With the culture and traditions of the generations before us on one side, and the modern, into-the-latest-everything generation on the other – where do we fit in?

Don’t act upon the anger – think. Remember Him. This is a test and nothing is worth disobeying your Lord, nothing at all. So do the right thing however hard it is, however many tears may fall, however many snide comments you may receive. Because you are more important than the anger. You’re truly worth more.

You may believe that using a long piece of material to cover the hair and bosom is relatively easy from the outset. How much more different can it be really, than wearing any other piece of cloth? But the reality is that it is indeed an amazingly difficult thing to do in some cases. There are numerous reasons for this apparent difficulty, but the main reason is usually in the mind of the wearer –a type of paranoia really.

A few months ago, I was waiting for the dentist, wondering why they were taking so long to call my name after the appointed time. The answer came about forty-five minutes after my appointment – they hadn’t recognised me even though I was seated right in front of the receptionist.

As I thoughtfully gaze out of the window of my room, the beautiful and soft voice of the Adhan stirs me from my silent reverie. I hurry to perform my wudhu and pray Salah, although I feel sad to break from my moment of reflection, but I know that Allah always comes first before anything.