About Islamic Clothing
Islam is a religion of
balance and modesty that encompasses the whole lifestyle of a male or female
believer. Modesty in speech, thoughts, actions, dressing, eating, and
socializing is an essential concept of Islamic teachings. Islamic dress code is
just one part of this wide-ranging concept. Islam sets basic standards of
modesty, for both men and women, which are not bound to any specific style or culture.
As such, there are diverse dressing styles among the Muslim population around
the world.
Islamic
Clothing for Women
The
rules defining women’s dress are primarily determined based on the following
verse 24:31in the Qur’an, as well as verse 33:59 below, and incorporation of
concepts established in hadith (Arabic: حديث; reports of sayings, doings, or contentions of Prophet
Mohammad (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم).
In verse 24:31
(followed below by a thorough analysis), Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) instructs Prophet
Mohammad (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم):
"And tell the
believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and
protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off
their adornment (their zeenah, زينتهن) except only that
which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way or outer dress
like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils (draw
their khimars، ليضربن بخمورهن) all over Juyubihinna (جيوبهن, i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms,) and not to reveal
their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's
fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers or their
brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their
sisters in Islâm), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or
old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the
feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide
of their adornment. And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers,
that you may be successful."
(Reference: Qur'ân, Surat Al-Noor, 24:31)
The following
translation of 24:31 sticks closer with (and retains) exact Arabic words in the
verse:
“And tell the believing
women to lower their gaze and protect their private parts, and to not reveal
their zeenah (زينتهن) except what appeared of it (إلا ما ظهر منها) and to draw theirkhimars (ليضربن بخمورهن) [headcoverings that
hang further below around neck and shoulders] over/on juyubihinna (جيوبهن, i.e. the
pocket/enclosed area that was initially left exposed the way khimar was
left hanging, which comprised the merger of the neck, inner shoulder, chest,
and breast areas), and to not reveal their zeenah except to
their husbands, or their fathers, or their husbands' fathers, or their sons, or
the sons of their husbands, or their brothers, or their brothers’ sons, or
their sisters’ sons, or other women, or those whom their right hands possess
(female servants), or male attendants (servants) who lack vigor (not having the
need of women, such as elderly male attendants), or young children who know
naught of women’s nakedness; and let them not stamp (strike) their feet so as to
reveal (make known or heard) what they hide of their zeenah; and repent to
Allâh all of you, O believers! So that you may succeed.”
Verse
24:31 is very concise, complete, and comprehensive in setting the instructions
of what Muslim women must cover of their body. The verse orders Prophet
Mohammad (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) to address Muslim women (so he is addressing the women at that
time to lay out a lesson for all time) and it was revealed at a time when free
Muslim women (excluding slaves and prostitutes on the streets) wore a clothing
item called khimar, which comprises a loose scarf that goes on the
head, covering the hair and extending further below the head, around the neck
and shoulders. The verse starts by asking Prophet Mohammad (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) to “tell the
believing women to lower their gaze and protect their private parts.” The
verse then goes on with the order, “and to not reveal their zeenah (زينتهن) except what appeared
of it (إلا ما ظَهَرَ منها)”, i.e. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) was asked to order
Muslim women to not reveal from their bodies except what was revealed of it.
The English equivalent, word for word, of the Arabic phrase “إلا ما ظَهَرَ منها” is “except
what appeared of it”, phrased in the past tense. It is, therefore,
imperative to look at the women back then to get a snapshot and to understand
what those exempt areas encompass, and all other parts of the body would then
have to remain covered. Thus, this part of the verse by itself “defines what is
exempt from being covered”, namely that which had not been covered on those
women back then. Since the free Muslim women that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) was ordered (by the
verse) to address back then wore khimars, this part of the verse
carries the instruction to not reveal the hair, i.e. to cover the hair, whether
using a khimar or another clothing item, and all other parts
that these women back then had covered (legs, arms, torso, etc – see verse
33:59 below about also using a cloak to cover the body in a non-revealing way).
