Muslim Women In Love: What didn’t you know before you got married?

[Note: The woman in the photo is not the author of this blog post. This is just a random Flickr image that relates to the words below.]

The “something silly” that I didn’t realize until I got married is that blow-drying, curling, and other time-consuming hairstyling techniques can be really pointless once you find yourself washing your hair as often as married women do (you know, “the morning after”). So, I had to figure out new ways to do my hair. More about that coming up in the first issue of Muslimette in November.


For now, do tell. What are some trivial things that you didn’t think about before you got married? Anything funny, annoying, or surprising? [Please no husband bashing here… That’s for a later post (just kidding!).]


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Image made using: mezone – She’s not a hijabi, fyi.

243 thoughts on “Muslim Women In Love: What didn’t you know before you got married?

  1. Samira

    1. Something funny (and sometimes nasty) That sharing a bathroom means things stop being cute real fast (especially if your sweetie is a bathroom hog)
    2. Something kind of profound- That men aren’t so different from women in the stuff that really matters.
    3. Something kind of sweet-That a meal taste so much better when you share it with the one you love. AWWWW.

    1. Muslimette

      1. LOL!

      2. True.

      3. AWWW! :-)

    2. Shamirah Basimah Abdullah Muhammad

      naam sis i feel u i hate sharing the bathroom with my husband i told him we gonna have to upgrade between him n the kids my cowife n i go crazy we clean the bathroom twice a day once n the morning n once at night

  2. Ahdia

    I didn’t realize/know until I got married that I had to make full meals on a nightly basis, no more picking here and there when I wasn’t “in the mood to cook”

    1. Muslimette

      You cook every single night? MashaAllah, I aspire to be like you Ahdia! Do you make the same meals over and over again or do you have a plethora of recipes in your stash?

      1. Zaynah

        I was replying another post on here when this idea struck me. Why didn’t I think of sharing it before???

        Use a pressure cooker for cooking if you need to do it every night. I use mine here and it’s a life saver! Basically, you just gather all your ingredients, throw them in the cooker, close, let pressure build, reduce heat, and in 10-20 mins, you have a meal. I usually use slow cooker recipes and just swap the slow cooker for the pressure cooker. Dinner on the table in 45 minutes tops, prep time included!

  3. Anonymous

    I didn’t realize until I got married that I had to live and put up with my mother in law all my life..
    hmmmmmm

    1. Muslimette

      I love my mother-in-law! She really is the best. :-)

  4. Zaynah

    All of them very true, and was really stunned about the ‘morning after’ hair too! Makes you wanna go with a short hairstyle (had a boyish cut when I married, but grown out now and long hair is a pain to manage!)

    What I didn’t realise was – someone hogs the quilt! I love snuggling in my quilt and then middle of the night, whoosh, ice-cold breeze on my skin and there I start sneezing. The compromise? Each sleeps with his/her own quilt, but then you miss on the cuddling to sleep bit, which makes it such that you schedule time to cuddle before going to sleep, which then leaves your half of the bed totally cold while you snuggled in hubby’s half, which then makes you reluctant to go to your side and you sleep under the one quilt, which then, full circle, leaves you with whoosh, a taken-over quilt in the middle of the night.
    Did that make sense?

    On the cooking thing, I cook every other day, and cook a big bunch so there’s food for tomorrow too.
    And yes, a shared meal tastes great. I especially love the breakfast routine – who knew having coffee together even with sleep-spiked hair and not a hint of makeup on your sleep-blotchy skin was so blissful?

    1. Huda

      Yeah. I recommend going at least one size up when buying blankets! –go king size (top sheet and blanket only) for a double or queen size mattress and queen for a single size mattress…I don’t know what you’d do if you have a king size bed!

      1. Zaynah

        Thanks Huda. Hadn’t thought of that.
        True though – what to do when you go King size? Oh, I know – buy two quilts exactly alike and stitch them up the center!

      2. Huda

        LOL–that’ll work! …would cut out the bulk of having two blankets… ;-)

      3. Zaynah

        Lol, exactly!
        As long as someone didn’t roll up in it like in a cocoon or a spring roll, the stitched-two should do fine!

      4. DiDi

        dont stict the quilts just overlap in making and when whoosh happens you still have “your” quilt!

    2. yasira

      Lol sista ur funny, i aint married but ill prepare myself for the whoosh thenyou get the ice cold lol

      1. Zaynah

        It definitely feels like that! And when you’re like me, sneeze whenever something cold hits/touches you, you can imagine the plight when the quilt is ambushed into the other side of the bed!

      2. Cutiepie

        wait guys i dont get it yet

        what r u guys talkin about??

        plus Zaynah u’re funny sis

  5. amira

    Well I’m not married nor even engaged yet, but I’m waiting for that special someone to share everything with…

    For long hair management by the way, I have long wavy hair and thinking that maybe after marriage I’ll have to go through hairstyling every now and then made me worried about all the time wasted for this, now I’m not that I found out that mostly I’ll still go with my natural hair styling :D

    I love your comments, and I love this magazine… thnx all for reading my silly one :D

    1. Zaynah

      Amira,
      The best ‘investment’ I’ve found for those hair woes is a good leave-in conditioner. I don’t have time to apply the thing in the shower and let it work, then take ages to rinse out. I got Dove’s sleek and silky leave-in conditioner and use a small dollop on damp hair and if I have time, blow-dry or else I let it air-dry.
      Investing in good products is the way to go for long hair, especially when you need to wash and ‘do’ it every so often.
      And no, lol, yours wasn’t a silly one at all!

      1. amira

        Thnx a lot Zaynah – love ur name BTW :)

      2. Zaynah

        Thanks! It was the name of my dad’s mother.
        Hope you get to manage your hair. I’ve found salon-sold stuff works even better than drugstore versions (if you can afford it, though Dove works good too), and if you’ve got dry hair, the Kerastase line is wonderful. I use the L’Oreal Professional, Liss-Extreme, serum from time to time. It’s always a good investment, especially on days where the humidity may be low and you end up with your hair resembling something that’s been back-combed to death!

      3. amira

        Hehehehehe thnx a lot, I’ll try that. I’ve tried new way because my hair started to fall a lot lately – that is eggs :)

        They really make a difference in hair texture and give a beautiful shine and color… all you have to do is beat an egg or two (according to your hair length) and you can add a small spoon of olive oil (if you have dry hair)… leave it on your hair for 30 minutes before your shower then wash it as usual… you’ll realize a difference ;)

      4. Zaynah

        Thanks Amira. Haven’t tried that but maybe I will. I’ve got greasy hair though, so not sure if the egg will work. Can try it on the ends though.

      5. Huda

        Mayonnaise can also do the trick–and it’s less messy than eggs but is based on the same principle (putting egg in your hair).

  6. Sakeena

    LOL! haha im only 16-and deffo not ready 2 marry, but gosh all these comments make me laugh! and they r soooo cute Mashallah! especially Zaynah about the quilt thing! sooo cute and funny =)

    1. Zaynah

      Lol, yeah, it sounds cute. The thing is, there’s always something cute and lovable in married life, it’s only after the fact happens (like with the quilt!) that you realize how much of a warm, fuzzy feeling is there all the time with you.
      Really worth it with the right someone, and with Allah’s blessing in your home.

      1. Shadia

        I found this so helpful, although I am only 16. I want to get married and have those moments where you tell him, “did you know what you did?” Zaynah I wanted to ask about marriage and love. I don’t want to be set with someone the traditional way I want to know the person and gradually fall in love. Can this happen in the halal form or what. I have seen a long line of unhappy marriages and stuggles in my family in general and I don’t want this.I want to feel independent but with a trustful and loving husband by my side and our kids to spread our knowledge to them and protect them.

      2. Zaynah

        Oh dear, I typed you a long reply but the post ate my email and didn’t have it come up! Arghh!

        Okay, this is what I said – when I was 17, I fell in love and dated a guy who seemed perfect, exactly the kind of man I had as the perfect suitor – outgoing, popular in every crowd, very handsome and he looked like he’d bring the moon down for me if I asked him. I met him on my own, we dated, he proposed, and we got married. Nothing traditional there, and I didn’t want to do traditional at all! One month into the marriage, I found out he had not just one, but 3 mistresses. And get it that he wasn’t in for marriage with them, as in 4 wives is legal for him. No, he chased skirt and jumped beds! We divorced, and I was devastated. I swore I’d never get married again!
        Then about a year later my cousin introduced me to her brother in law. He was recently divorced too, and when we met, in the traditional setup with family, he was just so not what I had as my idea of the ideal man. He was terribly quiet, reserved, always in the shadows. I always knew I wanted an outgoing and popular man, but look where my ex had gotten me. I spoke to this man (speaking is allowed when considering a prospect/propoal), found out he was a good, solid, responsible and honorable man. Every referral I also got on him pointed that way (as opposed to my ex whom everyone told me was a cad, but did I listen? No, I thought I knew better). So this man here, wasn’t my idea of perfect, but while he wasn’t Mr. Perfect, he could be a Mr. Good Enough.
        We were married shortly after, and I went in with a ‘bismillah-hir-rahman-ir-rahim’ and as in a deal – determined to make it work and stick it through. I didn’t love him, didn’t think I would love him coz he was so different from me. But today I can tell you we’re both head over heels in love, and 8 years after, it’s almost as if this love is growing more every day. We call each other silly names even in front of the family and our kids are ‘ashamed’ of us so much we’re cuddly and demonstrative before them. We share jokes, and we even think of the same thing at the same time or he completes my sentences for me. He knows what makes me betetr after a long day, and I know when he is tired but isn’t saying anything. Yes, love does happen after marriage. The real clincher is trust, dedication and commitment – if you find you can have that with a man, even if the sparks the kind of a Fourth of July firework aren’t there, that’s what matters in making a marriage work and to bring the kind of stability and good environment for your children. We went in both with the intention to leave it all in Allah’s hands and believe me, Allah’s blessings do shower upon us when we make the effort to place ourselves in His hands.
        I’ll tell you- talk with any suitor. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions to find if this man can be a go for you or not. Know what your ultimate goal is – find if this guy will mesh with this goal and view. That’s what you need more than anything in a marriage – to have common goals to take you through. Don’t get me wrong, all is not rosy everytime in my marriage! My husband’s got a temper and I’ve got one too, and I must’ve broken all the wedding china in the fights we’ve had so far! Nothing will ever be perfect, but you gotta know what you want. Love, the kind of rosy, bubbly thing we usually desire is an illusion – it’s just infatuation that will never evolve to something stronger or deeper if this man doesn’t share the same goal as you do. And if he does already, then it’s not this fickle infatuation that you’ll feel in the first place. Many people get in relationships because of a crush on the other person, and then when the feeling dies down they’re left with nothing to go on and it’s the breakup or the relationship going sour and bad.
        Of course, I cannot tell you to do this as I did – I’m just giving you my own experience.
        But if you trust in Allah and know that what He’ll do will be best for us, then don’t just heed your heart. Yes, we’re human and we want that bubbly feeling, but look beyond this as our heart is terribly easy for shaitaan to manipulate. Think with your head too, and look to the future. And also, always keep Allah in every consideration.
        I hope this helped. If anything is confusing or unclear, do not hesitate to ask!

      3. Rabeeyah

        Wow! I must say that is a lovely story and very good advice! I am not married yet, and will definitely take that into consideration. I guess keeping Allah in mind and seekign his guidance will for sure alleviate our worries!

      4. Harigelita

        Assalamu’alaikum Sister,

        I’m currently being set up the traditional way. I really wish I can keep Allah in consideration during this process too. Hopefully, our (mine and his) motives and hopes of Allah’s blessing in the Hereafter are the same. I thoroughly agree with all that you say. I trust Allah will do the best for me too. Also the shaitaan bit, its so true. May Allah Bless you and your family for sharing such encouraging words. Amiiin!

      5. Rabeeyah

        Salaam Sister, may Allah make it easy on u.

      6. a young Sister

        hmm I know im young for marriage, im just in my teens. But i was still worried for the future about the same thing. “not finding the right guy” but your messege makes me feel a lot better. And inshallah i hope i find the “right” husband in the future. Thanks for sharinggg!!! Jazakallah khair.

      7. Zaynah

        Hey gals

        Just have faith in Allah. The rest is well, history! faith in the Almighty is all we need to take us through life.

      8. Muslim Girl

        @ zaynah… Salam sister.. I just stumbled upon this blog while searching for hijab fashion blogs… and I am thankful for that… I have loved your advice and basically u r talking about the dilemma of my life which I am facing right now… I had been in luv with a guy when I was 17.. but then we were on and off until I was 21 and I decided to put a period to it by getting my nikah done with a guy in my family.. now it has been almost four year since we have gotten our nikah done but circumstances are not allowing for us to consume our marriage… ( in our culture nikah is seen as somewhat engagement and “rukhsati” – girl moving into guy’s house – is seen as proper marriage) … anyways I am still so confused even after almost 4 years whether to go on with this marriage or not… there are so many issues – economic, understanding and what not … but still my heart says to just trust Allah and go on with this marraige… your advice has made me feel so much better as putting my trust on Allah… My life is in sucha mess .. please pray for my problems to be solved ..

      9. fatimah agha

        ASA
        dear sister,
        ur article surely helped!! not just for those who are yet to get married but for those who have been years into their marraige as well..it reminds us that love comes from Allah if only we trust Him, every thing will fall into place for nothing is difficult for Allah..he changes every thing for the best..there is morning after every night and as long as we cherish what we have and we overlook what we feel we lack in our life, then Allah will suffice for those who put their affairs in His hands…
        i love this beautiful saying:
        “if u put every thing in Allah’s Hands then you’ll see Allah’s Hand in Every thing…”

        Jazakallah!!!

