tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post8225394904471881077..comments2024-03-23T02:00:27.106+03:00Comments on SUSIE of ARABIA: Embracing the AbayaSusie of Arabiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13315336613944665651noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-34601915285142122502016-08-18T09:39:21.876+03:002016-08-18T09:39:21.876+03:00I just liked the way you have put soul to those ol...I just liked the way you have put soul to those old <a href="https://www.velaclothing.com/" rel="nofollow">abayas</a>. I liked it so much and will try it soon.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00272857544843218332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-1889439088857755152015-10-08T05:32:48.255+03:002015-10-08T05:32:48.255+03:00God made men and women each unique. Putting on a p...God made men and women each unique. Putting on a plain, black abaya to blend into the crowd somehow seems like covering up the beauty that God has given every living creature and thing. I am all for modesty but I don't completely cover myself to the detriment of my health (developing heat stroke, increasing my heart rate to dangerous levels, etc). I believe BALANCE, as in all things, is the key. I believe that the black abaya is just overkill, just as the Jews created the "fence laws" to ensure that people wouldn't sin! Those fence laws grew into more fence laws, and even more fence laws to keep the sheep "from straying" and falling into sin. Yeshua (Jesus) came along and told the religious leaders of His time that man's attempt to "improve" on God's laws only ended up corrupting things, and ended up oppressing the people instead with heavy burdens to bear and unrealistic rites to follow - which even the rulers weren't able to keep! It seems that Islam is no different.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-23179757210766469282015-04-18T12:23:08.338+03:002015-04-18T12:23:08.338+03:00Actually, Islamically women are allowed to wear c...Actually, Islamically women are allowed to wear colors and patterns, even outside; law here just enforces black abayas. Secondly many Saudis who go out of saudi do not even touch until their flight back. <br />Secondly I dont beleive that modesty is just a word used for control, I mean how would you feel if you see your mom one day in shorts or revealing clothes? And what would you do if you see your daughter go out in immodest clothes-dont you think she would attract negative attention? <br />Secondly, women aren't objects, but we all are naturally attracted to beautiful things. So instead of evaluating women on their intelligence and personality, people judge them based on looks. Now, consider one applying for a job or a study environment, how do people judge her at first? Unfortunately, always from her "beauty", which would by the unfair to the more qualified applicant, if any. Not only that it would also be unfair to the girl as she is not being treated as a professional. <br /><br />Do you know why in many conditions there are regulations of what a person should wear? Can you just imagine what would be thought of a teacher who one day arrives at school in a see-through shirt with a flirty mini-skirt ? Would you want that teacher to teach your child and tell me, would your child would at all be concentrating in class on the lecture?<br />but a certain dress code is only set appropriate for the high character standards of of the person itself. <br />And therefore being a Muslim women requires us to be of the highest moral character that one can be, so we wear clothes appropriate to that.<br /><br />Also, bigstick I think you think to harshly of us. We are nothing but human and do a lot by choice. There are many of us who are restricted but even more who do a lot of things by choice. I also am not a fan of abayas(its seriously the stupidest rule ever-dress coding a country), when I go to other countries I am wear maxis etc. Also I recommend that since you seem to think of us as a close minded society you should engage in conversation with one of us to understand more. That just might change your view. <br />Ohhh and also there is a city in progress-kaec-king abdullah economic city, we arent required to wear abayas there . Yaayyy, right?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-50380506742115786182013-09-27T01:31:20.429+03:002013-09-27T01:31:20.429+03:00Hi Anon - Colorful abayas are getting to be more a...Hi Anon - Colorful abayas are getting to be more accepted in Jeddah, although most Saudi women still seem to prefer to wear basic black. The expat women are more daring with colors.Susie of Arabiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13315336613944665651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-73522997601858667422013-09-26T15:06:34.700+03:002013-09-26T15:06:34.700+03:00hello susie. i love to read your this informative ...hello susie. i love to read your this informative blog. susie i got married n my husband is working in KSA but i dont like Black color n also i dont like to wear abaya. i m muslim n i m from Pakistan but i worked n stayed in lebanon so now i m use to of wearing colorfull n western outfits but bcoz very soon i will be in jeddah so i wanted to know can i wear different color abaya or its very necessary to wear only black. can i wear bright colors like light blue n pink please tell me... Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-69917907195078798742013-06-28T01:17:36.979+03:002013-06-28T01:17:36.979+03:00Hi, I n Islam women are respected than in the wes...Hi, I n Islam women are respected than in the west women are used for model, for corporate profit.so there is no such thing as sex object in Islam. Its a protection from evil eyes what I see in west women n children are raped n killed.covering in black when going out, you can avoid bad attention.At home you can wear any colors n styles.<br />Living in west we wear winter coats full length its protection from cold freezing weather.<br />I also have nice abaya in black,about 15 of them which I wear to shopping, malls, no problem, so get over ur old thinking of women kept as sex object. where do you keep your money valuable? in purse hiding. so women are cherished n protected. we choose to wear.so open your eyes n learn real value of women.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06087994781525493174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-66293653137861886642013-04-17T11:57:18.344+03:002013-04-17T11:57:18.344+03:00I have to say that the abaya is really quite nice ...I have to say that the <a href="http://mademoizelleadubai.com/" rel="nofollow">abaya</a> is really quite nice and can be made in a fashionable way. The colors and design are beautiful and you seemed to have found some on your adventure.jonny joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16152481042377840467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-26579771667638059112013-01-28T17:50:06.406+03:002013-01-28T17:50:06.406+03:00Hi Rachel - Many Western women do not cover their ...Hi Rachel - Many Western women do not cover their hair here in Jeddah, however one should always have a scarf handy, just in case. The religious police are not supposed to bother non-Muslim women, but they still have been known to. I would definitely recommend waiting until you arrive here to purchase an abaya. If you just wear modest loose fitting clothing that covers all but your hands and face, you will be okay leaving the airport. You can buy abayas almost anywhere here - my favorite places to shop for abayas are Al Shatee Souk and Makarona Souk. They are both well known. You will get a much better deal if you wait to buy one here, plus you will be amazed at the selection. Susie of Arabiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13315336613944665651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-22096217902338479482013-01-28T16:20:41.025+03:002013-01-28T16:20:41.025+03:00Hi Susie, I am moving to Jeddah next month and hav...Hi Susie, I am moving to Jeddah next month and have to go Abaya shopping so your blog is very interesting. I have heard that you do not have to cover your head in Jeddah, is that true? I was wondering about buying something called a Chashwa that has a 'hood' attached so I could whip it over my head if needs be, what do you think? <br />Any help or advice will be appreciated! <br /><br />RachelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-50274440564685887792013-01-07T14:13:00.778+03:002013-01-07T14:13:00.778+03:00Hi Princess Tamina - I understand the conflicted f...Hi Princess Tamina - I understand the conflicted feelings you have and I hope that you arrive at a decision that will bring you peace of mind. Hugs!Susie of Arabiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13315336613944665651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-58038374040327044862013-01-07T14:11:25.646+03:002013-01-07T14:11:25.646+03:00Hi Tessa - You can wear whatever you want undernea...Hi Tessa - You can wear whatever you want underneath the abaya, so what I have been wearing underneath is mostly a lightweight tank top and capris. But I have found that it can be a problem because sometimes we will wind up going to visit family, which I didn't know about ahead of time. Usually when we visit family, I will be able to take off my abaya during the visit, but I don't feel comfortable wearing just a tank top in front of others, not even other women. So at these times I must stay in my abaya. You can wear whatever you wish when you are at home, and what you choose to wear underneath your abaya is totally your call. Susie of Arabiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13315336613944665651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-58836290549836874322012-12-09T16:00:19.052+03:002012-12-09T16:00:19.052+03:00Is there any fit suit inside abaya and just a shee...Is there any fit suit inside abaya and just a sheer top that can cover the body to make the dress so light? I am reading a lot of how foreign women cope with the very conservative culture in Saudi because in maybe four months from now I am moving there. So I am thinking now what to bring there instead my way of wearing clothes here in the Philippines.. UnknownHahahahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10247973834847014058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-24151487641739251882012-10-13T05:57:31.885+03:002012-10-13T05:57:31.885+03:00Umm:
Well, many find the symbolism of the abaya o...Umm:<br /><br />Well, many find the symbolism of the abaya offensive. Religiosity and modesty are just key words that are meant to control people, segregate them and it more than often promotes hate and violence particular toward women. Modesty is a word like slut or whore. It is used to control by means of initidation and humilation. It is a demeaning word with a demeaning intention. <br /><br />In addition, many women around the world are forced to wear the symbol of subjugation and oppression and it is used as a symbol in force to issue an understanding to women what they are deem to be an awrah (external sex organ). It is the ultimate insult to 1/2 the population. <br />Religiosity is a hate dogma nothing more and has been one of the most repressive, violent, hateful ideology ever invented by mankind. <br /><br />The dresswear and what it stands for is offensive to many and to those who believe women to be worth far more than modesty (hate dogma/control word) as they consider the sum of a women to be superior to what manmade (religious) dogma has reduced them to, ie.( a sex object to which clothing has more meaning than there person.) Sad.<br /><br />Saying for today: God and faith don't need religion as they both stand on their own but religion needs both in order to do what it was created for and that is political oppression.<br /><br />bigstick1http://voicesofthefaceless.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-17222370140185127692012-10-10T05:00:23.653+03:002012-10-10T05:00:23.653+03:00Wow that offensive!! I'm a westerner, a Muslim...Wow that offensive!! I'm a westerner, a Muslim, and I cover and prefer abayaat for comfort, ease of wear, simplicity and modesty. MAN...ur readin' wayyy too much into it. Covering modestly is a requirement of both Muslim men and women according to the faith and as a show of piety and religiosity. Your dont have to wear an abaya per say, but many Muslim women from around the world choose them for their beauty, simplicty and comfort! I lived in Saudi for a year and while there stocked up on them as the crepes they use in saudi for abayaat are far better than most of whats available online. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-16794575137013936502012-08-16T18:02:43.280+03:002012-08-16T18:02:43.280+03:00hi susie of arabia-i really love your purple and p...hi susie of arabia-i really love your purple and pink abaya.i have one abaya with embroidery and beads on the sleeves.it's kinda pretty and from the uae.got it online.i had alot of work going on in my apartment for a long time and i wore it alot.with my hijab.i live in the usa but i have been covering for more than 30 years and wearing hijab full time,for more than 2 and half years.it's been challenging.no one i know does it and not many people in my religion does ether.i have been married to 2 muslims before,with 2 children.one is out on his own and another(a girl) will be in a few years.so,lately i have been thinking,alot about not wearing hijab since i live in usa.it is hard.sometimes it is like a wall between me and others.and i get tired of always standing out and being different.but now i feel so naked without it!lol.i'm still praying and thinking abut it. princess.taminahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00061253440087655026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-27420740558213772132012-07-21T08:19:58.182+03:002012-07-21T08:19:58.182+03:00Susie, I've ordered a number of things from Su...Susie, I've ordered a number of things from Sunnah Styles. I like their things, and the fabrics are better than much of what you often find in N. America (especially in colors!), but I find that the fabrics they use for the scarves and abayas to be too warm for summer in the Midwest. It's a polyester that does have a looser weave, but I don't find it to be all that breathable. The silk abaya I got from SS is more comfortable, but I think they've changed their silk recently and I don't know what the new fabric is like.