By using the past tense in “except what appeared of it (إلا ما ظَهَرَ منها)”, verse 24:31
demonstrates its first instruction by referencing a living example (Muslim
women back then) for defining its teaching, and it therefore propagates to us a
snapshot of how things were in order to illustrate exactly what it instructs,
so that there is no ambiguity or imagination required, and little room for
subjective interpretations. Basically, how those women were covered is used to
lay the ground rules, and what was not revealed back then is carried eternally
to us by the verse and should be covered now and at all times, as the verse
effectively hands down a teaching referencing only “what appeared from their
bodies” back then to define the exempt part, in a time-independent fashion.
The
exempt parts, therefore, include the face and hands, as other parts were
covered and the hair and ears were also covered by the khimar.
However, before the verse was revealed, women allowed their khimars to
hang down loosely on the sides below the head, potentially leaving
"uncovered pocket areas”, comprising exposed “juyub”, and the verse
immediately continues the instruction to mandate covering those areas to include
them in the areas women need to cover (i.e. the verse removes those exposed
pocket areas from the category of exempted areas that had been apparent on
those women), as the verse immediately continues on “and to draw
their khimars (ليضربن بخمورهن) over/on juyubihinna (جيوبهن, i.e. the
pocket/enclosed area that was initially left exposed the way khimar was left
hanging, which comprised the merger of the neck, inner shoulder, chest, and
breast areas)”.
So juyub (جيوب), which in Arabic indicates the pocket areas subsuming the
upper chest, neck, and the interface shoulder areas, must also be covered,
whether by drawing a khimar or using other items of clothing
that would collectively cover those areas (the essence is to cover the areas).
Based on how the women were dressed back then, this again leaves the hands and
face as the exempt areas, or the eyes and hands on some, or only the eyes on
some, falling under “except what appeared of it (إلا ما ظَهَرَ منها)”, after the juyub are
dealt with, i.e in all cases, the hair and all the rest of the body should be
covered. Back then, the face and hands were left exposed by most believing
women, but some scholars note that in some cases only the eyes were exposed
(were apparent), and advise using a ‘niqab’ to cover all the body but
eyes, which some women choose to follow as one option; the other popular option
being exposing (only) the face and hands. Furthermore, although the Arabic
word juyub (جيوب) is often loosely translated as covering the “bosoms” or
“decolletage/decollete” in English, this results in loss of meaning and one
must adhere to the Qur'ânic arabic wording as juyub to
indicate pocket areas (juyub in arabic means ‘pockets’, and juyubihinnameans
‘their pockets’) that were left exposed (initially, before the revelation)
enclosed between the khimar ends that were hanging down
loosely. The word juyub is certainly not the same as nor is it
limited to chest (“صدر”) or breast (“ثدي” or “نهد”) areas, both of which have accurate corresponding words in
English and Arabic (mentioned parenthetically).
The
verse continues on telling women that their zeenah (now that
all of its components to be covered are clear) can generally be revealed to a
special set of people, as per “and to not reveal theirzeenah (زينتهن) except to their
husbands, or their fathers, or their husbands' fathers, or their sons, or the
sons of their husbands, or their brothers, or their brothers’ sons, or their
sisters’ sons, or other women, or those whom their right hands possess (female
servants), or male attendants (servants) who lack vigor (not having the need of
women, such as elderly male attendants), or young children who know naught of
women’s nakedness.” Private parts however, are handled in the very initial
part of the verse “and protect their private parts”, and other
verses limit those to only the husband.
