How to be a Classy “Modest Model”
Faatimah T. Shabazz-Muhammad is New York native and nursing major who enjoys modeling, cooking and dancing. Her parents, Sherry and Reginald Shabazz-Muhammad, are proud of her accomplishments. She is the youngest of three siblings and attends Muhammad Mosque #7 in New York and loves helping out in the mosque whenever she can. She has modeled for Barba’s Elliot’s show, “A Book of Fashion,” Exclusive Designs and many others. She plans to also be an entrepreneur. She discussed with Sis. Saajida Shabazz-Muhammad how a woman can be classy “modest model.”
Sis. Saajida: Where are some of the places you have modeled? And what kind of modeling do you prefer?
Sis. Faatimah: The world is my audience and the concrete is my runway (laughing). Off the top of my head, I have modeled for Exclusive Designs by: Sis. Jennifer Muhammad from Chicago and GOVVY Fashion House by: Ms. Barbara Elliot. I have done runway modeling and also print work. I enjoy both, but I prefer runway because you’re not a controlled environment- you’re free, you’re vibing with the music, your interacting with the audience, you become a different person in a sense- which also takes a bit of acting. It’s ironic that I enjoy runway the most because the average height for a model doing runway is about 5’8” and I’m pocket-size- I’m a staggering 5’3” (chuckle).
Sis. Saajida: What is your purpose for modeling?
Sis. Faatimah: We are taught by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad that 75% of His work is with the woman. In a way, I see the MGT representing as being apart of the mission. Being a magnet through fashion is a part of the work and we are to make the whole world bear witness to Master Fard Muhammad’s words, “I can sit on top of the world and tell everyone that the most beautiful nation is in the wilderness of North America. But do not let me catch any sister other than herself in regards to living the Life and weighing properly.” I see modeling as a way of showing the world the product of what our MGT training produces.
Sis. Saajida: Do you personally have a favorite model that you look up to as a source of inspiration?
Sis. Faatimah: Well, I have two- Liya Kebede and Selita Ebanks. I like Ms. Kebede because she is a Goddess on the runway, she represents, and she’s a sister who comes from Africa. I also admire her because she is a Humanitarian who is passionate about many issues regarding women and children. In 2006, she set up the Liya Kebede Foundation; which focuses on maternal care for those who may lack such vital resources during childbirth. Now, Ms. Ebanks is my other favorite because I can vibe with her. I feel like our personalities are parallel; she is funny, bubbly, a social butterfly, adventurous, and also a Goddess on the runway. She’s not just a model but functions as a Philanthropist and has developed the Women’s Coalition For Empowerment and Opportunities (WCEO). The organization’s mission is to help “support women’s educational and professional programs in the civil war-torn African nation.”
Sis. Saajida: What do you think about modeling for different companies, other than within the Nation of Islam?
Sis. Faatimah: That’s an easy question- I don’t. Simply because there are certain compromises I know for a fact I would have to make that would conflict with my morals and beliefs, not just as a Muslim but as a striving to be a righteous woman. Anything that the devil puts his hands on, there is fine print. You would have to compromise something to become successful under his guidance; like “selling your soul to the devil”. While you’re given fame and fortune, it will be at the expense of someone else having control over what you wear and the various explicit poses you will be coerced to do. I cannot identify with modeling or fashion in this world’s industry. I’m just trying to expand the concept of modest beauty.
Sis. Saajida: What do you see as your mission for modeling?
Sis. Faatimah: To expand the idea of virtuous beauty. The world gives us a standard of what beauty is (ex. Skinny jeans, Apple Bottom jeans, red lipstick, hot pink hair, etc.). I take it upon myself to widen the scope of another standard of beauty with the brand name G.O.D. (smile)
Sis. Saajida: Many may think that a female could not possibly be in the Nation of Islam and partake in modeling- what are your thoughts on this?.....