      10. khan

        shadia..don’t be tens….life means struggle with out struggling u may not get any thing…….bilive in ALLAH & ALLAH mercy……..u may live happy life

  7. Jamerican Muslimah

    I didn’t realize there would be times when you may be in the middle of a heated argument and then salah comes in. It’s kinda like…do I want to pray with you now that you’ve made me mad? LOL. (But you should).

    1. Samira

      Yup Jamerican! That is so true. But the prayer helps soooo much. The peace comes rushing in and the calm. Alhamdulilah. And then the making up is sooooooo good. LOL!

      1. khan

        realy the love of ALLAH ALLAH RASOOL (SAW)…………………..success in life

    2. Zaynah

      Salah is a great time-out, and really allows you to destress and focus on something else.
      Sometimes the argument will still be simmering, but hey, that’s what being married is about too – interaction with someone else! It’s a bit the spice of life too. And Samira is right too – so good making up again!

    3. dana

      Soooo true,i definitely had that problem more than once.oooh and then that guilt sweeps over you.And you have to be the better person,it can be wild.(haha)

  8. Muslimah2Muslimah

    The hair thing was such a hassle at first… I used to try to do a different style allof the time. Once I realized all the hair washing I had to do everyday, I chose a more manageable, practical style! Lol… I had to share this with my bestie, Nadira recently because she is a newlywed… Great topic…

    -Najwa
    Muslimah2Muslimah

    1. Rabeeyah

      Salam Najwa! By the way u guys rock! I love ur website…so wat is the manageable practical style ur referring to? Braids? I think one thing would be going natural otherwise my hair would just fall off…

      1. Amirah

        Hey everyone I was just reading this and you guys jsut make me laugh in a good way. I mean im not married (only 17) so i wouldn’t know about washing my hair ‘the mornig after’ but if you must wash your hair every so often just make sure you apply coconut oil before washing because shampoo strips your hair of all the natrual oils. So coconut oil helps your hair to retain some of its oils. And also another easy solution to the hair thing is to just wash you hair dry it and apply what ever moisturizer you use and just put on you hijab then you won’t need to worry about always styling your hair you know. whats under the hijab stays under the hijab:PLOL LOL. Anyway I hope you all find the solutions to your concerns. And inshallah someday I will too. :P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P

  9. sedef eren

    Bismillah,

    Maybe some of you sisters came from a very woman-power household before marriage, like me. I had a single mom and was the only child at home. When I got married I wasn’t expecting so much cooperation! I was used to doing things MY WAY and, at first, I wanted my husband to do things MY WAY too! But Alhamdulillah I’ve realized that trying to control your husband is inhumane!! and disrepectful. My advice: respect his choices without criticism, and encourage him lots and everyone is happy! it’s a guaranteed success i’A.

    Also….deffo wasn’t expecting to cook every night…but that’s why I have my mom on speed dial! “Mom? Why aren’t the taco shells frying the way i want?”

    1. Zaynah

      Lol, I love the mom-on-speed-dial thing! It used to be my saviour when I just got married and had to handle a kitchen all alone. I remember that call I made once – uh, Mom, how long do you need to boil an egg? (yes, that did happen!)
      Yes, the men do help, could be something about following the examples of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) who said a man should aid his wife and not hinder her.
      Definitely respect his choices, and another thing I learned, if he’s sulking or in a funk, don’t get involved or let your own hackles rise, even if you need to bite your lip very hard for that. Let him work his way out of it, and most often, he’ll come back to you and you just know by his gestures and the way he is, that he is saying, thank you for standing by me. Compromise a lot, and just know that in a marriage, there’s a winner only if the two involved stick together and both will be losers if either tries to get the upper hand on anything.

      1. Shamirah Basimah Abdullah Muhammad

        mashaallah sista zaynah wow seriously that brought tears to my eyes cuz im feeling that first hand may ALLAH(swt) reward u for those very wise word of kindness(advice) and may He grant us all jennah ameen

      2. Zaynah

        Ameen to that, sister Shamirah! My husband and I both came from a broken first marriage, and there have been times when it really looked like we’d reached the final leg of our relationship. But Allah granted us strength to stick together (our son helped a lot in that, as in, we don’t want a fragmented family for him) and that’s how we both learned to compromise. I admit it takes the woman to make the first step there, a man’s ego will never let him do it, but if you lead the way in this compromise and understanding thing, he usually sees it and follows.

      3. Amirah

        Mashallah!! :P Well said you give really good advice and sound as if you lots of expirence with the topic of marriage.

        How long were you married??!!:P Alhamduliallah my mother had taught how to cook, well began when I was seven. (Im 17 now) to this day it’s “Amirah can you make dinner tonight” even having grown up with four other sisters it always me. But don’t take it the wrong way Im thankful i learned.

        Zaynah mashallah you are really intelligent I hope that your marriage will continue to get better and may alllah bless you and continue to give you knowledge.

      4. Zaynah

        Amirah

        My first marriage lasted 7 months, and the second and current one is going into its 9th year.

        Lol about the cooking. I learned how to cook in my teens, though I mostly winged it through cookbooks lik Australian Women’s Weekly (not much for the heavy Indian food my mom made, I’m more continental, Italian and Mexican). I remember making stuff like lasagna one Saturday a month at my parents’ place. Fond memories! And yeah, I could make lasagna but didn’t know how long it took to boil an egg!

      5. MY MUSLIM SISTERS

        I KNOW , MASHALLAH!!!

        I LOVE READING YOUR STORIES!!! :p

  10. Katie

    I agree about the food … I can’t just eat popcorn and cookies for dinner anymore! :(

  11. Shamirah Basimah Abdullah Muhammad

    wow everything u sister posting has also been my reality n im lso a newlywed but im so blessed to have my cowife shes my best friend so we help one another out as much as possible especially with house work cooking n oh yes hair lol n th elikes of that mashaallah i couldnt imagine being the only wife this brother is crazy lol jus kiddin

    1. Zaynah

      Shamirah,
      Assalam aleikoum. This is actually the first time I’m meeting someone who is a cowife. Don’t get me wrong, but how do you do it? I mean, what is it like? I know I will let my husband marry again if he so chooses, but at the same time I cannot fathom being in those shoes. Please don’t feel offended, I’m just curious as this is a side of me I haven’t reconciled with yet.
      Jazakh-Allah for your response.

      1. Shamirah Basimah Abdullah Muhammad

        as salaamu alaikum Zaynah

        ppl ask me that all the time i mean everything i do is for the sake of allah(swt) i feel like i have no right to not b ok wit something that allah has made permissable plus i get tired of ppl fast so i never want to be unjust to my husband i never wanted to b the only wife n when i feel like i dont wanna be around him he has someone that will play that role n im a product of a plural marriage my self my dad had 3 wives buti understand ur point though cuz dont get me wrong i do have a jealous streak sometimes but i never let it linger to longer because i kno thats nothing but the shatan

      2. Zaynah

        Shamirah,
        It’s the jealous streak I’m worried about too. I do understand your point of view, I just wished I were as strong (insha’Allah I will be) and determined and resolute about it. I admire you for this strength.
        I had a really disastrous first mariage where my husband cheated on me with anything under 30 that wore knickers, so maybe I’m scarred and scared in that way.
        But yes, I do know what you mean about your husband having someone else to be with. You’re lucky, blessed really, to have your cowife as best friend. Many women in this situation would try to get the one-upmanship on the other wife and that can get nasty.
        Thank you so much for replying me!

      3. Shamirah Basimah Abdullah Muhammad

        as salamau alaikum zaynah u r very welcome but thank u also most sista tell me that im crazy or stupid but hey at the ned of the day my motive is to get as much knowledge as i can get n impliment it so hey sometimes u gotta swallow ue pride n ego cuz i figure he could b cheatin but hes not n even if he decided to leave i got the main thing i wanted n thats n great knowledge n understanding of this deen subhannallah wa bihamdih

      4. Zaynah

        You’re very right in your thinking. Ultimately, it’s Allah and He alone that matters.

        No, you’re not crazy or stupid. You do something with your heart and faith, and that can never be wrong. I tell you this because I got this a lot when I went from the jeans-tee girl to the jilbab-hijabi. It may not look or feel right to others, but if it does to me because of my faith, then who’s to judge really?

  12. ModestJustice

    Aww how cute at what everyone said! (I’m not married yet lol)

    But, do you have to cook for your husband?
    I mean like, in Islam, do we have to cook and clean for our husband?

    1. Zaynah

      I’m not sure we ‘have’ to, not certain what the Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS) says about this, but I do know that the Hadith says a man should help his wife around the house.
      I cook and clean mostly coz I’m a stay-at-home-mom, so I’m here all the time and between my at-home job too, I take care of the house. It’s also a cultural thing, as in I’m of Indian origin and the wife is always the one in the kitchen/household then. My husband can cook, but it’s very elementay cooking that frankly, lol, doesn’t taste like much, but it’s edible!
      I hope the other sisters can answer you better.
      I personally think it’s not fair for my husband to go out and work and earn for our house and he still has to cook and clean when he gets home. If I were working out of the house too, then it would’ve needed to be a half and half split thing. As it stands already, my husband cooks and does the dishes in the weekend, because I do it all the rest of the week. It’s his way of helping, though I do often take care of the dishes and stuff too in the weekend if I have some free time.

  13. Latifah

    I am in a plural marriage now.

    I find the best thing for me is not to ask questions about what is going on with my husband and my co-wife if they are having problems. When this situation first presented itself, we were all very involved with what was going on with each other and it caused a lot of problems. In the end, for my own sanity, I felt that is was best not to be nosy and ask about their situation. If my husband says he’s having problems, then I tell him I am sorry to hear that but I do not ask any questions as to what is going on. My husband tells me if it has something to do with me, and that is all I really need to know. Although we are co-wives, we both individually have marriages to our husband and a marriage is hard enough to sustain without any extra being added to it.

    She and I are very friendly and we talk also, but I leave the husband out of it. We both know that we are married to him and love him dearly.

    I didn’t want to be the only wife, as I saw in another post. I did have a marriage where I was the only wife and I enjoy my present marriage so much better. We are still working out time sharing issues but on the whole, I love both my husband and my co-wife.

    Do I have jealousy issues, you bet! It is a natural human emotion, but it is not something that I am going to allow to interfere with my marriage and my husband is really a trooper and deals with it very well lol. Even before I came to Islam, I envisioned having a marriage where my husband wouldn’t live with me all the time and Islam provided the perfect solution to that.

    As Muslimahs, we have to recognize what Allah (swt) has made allowable to our men and if Allah (swt) has made it allowable, then who are we to put conditions on our men. In my jahiliyah days, many boyfriends cheated on me, and I found that it wasn’t the actual cheating itself that made me so mad, but the lies and deceptions that came along with it. Islam solved that by allowing more than one wife and giving all wives rights. That is something that you can’t get anywhere else.

    Plus, I was raised by a single mother and was taught to be highly independent. I get to enjoy my independence plus the security of a marriage, it works out great. For all of you sisters that actually live with your co-wives, I applaud you. This is a very new situation for all of us and maybe one day we could come to that. As it stands now, I think that we all are comfortable with me living in my own home.

    To answer the question though, one thing I didn’t know before getting married was my husband’s time management issues. My husband is very busy with two wives, two jobs, his duties in the community, his outside activities that keep him sane, and life in general. Although it should’ve been glaringly obvious, I didn’t realize that it would be an issue lol. As for morning hair, one thing I can suggest is after, sleep with a satin wrap or on a satin pillow. I cover my hair before I go to sleep and it’s not so bad in the morning. I also wear my hair in naturally, so it just takes a shower. Also another thing that can be tried is co-washing, washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoos. It leaves the hair clean, soft, and very manageable. Shampoos can be drying. I also use a really good moisturizer and leave-in conditioner that really helps.

    1. Zaynah

      Latifah,

      Thanks for your words of wisdom too. It takes guts to be able to handle one marriage alone, and one where there is a cowife is definitely more challenging. Like I was telling Shamirah, I know I will let my husband marry again and deal with the situation when it comes even if I am a bit apprehensive. Like you say, you gotta work it out.

      I had never looked at it the way you ladies present this, as in a husband who isn’t with you 24/7. That’s really an eye opener.

      On the hair thing, good tip on the conditioner wash. Baby shampoo also works well on days when your hair wouldn’t be able to tolerate normal shampoo.

      1. Amirah

        I’m still having a hard time grasping the whole issue of co- wives. I mean I’m really happy that it works for you guys but I don’t know if I could handle it. Im not trying to question the deen of allah but would’nt it be hard for a man to love two women equally. I mean that’s what islam says if youre going to have more than one wife you must love them equally. It takes alot of gut a perserverence to do what you guys do but alhamdullilah it works for you guys.

        well good luck to you zaynah if your hubby ever decides to marrie another

      2. Zaynah

        I’m not sure the ‘love’ would be exactly like an exclusive one-wife marriage. But then too, 2 women will not want/need/desire to be loved the same way – I guess as long as the husand gives them both the happiness they want, that should pretty much balance the whole deal.

      3. Rabeeyah

        I dont think the hubby has to love his wives euqlly, no one can love 2 human beings equally! Even your kids, you can’t love them equally…I believe, he has to just treat them equally!

      4. Yusra

        masha’Allah you sisters are really great …. I really respect you .. I can’t be in a plural marriage otherwise , when/if I’ll get married one of the conditions will be that I’ll be the only wife . I want a husband for just my own . I like to share evry single little thing , but when it comes to love and marriage , I don’t even wanna try . insha’Allah I wanna have a man who loves me only as a wife …..

  14. yasira

    am loving this website already all this sharing of advice, sistas one love.

    1. MY MUSLIM SISTERS

      me 2!!! when home after school all i do come to this site and its i know you all…like you guys are my second family

      1. Yusra

        me 22222!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! really amazing !!!!
        ther’s nothing better then to find a place when u can talk with your muslim sisters !!!! love u all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  15. Nadia

    Aren’t the co wives supposed to live in separate dwellings? I’m glad that it works with you all but I thought the husband was supposed to be able to provide for two different households..?

