... AND THIS IS WHY I TOTALLY DISAGREE WITH THIS IMAGE

This image has gone really viral over the past few months or so, and I should say, it's something I totally disagree with. Why? Because the image is not a message of benefit but one of humiliation. I know that some of you might think I say this only because I am a Niqabi and I've taken this way too personally. The fact is, I have. Being a Niqabi, it is natural to take a message like this personally because it does not only insult Niqabis, but the Niqab and the Hijab on the whole. And this is exactly why I simply cannot stand this.

Now to the message of the image. One of the many reasons I disagree with this is because it goes contrary to Islam. For the left side of the image of a non-Hijabi reading the Quran, I have just one question to ask: Hijab is a command in Islam. Surely, all of you agree with this. When the Quran orders that women wear the Hijab, how can we read the Quran while not following one of its orders? The next is that when you read the Quran, you should be in the state of Wudhu and how can your Wudhu be accepted if nail polish has been applied? Once again a contradiction in the message of this picture.

Now for the right side of the image of the Niqabi. It is haraam in Islam to smoke cigarettes and this is true for all Muslims, Niqabi or not.

And finally, for the caption. The 'Don't Judge Me' paranoia has hit the Muslim Ummah really hard and as much as some of you might hate it, I think this is just an excuse some people say to push away any advice ( and I particularly emphasize on *some*). It is true that a person's relationship with Allah is something only between that person and Allah, but our attitude and way of dressing denotes how close our relationship with Allah is. If we are true Muslimahs, we would wear the Hijab and we'll make no excuses for it. 

And please, if you have any respect for the Islamic dress code which is the Hijab and Niqab, please avoid sharing images like this online because not only are you giving non-Muslims, who may not be very supportive of our dress code, a very bad impression of Islam, but you are also pushing away non-Hijabi/Niqabi sisters from donning the Hijab/Niqabi because they may easily believe that the way we dress is not important so long as we are simply Muslims. Dawah should encourage other Muslims towards practicing Islam. Not push them away from it. As harsh as I may sound, this is true. And for those who would like to call me an extremist... Oh well, I've had enough of that! The truth needs to be said, whether we like it or not.

P.S:  Niqabis are humans and they are prone to making mistakes too. Please stop associating their mistakes with their attire.

P.P.S: Niqabis- take this as a wake-up call. When we wear the Niqab or Hijab, we represent Islam and people will scrutinize us very, very carefully, so make sure that your behaviour does not bring any shame to the honourable Hijab or Niqab in any way.