Living in a Muslim-majority country like Indonesia comes with certain conveniences, especially when it comes to practicing your faith. For Muslim women, the availability of mukenas (ladies' prayer gowns or in Malaysia we call it Telekung) in mosques and prayer spaces is one such convenience that we often take for granted.
If you’re living in Indonesia, Malaysia, or any other Muslim-majority country, you know that when it’s time to pray, you can simply head to the nearest mosque where mukenas are readily available for use. But what happens when you move abroad, to a place where finding a mosque might be a challenge, and carrying a mukena or telekung with you becomes a necessity?
The Challenge of Praying Abroad
Imagine you’re living in the UK, the US, or Australia. Here, mosques are fewer and farther between, and the convenience of having a mukena or telekung at your disposal isn’t something you can rely on.
You might be at work, at school, or out exploring your new surroundings when the time for prayer arrives. In these moments, having your own mukena or telekung on hand becomes essential.
For many Muslim women living abroad, carrying a mukena or telekung in your bag or car is just as important as carrying your keys or wallet. It’s a small act of preparedness that ensures you can fulfill your religious obligations no matter where you are. But let’s be honest—lugging around a bulky mukena or telekung everywhere you go isn’t exactly convenient, especially if you’re someone who is always on the move.
The Mukena: More Than Just a Prayer Gown
In many Muslim cultures, the mukena is more than just a prayer gown; it’s a symbol of modesty and devotion. When you slip into your mukena, it’s like entering a sacred space, mentally and spiritually preparing yourself for prayer. It’s a ritual that many Muslim women cherish, and one that can be difficult to replicate with everyday clothing.
However, the reality of living abroad means that sometimes you have to adapt. There may be times when you’re caught without your mukena, and in these cases, a regular hijab and modest clothing can suffice for prayer. But while this is an acceptable alternative in emergencies, it’s not always the most comfortable or fulfilling option. The feeling of being fully covered and spiritually prepared in your mukena is hard to replace.
Zaahara’s Solution for the Modern Muslim Woman
Understanding the challenges faced by Muslim women living abroad, Zaahara has designed the Marissa OTG Telekung, a compact and practical solution for those who are always on the go. This on-the-go prayer gown is lightweight, easy to pack, and ideal for women who find themselves praying in various locations throughout the day.
The Marissa OTG Telekung is perfect for the modern Muslim woman, whether you’re living in a bustling city like London, navigating the vast landscapes of Australia, or working in the fast-paced environment of New York City. Its practical design allows you to carry it in your bag or car without adding unnecessary bulk, ensuring that you’re always prepared for prayer, no matter where you are.
For many Muslim women, especially those living in non-Muslim-majority countries, the Marissa OTG Telekung has become a game-changer. It’s not just a piece of clothing; it’s a symbol of faith and resilience. Women in countries like the UK, US, and Australia have embraced this mobile prayer wear because it offers a simple yet effective way to maintain their religious practices while adapting to life abroad.
Why the Mukena Matters
While it’s true that you can pray in any modest clothing as long as your aurah (the parts of the body that must be covered) is covered, there’s something special about the mukena. It’s a garment specifically designed for prayer, one that allows you to focus entirely on your spiritual connection without worrying about your clothing slipping or shifting.
For Muslim women living abroad, having a mukena like the Marissa OTG Telekung isn’t just about meeting the requirements for prayer—it’s about maintaining a sense of cultural identity and spiritual comfort in unfamiliar surroundings. It’s a way to bring a piece of home with you, wherever you go.
Conclusion
Living abroad as a Muslim woman comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to practicing your faith. But with the right tools and mindset, these challenges can be easily overcome. The Marissa OTG Telekung by Zaahara is designed to help you "Embrace Faith Anytime, Anywhere," making it easier than ever to stay connected to your spirituality, no matter where life takes you.
So whether you’re navigating the streets of London, exploring the vast outback of Australia, or working in the fast-paced environment of New York City, rest assured that with your mukena in tow, you’re always prepared to pray. And with Zaahara’s innovative designs, you can do so with ease, comfort, and a little piece of home.
