Model Muslims
BEFORE she became famous as the young woman arrested in Bali for possession of ecstasy, Michelle Leslie was one of thousands of young Australian girls trying to make it as a model. As part of her job, she posed in bikinis and underwear, and she once was photographed astride a motorbike baring her bottom.
After her arrest Leslie adopted a more modest wardrobe. At one court appearance she wore a sarong over her head; at another, she adopted the full, black burka, the garment worn by the most devout (and the most oppressed) women in the Muslim world.
Leslie’s spokesman, Sean Mulcahy, says she converted to Islam at a private ceremony at a friend’s house a year before she was arrested. Yet Muslim commentators, including Australian Federation of Islamic Councils head Ameer Ali, say Leslie can’t be Muslim and a model. There’s an Islamic code of dressing [that] says women must be modest,
Ali says. You can’t go cat-walking with a semi-naked body. That is not allowed in Islam.
But Leslie is not the world’s only Muslim model; there are thousands working with the sanction of their parents and communities.
Eva Roslan, 22, is one example. She started modelling at 16, after getting permission from her Muslim parents. I actually did ask my parents because it was important that they approved,
Roslan says. They had no objection. They were actually quite worried that I was still too young and I will be influenced, that I will get into dangerous stuff, because people are saying that modelling is dangerous. So my mother, she actually followed me everywhere, from when I was 16 until I was 19 and after that she trusted me. Then she said: ‘Now I think you can go on your own, just don’t break the trust.’
Roslan, who was born and reared in Singapore, says her religion is important, but Muslim society in Singapore is not as strict. There are a few models who are Muslim,
she says. Roslan follows Muslim teaching, she fasts at Ramadan and prays at the mosque, although not five times a day
.
My parents are not very strict because they believe the more they control the child the more the child will want to do the opposite,
she says. They treated me more like a friend than a child and a trust developed.
Roslan say she is very OK with swimwear and underwear
and her father is OK with that, too. He understands that a model has a job, that you are being paid to work and that the things you wear, that is your job.
She has not posed nude but has no objection to doing so in the future, depending on what the occasion. I haven’t so far, but I think I wouldn’t mind,
she says.
Roslan feels proud to represent Muslim women, because there is a belief that a Muslim girl cannot be a model, cannot travel alone or cannot leave the house
.
One of the first internationally known Muslim models was Iman Abdul Majid, who is married to David Bowie. The Somalian-born Iman, now 50, was reared by progressively minded Muslim parents. She was discovered at 19, living in Kenya, by photographer Peter Beard, who took pictures of her nude from the waist up, with her breasts covered by her hands and traditional necklaces.
In an interview in 1999, Iman said she knew her Muslim parents would not approve of the photographs, known in the fashion world as artful nudes. My father would have found other words,
she said. The photographer asked Iman to leave Kenya for a modelling career in the US. But I was a Somali girl who had been raised a devout Muslim,
she said. I was a diplomat’s daughter.
She was also secretly married and could not leave the country without her husband’s permission, so she forged the documents she needed to get a passport and fled. She hated disappointing her father by becoming a model, a job he believed unworthy of her talents, and when her parents visited she collected photographs that showed her in any state of nudity and stored them until they left.
The father of supermodel Yasmeen Ghauri, who was born in Canada in 1971, also disapproved of her profession. Moin Ghauri is a former imam of the Islamic community of Quebec. In interviews, he has expressed strong disapproval of his daughter’s chosen career. She is still my daughter, but her actions are completely contrary to the teachings of Islam,
he said in one interview. She is doing something that encourages others to be doing bad things.
Yasmeen Ghauri has said she tried to become a devout Muslim, particularly after she once visited Saudi Arabia, where women are not allowed to drive or show any flesh. I thought, ‘OK, OK, I’m going to be really religious, I’m going to cut off school, I’m going to cover my head and everything.’ Then I woke up and said: ‘This is ridiculous, I haven’t gone to hell.’
She has contracts with the Versace fashion label and Victoria’s Secret, which makes bras and underpants decorated with feathers, diamantes and fishnet. But her career has damaged her father’s standing in their community. Not long after Yasmeen Ghauri became famous, rivals at the local mosque published pamphlets titled Imam in Hot Water, which asked why a person “who could not even regulate the affairs of his own family” be allowed to provide religious guidance to the wider community. Some Muslims refused to attend prayers led by Moin Ghauri. I’ve been cut off,
he said.
