The Essence of the Hijab...

A few months ago, I asked ZNZ's lovely fans on facebook the question...'What does the Hijab mean to you'? 


Certain words stood out to me whilst reading the comments; Pride, dignity, modesty, self respect...These are really empowering words...


So often the Hijab and Islamic mode of dressing for women is presented as something negative and undesirable, when in fact it is a source of joy and esteem for many women. I myself cannot imagine walking out of my front door without my Hijab and being dressed to a certain degree of modesty... and for that I am grateful... 


Here are some of lovely responses that I would like to share with you...


Haute Muslimah

 Hijab is a means of covering, that Allah has guided us women to do. It's a source of pride, and giving da'wa without saying a word.
I feel like it's ok to be fashionable and wear a hijab, as long as you do it properly.
We all need to improve our Islam in some way or another, and it's definitely not up to us to judge others whether they wear hijab or not.

Halimah Bello

 The hijab is a form of identity. People respect you for what it stands for: modesty, liberation and inner beauty :)

Aliyha Luisa Sinclair 

Hijab is my dignity, honor and self respect without it I would be open to all doors of ill defects with it, I am not perfect, but without it I might forget to protect that dignity that honor I so earnestly respect. Aliyha xx

Ihsaan Mohamed 

I Think hijab is jilbab , because it covers and reaches every part of your body making sure that you are 100% covered , but with a abayah you can put jackets on top and bright coloured hijab to match , I think though if you wear the jilbab lower your gaze and guard your tounge its almost like wearing a niqaab to be honest .Wearing the hijab is having modesty , respect and comfort

Ruqayyah Adeoye (Facebook Favourite)

My hijab is my uniform, my job is the most prestigious job in the world - to represent Islam and the Muslims - my 'uniform' makes it easy for people to notice my status as a servant of Allah so they can ask for directions. It means I can identify other colleagues and ask for advice on how to get that promotion (Inshallah) & and it keeps me in check because I would hate to disgrace my employer, making myself one of the 'unemployed' (disbelievers)

Maymunah Adewale-Amon 

 I just want to make a simple and important point that we should not forget that we have been order by Allah in various surah (e.g Nur) in the quran that we as muslim women should wear Hijab and the prophet (SAW) has given us guidiance on how we should wear it. Therefore if we do not wear the hijab and observed the proper rulings on how we should wear it we are DISOBEYING Allah and his Messenger. Salam

Please leave your comments on what the Hijab means to you! It may just be that boost a sister needs to make that life changing decision to embrace the Hijab.


Love Always,


ZBZ

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Posted in: Hijab

Zahra & Zinah

Zahra&Zinah, formally ZNZ Abayas is my baby. My first business vision that alhamdulillah was brought to life in 2010 with the partnership of Zinah Nur Sharif. We have come a long way in the last year and are happy to be moving forward and planning bigger and better things. Check out our company blog and official website; ZAHRA&ZINAH, Follow the links to our facebook and twitter to keep up to date with our latest projects and events.

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Posted in: ZNZ

Zahra.BZ...The blog and the person

I have basically re- posted my About page in case my readers overlook it, as it will give you great insight into who I am as a person and what this Blog is about. *Big Smile* 

Zahra.BZ

I really don't know where to start... About me... Erm... Well my name is Zahra Akinpeju, my friends have tagged me a "Snap-a-holic" cuz I love taking pictures, "Suit Case Kid", cuz I'm never in one place, "Super Aff", cuz I'm always going on about Nigeria. I'm currently studying Economics at SOAS, and I would describe myself as a Young, Hip, Muslimah, living in London, reaching for the stars and striving for the best in this world and the hereafter.

I'm the co- founder and CEO of ZNZ Fashion; a clothing line dedicated to providing modest yet fashionable clothing for women, I'm a field athlete (*cough* Part- time), a radio presenter on Reprezent Youth radio of a Show call Revealed aimed at breaking down stereotypes of Muslims and young people and many many more sideline projects.

The Blog

I've always had a creative side that I've wanted explore and express and I thought what better way of showcasing my creativity than through a blog. I really want this blog to showcase all the exciting things I do and reflect my multifaceted personality and skill base. I want women to be empowered, especially Muslim women to engage with their communities and have a presence in order to make a difference however small it may be.

I hope to cover areas such as Fashion and Clothing, Weddings and Marriage, Islam, Travel, Sports, Community projects and much more.

My Inspiration 

I must say, one of my biggest sources of inspiration is my lovely business partner and friend, Zinah. If you like my blog, then you'll Love hers, so show some support; ZinahBlog.

Photography is another of my major sources of inspiration and meduims of expression. After getting my Sony Alpha in January 2011 as a birthday present, a whole new realm of creativity and opportunity emerged. I hope you like all the pictures I showcase.

Next is Islam and the lovely sisters I meet and engage with everyday. Without you, I would not have an audience.

Advice

A piece of advice I have for my readers is;

Follow your talents and your passions. Allah (SWT) has made us all unique and blessed us with numerous skills so make use of them!

Not everyone has the business spirit but if you’re on the fence about it, JUST DO IT and if it’s your destiny Allah (SWT) will put barakah (blessings) in it. So if you love baking, decorating, cooking, taking pictures, writing… develop your skills and use them to aid the Ummah (community).

Thank you for reading, I'm humbled and I feel truly blessed. I hope you enjoy but more importantly, benefit from my Blog.

Love Always,

ZBZ

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Posted in: Me

Introducing... My humble self...

Finally, finally... after months of procrastination I'm publishing my first post.

I'm super excited to be joining the blogging community. I've compiled so much over the last 6months I really don't know where to start, but I do hope you enjoy and benefit from what is to come.

 

My about me page really sums me up as a person so check it out. My friends have a lot of interesting things to say about me, and I'm grateful to be blessed with such positive people.

I don't really have a specific philosophy in life, but I'm a go getter and a firm believer in positivity and optimism. Your mind set is so important. So go into everything in life with a positive outlook and believe that you can achieve ANYTHING you set out to achieve. One of my closest friends always says Prayer + Hardwork = Success (Thanks for that one Aishah)....

So that's my 2 cents for the evening... 

Exciting stuff to come inshAllah....

Love Always,

ZBZ

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Posted in: Me

Dreaming Out Loud

We already designed our new collection, and are currently working on it...We can't reveal anything at the moment, but we thought of sharing what inspired us.

We get inspirations from all kind of things, from fashion to food, art to architecture etc. We keep our minds and eye open for everything!

(Due to the amount of pictures collected from several websites, we have no idea who they originally belong to. If any of the pictures are yours, please contact us and credit will be given immediately. Sorry for causing any inconveniences)

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Posted in: Inspirations

LFW Catwalk

The fashion show was a great inspiration for both of us. The atmosphere was electric, exciting and refreshing! 

Here are some photographs from the show. Enjoy

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Posted in: Events

LFW February 2011

We went to the London Fashion Weekend February 2011. It was a very inspiration event...fashion wise! We saw a lot of great stuff, clothes, shoes, bags etc. A girl's dream to be in a place with full of clothes!

Here are some pictures of the day...enjoy!

Love,

ZAHRA & ZINAH

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Posted in: Events