    1. Rabeeyah

      Hey Nadia, actually it isnt a must. Basically it’s all about whatever works and the husbands means. If the husband can afford it and if the wives really want it then usually they get separate homes, otherwise, they all learn to live in peace under one roof.

  16. Ummahmad

    what i never thought of before marriage was how patient and tolerating you have to be in a marriage. you know sometimes you have argument with your hubby, though it might not be your fault and he knows that but his ego would not let him accept that immediately, so you as a woman would tolerate and accept it that way, even though there are men that will come to say soory after making up. for me that was something i had to learn cos i am the kind of person that will not accept blame if i know i am not at fault. and the hair thing, it is quite stressful, but what i do with my hair is to plait it every week.

  17. AlabasterMuslim

    I agree with a lot of women on here! Never knew that i would never be able to style my hair again! lol

    1. Zaynah

      Lol. Invest in a good haircut, the kind that doesn’t need tons of styling. Also, get acquainted with hair products – they’re the real life saver! Don’t know how many times a frizz-smoother came to my rescue!

      1. Yusra

        sisters plizz !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I still don’t get the mornin hair !!!!!
        ok I kno that if u sleep with ur husband u ought to get a shower the next morning , and in Islam it’s called “the big ablution” and u have to wash ur hair but……… ????,
        but do you sleep EVERYNIGHT with your husbands sisters ?????

        P.S : I sincerly apologize for asking that question . plizz forgive me I’m sorry . but I need to know ….. :(

  18. Nadiyah

    I will be married next year. I have just had a conversation with my mum over breakfast today. She told me to start training myself to get up early in the morning.You see, I have a habit of taking long showers and taking ample time just to get ready. She did mention about washing hair and all that stuff.
    After reading all this posts, now I fully understand what she meant.
    Btw, i have marked this page as my favourite since I love to read all the issues raised in the comments.

    1. Zaynah

      Nadiyah, you remind me of myself when I was single. I’d block the only bathroom of the house for at least an hour and a half in the mornings! Now I’m lucky if I get to sprint in for 15 mins! Of course, I’ve got kids too, but the morning hair – definitely an issue! My blow dryer is my best friend!

      1. Rabeeyah

        But as far as the morning hair…I heard you dont need to wash your hair, you just need to we the scalp and rub it…do you all just feel its easier to wash it clean?

      2. Zaynah

        Rabeeyah,

        I read too that three handfuls of water to wet the hair and worked into the scalp works the same as a full-on bath soaking the hair the morning after. I usually go for the full shower but if pressed for time I do the water rubbing thing.

        You do however need to blow dry or at least dry the wet hair even if you go this route, so some may prefer to do the whole head in the process.

      3. Laila

        Salam sisters! Actually after sex u need to take full shower”gusl”,before next prayer!
        For the watching porno, i think she need to ask,talk to him!Maybe he likes smth. to try…cuz hiding is bad, shaitan will do sucha dirty things..she ll think that her husband is a sex-monster or has other girlz,or she s not good in sex…any stuff like that!Or just tell him that it’s actually bad thing to wantch other women,or sex scene…it’s really forbidden in Islam…

  19. Anonymous

    one of my friends actually said…I didn’t believe that after 9 weeks of marriage .I’ll wake up one night and see my husband who was a student of knowledge at the time, watching porn!

    1. Zaynah

      Ouch! Did that happen to you? What did you do? I cannot imagine being in that predicament…

      But then, men are men, you know. We’re all so easy to fall into shaitaan’s traps

      1. Anonymous

        yes..that really happened…I don’t know what to tell her…do you have any words of advice…she still hates her husband for this…she told me she can’t forgive him.

      2. Anonymous

        would you forgive him…I think I’ll still be hating him if he was my husband.

      3. Zaynah

        I wouldn’t forgive. because we may forgive and then the guy just falls back into his vice again after assuring us he was ‘clean’. Relapse does happen, you know.

        I think she needs to figure out what she wants out of this marriage. No point in remaining with a man she despises – that’s a surefire gateway to let evil prey on her and her desire to do right. There’s a saying that goes, better be alone than unhappy. For us Muslims I think ti’s got to be, better be alone than with someone who can lead you down the wrong path.

  20. Loofa

    Salam sisters,

    I’m my last year of high school in a western country. I started wearing the hijab at an early age, and wearing it i gone through so many different experiences and developments in the way i perceived my hijab.

    At school i don’t have any close muslim friends and the older i get, the more isolated i feel from my non-muslim friends, as i obviously don’t go to the parties where people sometimes get drunk and i would have to mingle with random guys (another imortant thing to remember is that my parents wouldn’t let me go even if i wanted to).

    lol, ok, i’m finally getting to the point, I LOVE THIS SITE.
    I love listening to the all the things different sisters have to say about their experiences. Its very helpful information and very entertaining. I can’t talk to my mother about a lot of stuff because the usual generation gap issues but also because she didn’t grow up in the west.

    You guys are like my older sisters, so keep sharing all your wonderful stories. :)

    1. Zaynah

      I posted this back on December 4 but since it had my email addy in there it went on moderation! Reposting now.

      Salaams Loofa!

      Lol, I loved your post. Warm fuzzy feeling of being considered an older sister (stress on the older, I just found my first gray hair this week, eek!).

      This place is wonderful, love the camaraderie, and it’s like you can be open about just anything, because the other ladies are just like you.

      I don’t know what the policy is about this, but I’ve wanted to get in touch personally with a lot of the gals here, just no idea how to do it.

      Take care, and may Allah bless you!

      1. Loofa

        I like reading all the posts, the adivce is really genuine and elegantly written. Inshallah, i hope to have that kind of wisdom to impart someday.

        salam

    2. Hawa

      Loofa I AGREE! but im not a senior, im a sophmore. and i just started wearing the hijab this year, lol so its a little different but pretty much the same (:

      1. Loofa

        Congratulations Hawa!!

        I started wearing my hijab in the middle of grade four. I had just come back from vacation (back home, where girls regularly wear the hijab for school) and decided i was going to wear it. My parents were happy for me but at school, i chickened out. I didn’t want to dissapoint my parents so i continued to take it off and hide it in my backpack at school. On the fifth day, a muslim classmate of mine saw me putting my hijab away and told me that it was ok and nobody was going to make fun of me (nobody in my school wore the hijab). So i put it on that day. My friends, the “popular” boys in the grade saw me and asked me about my scarf. They were like “are you going to wear that all the time now?” I said yes and they nodded. That was it, everything pretty much went back to normal. I’ve been wearing it everyday since. (My younger sister started wearing the hijab with me :))
        I think i had it pretty easy, my friends and classmates were accepting.

        Feel free to share your hijab stories ladies!!!

      2. Hawa

        i just want to say i wrote a long response but i dont have time to re type it now :P sorry. i will do it soon inshallah. i dont know why it didnt post before but anyways Thanks (:

      3. Z

        Salaam! I am currently 17 (turning 18 in October) and my family lives in America. My brother, sister and I have grown up here and my parents have done all they could to teach us the way of Allah and his Prophet PBUH, but we all wandered away. Alhamdulillah my sister and I are getting back on the right track, we have both started wearing the hijab, but the American lifestyle makes being a Muslim a little bit harder. For example, The “dating” rules are implicated 10x stronger than I believe they should, to the point where the boys and girl are completely separated from each other and any contact between the genders is looked upon suspiciously. My sister is 24 and we are both hoping to get married soon (she’s looking for sooner than I am obviously).

        Basically what I am asking is, how did you meet your husband? My sister and I are both looking for men who are living in this country and we have no relatives to look for us. Please help!

        Wasalaam,
        Z

    3. Yusra

      oh my Allah !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      I wanted to say the same thing…………………
      congratulations for your hijab even if maybe it’s late ;) I’m wearing hijab since two years now hamdulillah ………….
      and yes sisters , I also find it very institutuional to listen to your experiences !!!!!!!!! thank you so much , it’s very hard to ask my mom or someone else about these stuffs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      and I think that when I’ll get married insha’Allah , I’ll be knowing many things!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! love u girls

      1. Yasira

        MashaAllah, all you sister that have just started to wear the hijab may Allah preserve you all and me too Ameen.
        Dont say that you started wearing it late, although its kinda… well you know wat i mean, its good that it came to you naturally (if am rite) rather than someone trying to force you, which would be kinda akward.
        All you have to say is Alhamdulilah and InshaAllah stick with it and know that your doing it for the right reason solemly for the sake of your creator, and thats it.
        Aaaaw i luv this site (Okay that was random lol)

      2. Yusra

        I agree with u Yasira sister !! Alhamdulilah :)
        nd aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this websiote is gorgeous , but unfortunatly it seems like it’s kinda sleeping …………………. ther r no new subjects nd sisters don’t came by here anymore……………….

  21. Malayika

    So I’ve now been married 3 months and it’s the hardest 3 months and best 3 months of my life. As a revert-muslim marrying a born-muslim I had no idea that I could be teaching him things about Islam. My husbands family seem to really confuse Islam and their culture or they simply think they are the same thing. I now tell all of them if they want to give me advise they better have the hadith or aayat on hard to refer me to as Islam is the only thing I will follow. I think us revert muslim sister in the west actually have it easier. It’s very clear and easy for us to see what in our culture is not Islamic. The other thing I had no idea I would need to deal with was the sister-in-law…. ohhh please help… This sister knows exactly how to manipulate my husband into doing whatever she wants, she calls contantly and wants to ensure she hasn’t lost any control over him, asks all about our marriage, creates problems, even contacting the Quran teacher at my Masjid to discuss how my husband and I are going… (she’s living in a totally different continent imagine if she was in the same city) I’m trying to be patient,vshe is his family but I really wish my husband would just tell her to stick her nose out of things… any advise?

    ok now some small positive things…. Someone to fix any computer problem in 2 minutes, someone to open my can of coke (it hurts my nails), Someone to put petrol in the car (such a mans job I always hated doing it)…..

    1. Rabeeyah

      Hahahaha! Arent u lucky to have someone pump ur gas! Well as far as the in-laws….just take a deep breath and stick with it. I kinda have an idea of what you’re going through. Sister in laws feel that they brothers’ wives are their #1 competition..why? No clue! But you just need to realize that they are just insecure and dont take the situation at heart. Just deal with your hubby and thats it!
      As far as Islam and culture, I think you are so right…Born Muslims not only inherit the religion but also the cultures that go along with it, and very often the 2 get mixed up!
      Well hope all goes well with u!

      1. Zaynah

        Malayika,

        I agree with Rabeeyah. There’s not much you can do about the in-laws really. My mother in law has tried to create rifts between hubby and I for I cannot remember how long and how many times. I just tune her out now, and she’s no longer to the fore as she was before. What you can do – don’t discuss your life (marriage or anything else) with anyone she can get in touch with. I know, hard, but she won’t have any fuel if she cannot access the info, know what I mean?

        Totally agree with you as to culture being so intricately woven into religion. I am of Indian origin and the amount of stuff that’s been piled on, wow! Amazes me.

        Lol, so agree too on the little things. The thing I love? Someone to hang the curtains (though he hates that, lol!). And yeah, someone to deal with the mechanic and other car people coz when I go I’m always treated like the resident blonde bimbo/airhead! (Allright, hijab they don’t know I’m raven-haired, not even close to blonde, but maybe just being a small woman on the ‘good’ side of thirty qualifies you as airhead material?)

      2. Rabeeyah

        LOL @ the auburn haired bimbo picture!!! Well its all so sweet…now you want to jump up and get married…I guess no matter what, a marriage wil lalways hold surprises! I mean just picture it this way: 2 starnger from different families, who have been raised differently, uniting in holy matrimony! I mean there will be some toe stepping no doubt bu I guess its the fear of Allah and the love for each other that makes things stick! :-D

      3. Zaynah

        Oh yeah, it’s a voyage of discovery each and every day! Toe-stepping? You bet! Volcanic eruptions of emotions? Check!
        But it is all very sweet too at times, and there’s just this knowledge that someone is there. I always tell my husband that though we know Allah is always there with us, it’s good to have a physical, tangible body to hold on to, like this person is the anchor that keeps you from floating around aimlessly.
        Yes, it’s fear for Allah and the love that grows every day with Allah’s blessing that glues you together.

      4. Anonymous

        haha my husband is the total opposite.. he cannot fix anything.. i change the oil, the tire, the starter and everything.. he gets so frustrated. and i cook dinner every night, he cant boil water in a microwave. . lol

        I totally agree about the cultural and religion thing! my husband was born Muslim and i am always saying.. babe! that’s not Islam, that’s cultural. :)

      5. Zaynah

        I laughed as I read your post! I cannot imagine doing everything. Though sometimes it feels like if I want a job well done, I gotta roll the sleeves and do it myself. Like if hubby cooks, we get good food yes, but the sink and counters look like a bombed-out zone. And guess who gets to clean? not worth the bliss of getting a meal I didn’t have to cook, so I prefer to do it myself.
        As for the car though, I only need to know how to drive it and not break it, lol, that’s my reasoning. the rest he can look after!

        Islam v/s cultural – come across that all the time. Both hubby and I are from the same background and still we find how much stuff has been added on either on his side or mine.

  22. Latifah~thetimlesslight

    I just stumbled on Muslimette tomight…and i should be married soon(insha Allah). Am really impressed at the comments i have read so far.. its fun and educating …people like Zaynah has inspired and article for my blog too ( @zaynah I hope i can share your marriage story with my readers ? :) under a “marry for the right reason” kinda of topic).
    @Malayika.. i agree with u -somehow the line between culture and religion is so thin…
    salam :)

    1. Zaynah

      Latifa,

      Congratulations on the upcoming marriage. Insha’Allah you find happiness and contentment in it.
      I’d be so honoured to have you share my story! Wow! That’s amazing! I’ve got to come check your blog, will do so asap. I’m so glad someone somewhere could have gleaned some good from what I’ve been through.