Yasmeen Ghauri responded: I know he doesn’t like it, but he can’t really change it. I am sure somewhere deep inside he’s proud.
Another Muslim model, Waris Dirie (whose name means desert flower), abandoned her family after her father, who was head of a Somali tribe of nomads, tried to arrange a marriage for her with a 60-year-old man. At the time, Dirie was 12. She fled to London, where she worked as a domestic servant before being discovered by model scouts while working at McDonald’s.
Dirie became a successful international model and was among the first black women to feature on the cover of Vogue. More recently, she has become a prominent opponent of female genital mutilation, which her family inflicted on her. Dirie was subjected to this torture (in which the genitals are partly or entirely removed or injured with a blade) when she was five. She campaigns against the practice, particularly in Europe, where it flourishes among Muslim immigrants.
The issue of whether Muslim women can be models turned deadly in 2003 when organisers tried to hold the Miss World contest in Nigeria. The country’s tourism minister, Boma Bromillow Jack, urged them to stay away from the 12 Nigerian states that enforced Islamic law. (Under sharia, women who expose too much flesh can be flogged.)
Riots broke out. Newspaper offices and Christian churches across the countryside were torched and bystanders were beaten with clubs. More than 100 people died and the event had to be abandoned. It was staged, instead, in London.
But Britain proved no safe haven for four Muslim women who entered the Miss England competition last year. Criticism from Islamic leaders quickly followed.
One Muslim model, Hammasa Kohistani, 18, who was born in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, to Afghan parents, won the contest, which required the women to wear sports clothes and to sing and dance.
The imams said the women would compromise the teachings of the Koran by showing bare flesh. In response, Kohistani said: I don’t think I have done anything wrong. I have the utmost respect for the strong beliefs of the religious leaders.
She said her parents were supportive and proud, and as long as they’re happy then my conscience is clear that I have done nothing wrong
.
Keyser Trad, a prominent Australian Muslim spokesman, says Leslie should be free to explore and adopt the Islamic faith at her own pace. Michelle is going through a difficult time and the fact that she’s found comfort in religion is actually great news, even though people are ridiculing her for it,
he says. She’s embracing God and this spiritual journey is not always an automatic, total transformation. It’s unrealistic to expect people to totally change their lives immediately after adopting a faith. It’s true that the religion promotes modest dress, but there are Muslims all over the world in the entertainment industry, some in modelling, some in acting, some in belly-dancing. It’s obviously a great temptation when these careers are very lucrative and exciting, and people need time to find other ways to express themselves to follow the spiritual path.
Leslie argues that how she or anyone else practises their religion is a personal affair. She is hurt by accusations that she is a “fake Muslim” who concocted the story to get out of jail. I am a Muslim,
she says. I practise these beliefs in the best way that I can. You can be a Muslim regardless of your clothes. I know a lot of Muslim models who still do underwear and those sorts of things and they still believe in their God. They practise their religion the way they want it.
Leslie’s father, Albert, is also angry, saying: I’m Church of England and my wife is Catholic. We don’t go to church … but we live Christian lives.
By Caroline Overington
Do you have something to say? Here, share your thoughts.
Feedback (42 responses)
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w.
said 2 days, 1 hour after the publication
It is too bad that the author seems to have used generic copy on Yasmeen - for example, does she really still have contracts with Versace and VS, given that Yas has stopped modeling for over 5 years now? It also would have been interesting to know whether her modeling retirement, getting married, and having kids has resulted in a reconcilation between her dad and herself. I respect YG’s desire to avoid the media spotlight now that she’s done with modeling, but it would have made for a better story if the reporter had followed up.
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Khalid Faridi
said 4 weeks, 1 day after the publication
Those muslim women who have chosen modelling as a carrier are muslim by accident of birth. Hence they need not be referred to as role models by the media or authors or apologists of westernism.
Leslie, au contraire, has chosen the religion of Islam. Hence the expectation from her to follow what she herself has chosen.
Thats the upside of it.
The downside is the premature demand of muslims that she quick jumps to Islamic teachings in a way not even the first generation muslims were expected to do. The earliest muslims were given more than a decade to gradually adopt or submit to the social beauty of Islam once there faith was dusted free of paganism and partnerism with Allah.
