[amagmasia]

From my experiences in university and everyday life in general, I rarely come across Muslims who wear the topi when going to school, work, shopping, etc. Some, unfortunately, do not even wear it in prayer. This had me thinking...

Have the Muslims (at least those who are considered practicing) given up this beautiful sunnah of covering the head because it makes for better a dawah move (i.e. more approachable)? Or have certain schools of scholars (such as the Deobandis) over-emphasized this sunnah to the extent that the situation should not have an influence as to whether you wear it or not as opposed to other scholars who consider it merely another sunnah (I know there is no such thing as "merely another sunnah")? Oh yeah, and then there are those who don't even consider it sunnah, which makes up a good number of the brothers I know.

Although I wear the topi to university, I must be quite honest that those who support the "approachability" theory have a solid argument. I mean, numerous times I have sat next to someone on a bus or in class or other situations where it felt that they were a little hostile but after conversing with them, they completely changed their attitude towards you. It seems as if I don't initiate a dialogue, they will continue to have this type of reaction towards you. But I believe there is a hikmah in this, in that it makes me realize the great importance in having the best of character and helps me struggle to improve every chance I get.

Just out of curiosity, how many of you brothers wear the topi in your everyday lives, why or why not?

Also, what would be in the best interest of someone in my situation, should I continue to wear it or "blend" in with the crowd of Muslims and non-Muslims for the sake of dawah? Any nasiha would be appreciated, especially from my Muslim and Pashtun (not trying to be "culturistic") brother, the Colonel .



P.S.: Not to sound harsh at all, but those who consider wearing the topi as culture and not as a blessed sunnah of the Prophet please try to keep your opinions to yourselves because that is not the focus of this thread, .