<br /><br />In my experience, the best summer abaya fabrics are all black polyesters/poly blends made for the Saudi market. I have not found similarly light and breathable fabrics in colors used in Saudi, unfortunately. Perhaps you'll find some. For scarves, I prefer thin silk and loose weave cotton.Hijabi Heather...aka The Soundgirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11923086544389938650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-85334700845595199382012-07-11T15:45:37.177+03:002012-07-11T15:45:37.177+03:00I agree about the pockets. The abaya is an outer ...I agree about the pockets. The abaya is an outer garment and should have pockets as far as I'm concerned.<br />I can hardly wait until the weather is cool enough for me to wear the periwinkle colored abaya. I'm really looking forward to it.Susie of Arabiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13315336613944665651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-73924296956662072352012-07-11T15:43:57.677+03:002012-07-11T15:43:57.677+03:00Thank you, Chiara - I feel in my heart that she wa...Thank you, Chiara - I feel in my heart that she was ready to go, but it's just hard for the family to accept. It all happened so quickly and I certainly wasn't prepared or ready for it. Thank you again. It means a lot to me.Susie of Arabiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13315336613944665651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-7908908010608943212012-07-11T15:42:13.794+03:002012-07-11T15:42:13.794+03:00Hi Annie - Thanks for the info. Several friends h...Hi Annie - Thanks for the info. Several friends have offered to take me to get a custom abaya too. One of these days... but right now I think I'm good owning five!Susie of Arabiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13315336613944665651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-60198456847003622762012-07-11T12:24:53.177+03:002012-07-11T12:24:53.177+03:00Agree, the pocket thing is really silly. Like who ...Agree, the pocket thing is really silly. Like who the hell decided for "abayas" to be always pocket-less. Stupid unspoken rules.<br />I think you might wanna try the all-colored abaya. My colleague wears lavender and it is so soothing and refreshing.Aitchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13150253715934002801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-7960585749592319112012-07-11T08:35:43.199+03:002012-07-11T08:35:43.199+03:00Dear Susie-My sincerest condolences on the passing...Dear Susie-My sincerest condolences on the passing of your mother. She sounds like both a wonderful woman, and the quintessential Mom. It is indeed difficult to be living abroad at such a time, and I am glad you will be attending the celebration of her life, along with your own children and family. Again, my condolences to you and your family.Chiarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13180585636556782803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-42368096034451629382012-07-08T17:42:26.180+03:002012-07-08T17:42:26.180+03:00Hi Suzie
There is a salon in Jeddah, where they al...Hi Suzie<br />There is a salon in Jeddah, where they also make abaya's to your own requirements. Colours, silks etc beautiful. The place in called Nirvana in Al Hamrah. Let me know if you want tel number. She is a friend of mine -Razan, who owns it. So glad you are now enjoying the abaya. I must say...I did get to like mine but again it was because of the colours and embellishment. Although they are not so 'easy going' in Riyadh. Have fun. AnnieAnnie Pettnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-24789572751526092452012-07-08T02:01:32.479+03:002012-07-08T02:01:32.479+03:00Forgot to ask: What are the SS ones?Forgot to ask: What are the SS ones?Susie of Arabiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13315336613944665651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-74823810622158226262012-07-08T01:58:42.018+03:002012-07-08T01:58:42.018+03:00Hi Carima - Sounds like you have practically got d...Hi Carima - Sounds like you have practically got dressing yourself down to a science! It would be too hot here to wear a business jacket over the abaya, but I have seen some women elsewhere wearing it that way and I like the look. Thanks!Susie of Arabiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13315336613944665651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569425364802315563.post-23245466236625465232012-07-08T01:53:46.591+03:002012-07-08T01:53:46.591+03:00Hi Umm Alhaarith - Thanks for the link. They have...Hi Umm Alhaarith - Thanks for the link. They have good prices and I love the colors they offer. And even some things on sale too! Thanks again!Susie of Arabiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13315336613944665651noreply@blogger.com