Once Leslie has said aye to Allah, witnessed to the creed of Islam, she deserves support and not condemnation. The embracing of Islam by so many people in the hostile environment is in itself a miracle of Alkoran. By our acts we born muslims have anyway swayed several potential reverts. Lets be sympathetic to those who have chosen our faith inspite of us.
Leslie, if you thought that embracing Islam would be a cakewalk, you already must have seen the richter. If you are sincere, and only Allah or you know it, then keep it up.
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Ralph Gomez
said 1 month, 1 week after the publication
I’m still confused why if some of the (may I call them) fundementalist say women of the Islamic faith must cover themselves, then why do some women of Iraninan, Afgani, Turkish, and some other countries, includint the STAN’s, why do they then where skirts, etc in their own countries and even in the US.
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Anonymous
said 1 month, 1 week after the publication
Turkey is a secular country, meaning, the law is not upheld by religious teachings. so those women can do whatever they want. the religion of islam teaches that women should cover their heads, but it is not the job of men to make them do that. if a woman decides not to do it, that is something she will have to answer to on the Day of Judgment to her Creator.
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vzn
i know that turkey is a secular country - it’s laws are not upheld by religious teachings. besides, just because someone is from those countries doesn’t mean they are muslim. however, it is true that islam teaches that women should cover theirs heads (face is optional). these are not manmade rules, so no man can make a woman do these things be they muslim or not. that is why you see women not covering themselves. that is something they will deal with on the Day of Judgment with their Creator.
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Moinhul Islam
said 1 month, 3 weeks after the publication
Moin
I think there is huge flaws in this article the author states that the ere was controversy of the Uzbeckistani muslim miss emgland but there wasnt there was a debate on tv but that was it I dont remember any muslims agreesively or otherwise stating their discontent about it at all they reflected disappointmnet that was it. The authour seems to have developed some alternative reality to events in this case.
The other issue is in nigeria you only highlight the christian churches and peoples were attacked when muslims disapproved of something as disgraceful as women being paraded as sex objects, which I am sure the authour completely agrees with, the fact that muslims were also attacked for stating their disapproval you dont bother with any of that. Why?And finally my question in I admire the muslim model, or she claims, that as a stand against female genital mutilation, but this is not practiced in the Uk as it is illegal and plus it not something that is practiced among muslims, because if it was then why dont muslims from pakistan, bangladesh or india or any of the arabian or middle eastern countries or indonesia carry such things out as well?
Females genital mutilation is something solely practiced by african cultures and tribes note that it is among african communities that are burdened with this issue, the model is an example.
Why do westerners have so much of a problem with muslims trying to be modest or who show disapproval with the way western culture treats women as objects do muslims have a problem or the west? There is more rapes in the west than in most muslim countries yet it only is an issue if muslims try to be modest!
The author is abit naive and narrow minded in my view as she chose a good topic but next time do your homework or otherwise dont bother writing such flawed visions of perspective
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Leyla
said 1 month, 3 weeks after the publication
I was a registered model with a certain modelling agency but decided to stop modelling as it is haraam (forbidden). I want to make halal money. Modelling and prostitution are very similar in my opinion. i’m glad that I was made to see that before I went to far.
As a Somali, I respect Waris Dirie’s campaign for the practice of FGM to be stopped in our native country, as well as other countries. However, I don’t respect Iman or Waris for pursuing a career that degrades women. There’s a new Somali model called Yasmin Warsame and I’m sure many more will follow in their footsteps. Unfortunately some Somali girls see these women as roles models. Why not see Aisha (ra) as a role model instead? She was a pious woman.
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Rahila
I have learnt to accept Islam because I believe in what it says about life. Its not confusing, incomplete or misleading. People make those mistakes or problems. I always wanted to model but I found I said to myself if you sincerly love, respect and beleive in Islam prove it. Practice it. These models all mention believing and accepting but this is not the way in which we have been asked to accept so its pointless. The issue is a clear one but for arrogant and stubborn minds a battling debate. Their left to decide and the consequences will follow ………………………………….
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Sofia
said 3 months, 1 week after the publication
I simply disagree with the statement that there are more rapes in the U.S. than in other parts of the world, whether they be Islam or not. By all accounts, it would appear instead, that there are more REPORTED rapes in the U.S. than in other countries. The more women gained a voice in the U.S., the more rapes there seemed to be. But this was not because the rate of rape had increased, it was because women were brave enough to report against there attackers. Rapes victims are not condemned as severely as they used to be. Being modest does not deter a man from raping a woman. If I man wishes to violate a woman, he will…especially when the woman will most likely be blamed for inviting an attack. I know that in Saudi Arabia, where women are very modest, sexual harrasment to the point of sexual assualt of young teens is very common if not expected.