The
verse subsequently instructs women, even as they cover their body parts, to not
strike their feet in a way that could draw attention and attract men or trigger
their imagination and desire, i.e. not make their zeenah be
known or heard, including body parts or jewelry that could jingle, as the verse
says “and let them not stamp (strike) their feet so as to reveal (make
known or heard) what they hide of their zeenah/‘adornments/ornaments’ (their
zeenah, زينتهن).” In the same manner that jingling jewelry would cause attention
to oneself and should therefore be avoided, modern women’s shoes such as high
heels may also be loud and rouse the attention of a male that a female is
walking nearby, triggering attraction, arousing thoughts, etc. Therefore take
heed to cautiously select shoes and re-heel high heels when worn so as to cause
less noise. In addition, it is impolite and distracting to wear noisy necklaces
to the jumu’ah prayer or when praying with others, as these may jingle when
prostrating.
Finally,
since the verse imposed instructions that were violated before its revelation
(to cover juyub and not strike feet when walking), it wraps up
with an instruction to seek repentance, as it instructs“and repent to Allâh
all of you, O believers! So that you may succeed.”
Side note: In Arabic, the word zeenah subsumes sources
of attraction or beauty (whether natural or added), consistent with above
analysis of the verse. Zeenah could also mean a source of
decoration. In verse 24:31, this would broadly comprise all parts of the female
body, as analyzed above, plus added ornaments, which is why the word was
retained in the analysis. In other contexts, the wordzeenah could
also encompass “assets”, as in the Qur'ânic verse: “Wealth and children
are the zeenah (assets, ornaments) of the life of the world, but the good deeds
which endure are better in thy Lord’s sight for reward, and better in respect
of hope” (Reference: Qur'ân, Sourat Al-Kahf, 18:46). The word zeenah,
therefore, has broad implications and serves in the capacity telling women to
conceal and manage broad components and factors, which is why it was carefully
retained in the above analysis and not simply substituted with bosoms,
decollete, adornments, ornaments, or other approximations in English.
“O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters
and the women of believers that to draw close around/over them (يدنين, as in wrap, cast
over them, screen their body shape) theirjilbabs/“outer-garments/cloaks”
(their jilbabs, جلابيبهن); this will be better, that they may be known as such (as free
respectable women), and thus they will not be harassed (by attracting attention
to get irritated or molested); and Allâh is ever Forgiving, Merciful.”
(Reference: Qur'ân, Surat Al-Ahzab 33:59)
In
the above verse (33:59), the word jilbab (جلابيبهن) refers to
outer-garments or cloaks, used to cover the body in a way that lends oneself to
be recognized and not harassed. The jilbab refers to a loose
fitting clothing (cloak) and, more specifically, a long loose dress or overcoat
worn by many Muslim women today. The verse, effectively, instructs women to not
reveal their body shape, figure, contours, curves, etc, whether by using a
cloak or other items of clothing. This also would also connect with prohibiting
wearing revealing, tight, flashy, or bold clothing items or
adornments/ornaments, etc, as the would violate the latter part of the verse in
attracting attention.
Verses
24:31 and 33:59 compliment each other, the former defining the instructions on
what Muslim women need to cover and the latter requiring that covering should
not define body shape, i.e screen the body shape. The focus in either case, in
not on the details of the actual article of clothing, as long as they satisfy
the revealed instructions. Satisfying these two verses sets the standards for
modest dress for Muslim women, who would then effectively be concealing what
attracts men’s attention. For that to work seamlessly in society, Muslim men,
too, have to abide by their hijab in Islam, which also
includes a modest dress code, lowering gaze, not staring at women, etc (see
part for men clothing for elaboration).
All body parts must be covered
“O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment
upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts) and as an adornment,
and the raiment of righteousness, that is better. Such are among the Ayât
(proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, that
they may remember (i.e. leave falsehood and follow truth"
(Reference: Qur'ân Surat Al-Araf 7:26)
Clothes should not be tight fitting
Tight clothing that may outline the body’s curvature is against the spirit of
using a cloak that is mentioned in verse 33:59 above; the verse basically
instructs concealing body definition, whether by a cloak or by other loose
clothing item(s). Clothing should be loose enough so as not to outline or
distinguish the shape of one’s body. When in public, some women wear a cloak (jilbab)
over their personal clothing as a convenient way to "hide their
curves/contours/definition.” Alternatively, to dress modestly and remain in
fashion, a woman could wear a fashionable cardigan, wrap, or blazer, assuming
these over-garments are not tight. Since Islam doesn’t promote a certain style,
it is your choice how you genuinely follow and satisfy this rule.
