Al-Anwar Islamic Fashion — Attraction in Anaheim

Long term shopper’s heartbreak….

I have been shopping at Al Anwar since 1998. It was always a nice place; however, as I grew up and wanted to share this store with my growing family, especially my children, we were always treated with rudeness and the children were treated so badly. I have made this known every time it happened to the owners. My children were just present in the store, they didn’t run around, didn’t destruct property, but were just children talking, laughing, and making conversation, albeit louder than adults who shop there. Every time I went with my children the last 10 years, it’s been the same thing. Always rude. I understand if kids are running around, breaking things, making a mess, it’s a big deal; and parents should not allow that; but to simply tell children to stop talking or making “too much” noise and to sit quietly, is insane. Children are not going to do that. I actually used to go to al Anwar all the time, to support my local Muslim businesses, but the lack of empathy and mercy for children really made my heart hurt so I only go during Ramadan. But every time the past few years, it’s been the same experience. It’s like children are not allowed nor are they welcome, so please write that on your establishment. That no children allowed! So we won’t bring them; but man…the treatment is something else, Every time I brought it up, I was told sorry, and that’s great, but apologies mean nothing unless we have changed behavior. There are ways to speak to children and you don’t do it by humiliating them nor being sarcastic and mean to them. It’s like the people who work there hate the children.

See the thing is, If you’re kind about it and explain to them or show them mercy, maybe parents would not have the reaction I have had. I thought I’d go back during Ramadan with my special needs child, and all he did was stand around me on a cushion seat around the hijab place and the lady came and said sit down don’t talk or I will make you take brooms and clean the entire place. My son’s face fell. I saw he was scared. This isn’t okay. When I told her to show mercy on the children, she started arguing with me. I wouldn’t have minded her intervention if my son was running and destroying property that she had to intervene but to say that when children were just being children is insane.

I want to support my local Muslim shops and I have been for years but after the experience the last ten years, I am not going to come back. I can get my hijab elsewhere where children are welcome. Because this treatment is not okay.

You break children’s hearts and you break the parents hearts, and children learn that Islamic places are not kind, and that takes them away from the deen; and that is scary, and this review may seem like a small thing but every instances in our lives have impact and these negative experiences can impact our children and families.

I learned my lesson. I am not coming back. I wish you mercy and blessings; I just wish, we...

I am a convert, and a hijabi. The second time visiting I came here from the San Fernando Valley as my husband & I were visiting Anaheim during Ramadan. I was very disappointed as I was treated very differently than all of the other customers because I was not obviously born Muslim. There were other, obviously born-Muslims, who were given 110% of the customer service attention. While I attempt to ask a question and for 10 minutes and am ignored. Then when the worker did answer it was a quick rude response & she quickly went back to the other (obviously born-Muslim) customers. That time I was looking for some Eid gifts for my in-laws as well as Ramadan decorations and exploring the hijab area. They have a lot of products, but honestly I think they take advantage of being an Islamic store in the US and bump up the prices like crazy. There are a LOT of abayas but honestly they look very bad quality and the prices are stupid high. It’s better to buy online and get it altered if you have to. Rather than come here and get super cheap quality abayas.

I thought about getting a dress here for my nikkah/wedding and SO glad I didn’t! My dress was nothing fancy but I rather go with it than one of these glamorous looking abayas which are really cheap quality. They said they can tailor but I honestly wouldn’t rely on them.

Just buy online and get it altered if you need to. This...

I am from Arizona and someone referred me to this store and shared a very positive experience they had. When I came to California, I had to check it out. They have everything you need from modest clothing and garments for men, women, and children to cute knick knacks that you can decorate your home with. I bought some turbans from this store. The owner, Ahmad, was very friendly and very kind. He greeted me when I first entered the store. He helped me find exactly what I needed and even spent time to look for different colors I wanted in his back stock. He had a beautiful and humble energy and a warm smile on his face the whole time. They have a fitting room where you can try on things before buying. They have beautiful and gorgeous kaftans perfect for any occasion. They have modest swim-wear and shirts. They sell all kinds of hijabs and accessories for it. And the best part is their prices are fair and very reasonable. I understand that he imports all his stuff from overseas so it’s the good stuff that you would buy from back home! If you’re in Anaheim, you have to check it out. Thank you for a wonderful experience. Inshallah they can open more stores across the States! I need this...