  23. willow

    Assalam sisters :)
    Firstly i’d like 2 thank u guys for showing us single girls such a positive view of marriage!
    I don’t know whether it was my upbringing but up until a year a ago I was adamant (and in fact proud of) the fact that I would NEVER GET MARRIED. But then 2 brothers have asked 2 marry me and I refused them both. I am naturally a very shy and quiet girl and I seriously cant see myself as marriage material; as in getting on with a man (!), inlaws etc. I have had a very sheltered life so maybe this is part of the reason but realise I need 2 change! Especially as I really did like the last guy but I am holding myself back, any advice sisters? xoxo

    1. Zaynah

      Say bismillah-hir-rahman-ir-rahim and listen to your heart then. Allah will never let you go astray.

      You know, I once went through the whole won’t get married thing, mostly because it was like, my mom said you gotta know how to cook, be ladylike, wear proper clothes instead of those rags you usually put on (that was jeans and a Tee, btw!), and I was like, If I’m to marry the guy has got to accept me as I am, dingy sweat pants and all! By the grace of Allah, I actually met a guy who prefers me in sweats rather than hot pants or the oh so proper kurta-churidar Indian clothing!

      Marriage is truly a wonderful thing, but remember it doesn’t just roll out as perfect bliss before your feet. You have to work at it – marriage is about understanding, compromise, cutting corners when needed, and realising what really matters. For example, a lady I know just got divorced because she said her hubby’s friends were always at home. That can be annoying yeah, but maybe if she’d said that this day is ours, no friends, or if the evenings and nights were hers, maybe it wouldn’t have come to that. She walked out and went to her mom’s with her three kids, and threw the ultimatum – me or your friends. The guy said if you wanna go, well go and don’t come back. he divorced her right away! What I mean to say is, things can and should be worked out in a marriage – there isn’t one who is totally wrong or totally right (unless where faith in Allah is concerned, that’s a no-negotiating issue!).

      Look to the man whom you think you could most make your life with, the one who could most help you uphold the commitment and contract of marriage. That one, only you will know, insha’Allah with Allah’s blessings.

    2. Rabeeyah

      Salam Willow,

      I am not married and I used to be the well men stink, I can do without their cheating and lying ways….but u know when u get more mature, u realize u want to have children, u want to have an accomplice, someone to lean on for moral support etc etc…I mean we are only human…and Allah (SWT) has created the an for the woman…I remember ho wI used to wonder “how will I find someone who will be good for me, treat me right right, love me, etc “…and my mom told me, marriage isnt an exact science, all you can do is pray and hope that Allah blesses the union and guide u both….
      So sister, no need to hold back, we all have to move on, make dua and if you really feel that one of the brothers would make a good catch, than go for it dear…it may not be picture perfect, but patience and understanding from both of u can make it work! :-D

  24. zara

    Hmmm, what I wished I knew before I got married? Great topic and really takes me back.
    1) That until I loved myself, I could not really love another. Sounds like a cliche, but it’s true. I had all these frustrations and angst, and I expected poor hubby to come along and fix everything and make me happy!
    2) Patience. To take a breath, just for a split second, before I put my foot in it.
    3) I should have learned to cook before I got married, as it still feels like a real chore to me. However, I am taking some short cuts now. I chop up huge quantities of things like garlic, ginger and chillies, and freeze them in small chunks. Any time I am in the mood, I make a big batch of curry sauce, and freeze it in small containers. That way, when I can’t be bothered, I just fry up one of the frozen sauces, and add vegetables, meat etc..
    4) I can’t change anyone else, but I can change the way I think about / deal with them. Than includes in-laws LOL!
    5) That my husband’s embrace is like the best place in the world, and even better then chocolate.
    6) sometimes I will love him, but not like him.
    7) That I cannot expect him to be interested in everything that my friends and sisters are interested in.
    I had an arranged marriage, and had never even spoken to him before we got married. But I can honestly say that I fell in love with him, and still adore him. Our marrriage is better now, after 16 years, then it ever was. The first two years were very tough, and I think you both have to be committed to each other and just get through them.

    1. Zaynah

      Zara,

      I so totally agree with all you said here. Yup, some days you know you love him but you just cannot like him in that moment. That means we’re human, and not just photocopies of each other.

      The first 2 years are the most volcanic, yes. Guess that’s because it’s the adaptation phase, like getting to know the perosn and not knowing how far you have to go where compromise is concerned.

      And yes, the husband’s embrace is the best place on Earth! :)

      1. Amirah

        Hey Guys

        Haven’t been on here for so long nice to see all the intersting things that sisters have posted.

        Anyway I have a question about something that confuses me so much. If Islam doesn’t allow dating then how do two people get to know each other before they get married. Even in the case of arranged marriaages don’t the two getting married need to know each other. And Zara did you say u didn’t even speak to your husband before you got married?

        Another thing is that I’m now 17 and my dad doesn’t want me in the house until im thirty. you know. i am of Somalian culture so it like the sooner you marry your daughter off the better. Anyway I have no intentions of getting married before i gratuate from college. i mean if the right man comes along before that then ill consider. Anyway i guess my real question is what can i expect when the time does come.

        Oh and another thing that i would like to know is does anything really have to happen between the couple on their wedding night?

        Give me some answers im getting curious about the whole marriage thing. :):)

      2. Zaynah

        Amirah,

        We’re not allowed to date but we can talk to a suitor in a sort of chaperoned environment, like say, your family house in a corner of the living room. That’s how I took it through with my husband, we spoke quite a few times at his brother’s place (his wife happened to be my cousin).

        What can you expect – well this depends on what you’ll be looking for in a mate. Have this already figured out and then when you meet someone you’ll be able to know if he fits your ‘bill’ or not. I know, it sounds clinical, but you do need to know what you’re looking for. Otherwise it’ll be a needle in a haystack situation!

        Wedding night – this all depends on the couple, I guess. If you’re not comfortable getting into bed right away, you take it easy. But make sure the man knows this too. What happens is that the nikah makes sex legal for the couple, and most just indulge in it asap it’s legal, you know what I mean?

        Hope this helps! Insha’Allah all will be well for you.

    2. Rabeeyah

      I just love #4 and #5….still smiling :-D
      #4 actually applies to everyone in our everyday life!

  25. Maisaa

    I have to say, this is the first time I stumble upon this website, and even though I haven’t gone through all the posts just yet but I have to say I am inspired to become a better person.
    Unfortunately, I have a long way to go to be on the same level of faith and dedication as you brilliant ladies/women. I often feel guilty and incomplete because I used to be much more compliant, much more involved with religion, I felt Allah’s presence and blessing in every aspect of my life but I have strayed. I am overwhelmed with guilt that often I don’t know where to start, I keep reminding myself of Allah’s mercy but I get so tangled in this vicious cycle of self-loathing that instead I stop dead in my tracks.

    I guess what I am trying to say is, may Allah bless you in all your endeavours as you truly are inspiring to the rest of us tredding along trying to catch up.

    I hope one day I will be sharing my stories with the same zest and pride as you do.

    1. zara

      I know, I just discovered this website, and I love it too. So sorry that you are feeling down – you must overcome this. Above all, Islam is a religion of hope, and beleivers have to try to have a thankful and happy heart, even when it is a struggle. That is the true jihad.

      You must never loath yourself – you are so blessed to be one of the ummah of rasoolalah (saw). Sometimes, when we think that we have to be perfect, we start to feel inadequate. But remember, Allah t’ala loves you more then 70 mothers! So you owe it to yourself to love yourself a little, if only for his sake.

      We all stray sometimes, but life is like that. It is a journey, and every journey begins with now…this next moment. Every day we start the journey over. If we take one step towards Allah, he will come running to us. Why not do some zikr right now. Say “Al-lah!” and feel it with your heart. Even western scientists have discovered the benefits of saying “Allah”. They experimented on depressed patients, and the ones who did zikr got better more quickly and were happier.

      Why am I telling youu all this? Because I’ve been there. I suffered from severe depression growing up; I had anorexia, hated myself and just could not connect with others.

      20 years later – it is a whole different story. I am happy (mostly), confident, chilled out and at peace with myself and everyone around me.

      The journey began with reading loads of books on positive thginking, watching Oprah, writing a journal, saying affirmations – then on the way I opened my heart to Islam, and felt a sense of peace that I never had before.

      I am far from being a good muslim – but I am on that path, and every day I am asking Allah t’ala to keep me on it and save me from stumbling.

      Your post touched my heart. I hope you will continue on your journey knowing that this sister is making duah that your journey be filled with happiness – amin.

    2. Zaynah

      Zara penned such a beautiful reply. I don’t knwo what else I can add.

      Just think of it this way – there’s still place and position for Allah in your heart right now, isn’t it? That’s what you should focus on – as long as you allow Allah in, you’ll never be lost.

      I wasn’t always the woman I am today. I strayed a lot too, but what I do know is that I cannot change my past. I can only act upon my present and make sure I take the right path into the future.

      Think about it – if Allah allowed you back into the path where you’re thinking of Him, then you are blessed, dear girl!

    3. Rabeeyah

      MAisaa!!!!! Girl you rock! Don’t let shaytaan get to you ,for that is his way…he tries to make us feel unworthy of Allah, which will push us to abandoning our beliefs and our ways! You are one of the elite, you are a muslimah! In Islam, it is NEVER TOO LATE…Allah is forever Merciful, all is ask for us to repent, and seek his forgiveness…He loves you more than you know…be positive and step by step, u will get there! Much love to you sister, Muaaah!

  26. Quran

    lol

    where to begin???

    if I am going to be completely honest

    the wedding night was the scariest night of my life.

    I thought I was fully prepared

    I have a mother, step-mother, 3 sisters, aunts etc…

    I’ve talked to all of them about it, but nothing could have prepared me for what happened.

    I was even a little bit traumitized, and became afraid of sex.

    but, al hamdililah i worked through it in a short amount of time.

    I just had to learn to relax.

    and while I’m on he topic

    morning after skin is hard to deal wth as well.

    I naturally have very dry skin

    and wudu 5 times a day dries it out even more.

    and now it seems that since i’ve gotten married (all the showers) i’ve been in a no moisture zone. :)

    but I honestly wouldn’t trade my hubby for anyone else in the world.

    his heart is so good, and he genuinely loves me.

    1. Zaynah

      Quran

      I thought I’d replied you but cannot see a post up. Sorry for that!

      Yups, I think the first time sex is something we all dread. It’s completely unknown, know what I mean? People can tell you everything but until you experience it for yourself, you won’t really know.

      For the dry skin, maybe you could try this – after the shower/wudu, before you wipe yourself dry, rub in some moisturising oil on the wet/humid skin. It’ll seal in the moisture. And if you can take a bath in a tub, add oatmeal to the water and make it quite thick and milky, and soak for like 5 minutes. Don’t use too hot water either.

      Hope this helps!

    2. asmah

      This is funny. the dry skin. :) but very true. (washing the hair every other day is also bad… i have to appologize to my hair.)

  27. Samira

    Salaam Quran-

    I think first sexual experience can be really surprising. No matter how much you prepare yourself-it is an initiation into a whole new level of intimancy and vulnerability. One thing that helped me is that my mother had very frank and honest discussions with me. One thing she reminded me was that two partners have to take their time to learn each other’s bodies.

    It’s been almost five years that I’ve been married now and the intimancy is off the chain! LOL! But to be honest it took a lot of practice (yay!) and trust.

    Alhamdulilah that things got better for you. Alhamdulilah for a marriage full of lots of ghusl : )
    As far as moisture for the skin I use Eucerin.

  28. manar

    assalamu alaikom sisters,
    Wow, i am only 14, and i am just learning that marriage is not all lovey-duvey things, that there’s a lot of work involved,
    i was just wondering, is the work worth the love ?

    1. Zaynah

      Yes – it’s worth it and more! There’s nothing quite like being in the loving embrace of your husband and knowing that next to Allah’s feet and in jannat, this is the best place you’ll ever find yourself in.

      My faith and my husand are my balance, so yes, the work is definitely worth it for me.

      1. Rabeeyah

        “There’s nothing quite like being in the loving embrace of your husband and knowing that next to Allah’s feet and in jannat, this is the best place you’ll ever find yourself in”….wow Zaynah! This is worth framing ang hanging on a wall! Your husband is lucky to have such a devoted wifey! MAshAllah!

      2. Zaynah

        Lol. I’m crazy about him, what can I say! I love this man to bits. he’s been by my side through thick and thin and never thought of running off screaming despite my lunatic/neurotic moments!

      3. zara

        Zaynah, I know exactly what you mean! I love what you said about the husband’s embrace. I too look at my husband in wonder sometimes and think, wow, he loves ME…ME with all my stuff!!! I can’t really think of another word for it, then stuff. I sometimes think that I was so achingly empty and alone before he came along, and then I get really scared of losing him, and I find myself praying that Allah t’ala gives him a long life and health and everything good.

        May all the marrieds enjoy a deep and loving relationship with their beloveds, and amy all the singles find a loving husband – amin.

      4. Zaynah

        Zara

        I know the feeling too. It’s like, what’d I do to be with a man who accepts me so completely? Like, oftentimes I’m this completely neurotic screamer who looks like she’s completely off her trolley, but he brushes it off or he’ll have that little indulgent smile on his face while I’m rambling about whatever nonsense at that moment.

        Ameen to your wish!

      5. Amirah

        Amen Inshallah!!!!!!!!!!!

      6. Yasira

        Loool zaynah, ur a funny sister!

  29. Loofa

    Okay, this is a little off topic, but its something that i’ve been wondering about for a while, I’ve seen it in so many hollywood movies. So, a girl is really attracted to this guy and then when they finally kiss, there’s no spark. Eg. PS I love you, 27 Dresses.

    What do you guys think??

