Chapters

Assalamu ‘alaikum,
Finally, I’m revealing the synopsis. Dun-da-da-daaah, lol.
Wassalam,
Callista

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I. What is Beauty?

“Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty.” (Muslim)

A discussion of beauty, its definition and its role. Why do we seek it, and why were we created to appreciate it? What is its purpose? Do we see beauty as how it is defined by men? (plus any other thoughts I may think of on the general subject)

I’ll also include a bit about intention: why is it you want to be beautiful? If your intention doesn’t trace back to pleasing Allah somehow, then reward will not be forthcoming for it and may become a source of fitnah or punishment (wa audubillah!).

II. The Pearl: Inner Beauty

This is true beauty; pure, everlasting, bright and true. I know many of you will skip this part and head right to the outer beauty. Please don’t. You’ve heard it all before… beauty is skin deep… beauty is what’s on the inside… But it needs to be said again.

a. Beautiful character

A discussion of traits and values the Beautiful Muslimah should embody, with a look at our pious predecessors and Mothers of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with them all). These include patience, elegance, kindness, humility, charity, purity, chastity, frugality, always speaking in the positive—about events, people, etc, such that if they caught you talking about them it would always be something they’d be pleased to hear; also no complaining—you make choices, so live with them, and things you don’t choose are tests from Allah—how will you pass? In addition, I hope to include ways to implement these characteristics, not just list them and tell you to get them.

The traits acquired here will be used to build on the rest of the concepts of the book, especially needing/using less and being frugal, and thinking/talking positively.

b. Clean and pure

Cleanliness is next to godliness, as the saying goes. This section will deal with cleanliness in body care/hygiene, clothes and home and purity in intentions, food, thoughts, speech and actions.

c. Radiant health

Health brings a bloom to the cheek that is more beautiful than any makeup. This section bridges the gap between inner and outer beauty because its effects manifest themselves physically. Taking care of our bodies also enables us to worship properly. This section deals with food and nutrition, getting enough sleep, exercise, stress relief and spirituality (dhikr, du’a, reading Qur’an, making salat, giving charity and zakat, fasting, keeping relations). Following the suggestions will be a sort of preventative medicine, but in the event you do get sick, some remedies recommended by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wassalam) will be offered as well as some natural remedies (as well as advising to go to the doctor—I don’t want to be involved in any lawsuits).

III. The Blossom: Outer Beauty

I’ll encourage those who haven’t read the first part to go back and read it first. I’ll also remind readers to identify why they want to be beautiful and make sure it’s for a halal reason that will be rewarded insha’Allah (such as to be a pleasing wife to one’s husband).

a. What kind of flower are you?

Here we’ll define your individual beauty: Your individual palette; what are the right colors, intensities, contrast levels, styles, shapes, etc. that enhance you individually; how to combine these elements; makeup and hair styles, also glasses/sunglasses.

b. Lovely adornment

Here we’ll explore your lifestyle and personal styles/moods: different clothes for different occasions; expressing yourself through dress (and capsule wardrobing and combining the above from defining yourself). We’ll figure out how many clothes you really need and how to get the most mileage with the least number of clothes (this ties in with the value of frugality). We’ll also discuss accessories.

c. Heavenly hijab

Lastly, I’ll emphasize that every woman is beautiful in her own way, and Allah has created men to appreciate all kinds of women that He has created. (I only include that because many women value their beauty only in terms of whether or not they feel that men find them beautiful and attractive.) I’ll encourage women who choose not to wear it to begin to do so. If you are afraid of looking dumpy or frumpy in hijab, then fear no more, because I have solutions! I’ll also tackle taking on hijab gradually. I don’t want this to become some glorified clichéd hijab article however.

We’ll discuss outer wear and scarves: what kind of impression you want to make; beauty and elegance without attracting the wrong kind of attention; the limits of dress and how to do it while still looking smart. No matter if you like it or not, people are going to have opinions about you based on how you are dressed. We’ll explore how much personality should show in your hijab while still maintaining your mystique and awrah.

IV. The Abode: Beautiful Home

I haven’t decided if I’m going to tackle full-on home décor and gardening. But I may include a bit here about your home being an extension of yourself, and about making your home hospitable and a welcoming haven for family members and guests; creating a cozy atmosphere and creature comforts.

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