In any case, I do not think the burden should be on the woman here. Many religions, including the Cristian religion, misinterpret the man’s role as that of dominance when that is not at all the case. The man is to respect the woman as she respects him, no matter what her actions. If she acts in error, then his job is to teach, not to enforce. -
Syawash
said 3 months, 1 week after the publication
Hi I am Syawash from Kurdistan,Iran. I am 17 and a Kurd man.I love you very much.
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bianca
who gives a s*%@.let these women do what THEY want with their own bodies. people should be worrying about the life they live and what will hapen to them, on “the day of judgement” as said by someone above. i think it is ridiculous and will never undersatnd why muslim females must cover up from head to toe(in the heat of summer might i add), and their husbands walk beside them in shorts and sandals. i say good for you yasmeen, IMAN, and others, you have done something amazing and should be PROUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
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Sidra
said 3 months, 2 weeks after the publication
I agree with Moinul Islam, that this article has HUGE flaws in it. Which unfortunately presents a very distorted view of Islam. Thus, should not be seen as a basis for developing an opinion on muslims or Islam. My advice to those who don’t know much about Islam or for those seeking knowledge on Islam and the way it should truely be practised go to a proper genuine source, perhaps an islamic scholar. Religion is a sensitive issue, instead of stating your personal opinion which is often biased bcz of either western or eastern inluences. Study Islam and what it says, and then perhaps you might understand why muslim women should be modest, not just by clothing but also by character. As unfortunately we have the wrong people representing such a beautiful religion. It is important for one to seek further knowledge on such issues before jumping to any conclusions. In the end it all comes down to your intentions. “For your intentions are your actions and a man only has that which he intended”…Rasullah (saw). And ALLAH knows best.
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sincere
said 4 months, 3 weeks after the publication
why so much talks on michelle leslie? seems that people care to pint point other weaknesses but tend to ignore his or her own.
through reports, it appear that michelle has become a muslim. fine. so what i dont understand is the comparisons made by the public. as for myself, i sincerely find michelle very attractive. someone whom i love to spend my life with. there are so much things to explore with this gal, michelle.
i am a muslim…i want to make this muslim gal by the name of michelle leslie my life partner. fullstop. its gonna be exciting to live my life with her.
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nyla
said 5 months, 2 weeks after the publication
im half swedish and pakistani ( but im blonde and blue eyed like my mum)
being a model and being muslim isnt a problem bollywood has dealt with it. There wasnt much of fuss about muslim miss england.
i would say yasmeen is a muslim as she drinks and has shown her nipples on the cat walk.
why is this article actually on here?
i support the clothes designers in muslim world.
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Anonymous
there seems to be some confusion yasmeen is not a muslim, her father is, she was brought up a muslim but when she became an adult she no longer shared her father’s beliefs (she has said this in interview)
she pursued modelling she is not a spokesperson or rolemodel for muslims and never has been, also yasmeen is not like other or most women she is like a work of art a sculpture her beauty is very rare and we should be happy that she shared it with the world cause what she represents is important cause beautiful is not only being blonde and blue eyed you can be beautiful like yasmeens coloring
in her career she worked for the best designers in the fashion business which is a business remember its not about just showing your body its about selling clothes and products it was a career not a lifestle she also said that in an interview….away from the business she wears no make up and baggy clothes
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abyan cadeey
said 7 months after the publication
yasmin,iman,and waris may Allah help them to the righ path (amin)
don’t say much about them because they are lost!
for girls who see them as rolemodel please change you ideas because there are too many other career choices doctors,enginiers,and authors etc
work today for tomorrow. don’t work today for today.
the life after death is more important than the life we live. make good deeds.
may allah help all of us and show us the right path to heaven. -
Amani
said 7 months after the publication
Basically, you cannot read a person’s heart, Only God knows who is a true believer.
Everyone is accountable for their own actions in life, We cannot Judge anyone.
Muslim women cover for their own protection, it is a personal choice and should be respected.
i Personally would love to see a muslim model, who wears covering clothing to be more common for major fashion companies, after all, isnt fashion about the clothes..not the flesh?