    1. Zaynah

      Lol Loofa. The spark need not be there. It’s not the indication that everything will go wrong.

      The real spark is getting to know one another and then the fire lights up!

      Real life love and romance is not the movie kind. That one’s rushed to fit the 1.5 hour format.

      1. Rabeeyah

        LOL!!!! Agreed! 1.5 h format!

      2. Loofa

        :)
        it kept bugging me.

      3. Rabeeyah

        LOL!!! u’ll notice that the girl would still find someone with that all “spark” afterwards!!!! MOst likely her best friend (a guy) who she grew up with!!!Soooo Hollywood!

      4. Zaynah

        Most definitely, like the ‘good’ one was right in front of her but she never noticed! And then bam, the spark is there! So lol

  30. Rabeeyah

    LOL!!!! Hmm..maybe the sparks will come afterwards…I think it’s all in movies…real life is different…it depends on the person…your state of mind, mood!

    1. Loofa

      I hope so! :)

  31. Veiled Jewel

    Assalamu alaikum,
    I know this is way off the topic…but I would like to get your opinions. With respect to the issue about the banning of the niqaab in France. If you were in that situation where you would have to remove your niqaab or be deemed as breaing the law…what would you do?

    1. Rabeeyah

      I’m not a niqaabi so I wouldnt know what I would do…But I find it insulting that this day and age, countries would ban religious dresses…I mean seriously? It’s quite revolting!

      1. Veiledjewel

        It’s sad but true Rabeeyah. I read that maybe England and Canada will want to take similar steps to ban the niqaab. Even though I don’t wear it (anymore) my heart goes out to those sisters who have to go through with these ridiculous laws.

      2. Rabeeyah

        I mean what danger does a niqaab really pose? Will the sister kill with her look?

      3. Yasira

        Its carzy, people being told what to and what not to wear………Erm hello this is me so let me be!

  32. Shanaaz

    Assalamu alaikum,
    Wow, what interesting topics. I have only just discovered this and am surprised at all the “frankness”. I live in South Africa have been married for 15yrs algamdulillah…7 of which was living with my inlaws. My inlaws are lovely people but I would advise any newly wed couple to live on their own. My marriage only really started after 7 yrs when we went living in our own house. My relationship with my inlaws is better now than ever !! Better to be on your own if you want to maintain yr love and respect for them and have a healthier marriage. Its hard enough getting to know eachother and still have inlaw issues.
    Well, after 15yrs i can say it has only gotten better algamdulillah, we are still inlove after having 2 children (7 and 9). We are blessed that Allah (SWA) put a love and devotion there that transcends the physical.

    The best part of the day is holding eachother/cuddling after all the duties are done and kids are tucked in.
    Ironically Hijaab helped the condition of my hair , its much healthier now. I take care to condition and not blowdry too much..takes too long with waist length hair. Natural well conditioned tresses are da way to go !

    1. Zaynah

      Salaams Shanaaz

      Wow, we’re geographically close! I’m in Mauritius, and lol, doing my degree distance-learnign with UNISA.

      Agree about the in-laws. We lived on our own for like 4 years, and then came to live in the same building as the in-laws. They’re on the ground floor and our self-contained flat is on the second floor. Still alone but together too in a way.

      Allah’s blessing is amazing, innit? It has been the case for us too, like we’re growing closer and more in love with every day.

      Funny but my hair is longer and straighter with hijab too. I had short hair and it never seemed to grow before. I start wearing hijab and suddenly I’m looking like Cousin it from the Adam’s Family!

      1. Anonymous

        I want to say that it may be because since the hair is covered, its protected from the everyday dust and pollution, hence, healthier….

  33. fatma

    Asalamu aleykum! I’ve been thinking about this along time, I am not married but when I get married inshallah, what is the rule when you are a hijabi and your husband’s father and brother are visiting – do you have to wear hijab even though your husband is with you and also of course they feel like family as if it was your own father or brother? I really do not know the answer.

    I would be happy if I got an answer…! Jazakallah!

    1. Veiledjewel

      Walaikum asalam!
      You have to cover yourself when you are with your non-mahrams (those who you can marry if you weren’t married to your husband).So therfore, your brother-in-law isn’t a mahram so you have to wear your hijab in front of him.
      I have an article for you about who your mahrams are but I’m hving trouble pasting on the site so if you wish to read it you can e-mail me inshAalh then I’ll mail you back.My hubby’s a graduate of the university of madina , so being a student of knowledge whenever you have any questions I can direct it to me to ask him for the info.Hope this helps inshAlllah!

      1. fatma

        Thank you! I think, I’ll do some research. It’s the part of feeling like your family I cant get past, but inshallah, I think I’ll learn more by studying more about the religion.

  34. Nishi

    Salaam, I just love this site, I have been reading it for a while but was always too shy to comment. All your comments are so inspiring and I love reading sister Zaynah’s comments, you rock :)

    1. Zaynah

      Lol. Thank you! :)

      1. Yusra

        yes sister zaynah ur just amazing Masha’Allah !!!!!

  35. Phatty

    salaam sisters!
    i came across this website while searching for wedding dresses online :P and i’ve spent the last hour reading all the posts and comments.. i’ve learned so much, thank you to everyone’s advice and personal experiences.. it’s been almost a year and a half that i have been engaged and alhamdulillah my fiancee is the best thing that has ever happened to me! i guess i could say that i sort of got enagaged the traditional way, since i didn’t know who he was but our parents were friends.. i learned so much about him, esp since we did our nikah right away, we got to spend soo much time alone, and we got to know one another.. i always thought to myself, how am i going to love someone i don’t know, and subhanallah love just filled up my heart for him instantly :D.
    though i am not married yet, this past year and half with my fiancee, i learned that i can’t always get my way and that i have to compromise as much as possible :P i am very stubborn, as well as my fiancee, so it sometimes a problem when we want our way lol another thing i learned is to be patient with him, since he has A LOT of friends, and they used to always go out every night, playing cards or just hanging out.. it became an issue since i always wanted him to be with me and to have his full attention, but then i realized that it was selfish of me to be like this since most weekends he was with me :P and he just wanted some “guy” time.. another important thing i learned is that i can’t have the perfect fairy tale relationship i’ve always dreamed about.. my fiancee is in america now, and before he left while he was here in jordan [where we live] we never really got into any arguments, but now since he left we’ve been arguing every 2 or 3 phone calls, and over silly things.. and like a few sisters mentioned in some earlier comments, making up is awsome, though for me its over the phone, it’s nice to hear “baby am sorry, am sorry for making you cry, for arguing with you and and for being a jerk.. your the love of my life and i would never want to do anything to upset or hurt you” hehehe oh god, i’ve been typing so much i feel like am off topic lol

    1. Zaynah

      Hey Phatty

      Aww, that’s too sweet. yeah, it’s nice to make up. I had the same issue too – strong personality while the man was an even stronger one! Needless to say we clashed a lot. Like I mentioned here someplace, I think I have smashed all our wedding china!

      But yes, it takes compromise. When I was newly married and shortly after a new mom, I used to want to hog the man’s attention all the time. I was resentful of the time he gave his other son (from his first marriage) when all I wanted was for him to spend time with me. But that’s not good. I learned to let go and appreciate what he gave me. I also started to work a few years ago and then I realized too that everyone needs some me-time and you cannot be with someone 24/7.

      Insha’Allah your marriage will be a happy one! You sound like you’re on the right track. Curious – you say your nikah took place but you don’t consider yourself married?

      1. Nishi

        we do that here in South africa too, although its not that common. If i’m not mistaken, you are married islamically but you just court and the marriage is not consummated? Maaf if i have gotten it wrong, im a bit blurry on the details. Its so that you can get to know your fiance in an islamic way.

    2. zara

      Long distance relationships are tough. I got married to my hubby in Pakistan and then 10 weeks later came back to England. I had to apply for his Visa. In those days very few people in Pakistan had telephones at home (16 years ago) so he used to call me from a PCO. At my end, I would pour out my heart to him, and how much I missed him, how the days were like weeks and the nights were like months without him, etc.. and then I would get back thses formal, stilted replies like “how is your Mum?” because he was too embarrassed to really talk in fromt of the men who worked in the PCO. It would drive me crazy!!!!!
      To make it all worse, I was in the final year of my law degree, but was doing the minimum of studying. My heart just wasn’t in it. I would wait for his letters to come by the first post, and then if I didn’t get one, I would miss morning lectures to wait for the next post. I still have those letters we wrote to each other, and reading them takes me back to a really intense, emotional time in our relationship.
      But it is true that everything happens for a reason. That enforced absence made our love so much stronger.
      I also think relationships are much more healthy when we live our lives in a balanced way. Expecting one person to make you happy is too much pressure on that person, and too easy for them to let us down. Too many women get married, and then turn their whole focus on their man. We need to keep other parts of our lives going, like career/education, relationships with friends and family, and our deen. And save a bit of yourself just for you – a little mystery is good!

      1. Rabeeyah

        Really great point sister Zara…I can so see myself as the one expecting my hubby to love and be with me 24/7!!!! But absence does make the heart grow fonder….

      2. Zaynah

        Such a sweet and heart breaking story! It’s good to look at those letters, innit? I had this happen to me when I was cleaning my email inbox a while back and stumbled upon those emails we exchanged while we were supposed to be at work and uh, working! Lol

  36. sister

    salamun alaikum dear sisters,

    I just discovered this blog and would like to say thanks to you all for sharing your experiences with us. As I am single and have been on the “never want to be married” trip for a long time, it really helps to read, what marriage really is about, alhamdulillah :-)

    Big salaaams from Germany,

    Samira.

    1. Zaynah

      Hi Samira

      Germany! Wow, the blog is really jumping to all over the world! Agree, it’s a great place. I love coming here but haven’t done so lately as I got completely sucked up in university assignment business.

  37. Soon to be Mrs Insha Allah

    Asalamu Alaikum my dearest sisters,

    Wow i am sincerely blown away and touched by the amount of advice and insight i have been getting from reading your posts. May Allah t’ala bless your marriage’s always Insha Allah. I am getting married soon (April Insha Allah, and I love all of your advice and will definitely take that into consideration. The bit about the hair is new to me and good to know lol that means i need to consider a good but easy to handle haircut soon.
    I guess keeping Allah in mind and seeking his guidance will for sure alleviate our worries!

  38. Rukeya

    Continuing from my previous note
    “Asalamu Alaikum my dearest sisters,
    Wow i am sincerely blown away and touched by the amount of advice and insight i have been getting from reading your posts. May Allah t’ala bless your marriage’s always Insha Allah. I am getting married soon Insha Allah, and I love all of your advice and will definitely take that into consideration. The bit about the hair is new to me and good to know lol that means i need to consider a good but easy to handle haircut soon. You ladies are amazing and I guess keeping Allah in mind and seeking his guidance will for sure alleviate all our worries!”

    Sister ZAYNAH, you are an amazing person and you touched my heart. I have learned more than you ladies can every know. I knew marriage wasn’t all “Hollywood” happily ever after but now I know what is to be expected of me and that marriage is hard work from both sides and patients, loads of it.

    I thank you all for sharing your wonderful stories with us.

    Jazakallah Khair

    Your sister in Islam

    1. zara

      Sister Rukeya, I pray that your marriage is everything you hope it to be, that Allah t’ala places a seed of love, respect, passion and compassion in both your hearts and the heart of your intended, that will continue to grow and flourish every day – amin.

      I talk to so many sisters who want to find the perfect mate – something that helps me when perfectionism threatens to take over, is to look in the mirror and think about just how perfect I am – which is far from it, LOL!

      This is advice that my Mum gave me before marriage, and it really helped.

      1. Rukeya

        BarakAllahu feek Zara.
        May Allah (swt) reward your mum for that beautiful yet useful advice masha Allah.
        I know once we place our trust in the Almighty I’m sure everything will work out Insha Allah.

    2. Zaynah

      Salaams Rukeya
      Congrats on your impending marriage. may Allah bless you and your man with a really happy and successful marriage, grant you patience and love for one another.
      I’m glad I shared about what I’ve been through, if it will be to help others who might be in the same boat. When you learn something, well you don’t lose anything by sharing it, do you?

  39. Duha

    he he i am not married but a married couple lives in my house, and its CRAZY the house is big but with 10 humans living in it it feels crowded we are really close but, i gotta live with it. the married couple is my brother and his wife

  40. Duha

    also its fun cuz there are 4 girls and 4 boys in the house so when we play games or have picnics the girls are always against the guys

  41. Samira

    Salaam ladies
    My sis told me about this site.I have a funny story about my marriage. When I was in college there was this guy that was in my almost all my classes (weird right), throughout my four years. I had the biggest crush on him. I thought he was really intelligent, and handsome, and kind of quite and shy which only made me like himn even more. Never had the courage to talk him (not even say hi)
    When I finished school my parents said they may have found someone for me. I didn’t want to break their hearts, so I agreed to meet him. knowing that I was just doing so for my parents. So one day I came home and my mom rushed my into her room and told me to get ready cause the guy was there with his parents. I was in shock, cause I didn’t think it would happen so fast.
    I walkled into the room and guess who was sitting on my couch. The guy from college who I was infatuated with. Couldn’t believe my eyes
    I felt like screaming, YES I WILL MARRY HIM. But I had to contain myself and get to know him.
    So long story short, been married for 10 years. We have three beautiful boys (who look exactly like him:) and everyday I thank Allah that he allowed me to find the love of my life.
    So the moral of the story is, listen to your parents. They might know what you want more than you do:)
    Jazak

    1. Amirah

      Mashallah!!!

      That is so beautiful. I’m so happy that it worked out for you….

    2. Zaynah

      Awww, beautiful story! Glad you found him, and if I’m not mistaken, it may have been faith that brought him to your doorstep!

      1. Raisin

        SOOOOOO cute! Ma’sha’allah!

    3. elina

      awwwwwwww that is so cute..

