…Or insensitive? And materialistic? I’ve always felt slightly uneasy when I see someone wearing a necklace with Allah designed into the pendant. Or a signet ring that reads LaIlahaIllAllah (there is no god but Allah). Sometimes it’s not Allah, sometimes it’s a verse from the Quran and deeply spiritual. It makes me wonder, doesn’t writing Allah out in gold diminish spirituality? Islam as a religion doesn’t teach lavishness or absorption with the world. I can’t imagine that the blessed Prophet SAW would encourage writing Allah in gold just so you can wear it. He would want us to make use of the gold either for ourselves or to give as gifts or Sadaqah (charity). So I don’t think, wearing a necklace made of gold even though it shows the world your belief is exactly the best way to become more spiritual. And since these necklaces are readily available someone can just pick one up and buy it for no other reason than liking the way it looks. Case in point, I once saw a waitress with a tattoo in Arabic on her neck and when I asked her about it, I found out that she wasn’t Muslim, and she wasn’t Arab, she just liked Arabic calligraphy and the meaning.
The other reason for my discomfort, actually the main reason I should say is that people go to the bathroom wearing their necklaces and rings and bracelets and even hats regardless of what they say on them. Now maybe it’s just me, but I can’t imagine that anyone would think it a respectful thing to do to go to the bathroom to read the Quran. In that same way, I don’t think it’s respectful to wear Allah’s name to the bathroom.
But on the other hand, Allah is everywhere and we seek his protection even in the bathroom and since we acknowledge that He is everywhere, perhaps it doesn’t matter that we carry His name with us wherever we are?
Perhaps I’m in a bit of a philosophical mood. Or maybe it’s Nusrah’s post on the word Allah that has me thinking. But am I wrong to feel this way?
image from http://jewelry.zahras.com
I find myself gravitating to articles composed by you. Perhaps you should consider writing as a full time job! LOL You detinitely pick interesting topics.
Aneesah is absolutely right. Iman is from the heart. It doesn’t matter if you look like a muslim or if people see in the masjid all the time, if your heart in not clean and you’re not making salat for the sake of Allah (as opposed to people who do it for others to witnessed), then you are merely going through the motions. However, if your faith shines through (inside-out), then wear it proudly anyway you can.
I actually struggled with this. Someone got me a chain that says reads “Allah” in arabic. Though I adore the chain, I rarely wear for fear of remembering to take it off before going to the bathroon.
However, I had a bangle with Ayatul Qursiyu on it and I was very good about taking it off before entering the rest room. I would glance down on it frequently, smile and recite the verse. I felt like I was walking with protection (Even though, Allah always protects his believers regardless). Anything you can do to strengthen your faith (so long it doesn’t cause harm to others), do it!
I think the key thing here is intent, respect and responsibiity. If you choose to wear spirtual jewelry, you bear the responsibility of not abusing and taking care of it, We must always RESPECT our creator!
Sorry to the person who posted a comment here, I’ve been busy deleting spam all night, and I accidentally deleted your comment. Please repost it if you don’t mind. Sorry.