Oh and in Regards to “Bianca’s” comment, THEY will do what they want, just like you and everyone else in life, everyone is entittled to their own opinion, doesnt mean everyone else will agree on it, you would have to be pretty naive to think otherwise.
And you don’t have to understand why a muslim woman covers head to toe, just respect that we do, and im sure if you had a proper, openminded discussion with a muslim woman, maybe you would begin to have a understanding…
because i personally, am sick of narrow minded people, who claim muslim women are all abused or Oppressed! WAKE UP PEOPLE, WERE ANYTHING BUT… ill leave u with a poem….I am a Muslim woman
Feel free to ask me why
When I walk
I walk with dignity
When I speak
I do not lieI am a Muslim woman
Not all of me you`ll see
But what you should appreciate
Is that the choice I make is freeI`m not plagued with depression
I`m neither cheated nor abused
I don`t envy other women
And I`m certainly not confusedYou often stare as I walk by
You don`t understand my veil
But peace and power I have foundAs I am equal to any male!
I am a Muslim woman
So please don`t pity me
For God has guided me to truth
And now I`m finally free!*I am unsure of the author of this poem
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Dima Zitoun
said 7 months, 3 weeks after the publication
I agree. My friend’s sister is actually a model for Islamic clothes. She remains fully clothed, and still models. I see nothing wrong with that
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Corleone
said 8 months after the publication
hi all
is it not the best thing that a woman uncovers herself only for the one she loves, that is her husband, and the man also the same thing towards his wife? there are things that are personal for each n every human…so wats the use of exposing them to people who are strangers to u? think…abt the world…too much negativities…..war,prostitution,drugs,sex,immorality….it needs reform…i think…. -
ALI the MUSLIM
said 8 months, 1 week after the publication
Islam strictly forbids literally in the Quran, the showing of female flesh beyond face, toes hands and maybe upper arms. This is not just because of the time of the great Prophet , but, also untill the Day of Judgement. Those that do this have gone outside the fold of Islaam. However, they can still ask for repentance for Allah is ever rependant however there is a limit, and once you have had your last breath, it is too late.
Remember, Shaytaan is consistently working to divert your attention from the fold of Islaam, some women have allowed this to happen, and it is the duty of every muslims to help one another come back in the fold of islaam
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Ann White
said 9 months after the publication
do I hate muslim culture, hypocritic, and based on lies, I have been trying to understand what had been going on in Wester world with muslim people! Now I do understand it…
I am so glad Yasmeen did not gave up her career, goal, she had made where millions of girls die to be….
I am her biggest fan….that is all I can say…
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lena
said 9 months, 2 weeks after the publication
well, that last comment was as ignorant and biased as this article. if they chose modeling as their lifestyle, then that’s their business. i’m so sick of people confusing modesty with oppression. i feel more sorry for these models having to be in a tough critical world like modeling, but of course, it’s their choice.
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Maheen
said 10 months, 3 weeks after the publication
Well none of these models made a right decision. I’m Muslim, and I LOVEEEEE modeling, i even got a few offers, because Im skinny and my height is 5′10
Well either way
IM muslim
and i wanna takeup modeling to
buh i aint doing Nude stuff
or anything revealing.
Models are given a choice
and seriously the whole stuff abouh u have to do wah they say
is sort of true
becuz u can say no and walk out:)
showz ur pride;) -
Nazish ALI
said 10 months, 3 weeks after the publication
Well this is totally ridiculous to say something what you all said,
Well think for one minute , how many of you follow the complete islam. you all guys even dont give the respect to women what you feel to make your own servants. women is not your slave okey, Even a women liberty of speech . liberty of choice and liberty of thinking, you all have no rights to abolish these rights which ALLAH has give the women. Even you all people make sanctions on the womens freedom of speech. look into your character , how much you all in the water. Yasmeen Ghauri did what you all deserve to be. She slapped on your face and Muslim model. Slapped on your faces . to what you all are . what you teached .