    4. Yusra

      Salaam Aleikum
      dear Samira ,
      it’s maybe crazy to say this , since it’s defintly very very late for it , but congratulations !!!!!
      that’s really awesome masha’Allah , I’m so happy for you ..
      I’m sure that you are happy with your husband , and with your boys . just Masha’Allah , today I’m discovering how much Allah (swt) is great……..

      I’m a 17 hijabi teenager from Morocco , and I’ll defintly listen to my parents !!!!!!!!!!
      But , escuse me to say , that I got another moral from your life story , you respected yourself , your deen and especially Allah . even that you had a crush on him , you did what every muslim girl should do if she has a crush on someone . and Allah masha’Alah has rewarded you …….
      may you always be happy ….

      your sister from Morocco

    5. Yasira

      Looooool, samira that was a funny story i like the bit where you go
      ” YES I WILL MARRY HIM. But I had to contain myself and get to know him. ”
      Well alhamdulilah, may we single ladies in the house find someone2 ameen.

      1. Yusra

        ameen summa ameen sister Yasira !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if u find tell me :D

    6. Rania

      ASSALAM O ALIKUM
      lolzzzz
      MashALLAH ur story is veryyyy cuteeee…MAy ALLAH keep u ppl happy n together in both lives …ameenn

      but pls continue ur story little more lolll….wt happenend after u saw him??
      :)

  42. anon.

    hey sisters, i know many of us Muslim women have to deal with hair because of the way we are. i just want to ask how do you all deal with it?

    1. Zaynah

      What do you mean by ‘deal with it’? Do you mean manage it?

      I do the normal if I weren’t wearing hijab. Trims every 2 months, shampoo, conditioner, though the hijab helps since it kinda protects the hair. I have mine ina short style though, since it doesn’t really grow long, just thick. It’s more manageable for me.

      Because of the hijab though, I try not to have it too short on my forehead otherwise it will not be held back under the head covering, but that’s about it.

      1. Nishi

        shorter hair is much easier to deal with, I had long hair and had to keep tying it up so that it wouldn’t show, now its shoulder length and all tucked away :)

  43. anon

    Thanks, but i meant excess hair on the face or arms etc.

  44. Amirah

    I don’t think that is is haram to shave you excess hair like you armpits, your legs, arms, and anywhere else you get hair. But you can’t shave or pluck your eyebrows. I hope this helps

    1. anon

      yeah that you very much. but do you ladies have any tips? is it better to shave or wax? pluck? burn? laser?

      1. L'Oreal

        you know, i have seen fatwa that says there is nothing wrong with plucking your eyebrows, but it is the EXCESSIVE plucking which is to be avoided. there are many opinions on this point. why, i don’t know, but do some more research until you are satisfied with the answer. i would not want you to do something or not do it, and be uncomfortable about your decision.

  45. worried mee

    Salam sis.Am from Nigeria nd i feel like i av a lot in common wit d sis bout not bein islamically strong nd getting twisted nd goin thru a vicious cycle.I was born a muslim-nd i know so li2 about d deen.2 dose of u dat r married nd sharing ur experiences,am so glad 4 u nd hapy dat islam gives us al dat plus more.Ur comments nd advice av been so awesome(May Allah reward u all abundantly for sharing)BTW am not married but d topic is one dats very close to my heart(i luv babies-we d see bout dat wn i start avin em insha Allah-nd marriage is half of the deen!!!lol!)d truth is i feel lyk i do not av adequate knowledge bout islam(i kno am suposd 2 get dat by reading good books nd talking wit people-am nt much of a people person)for e.g dat av bn given opportunities to serve Allah but my timidity/attitude(fear)kept me 4rm doin mch.Anoda truth is dat i somtyms wish i came 4rm a much mor comfortable family nd dat evry1 behaved completely different-as if i were
    perfect! I kno ts wrong nd selfish to feel ds way nd even a sign of ingratitude to Allah but i am unable to stop myself!
    To d main issue concerning marriage,am 21 nd wld v.much love to be married by 23 or sooner allahu alam,but i feel lyk wit al dis personal issues i av,can i rily b a wife,mother et al?Wen i picture myself bein married i kno dat d person i am rite now cannot nd must not b dat person then-wot can i do?Av had quite a numba of offer for marriage,bt i turned dem all down even to som1 dat culd av bn mr right-coz of ds fear dat wit ma issues nd al if i wer d oda person wld i wand som1 to bring al dis on me?I dont want to disapoint whoeva i agree to marry-ma issue bout not being a people person-how wld i relate wit his friends nd family?
    My hearts rily heavy wit al dis nd more nd am close to tears but i feel a li2 relief bringing it here nd hopin am not blabbing or being a bother but i want nd need to b a better muslimah(nd hopefully be of help to s1 else too).Pls sisters i rily need ur prayers nd advice….Jazakhallahu khaeiran! A worried sista

  46. rahima

    sis no need to be worried about marriage when it comes it will be a good feeling because you will simply be into it that person you want to spend your life with. Don,t be pressured becoz of friends who have gotten married remember for them it a descion they made and no one can share wid u what de are experiencing but de will only share wid u the best part of it therefore sis it,s your life and you’ve gat to leave it for your self .

    NB;WHEN DA TIME COMES YOU WILL FEEL IT INSIDE YOU AND ON THE TOP OF IT, BESIDES WE HAVE SO MUCH TO ACHIEVE AS EMPOWERED WOMEN THAN MARRIAGE AT AN EARLY STAGE .FOR EXAMPLE, GO FOR FURTHER STUDIES , GET INVOLVED IN WOMEN PROJECTS, WORK VERY HARD .SIS DID YOU KNOW THAT MEN THESE DAYS WANT MORE THAN A MARE WOMAN THEY OPT FOR EXTRA ORDINARY WOMEN THO WHO ARE EMPOWERED AND HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR LIVES AND IN OTHER PEOPLES LIVES . DON’T BE JUST A WOMAN BE A NICE LOOKING YOUNG EMPOWERED WOMAN PLUS A WIFE IF MARRIED.HOPE I,VE BEEN OF HELP.

  47. yasmeen

    what is ‘morning after’ hair?

    1. Amirah

      Well when you are married and you sleep with your husband you become impure because you have had sex. So in order to become clean again you have to take a shower and wash your whole body including your hair. So ‘the morning after’ your hair after you know! so the question of this blog is what do you do to manage you hair everytime you wash it. Hope that helped

  48. sajida

    Sisters, I am eighteen years old and my family expects me to get married. Honestly, i’m all for it because i want to be able to adapt to my husband rather than have problems later in our marriage becasue of our conflicting lifestyles but I am also scared out of my mind becasue i am only eighteen years old. My friends are enjoying their lives and the thought of being “tied down” keeps on haunting me. I have always told myself that 24 is the magic number; thats how old i planned to be when i get married but i dont want to upset my family and besides, what girl doesn’t want to get married! I’m also realizing how stressful it is to find the right guy. I’m not sure how much i like the suitors i have so far but i’ve never really met them. Other than the obvious, what do you think i should take into consideration when i’m deciding on a guy?

    1. L'Oreal

      the one piece of advice i was given before i married was to “see him in all seasons.” this means to make sure to see him when hes happy, sad, angry, and all range of emotion if possible and to also see him with his family, his friends, your family, etc.

      i am sorry to say this, but people change. we all change. in fact, women will change mentally and hormonally around the age of 25. so be prepared. you will not be the same person, maybe similar, but not the same, as you are now.

      a lot of times, when we are seeing someone, we try to be the perfect person for our significant other. DO NOT FALL INTO THIS TRAP. if you do this, it is like lying. you are putting on airs, putting on a false face. show them your real personality, good or “bad.” and when i say bad, i dont mean haram. i mean something else. for example, sometimes when things don’t go my way, i have a bit of a temper tantrum, but i quickly get over the problem. these are the kinds of things that should not be hidden from your significant other. you want to walk into marriage with EYES WIDE OPEN!

    2. L'Oreal

      and by the way, if you want to wait till you are 24, then wait till you are 24. in the end, although you love and respect your parents, you are the one who will be married to this man, not them. you will be the one with the responsibility of marriage and if you’re heart isn’t in to it, for one reason or another, your marriage will be extremely hard. it is not good to have so much stress at such a young age. it seems to me that you have plans. you don’t want to be “tied down” as you say. follow your plans. live a life outside of your family’s wants and desires. it is your life after all. this is part of your mental development as a woman. don’t forsake yourself the opportunity and RIGHT to be who you are just to satisfy your parents. it’s not right. and they should respect your wishes. if they push this situation on you and you are not ready, they could end up harming their relationship with you and actually push you away from the idea of marriage. it’s a big step and not one that should be taken so lightly. stay strong. don’t be intimidated or bullied into anything you don’t feel you’re ready for. inshallah, the time will come, and when it does, it will feel right.

  49. Umaimah

    Hey everyone I love this site and all teh advice that is given here. Anywayz I read somewhere that muslims have the custom of checking a womens virginityon her wedding night. I know this sounds weird but they say that when the women is with her husband on her wedding night, her hymen tears and she bleeds proving that she is a virgin. If the sheets don’t have blood on them then she isn’t a virgin. I also heard that the hymen can be torn by other non sexual related things like streching, bike riding, sports and by even inserting tampons. I am worried because I have never had sex but I have done all of these things and I have NEVER had sex. Im worried my hymen is torn. What if my furture husband thinks I am not a virgin on our wedding night.

    So I guess my guess my question is do Muslims practice this custom?

    1. L'Oreal

      ok. to answer Umaimah’s question regarding a torn hymen. you would know if you torn your hymen. it would have hurt you and most likely bled. bike riding does not tear your hymen, but a tramau to that area can. for instance, if you were riding your bicycle and you some how fell on the bar, the frame of the bicycle, that is inbetween your legs, you may have hit yourself hard enough to tear your hymen. a tampon may stretch that area, but honestly, and please forgive me if i sound crude, your husband will most likely be bigger than the size of a tampon. so if you are worried that your husband may think that you are not a virgin, i really wouldnt worry and i don’t think it will be a problem.

      and in the end… your husband must trust you. if you are a virgin and you know you are one, then that is all there is to it. if he were to deny this, despite your word, then shame on him.

      1. Star

        Salaam Sister Umaimah,

        I know this reply comes after sometime, like many I have just discovered this beautiful site. Despite the time, I feel this is a very important issue to address because I believe it is something the ummah needs much education about.

        As sisters above have mentioned, there are many different cultures in the ummah. Some cultures hold this practice to be common, both in their native context or in their diaspora (i.e. immigrant Muslim communities in the USA or France). Often it is a family by family basis with regards to immigrant communities, and like many things, this is a custom not reserved to Muslims.

        It is indeed true that the hymen can be broken in many ways, and not all of them painful, long before virginity might be lost. The pain encoutered during the first few times one has sex (fear not, it gets much better) tend to have much more to do with a woman’s body learning to adapt to her husband’s presence, both physically and emotionally. Her body will adapt to accommodate, especially as she relaxes.

        While it is true that a man’s penis is larger than a tampoon, it has less to do with size and more to do with the hymen’s movement. This is why something like riding a horse or a bike, or playing sports in general can result in a tear. Think about someone playing soccer, leaping to stop a ball from going into a goal and getting her legs tangled during the proccess. Sometimes our bodies simply get stretched and the hymen doesn’t make it through. Furthermore, even if a gal never partakes in physical activities, she may have been born without one or stretched it apart with a tampoon.

        I had several websites I was going to post with this, but I lost my reply when I went to copy and paste them, at the risk fo a second loss, I’ll stick with just this one which explores the issue a little further (the others were more scientific from health forms):

        http://sexinfo.wetpaint.com/page/The+Female+Hymen+and+It's+Significance

        As I understand it, there used to be custom of a bride taking a small pin to bed with her the first night, to prick her finger for blood should she not bleed. While this provided reprieve for these woman, it has caused womankind through history of a great challenge: people now believe that without the blood, the woman is not a virgin!

        The other aspect of biology that I think we need some ummah education on relates to the gender of a child. There exists, in many cultures and across many faiths, a belief that the woman is responsible for providing sons – and more specifically that she has innate control over this. A child’s sex is determined by the father – always. In the egg exists X chromosons, in the sperm either Xs or Ys. If a baby is born out of an XX match, it will be a girl. If an XY, it will be a boy.

        The role of the hymen and the Y chromosom are perhaps two of the critical educational imperatives to ensuring that sisters across the world are given their due respect in marriage.

        Ultimately what L’Oreal said is absolutely critical: your husband must trust you. Remember that the Qur’aninc verse relating to the need for four witnesses came following the Prophet’s (pbuh) accusations of Aisha which had been based on rummors created with the intent of doing her harm. While now, tragically, being used to prevent the recognition of a woman’s rape, there is an important aspect of trust being called for.

        Furthermore, I think it is important that we remember a woman is worth far more than her virginity. Sisters across the ummah have been raped, have chosen not to wait until marriage, have been misled by men promising marriage, or have been put in economic situations where their bodies may have been what provided their families with food – their humanity, and their womanhood, are no less legitimate. Judgement is for Allah.

        Ug. I’ve just realized there is no spell checker. I am a terrible speller – very sorry! Also, I did not look at the site which the address above was from, I only read that specific page. Can’t speak for the rest of it, and as I said there are many more scientific answers online if you simply search for ‘torn hymen.’

        May Allah grant all of us happy marriages and the strength to work our way through the challenging moments.

      2. Star

        I neglected to mention sisters across the ummah who have been subject sexual abuse outside of rape in the above list. It is Ramadan, my brain is not fully operational(-;

  50. Raisin

    Hey sisters and aunties!
    OK, BIIIIIG problem. I’m 14 years old, and my mother hasn’t tackled me about sex yet. I’ve done it in science at school and I know my aunts know I know (XD), and I’ve read all about it in my old Islamic textbooks (You know, the arabic ones where you learn MINDLESSLY) so I think I’m OK. But I feel like, what are you waiting for, Mom, the night before my wedding???? I feel like if I asked her she’ll get really mad that I know and never told her (That’s my fault. In 7th grade I was afraid she’d take me out of the school if she knew they were teaching us that…now I know better.)

