Of Muslims, models and mentors

We are all accidental tourists seeking a life-enriching journey before arriving at our utopian-made destination.

There are Muslim bankers, bakers, and candlestick makers. 

But there are also Muslim singers, musicians, actors, comedians, flight stewards, models, especially Muslim women, and that usually gets a reaction and judgement is passed.

Why do some Muslims have an uncontrollable urge to declare fatwa, or a religious edict, that it is haram yet many of these same people have not looked in the mirror. Let’s set aside their qualifications to pass such edicts.

Let’s put things in prospective. There are many female and male Muslim bankers in conventional banking. And we know the prohibition against interests as mentioned in the Quran (2:275-280; 3:130; 4:161; and 30:39), but they do not seem to get the same kind of stares as a Muslim women models! The Muslim model is not modelling for Victoria’s Secret peddling seductive products, but for fashion (hijabs), cosmetics (halal), travel family travel), and so on, and done in a respectful way to the religion, culture, country, village, and family. 

For many people, including myself, why should a non-Muslim model be the Model for Muslim wares, cosmetics, travel, etc., as it’s about our identity at a fundamental level?  For example, I was recently transiting at the Dubai International airport, and saw more Muslim models on the large display ads. No, Dubai is not a barometer of Saudi, but its the pulse of where many Muslims want to live and work.

If someone has been blessed by the Creator with looks, and wants to make a halal living by showcasing their or a company’s products, I say that is more honourable than working in interest based conventional bank. The model promoting Islamic lifestyle products is doing another form of dakwah (preaching) that connects to a segment of the marketplace that is open to listening to such people.

It’s important that we air areas that desperately need discourse that are usually “mandatory” directives. 

Put it differently, the point is to have conversations, not conclusions without knowing facts or understandings.

My colleague, Hani Hamzah, is a former model and here is a conversation we recently had. 

How did you get into modelling?

I have a masters in law with various interests compared to many of my colleagues. I love the arts, creativity work and love the Creator’s beauty, blessings and bounty. I started modelling during my university days after being spotted by talent scouts. I was invited to take courses with the objective of grooming me for modelling, catwalks and the camera. It was hard work, and provided a discipline that I still use today.

Immediately after school, I participated in contests, including beauty contest for magazines. The prize for winning included cash, a “Catena” wristwatch, a big item for me as a student during the 1990s. My passion for wholesome beauty was my driver and it also happened to pay my bills.

I was actively involved in cultural performances across Asean Countries. I worked long hours and sacrificed, and was fortunate enough to be the lead dancer for traditional dances. I am passionate about my traditional Malay culture and dances, and I was given the opportunity to show and share it on a stage.

What was your biggest challenge?

I love challenges, be it fitting into all sort of beautiful dresses (that required dieting and exercise) or walk on the runway with 5 inches heels. Being in front of camera, under hot lights, long hours, changing outfits, etc., never made me tired as I was always pushing myself to be better with a smile.

Have you been involved in TV show?

I have received numerous TV commercial offers and acted for commercials in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. It was fantastic learning period, with so many memorable stories.

What did your husband and parents say to you about modelling?

Alhamdulillah, my husband is not only my pillar of strength but also support. He is a freelance professional photographer and he has taken thousands of my pictures. I believe in my saying, “behind every strong woman, there is a supporting man!” He has always accompanied me for all my fashion show events, photoshoots, TV casting and advertisement shooting.

My parents have always been proud of me (my source of inspiration) and have been supporters of my modelling career. For example, they are always sharing stories with all my uncles and aunties about my travel and shoots, and many refer to me as an artist. Artist is a great compliment, I do not see it, but I thank them.

There are some that pass judgment that modelling is “un-Islamic” for Muslims women. How do you answer?

Appearance, approach and interaction within the group must have a limit. How we put ourselves into events and our interaction with people always must have boundaries. As long as the right choices are made for modelling clothing (loose fitting or hijabs), food or beverage (halal), cosmetics (halal), wellness, etc., we become an important part of the Muslim consumer supply chain.

Many young Muslim girls want to model. What is you advice to them?

I had my turning point when I made the hijrah and put on my hijab. I still go for courteous and decent photoshoots with modest clothes and don the hijab. For me, if you have the interest in beauty, take the opportunity and get your pictured captured and showcase it in a fashionable but modest way. Why not Muslim models for Muslim products?

Would you want to open a Muslim modelling agency?

Having a modelling agency is not my interest, but I love to dress people up and make them look beautiful for the camera or events. I feel blessed to have the talent to do “make overs” combined with a sense for fashion. I have provided several “corporate grooming” sessions for organisations. Honestly, I would rather have my saloon and boutique for all the women out there.

What other talents do you have?

I consider myself a well-rounded speaker for “grooming.” Additionally, I have beadings talent where I spend my time doing beadings on women dress especially on baju kurung and baju kebaya, and beadings on the hijab.

I passionately enjoy baking cakes, decorations and flower arrangement as I love to see beautiful things around me and my friends.

Would you advise your daughter or son to go into modelling over working for a conventional bank?

Yes, why not. She inherited a sense of fashion understanding from me. For example, at a young age she used to dress with matching colours, and had a posing posture during photo sessions and all done with modesty!

What are the five important lessons you learned from modelling?

1.     I feel blessed in what the Creator has made me yesterday, today and tomorrow.

2.     Being humble of beauty as its temporary and fleeting.

3.     Inner beauty reflects and compliments overall outlook.

4.     Do not compare what you have with others, as beauty is different for each and it’s in the eyes of beholder.

5.     Use your look, outlook and talent for positive things and positive change, and, in my case, I did it not because of popularity but for a halal income to cover my studies and living expenses.

If you had to do it all over again, would you do things differently?

Yes, as a trendy, modest, urban Muslimah.

Conclusion

Islam encourages diversity and tolerance, and discourages passing judgment without understanding.

"They are going to judge you no matter what you do, so let them judge you for the truth." Bryant McGill.

What are your stories? – August 19, 2015.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.