Walking with purpose

Faith and fiqh

Taking on the Trials & Tribulations challenge is no small feat. It’s a gruelling test of endurance, strength, and willpower as you crawl through mud pits, climb walls, and wade through obstacles designed to leave you physically exhausted and coated in grime. But when you decide to take on this challenge, there’s one important decision you should make: wear full Muslim dress.

You might wonder if it’s practical or question whether you’ll be able to keep up with others in such attire. Yet, wearing abaya and hijab throughout this challenge is not just about modesty—it’s a powerful statement about your faith, resilience, and strength. Here’s why you should choose to wear Muslim dress for the Trials & Tribulations challenge.

Upholding your faith and identity

Wearing the abaya is an intrinsic part of your identity as a Muslim woman. It represents your commitment to modesty and your connection to Allah. By choosing to wear it during the Trials & Tribulations challenge, you’re not only participating in a physical test; you’re staying true to who you are, no matter the external pressures or societal expectations.

For many, physical challenges like this are an expression of freedom and empowerment. For you, empowerment is found in embracing your faith unapologetically. Your abaya is a reminder that you don’t need to compromise your values to achieve something extraordinary.

Breaking stereotypes

One of the key reasons to wear full Muslim dress for this challenge is to break stereotypes. Muslim women are often wrongly portrayed as passive or constrained by their faith, but nothing could be further from the truth. Islam encourages strength, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

By running, climbing, and crawling through the mud while maintaining your modest dress, you’ll challenge these misconceptions. You’ll prove that modesty and ambition are not mutually exclusive. Your attire won’t hinder you; instead, it will symbolise your determination to rise above societal prejudices and demonstrate the strength you possess.

Practicality and adaptability

You may be wondering, “Isn’t it impractical to wear an abaya in a muddy challenge?” Yes, it does require some thought and preparation. But with the right materials and a little ingenuity, you can make it work. Choose an abaya made from lightweight, quick-drying fabric so it won’t weigh you down. Secure your hijab tightly to prevent any slips, and opt for shoes that are suited to muddy terrain.

To your surprise, your attire will hold up well. You’ll find that, despite being covered in mud by the end of the challenge, your abaya will not stop you from climbing over walls, sliding through trenches, or sprinting to the finish line.

Staying focused on your intentions

The Trials & Tribulations challenge is not just about physical endurance—it’s a test of mental resilience. As you move through the course, remind yourself why you’re doing this. This challenge isn’t about proving anything to others; it’s about testing your limits while staying connected to your faith.

The Qur’an reminds us: “Indeed, with hardship comes ease” (Surah Ash-Sharh, 94:6). Every obstacle you overcome will be a reminder of this verse. Your abaya and hijab won’t just be clothes—they’ll be a source of strength, reminding you that you can endure hardship while staying true to your values.

A message for the detractors

To those who question your decision, understand that your choice to wear Muslim dress for this challenge is empowering. You’re not letting societal expectations or doubts hold you back. For you, this experience isn’t just about crossing the finish line; it’s about proving that faith and ambition can coexist.

You have the right to express yourself authentically, and for you, that means dressing modestly. This decision won’t hold you back—instead, it will propel you forward, reminding you of your purpose and identity with every step you take.

Final thoughts

The Trials & Tribulations challenge will teach you more than just how to overcome physical obstacles. It will reinforce the belief that faith and resilience carry you through the most challenging situations. By choosing to wear full Muslim dress, you won’t just trek through mud—you’ll walk with purpose, conviction, and a deep sense of pride in who you are.

So, to anyone considering this challenge: stay true to yourself. Don’t let doubts or societal expectations stop you. Whether it’s wearing your abaya during this challenge or pursuing a dream others deem impossible, embrace your identity and show the world that you’re capable of extraordinary things.