    1. elina

      salma
      Raisin i went through the same thing.. i learned it in school and my did not know that they are teaching us .. my mom never disscoused these topics and az u said that what are they wating for our wedding night? u r right..

      1. Najwa

        Hey everyone…!

        It kinda getin boring here any new conversations

  51. Freddie

    Salam sisters!

    Like a lot of newbies I’ve just spent the past hour reading this. Wow! Alhumduilah all your stories have touched me in many ways:), im truly inspired and no longer oh so mad at mu husband to be. Hopefully yhr below might explain why i got a lil mad.

    But having read your stories, and learning a lot, nshallah I’ll have the patiance to be a good wife!:) 

    I’m getting married in october, and nothing is going my way! I’m of bangladeshi origin, and I’m a simple
    person, who wanted a simple, no thrills wedding. But oh no the in laws to be want the full works, engagement party (150 people), wedding (600 people), walima (500 people). I hate being centre of attention, I hate fuss, and I get palpatations just thinking about. My
    side have spoken to the grooms side but to no luck, they just don’t want to hear it. Bengalis like to do things on a big scale, and evrything seems to be leading culturally. I’ve spoken to my fiancé and hes tried speaking to his family about doing a scale down version, but his mum is a little firecracker lol, and it seems the wedding has become all about what everyone else wants and nothing about what I want (typical!!).

    The current topic being argued is that  the wedding cannot happen on a Saturday because it’s bad luck! I’ve never ever heard of this before, for my
    family saturday is a good day to get married, no work or school the next day (here in the UK alot of Bangladeshi weddings tend to happen on a Sunday, it’s also ridiculously expensive, like an additional 3k expensive, to just hire out a venue to hold the event in!). So I decided to hook up with google and try and find out if islamically this is correct. Alas, I’ve had no luck finding anything in the topic! Suprise suprise:p lol I was hoping to find a Hadith that showed our prophet (pbuh) gettin married on a Saturday, just to show them, na-uh Saturday is a good enough day for us Muslims to get married in. 

    It’s also a lot cheaper to get married on a saturday compared to any other day, but they keep insisting it’s bad luck. 

    It seems that the grooms side keep making demands and don’t want to compromise, my family get annoyed with me, I get annoyed at my fiancé, and we end up arguing. Sometimes it feels like sometimes he doesn’t do enough to convince his family and so I get annoyed and get on his case. Having read all your comments, I have a lot to learn about pracising patiance! But inshallah things will get better and I juat have to have faith in Allah and what he has destined for me. Just thinking like that makes me feel better :)

    So sisters, any help you can give me on any knowledge you may hve about this getting married on a Saturday bad luck business would be great! 

    Lol, to think I’ve always dreamed of going to Vegas and getting married by Elvis!! :p

    Much love,
    Freddie xx  

  52. Bayan

    No, Freddie, I’ve never heard of this Saturday=bad luck stuff. I strongly suspect that it is plain old superstition, but you better ask a sheikh or somebody more experienced. Is Friday a good day instead? And why not try and tap your in-laws by suggesting that all these huge parties are too expensive? I know what you’re talking about because where I live there’s about 5 different parties no matter how poor you are!

  53. Alma

    Salaam alykum,

    I am so elated to find musimahs sharing knowledge on our daily marital lives. I am a convert, its along story.. but the short version is I was lost, married a christian guy have 1 child by him..then Allah guided me and i left him and decided to follow my faith..Islam and i have never been happier. Problem is am getting marrige proposals fom my fellow muslims and am so soo scared as this will be my 1st true wedding in Islam principles..Am so confused,there is nice guy, religious sweet, but he isnt my type..and the man i had eyes on isnt serious in life.. I have a feeling that i will bevery happy with this other guy,as i always wanted a man who is strong in his faith..but he aint my type.. ok my type is ..lol tall men.. he is short..lol

    advice pls

    1. saida

      Salam my sister as for your “problem” i suggest that you pray about it do salat isthara and if possible or have someone trustful help you in that matter. Confide in Allah as He is the Most Merciful.He’ll never let you down.

  54. Rabeeyah

    …We need a new topic…quite dead around here…muslimettes where are youuuuuuuuuuuuuuu?

    1. Yasira

      Raabeeyah, i have a new topic…..Its why is it that SOME people most especially women from your own background like to make matters worse for you… Okay i know your thinkin, what do you mean, well lemme just give a lil scenario…………….

      Say for example a sister had problems in her life and plus she wasnt really into her deen, then sumfin bad happens and she know starts coming back to the deen, instead of the womenfolk to help this sister, they end up ridiculing her or speaking ill of her…
      Why do YOU think it happens?

      1. Yusra

        I think it’s wrong , ok she may have commited a terrible mistake , but Allah forgivlames nd so should people !!!!!!!! I think that blaming people for what they did isn’t the best way at all !!!! what happened happened , we can change it , I also believe that evrythign in life happens on a purpose , maybe it’s an exam from Allah !!! but Alhamdulilah that sister came back to her deen nd that’s the mos important !!!!!
        sometimes , we can’t figure out why things happens in life , but sometimes also , we discover late why they happened………….
        it happened to me abt 3 times , nd I discovred later the Moral from it nd I said Alhamdulilah !! so keep hope sisters !!!

  55. B33

    Salaam Sisters!

    I just stumbled onto this website too! just now… awesome guys.. honestly.. I loved reading every one of the posts. So true.. Im not married yet, but it seems like Fairy LALA land. seriouslly lol. but you kno wwhat i see my older sister and how she handles things! kid and husband. AMAZINNG! :) shes so good at muliti taskingg Mash’Allah!

    And honestly its so hard to find good guys now. I see many of my other friends and sisters looking..makes me sort of scared in a way. Its so hard to judge the guy sometimes.. But all through this I’ve always learnt to trust Allah SWT because He will do everything for our good..

  56. B33

    lol hint hint sisters.. ADVICE. how to find the right guy and Sister Alma I definately get what you mean its so tough but sometimes you gotta bite your tongue and just pray for the good:) and Insh’Allah you’ll find your way :)

  57. Sakina

    Salaam all my beautiful sisters…

    I am glad to see all the positive sides to marriage, i have been married for 2 years and i have not looked back. before i got married i wanted to get married to someone because i loved them, but i only loved that guy for myself then i got introduced to a guy who is not my type (little did i know) but somehow i fell in love with him for Allah’s sake, he loved Allah and who wouldnt love someone who loves Allah! we are happily married and he surprises me everyday of how much he reali is my type! lol
    all the best to all the singles, never settle for less than what Allah says you should have, and that is a man who fears HIm and honours the religion of ISlam.

  58. Sakina

    PS
    and the mom on speed dial thing did not work for me. she simply thought i was being silly, she didnt believe that i am actuali stuck i cant think of a single meal to cook, because im a whizz in the kitchen, when i was at home i can make a meal from anything in the kitchen, but when i got married i found myself in a dilemma! not even one recipe popped into my head.

  59. Chantelle

    I really enjoyed reading this. This may not be the right place to put this.. but here we go.

    I’m not muslim, and I don’t think i’ll ever become one. I’ve been researching and trying to figure out what being a muslim woman is all about. I found out alot about the guidlines you follow, and why you dress and act how you do, but it was still very impersonal and i didn’t understand how muslim women actually feel. This one just shows me that you women, are just like me and my family.

    I was under the misguidance that muslim women where opressed, and controlled. That they where not given the chance to have a mind of there own. I want to say sorry to all of you for judging and thinking those things about you.

    You are all strong, respectable and beautiful women.

    1. saida

      @ Chantelle
      Hi!
      Nice reading your comment.I could assure you that being a Muslim woman has nothing to do with oppression.I’m African and my family has been Muslim for more than a century and trust me i will never trade Islam for anything.

    2. soos

      this was so nice to read, thank you so much <3 i hope there will come a day where more people can be as understanding towards muslim women as you are

  60. Maryam

    salaamz can sum1 answer umaimahs q plz? im curious about it too!

    1. L'Oreal

      i answered her question. maybe that will help you.

      1. Anonymous

        thnx <3

  61. fatima

    Assalam Alaikum,am very glad i stumbled on this website……am not married but afta reading your posts i jst wnt to get married dis vry minute…!!!……..i undastand dat its nt a bed of roses but u all hav made me seen d beauty in it….am 19 and am in college I might get married nxt year Insha Allah..ive bin having cold feet about it buh all my doubts are cleared…..thanks a lot jazakumullahu khairan

  62. Me1984

    Salaam Everyone!

    I’m not married but i would like to be soon. The problem is that i don’t really know how to go about it. I live in a small town where there aren’t many muslims. I’m turning 26 in a month and i feel like time is running out…. any suggestions? I’d really like to talk with other like-minded people my age and everyone on this blog seems to be right up to my speed lol I apologize if i’m ruining the discussion, i hope to hear from any of you who may be interested in talking. Salaam :-)

    1. L'Oreal

      is there a local masjid? or a community center for muslims? maybe there is one in a nearby town? or you could always trust your family to find someone! lol i don’t recommend the internet unless it is for intial meeting only. face to face is the best form of interaction since you can see his body language and facial expressions.

      it’s amazing how many muslims there are in a town, even when you don’t think there are any. i had lived in a town of 2600, there are probably more cows here than people. :) it’s in the country, and in texas. there were actually 4 muslim families that live there! two of which were business owners in that town. i had no idea until i really looked.

  63. sarab

    So i have a dilemma. Though I have yet to receive a marriage proposal from a convert, I honestly believe that it would be best for me to marry one. I shared this sentiment with my Libyan parents and I had no idea that they would be so upset! I don’t think I would like to marry a libyan or arab man because I feel that a lot of Muslims who are born into Islam don’t share the appreciation that converts do and another thing, which gets on my nerves SO much. From what I’ve noticed about Arab men living in america is their sense of entitlement that his wife must cook or clean the house. You are not entitled to it, buster, you have the privilege. There is a difference. If the Prophet(PBUH) picked up after himself then these men certainly can do so. It’s not just the issue of picking up after themselves, I just feel like they’re so pampered. Quite frankly, it kind of disgusts me. Well getting back on the subject, I told my parents and they got so upset. They kept on going on about cultural differences and children having a weaker grasp on the Arabic language which is important to have to truly understand the quran, anyways…I just wanted to get your takes on it.

  64. L'Oreal

    I think what you said about Arab men is right on. I am married to an Egyptian man. He was born Muslim and I am a convert (or revert, which ever is your pleasure.) Islam is held differently between the two of us and I can see that when I talk to others, as well. Most of the women born into Islam, I find, have a strong grasp on their religion, while the men have wide array that varies from the pious to the disinterested. I don’t know why, but I have seen it, here in America and in Egypt. I certainly hope that with time your parents will come to join you in your sentiments. I think it is sound reasoning on your part. And who’s to say that this future convert fiance isn’t an Arabic language major? :D Or someone else who has taken the time to learn this beautiful language of the Quran?

  65. Laila

    assalam alaikum sisters

    i have a little problem that I need some advice on, and just wanted some unbiased opinions.
    I am having some trouble with my sis in law. She is flirting with my husband. At first I thought it was my imagination, then over time I noticed she was always smiling and him and going out of her way to talk to him. Then my husband came to me last week and told me she tried to kiss him while we were all at a family gathering. OMG.
    I am very serious about my marriage, and I love my husband very much. This is driving me CRAZY. I cannot tell anyone from my family because they might do something rash, and cause a world war. I would like to confront my sis in law but don’t know how to go about it.
    What is most shocking of all, is that I thought she was a religous and pious girl, that is how she presents herself anyways.

    soooooo confused and upset.

    help.

  66. Amira

    Hey muslimahs!!!
    Wow oh wow am i glad i found this site, i sent it to my muslimah friend as soon as i discovered it!! It makes me feel so proud to be muslim :)

    I’m glad i found this particular article as well, as i’m 17 and pretty scared of getting married. (i am not engaged either, and have a few years left till marriage even crosses my mind as possible) I know that i can learn to love the man i marry, even if i don’t know him really well, but there are just a few things that worry me constantly (ever since my mom says she wants me engaged in college)
    What if he isn’t a gentle, caring person? I don’t want to make the mistake of marrying someone that could turn hostile, or that won’t learn to love me back just as I know i’ll love him isa. Any advice? I’m egyptian and boy do we have quite the temper!…but what if i become the object of his possible-temper? I know this is a pretty silly fear, but nowadays it seems like no marriage is perfect where i live (texas), and it just worries me…

    And naturally, the wedding night. I’ve talked to some of my muslimah friends, and it seems we all share the same fears… since Islam asks us to be pious and modest, and to refrain from being near men/boys, how can we suddenly just get so close to someone? Again, maybe this is just a silly fear…

    Anybody feel the same way? Anyone have any advice?