Dress should not be see–through
The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) once warned that in later generations, there would be “. . .
women who would be dressed but appear naked . . . " (Related by Abu
Huraira, inSahih Muslim Book 024, #5310 – you can read
more at this Sharia Program webpage). See-through
clothing (with transparent or translucent parts) would violate both verses
24:31 and 33:59 above. The clothing must be thick enough so that the color of
the skin is not visible, and the shape/contour of the body underneath is not
clearly revealed.
Overall appearance should be modest
To satisfy the Islamic dress code, your overall appearance should be dignified
and modest. Clothing should be clean and decent, neither excessively fancy nor
ragged. One should not dress in order to gain the admiration, reputation or
certain status in the society, or sympathy of others. Shiny, glowing, flashy,
or excessively glittering clothing may technically meet the requirements
discussed above in terms or covering the areas, but could defeat the purpose of
overall modesty. Therefore, your clothing must not consist of bold designs that
draw attention in the public places. Bold designs would constitute a source of
attraction which would violate both verses 24:31 and 33:59 discussed above.
Women should not imitate men in clothing
Islam encourages you as a Muslim to be proud of who you are and what life style
you have chosen to live. As a Muslim woman, Islam encourages you to be proud of
your femininity and not dress like men, as Prophet Mohammad (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) cursed effeminate
men (those men who are in the similitude (assume the manners of women) and
those women who assume the manners of men, and he said, "Turn them out of
your houses ." The Prophet turned out such-and-such man, and 'Umar turned
out such-and-such woman. (Related by Abd Allâh Ibn Abbas, Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 7, Book 72, #774 and Volume 8, Book 82, #820).
Beyond the clothing: behaviors and mannerism
Based on what is mentioned above, Islamic clothing is just one aspect of the
broad concept of modesty in Islam. More importantly, modesty should not be
limited to appearance (outer) level, and one must be modest in behavior,
manners, speech, and appearance in public. Your modest dress reflects what is
inside your heart as a believer woman.
At what age are Muslim girls expected to start following the
Islamic dress requirements?
Islamic teachings hold Muslims accountable and responsible for their behaviour
at the age of puberty and Islamic dress requirements also apply to all men and
women at that time. Younger girls should be taught to become accustomed to
these values of modesty even before the age of puberty. Even in liberal
countries like America, it is not appropriate for young girls to dress
provocatively. Parents need to guide young girls in dressing appropriately and should
have thoughtful conversations with the young girls regarding how short skirts
or shorts, belly shirts, sleeveless tops, etc. are not appropriate for young
ladies to wear in public, or in the presence of men. Young girls may not yet
understand the desires of men, but they may be able to understand how their
image is set partially by the provocativeness or modesty of the clothes they
choose to wear, that clothing as a guideline for ‘being cool’ is shallow, and
that there are many ways to express ones self through clothing.
It
is the duty of the parents to educate each of their daughters about her Islamic
responsibilities, and offer their support, help, and guidance, but they should
not compel or force her to wear the hijab, and should ultimately
allow her to make that step when she fully understands and feels ready to
commit to this undertaking.
How quickly should converts apply the Islamic dress
requirements?
Changing the manner in which you dress requires some transitioning in many
regards. Your friends and family may notice changes in your clothing style and
inquire as to the cause of those changes if you have not yet shared your
conversion with them. But remember that the changes you are making to how you
dress are positive, make you appear more respectable, and encourage that you be
noticed for your intelligence and character rather than the focus be on your
sexuality. Changing your wardrobe can also be expensive and may take some time
and creativity to build up.