Just think about it. what are you all implementing. Is it islam or is it your desire , what you all want to impose on Women . according to your needs. -
PrettySimple
said 11 months after the publication
This is a pretty simple and straight forward. As a Muslim no matter if you are a girl or a guy there are certain things that you are told to do and you can not pick and choose what Allah has commanded. To err is Human but to Err and than repent is being a Muslim. But these so called Muslim models (Only GOD knows) are not trying to repent but are trying to find excuses and justifications for thing that are clearly prohibited in Islam. If a Muslim does not pray than he is a sinner but if he/she is not praying and says that I don’t need to pray or it is no required than he/she is refuting what Allah has ordered and than he/she is no longer a Muslim. So these models who are saying that they are Muslims but they don’t see anything wrong with posing nude or semi nude than they are refuting what Allah has said in the Quran. I will quote 2 ayaats and it is pretty clear from that what both Men and Women are expected to do.
24:30(An-Noor)
Translations By
Yusuf Ali: Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: And God is well acquainted with all that they do.
24:31(An-Noor)
Translations By
Yusuf Ali: And say to the believing women that they should LOWER their GAZE and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husbands” sons, their brothers or their brothers” sons, or their sisters” sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands posses s, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! Turn ye all together towards God, that ye may attain Bliss.So for models (male/female) who say OH well what is the big deal, there you have it. Simple and Straight either you believe it or you don’t. If posing nude, committing adultery or fornication is more important to you than so go ahead and do it but don’t pretend that it is ok as a Muslim for you to do this. Anything we do in life has rules, if you drive fast you get pulled over, if you cheat in class you will get an F, if you take drugs you won’t be able to play sports etc etc. Being a Muslim is similar, you may not like some of the rules and restrictions or think that is to hard but tough if you want to be a Muslim than follow them or else you will get ejected or get an F.
As a Muslim, I am not going around telling Hindus, Christians, atheists, Jews or anyone else to change there moral and ethical standard with in there societies or culture. So don’t come and pressure us or intimidate us for changing our way of life and adapting your standards of modesty. As for comments like women are being oppressed in Muslim worlds, yes no doubt there are issues in Muslim world but that has noting to do with Islam plus to a westerner a women dressed in modesty with her hair and body covered is an oppressed woman, but from where I am standing I see western women as also being oppressed and being pressured by men physically and mentally to become nothing more than sex objects. You can deny it but if I judge your culture using my standards than that’s what it is.
May Allah Guide Us All -
Taneem Khan
said 11 months after the publication
Being a Pakistani myself i know of the burdon that parents put on you when they teach you thir version of Islam. The biggest asset we have is knowledge and our prophet told us to satisisfy our curiosity with it. Modeling and Islam can go together as physics goes with computer science. Indeed i have a sister who wants to be a model and i say go for it if you can!
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hakiim
said 11 months, 1 week after the publication
I am very confused of how people are presenting these topics. I am a somali boy who lives in Wichita, I do modeling and acting for fun, i am a theater major in my school and somehow i never get deep into it, Cuz i don’t do nude stuff like Iman or others. I am a man and my nudity sometimes might mean less thanb its a woman..
additional comments ..feel free to send
hakiim85@yahoo.com -
Jilyz
said 1 year, 1 month after the publication
I say stop this Muslim thing… all religions probably dont allow drinking, drugs, and all sort of other things..then why do people always create an issue when a person who is muslim does any of these things…the problem lies within muslims…tey need to chill and do whats best for them…you can guide someone but do not create a scene….if you look at the teachings of Islam or Christianity , there aint much difference but when a muslim girl becomes a model its a big issue…and when a christian girl becomes a lesbian ..its perfectly normal…Individuals need to mind there own business!!!
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Tabid Elmi
said 1 year, 1 month after the publication
I am iman’s cousin. i remember when iman started modeling in 1975, we were all shocked. i know she is my sister but she did something that is unexceptable in our religion and in our culture. when iman was young girls she was the father of the house.after we went exile to kenya, she made a lot of effort to help our family . Iman was a such incredible woman. when she joined world of fashion we all hate her. I hope Allah subhana wata’alah show her the right Path.
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aleck
said 1 year, 1 month after the publication
Why Tabid?
She helped you so much and then you hate her for no other reason then she’s a fashion model?
Do you really believe that your God will care more about the dresses she wears or about the good deeds she has done?I hope that Alah will show you the Path.
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Seven Chapterz
said 1 year, 2 months after the publication
You are all doomed to die in the hot flames of hell my brothers and sisters. God created man in his liking. Now you people ar etelling me that this liking that God created was so blasphemous that it needs veiling. You people do not understand the content of the Holy Quran. It is the ensecure man that has forced this way of thinking upon the women. The fact that the fleshmen uses Gods word to advocate opression is in my eyes unacceptable. You people follow letters that was written by flesh and blood not holy spirit. get off it and start believing and worshipping the treu God. A God who wouldn’t want you to spill precious time in arguing with the the benelevend ones but to protect them. TERRORIST AND MEDIA PANIC GENERATORS!!!! If I had one wish I would wish that mankind would sees to exist. Go wiyh Allah.