    I feel like i just found about 200 best friends and sisters!! :D
    ISA Allah will help us with our future relationships or our current ones

    1. Yusra

      Dear Amira ,
      salam Aleikum !!!!!! I’m also a 17 girl nd I have started to think really seriously abt marriage !!!! since one of my frnds (she’s my age ) got married two weeks ago !!!!
      sister Amira don’t worry !!!! me too I have the same fear !!! but u have to trust ur parenst choice !! of course , ur not going to know him completly before the wedding , but I’m sure that if it’s an arranged marriage ur parents will chose u a gud man !!! but u just remember that the most importanat abt a man is his deen . he has to be a gud muslim , nd if he’s is , then automaticlly he’ll be gentle nd caring !!! coz when the man is a gud muslim , then he tries his best to follow the Sunna nd to act like our dear prophet (PBUH) . nd Mohammed (SWS) was a gr8 man !!! nd he was (PBUH) so gentle nd caring !!
      of course he has to be a little handsome ( well let’s be honest , we teenagers dream of that :D , then why not insha’Allah ?? )
      nd Amira of course he will love u !!!!! first of all , if he doesn’t like u (just like u at the begining) why would he even propose to u ?????
      I also believe in “love after nikah” , plizz read this whole article in this website (some parts r in urdu/hindi since it’s a pakistani website , but try to understand) http://www.paklinks.com/gs/wedding/401521-mohabbat-by-nikkah.html it’s fater reading this that I said ” YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want an islamik arranged marriage !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

      hmmmm, about the wedding night …………… I can’t really help u with that since I’m ur age nd I’m still not married !!!! all I can say is that I dont think that in this whope workld ther’s a girl who’s more scared than me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my Allah !!! I don’t even want to think abt that !!! nd only Alah knows how it’s gonna be ………………………… oh Allah , plizz help us , we young girls , in our wedding night !!!

      nd I totally agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      I always dreamed of having only one sister but Alhamdulilah , Allah gave me more !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      I’m so happy (*^_^*)
      well Amira I hope I helped u a little bit !!! nd by the way ur egyptian right ??? I am Moroccan !!!!
      here’s my facebook account if u wanna keep in touch with me “Afreen Quraishi” just send me an invitation saying hi it’s Amira from Muslimette !!!

      May Allah help u wa Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatu Allah

  67. Muslimah14

    @ Sister Laila!
    Wow! Seems like you are just in an absolutely tough position. My advice would be to maybe not attend the same events as your sister inlaw. Or maybe talk to her to see whats going on. OR if things are getting really bad and its affecting your relationship with your husband then you should ask a scholar or imam in your local masjid! Lol sorry sister if these sound really.. well old fashioned.. but to maybe help your situation a little bit! :) but Insh’Allah things will get better! :)

  68. Muslimah14

    @Sister Laila!
    Okay well you should probably not go to your sister in law straightup fighting mode, but tell her kindly how you feel about the matter and how much it makes you uncomfortable. Its important to get your message across! Even if it takes forever! But looks can be deceiving and we all know that! Lol and no need to involve family… trust me… my family would do the exact same lol. But to keep it nice and peaceful just make sure you go to her indirectly and even if she starts getting angry or upset, talk to her in a calm tone.

  69. Explorer

    Dear all

    I am planning o study in Ausralia and I want to marry (bel Halal) from a virgin single muslim australian girl between 18 – 25 years old and certinly I will love her and her family and I will keep her in my heart as well as my eyes. ( If respect me ).

  70. Explorer

    I am planning to study in Ausralia and I want to marry (bel Halal) from a virgin single muslim Australian girl between 18 – 25 years old and certinly I will love her and her family and I will keep her in my heart as well as my eyes. ( If she respects me ).

    Explorer

  71. Maryam

    I found this site today and have been pretty much overwhelmed by the comments. I was expecting the ‘usual’ (well, what has become usual to me) stuck-up, non-feeling, harsh, everything-to-do-with-personal-life-is-taboo Muslim women I seem to be surrounded by but wow, everyone here has really opened my eyes! I realise I’m only 15 and have years and years to go until I should even start thinking about marriage but I am deathly terrified of it. I have not so much as spoken to a guy since I was 11 and I have no idea how I’m expected to consider someone my parents will randomly (to me) choose for me to marry as a serious husband.
    I’ve been having problems with my faith this past year or so and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. I’m rebellious by nature and I have this gut feeling that Allah loves me less than he used to. I’ve realised that it’s too late to do anything to change myself, and I know I can try but it’ll take lots of hard work and am I really up to it? I don’t understand most of the things we as Muslimahs are supposed to deal with, and my family have confused culture and religion so much I don’t know where one ends and the other begins. As a sister mentioned before me, I’d rather marry a revert as that thread, for lack of a better word, of Islam seems to me purer than my own culture-infused one.
    Sincerest apologies if this sounds like rambling (I assure you it definitely IS rambling!) but everyone here seems like genuinely lovely people and it’s nice to have somewhere to seek advice :)

    Salam,

    Maryam x

  72. Bayan

    Hey Maryam!

    Why not chat with Zaynab, Iqraa and I on the ‘What’s your inside style’ thread? We’re all rambling there too. :D

  73. Ruqayah

    Asalamu alaikum everyone nice meeting you all I sooooo love this site I’ve been reading all of your posts since thursday n they r all sooooooo Masha Allah. I’d love to be more part of this site n ll definitely recomend it to my girls Insha Allah.
    Salams to you all and Eid Mubarak!!!!

  74. Team gomiddleeast

    I love to read all the comments on this site!! It’s a good forum for people to see and understand that everybody’s the same.. I put a link on our website today to your site:
    http://www.gomiddleeast.com/

    We’re trying to write about subjects connected to the middle east, to Islam and all the prejudices related, and all the traditional conflicts that may occur when your children is growing up wanting to decide for themselves about religion, clothes, marriage etc. Please If there’s time give your thoughts..
    Thanks
    Team gomiddleeast.com

  75. Sophie

    Dear everyone,
    I stumbled across this blog when I was doing research for a book I’m writing with a young Muslim woman in it (the initial question was what it might feel like for her to be probably the only person at her school who wears a headscarf). It was so amazing to read your stories and you’ve really helped me a lot. I also want to say that I agree on a lot of things you’ve said about marriage. I just got married four months ago and it’s been like many of you described: a very intense and beautiful experience, but also a lot of hard work, requiring lots and lots of commitment, communication and compromise. I often have the feeling that a lot of people don’t want to face these challenging aspects of relationships any more, which is why having a crush and experimenting with multiple partners, as well as not taking the principle of love very seriously, seem to have become the norm. What Loofa said about feeling isolated from her peers because she doesn’t go to the same parties also applies to me, although I’m not Muslim. It just comes with having different values than most people around you, whether the reason is religion, or “simply just” (self-)respect.
    I felt a bit like an intruder reading your very personal conversations here, which is why I’m leaving this message to say thank you. I think you’re an inspiration because of your confidence in who you are, and also because you treat everyone who posts something here very kindly (a lot of forums could totally learn from this site!).
    Best wishes to all of you.

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  78. Tasneem

    I am 22 years old and married for 3 months now. I was brought up in a strict muslim home (parents are good muslims) but because we live in a westernized society (from South Africa) I was not forced to wear Hijaab or cover my Aura. I met my husband at a NYE Party and it was love at first sight for me,I told him that night that I will marry him, he did not agree with me, He wasnt the “commited type”. We dated for 3 years and were not ready for marriage but we knew we wanted to be with each other and we wanted to become better muslims, so we became engaged a year before getting married. I can honestly say that it was the best decision we could have made. I thought we were so inlove before marriage,but once you get married, you realise that the love for each other before was a fraction of what you feel once the nikkah has been made. My advise is, do not court that long, Shaytaan will do anything in his power to lead the couple astray.
    What I have realised since being married is the following:
    1. Compromise – Its give and take, and not take all the time of give all the time, you have to find that balance.
    2. My husband and I take turns with everything, I mostly cook, so he will do the dishes. the only time he cooks and cleans is when im sick and vice versa. I will do the washing and he will hang it up.
    3. We both work and we split everything, so we are equal and so that the other doesnt feel like the one is sponging on the other, even though the husband is responsible of taking “financial” care of the woman. (I was brought up as a independant woman, so I am use to paying for whatever I need)
    4.Always try and do something special for each other, it doesnt have to cost anything, just knowing that your partner wants to make you feel special is really amazing (e.g my husband loves watching top gear and I hate it,so when I am at work, I download episodes onto my blackberry,and while im cooking at night, he can watch it), its the simple things that count
    5. Respect goes a long way
    6. Hold your tongue, I know sometimes when you argue, things get said which could really hurt your partner, think before you talk.
    7. I refused to learn how to cook before marriage, but I come from a family of great cooks and I must say, its wonderful cooking together with your husband, he loves every dish I make. Work out a schedule, it helps with time. Like on a thursday eve, I dont cook, we have grilled sandwiches.
    Because we got married on a thursday, we have date night with candles and everything.
    8. Do different activities together, even if you dont enjoy it.
    9. Very important, if you pray together, you stay together.
    10. After 20:00 we do not watch any TV, an we take turns to read the Quraan to each other (english transliteration)
    11. NB, Do not have a TV in your bedroom!
    12. Love your mother-in-law like your own mother. I have a beautiful relationship with my mom-in-law and brother and sister-in-law. Although my father in law is quite nasty sometimes, he wants me to wear Hijaab, His daughter is in her 30’s married and does modelling, but he doesnt force her. So I cant understand why he is nasty to me and not his own daughter,but I am still respectful to him. Inshallah I will be ready to cover myself,until then, my husband said he will wait for me to do it out of my own.
    13. Communication and trust should be the pillars of your marriage, and then everything else will fall into place.

    Marriage is what you make of it,it can be horrible and it can be amazing. its your attitute towards it. So far Iv had a great marriage and we extremely happy. We hate being apart.

    May the Almighty grant all you sisters Pious and good husbands Inshallah

  79. Aisha

    Salam Aleikom!

    Dear sisters i want say, i will have to marriage after 1 and half year and in this time i will 18 years,
    i am in love really i love him but i am totally so much afraid from all…
    I am afraid most because of wedding night, i am afraid that i will not live with my mom and that i will live “adult” life, i want cry when i thinking about this all… I am afraid that i will be not good mom and i dont know my future husband so
    perfectly…
    I don’t want become mother in 18 years some time i think that i am yet child and i am not ready…but i dont want leave him, i think that he is my right love… what i have do?? :'( I am very confused…

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  82. sister in Isalm

    Woww! It seems that most evrybody stumbles on this site & gets hooked instantly, I guess this is Allahs way of uniting muslim women from everywhere.. Anyways hope all u wonderful sisters are in the best of health.. I feel like I know uz all, sister Zaynah u r tryly an inspiration so strange that we can all get along so well without really knowing each other.. Keep up the good work & let us all try our best to make khidma of this wonderful deen.. To the sister that has the whole getting married on a Saturday issue, there is a hadith that comes to mind, something to the effect that: Nabi (saw) has said:’ there is no day or month in islam where it is not permissable to make nikah.’
    I hope this helps In- Shaa- Allah.. :) :) :)

  83. aneesah

    asalumalykum
    hi -as i was browsin i caym across this syt n mashala its gr8
    i hav a few questions concernin marrigae as i hav been warnd tym n tym again by a friend (who is now married and has 3 children)
    she tells me that her sister has experienced a similar story as above-
    that she fell in lov with a guy who seemd amazin, he wood do anything 4 her, he was handsome and sensitive- they started datin n he asked her to do things she wouldnt normally do, lyk tayk of her scarf and wear clothes that wer more than revealing… she was deeply in love with him n thought he loved her to so they went and told her parents that they wanted to get married, they didnt want her 2 at first but eventually she begged them into alowing her to.
    wen they married she realised he was a complete idiot-he ruined her lyf!
    he sold drugs n went out late at night leaving her alone with his other wive ( wich he never mentioned) he also had many ‘mistresses’ whom he treated as girlfriends…she was devastated

    therfor my friend constantly warns me against speaking to guys and getting boyfriends nearly everytime we talk- after a bit she bbegins to get rambiling ans quite annoying but i no she means wel.

    she herslef got married very early at 18 and had her 1st duaghter at 19… she assures me to gain respect with your parents dont go to partys and things lyk that, as many things can happned that u wouldnt imagine concerning boys. she tells me honestly that parnets may ‘lock you in a cage’ but its to protect you from breaking your heart

    with out talking to boys (unless neccesary) how do you no who is right for you?

    sorry for rambiling on but i needed advice badly-thankyuou sisters!

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  85. shaheeda

    Aneesa,

    I know it is a quandry to find the man of ur dreams when all r telling u to not talk to the opposite sex.

    All i can say is that it doesn’t matter. Only god will fulfill ur path with whatever he desires – be that good and happiness or bitterness and sorrow.

    I thought i had done the good islamic/traditional way of doing things and never had a boyf. or did anything untoward. My parents found me a man and we had an arranged marraige even though we never met or spoke before that day. Luckily he was a nice/kind, sweet young man and I thought we would live happily ever after.

    This was not to be as his family (no extended family) treated me like an outsider and became jealous of me and my husbands relationship. They could not understand how we were happy whislt they were all living with their partners but living sepearate lives. They would do things without each other whilst my husband and I would go out as a couple, even visiting family/friends as a couple. Plain jealousy from his family ruined what could have been a strong marraige. And while i blame his family, I also know he has to take some of the blame as he walked out when he was forced to choose between wife and family. I guess he thought family would stick by him! I would love to see if they did or if he regrets his decision but alas I have moved on and am now getting engaged again, but still fearful that it may go wrong the second time also. Just praying it will be ok!

    Evryone tells me Allah will make it alright – but my question is why didnt Allah make my first marraige work as we were happy – or was other peoples happiness more important than ours??

    Unfortunately, noone can give u a definitive answer to ur question as noone really knows. U could spend a liftime praying for good and nothing but bad comes to you. I only say this as I know people who have never hurt a fly and their lives are in ruins through other peoples actions.

    Just do whatever comes to ur head/heart – it may work out fine, it may not but at least u tried with the best of intensions:)

  86. sister in Isalm

    Assalamualaykum! How are all you wonderful sisters doing?

  87. Manda Bernstein

    Oh, I wish I had the talant as you have

  88. llxoxoll

    Dua for a muslim sister who is single, trying to get married.

  89. Siddika

    Salaam sisters :D. I only jus stumbled on this site and was just browsing through and cme across this article. MashAllah everyone on here is really nice :’) I’m 16 and in no hurry to get married lol so this might be the reason for my question… Umm, I’m just curious to what you mean by “morning after hair”?

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