Wearing a head
covering will likely be the most significant change for you as a convert. A
head covering tells the world that you are Muslim, even if you are not ready to
disclose your conversion. And it may draw significant attention to you at your
workplace or school, causing stress at a time when it is best to continue to
develop in Islam with tranquility. In addition, you likely have never pictured
yourself wearing a head covering, which could therefore impact your sense of
identity. Many new converts who are motivated to immediately make all changes
required to follow Islamic teachings apply the head covering right after
conversion, but this could lead to a sort of identity crisis which may lead
them to temporarily stop wearing the head covering, step back, and re-start the
process slowly. As such, it may be best to plan a gradual transition towards
becoming fully mentally prepared for wearing the head covering. For some women,
this may mean gradually wearing the head covering more and more as a way to
help them mentally accept their new identity. For example, tell yourself that
you will always wear a head covering to the grocery store and/or while running
errands for the first few weeks, and then add that you will wear it around your
friends or family, and subsequently at your workplace or school. With each
addition, you will become accustomed to yourself with a head covering and you
will improve on your ability to answer questions/inquiries about it, thus you
will be better prepared for tougher situations. You may choose to let friends,
coworkers, and/or your family know about your conversion prior to wearing a
head covering so they can also mentally prepare for when you will begin to wear
it. Wearing a head covering should be a permanent decision, so apply it in such
a way that you will not need to go back on your decision. You know yourself
best and therefore you would know the best way to approach this with sincere
intent in order to fully adopt the head covering at the right time.
Women of old age
Some of the requirements of Islamic dress code become ‘not all a must’ for
women advancing in their age, although adhering to all of them is still
encoraged as the better choice.
“And as for women past child-bearing who do
not expect wed-lock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer)
clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment. But to refrain (i.e. not
to discard their outer clothing) is better for them. And Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) is All-Hearer,
All-Knower. ”
(Reference: Qur'ân Surat Al-Noor 24:60)
Is the Islamic dress style unique?
The woman's head covering and modest loose clothing is not unique to Islam -
all the monotheistic religions incorporate requirements for modesty and head
coverings.
Where to buy modest / Islamic clothing
Unlike a few years ago, finding beautiful and stylish modest / Islamic clothes
for women in America has become very convenient. Many stores throughout Chicago
are now selling stylish modest / Islamic clothing as well as accessories.
Remember, you don’t have to dress like someone from another culture to dress
within the Islamic guidelines - you can dress in a modest / Islamic fashion and
still look “American”. For example, websites like http://www.justlongshirts.com/ offer many
longer and looser shirts which can be made into a stylish outfit. In addition,
a classy blazer paired with jeans is always in style and is modest. Also, right
now ‘layering’ is in fashion and provides for very modest outfits. Plus,
sweaters and tank tops can mix and match with many other clothing items
providing you endless outfits. The following modest fashion blogs and websites
demonstrate how one can be fashionable yet modest: Modest Flair , We Love Hijab, Sensibly
Styled,
and The Modesty Movement.
Some inexpensive stores in Chicago that sells fashionable long-sleeved tops and
sweaters is Francesca’s Collection and H&M. Their inventory
turns over weekly so you are sure to find several options that fit within
Islamic modesty criteria.
You can also find a large variety of fashionable wraps at department like
Macy's and women's stores like Ann Taylor.
Macy's
Ann
Taylor:
Are you an active woman? Check out the sports hijabs available through ResportOn.
A head covering should not keep you from having an active, fulfilling
lifestyle.
You may also be able to modify your current wardrobe to make the clothing more
modest. For example, you can purchase collars/neck coverings that are worn
under your shirt to cover your shirt and cover your neck and torso. These
coverings are available at websites such as Islamic Clothing Store, HijabOnlineStore, and MuslimSmart. Arm covers (like 'leg warmers'
for your arms) are available at websites such as MuslimSmart, and help avoid
having to wear multiple layers just to have your arms covered properly.