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Sarid Sunawasnon
said 1 year, 2 months after the publication
I am a Muslim. In this world we cannot help it but being materialistic. This obviously boils down to making more money to look good and so on. Modelling is a lucrative business and if a person has the look, the height and the commitment, I see no harm in her being a model, be she a Muslim or not. Islam is in the soul and not an outward expression. Keep it up Yasmeen.
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Amr
said 1 year, 5 months after the publication
Unlike other religions, Islam will never change or be modernalized just to suit the people’s needs. If Islam said women should cover themselves then so be it. Thats a rule that will not be changed till the judgement day.
The Wife of the Prophet Mohamed fatima, when she used to visit his grave. She used to cover her hair because she was shy from another man was buried beside him ( I think it was Omar ibn el Khatab not sure)… A woman who is even shy from the dead. Compare her with the women these days who sell themselves for the pleasure of men’s eyes. I just saw a topless pic of yasmeen, and I have to say I am pretty sad about that. Thats the main reasons why muslims prefer to raise their children in the arabian world, where there is a high chance that the childeren will embrace the true values of Islam. I pitty yasmeen, My heart breaks for you girl and I hope you wisen up. -
boodheri
said 1 year, 5 months after the publication
boodheri said,
It never cease to amaze me that when some people hear Islam, their blood boil, their bodies namb and the cells of their brain seem to be imploding with confusion. Is it for the simple reason of guilt conscience, or lack of understanding for that it stands.
A word of wisdom ladies and gents. Islam means peace, dignity, respect, love, joy and belief.
It is peace because it is consistent. It is dignity because it is who you are not what you are. It is respect because all people are one, male, female, colour, ethnicity or citizenship. (One people). It is love because factually only those who love themselves, can extend love to others. It is joy because of its inclusiveness. And it is belief because practioners of Islam believe in themselves. Only the one who believes in themselves can extend their believe to the outside world.
When people mature make one out of two choices in life, to dream of living life and to life. Live life, do not dream of it. -
vzn
said 1 year, 6 months after the publication
i’ve noticed that in some of her older pictures, yasmeen has a little mole next to her mouth, but in others (new and old), she does not. what’s the deal with that? was she trying to look like cindy crawford or something?
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Bezubancom
said 1 year, 11 months after the publication
Bravo Yasmeen May you be blessed..
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Selma (london)
said 1 year, 11 months after the publication
I really don’t understand what the big deal about this is if these women- Iman,warris,eva ect want to model and want the life that comes along with modelling i.e ‘drink,drugs and rock and roll’ that as we all know would be opossing any religion, why don’t they carry on with it without having the need to constantly say we are muslims and it IS allowed in our culture, when it clearly isnt!!!
and i am not speaking biastly i am a 19 year old female who is muslim and i personally have been scouted by a modelling agencey which i choose not to sign up with mainly due to my faith and beliefs.
and its the FACT THAT I FEEL TAKING MY CLOTHES OFF IS MORE OPPRESSING THAN COVERING UP AND KEEPING YOUR ‘PRIVATES’, PRIVATE! -
kamal
said 2 years after the publication
People can do whatever they want, Muslim or not .. however, actions tell it all. For example, you can be an American and do or say anything you feel is right to you. You can walk naked if you choose to do so. However, when you run for public office you will be rejected for the actions you have taken. People will look at you with a straight face and say, No Way!!!!
The same with muslim men and women. They can be Muslims, they can do whatever they want, if they choose to do so. That does not make them devout Muslims. Just Muslims .. that’s all. Their judgment is with their Lord. Allah will deal with them accordingly. So many people have committed mistakes and in the end they went straight and became devout and so many were highly devout and one day they slipped and continued to do so.
The point is, whenever you choose to model or walk naked and be proud about it, do so on your own and with the people like you.. Deep inside you know something is not right, you know it’s all about money, fame, and self esteem. Just do it for yourself and do not encourage those who are devout to do it too. Be true to yourself and don’t ruin it for all.
