. She even had the same hobbies and interests! Interesting . .

She had a mutual friend. A sincere, pious Sister I knew. I dropped her a message asking her if she could pursue this girl and find out if she was interested in marriage. Bless her. She was more than willing to be of assistance. May Allah reward her for her assistance.

Off she went to plant a few seeds and drop some references.

I got word back and she said she only seems to be interested if I was willing to relocate to the other end of the country. She wasn't even interested in finding out more about me. She'd just 'consider me' based on that premise. I scrutinised more and sister x asked her more questions.


I was left dumbstruck. So was sister x. Girls are complaining there are no decent men around and vice versa. I'm rejected solely based on conditional criteria? Wow! Not quite as rational and intelligent as I may have thought.

The graduate scheme I've been eyeing up is based around there. However based on her original premise I don't think it would have worked out well. I'm also greatful to have found out this early in the stage.

Bummed out . . . . but It's just another excuse for the inevitable plan that Allah (swt) has in-store.

Howzat for a bombshell?

And so it continues . .