A Google search should provide a wide variety of companies which sell and ship
Islamic clothes and accessories. Below is examples of online stores selling
modest clothing:
There
are even Muslim fashion shows highlighting modest yet fashionable clothing! One
such group that puts on Muslim fashion shows is Interfaith Celebrations.
It
can be a challenge for some as a new Muslim to tie a scarf, head covering, or
a hijab. In addition, the many styles of head coverings may be
perplexing to duplicate. You can find many tutorials online on how to
wear hijab in many different styles. If you would like a
‘buddy’ to go shopping with you for modest clothing, or to help you with
wearing a hijab, please reach out to us on our Buddy Page. In addition, The Canadian Muslim website
even has a ‘hijab support group’ which may be able to help
you: http://www.thecanadianmuslim.ca/hijabs_support_group.html.
Is Islamic clothing restrictive?
Islamic dress requirements are not meant to be restrictive for women, and most
Muslims women who dress modestly do not find it impractical or a hindrance in
achieving their personal or professional goals. Some of the very successful and
famous Muslim women participating in the society while following the right
Islamic dress code are great examples for you to look up to.
Men should apply a hijab
Literally, hijab means "a veil",
"curtain", "partition" or "separation." As a verb
it means to conceal oneself from the view. Contrary to what some people think,
there is a version of hijab that is required of men in Islam.
In addition to the mandatory dress code components that are listed below,
Muslim men must exercise and effect this “partition layer” (hijab)
between them and women by lowering their gaze around women, as per the Qur’anic
verse: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at
forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts).
That is purer for them. Verily, Allâh is All-Aware of what they do.“ (Reference: Qur'ân, Surat Al-Noor, 24:30). This verse
prohibits men from staring at or examining women in order to create this
partitioning curtain, or hijab, and nowadays this includes
exercising this restraint in many places, including outdoors, on TV, on
computers, papers, magazines, etc. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) also restricted men
from looking beyond the first unintentional look that people casually make to
see around them as is reported by the Prophet addressed Ali Ibn Abi-Talib (RA),
“O Ali, do not give a second look, (because) while you are not to blame for the
first, you have no right to the second.” (Reported by At-Tirmidhi and Abu
Dawûd). Commonly, scholars summarize the gist of this hadith by
advising Muslim men that “The first look is for you, the second is against you
(i.e. a sin)”. The Prophet (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) also states “Allâh has written for the son of Adam his share
of adultery which he (i.e. some) commits inevitably. The adultery of the eyes
is the sight (to gaze at a forbidden thing), the adultery of the tongue is the
talk, and the inner self wishes and desires and the private parts testify all
this or deny it.” (Reference: Agreed upon hadith). Also the Prophet
(PBUH, SAW, صلى
الله عليه وسلم) responded by saying “Turn your gaze away” to Jarîr ibn
Abdullah when he asked about the sudden glance (that is cast) on the face of a
non-Muhram (Reported by Muslim and Abu Dawûd). The Prophet (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) has guided one of
his companions to say this invocation: “O My Lord I seek Your refuge from the
evil of my hearing, from the evil of my sight, from the evil of my tongue, from
the evil of my heart, and from the evil of my sperms (meaning his private
parts” (Reported by At-Tirmidhi), as well as “O My Lord, give us a share of
your fear (piety) that comes in between us and committing disobediences”
(reported by At-Tirmidhi). Remember that all your body parts will bear witness
against you on all committed sins. Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) warns: “Till, when they reach it (Hell-fire), their hearing
(ears) and their eyes, and their skins will testify against them as to what
they used to do.” (Reference: Qur'ân, Surat Foussilat 41:20). Muslim men
should always remember that they are dealing on this matter with the Allâh
(SWT, سبحانه وتعالى), the All-Knower, and
Allâh (SWT, سبحانه
وتعالى)
declares: “Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) knows the fraud of the eyes, and all that the breasts
conceal.“(Reference: Qur'ân, Surat Ghafir 40:19).