For people who are trying to strip you from your islam, I tell them they are wrong. No one can claim you are not a muslim if you have chosen to be one. But you are not a devout Muslim. That you can not get unless if you practice the rules and live them. Hopefully one day you will.
“People have said, we are devout to God!! Say to them, “You are not devout to God, so say we are only Muslims. For devotion comes after faith enters to our hearts!”
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Tauseef
said 2 years after the publication
As-salam-u-alaikum everyone,
I have one question for those people who are against the Islamic dress code and who say that countries like Saudi Arabia oppress women.“What do these men gain from asking their spouses and daughters to dress up?”
The real answer is they want and thier women to be free and saved from the pervert eyes of other men. Its actually those people who allow and sponsor their daughters to such jobs who oppress women. The daughters just become societal butterflies and objects of lust.
Well you might have different answers like ’sadistic pleasure’ or just the ‘feel of degrading fellow beings’. But friends, be true to yourself and see the light.
May God Almighty guide you to the right path.
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Jennifer.
said 2 years, 2 months after the publication
First of all I would like to comment on the Burka bit!! Burka is worn by countless women in Muslim countries but that does not mean those women are oppressed. Countless women in my family wear Burqas but are not oppressed. Infact they are highly educated and are managing very successful careers. Secondly, yes Islam does not allow women to dress the way many western models dress. There are countless Muslim models all over the world but they dress differently from western models yet still have very succesful careers. I dont think a woman has to compromise her values and morals for a modeling job. When the news about Pakistani Model Vaneeza Ahmed making designer Donna Karen of DKNY bow down reached me I was very proud. Donna Karen asked Pakistani Top model to wear a see through top that would have exposed her breats but she refused. Donna Karen had to bow down and let her choose her own wardrobe for the show. Vaneeza Ahmed still has a succesful career and is modelling for top high Fashion designers all over the world.
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mario massimiliano zagheni
said 2 years, 5 months after the publication
l’unico commento che ho da fare è che non ti conosco ma spero che tu sia felice ciao yasmeen
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Syed Shah
said 2 years, 7 months after the publication
Hi,
Kindly understand that Islam is composed of 3 things:1. THE BELIEF:
Just believe in oneness of God and Prophethood of Muhammad(PBUH). And mind you, even if you don’t follow the next 2 things, YOU STILL REMAIN A MUSLIM, just because of this belief.2. RESPONSIBILITIES TO OTHER HUMAN BEINGS:
(These are termed ‘Haqooq-ul-Ibad’ in Islamic books)
As taught by Prophet Muhammad(PBUH), this is the MAJOR portion of Islam and just means that you BE A GOOD HUMAN BEING (good human being simply by a common man’s definition) e.g be kind and obedient to your parents, be gentle and caring to your family, relatives, your 40 neighbors and all people whom you interact with in life – IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR RELIGION, and be honest, truthful etc.
If you study Prophet Muhammad’s(PBUH) teachings, 80% of his life and his teachings are about ‘being a good human being’.
By the way, not being a good human is inexcusable in Islam. If you did bad to just one person in life, he alone can stop you from entering Heavens. So be very very watchful of this part of Islam (which unfortunately most of our Muslim religious scholars do not emphasize at all).
So summing up until now, if you believe in oneness of God and Prophethood of Muhammad(PBUH) and you are a good human being – by a common man’s definition, your 80% ISLAM IS DONE.3. RESPONSIBILITIES TO GOD:
(These are called ‘Haqooq-ul-Allah’ in the Islamic literature): These include all Islamic practices, e.g following the minimum dress code, offering 5 prayers a day, 30 fasts of Ramazan, offering Hajj, Alms(Zakat) to poor, etc etc. Not following these, are sins in Islam. Interestingly enough, all of these sins are repent able, and accordingly excusable by God. It’s truly a one-to-one business between you and God.So my dear, even if you are not fulfilling part 3, but are exceptional in part 2, you are certainly much better than those, who just do part 3 and forget about being a good human being – they just took home 20% of Islam – a failing grade – whereas you took home 80% of Islam – an exceptional grade - in the light of Prophet Muhammad(PBUH)’s teachings !!!
If you don’t believe in me, kindly go and study Islam for yourself – from any Islamic library, the way it was taught by Prophet, and unfortunately, not the way it is taught in most of the mosques around the world today!!!
I wish and pray, people develop a better understanding and perspective of Islam !