Gold and silk are prohibited for men
Prophet Mohammad (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) stated “Gold and silk have been permitted for the females of
my ummah, and forbidden for the males” (Related by Ahmad, al-Nasaa’i,
At-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawûd, al-Haakim, al-Tabaraani, and Ibn Hazm), or as Ali b.
Abu Talib reports the Prophet (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) forbade men from “wearing of silk and yellow clothes, and the
gold ring” (Sahih Muslim, Book 024, #5176). It should be
noted that in regard to silk, many scholars interpret that only pure silk was
prohibited ands imitation silk (i.e. ties) was allowed for men to wear as some
of the companions of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) wore silk
belts/sashes. Similarly, some scholars view wearing limited and peripheral
non-pure gold as allowed, such as on coated engagement or marriage rings.
However, many Muslim men choose to stay on the safe side and and use silver or
bronze rings instead.
Men should not imitate women in clothing
Islam encourages you as a Muslim to be proud of who you are and what life style
you have chosen to live. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) cursed effeminate
men (those men who are in the similitude (assume the manners of women) and
those women who assume the manners of men, and he said, "Turn them out of
your houses." The Prophet turned out such-and-such man, and 'Umar turned
out such-and-such woman. (Related by Abd Allâh Ibn Abbas, Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 7, Book 72, #774 and Volume 8, Book 82, #820).
Clothes should not be tight fitting
Your clothes must be loose enough so as not to outline your body shape.
Skin-tight, body-hugging clothes are not advised to both men and women. Since
Islam doesn’t promote a certain style, it is your choice how you genuinely
follow and satisfy this rule. But bear in mind to retain the spirit of modesty
(as per verse 24:30 above) and respect in your clothing. Also, tight-fitting
clothes could outline some body areas that would violate the instruction in
verse 24:30 above to guard such areas. In addition, some tight-fitting clothes
could potentially fall under characteristic clothing of people of other faiths,
and those should be avoided, as per above.
Clothes should not be see–through
See-through clothing (with transparent or translucent parts) is not considered
modest in Islam, and that equally applies to both men and women. The clothing
must be thick enough so that the color of the skin is not visible, and the
shape/contour of the body underneath is not clearly revealed. Also, the dress
code must not consist of bold designs that draw attention in the public places.
Again this comes along the lines of staying modest (as per verse 24:30 above)
and respectful in your clothing.
Growing the beard and trimming the moustache
Many Muslim men grow their beards and trim their moustaches, guided by several
hadiths such as the Prophet (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) saying "Trim closely the moustache, and let the beard
grow" (Related by Muslim, Book 002, #498), or as Abu Hurairah
(RA) reported the Prophet (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) saying “Five are the acts quite akin to the Fitra, or five are
the acts of Fitra (i.e. consistent with innate behavior): circumcision, shaving
the pubes, cutting the nails, plucking the hair under the armpits and clipping
the moustache." (Related by Muslim, Book 002, #495).
Overall appearance should be modest
To satisfy the Islamic dress code, your overall appearance should be dignified
and modest (as per verse above 24:30). Clothing should be clean and decent,
neither excessively fancy nor ragged. One should not dress in order to gain the
admiration, reputation or certain status in the society, or sympathy of others.
Shiny, glowing, flashy, or excessively glittering clothing may technically
covering the required areas, but could defeat the purpose of overall modesty.
Beyond the clothing: behaviors and mannerism
Based on what is mentioned above, Islamic clothing is just one aspect of the
broad concept of modesty in Islam. More importantly, modesty should not be
limited to appearance (outer) level, and one must be modest in behavior,
manners, speech, and appearance in public.
The
mannerism required of men includes the above-mentioned Qur'ânic requirement of
lowering their gaze. The importance of this requirement for men really cannot
be overemphasized, given their biological structure and how readily men can be
distracted, excited, and caught into sexual thoughts triggered by merely
looking at a woman. The matter may be progressively more difficult as some
societies seem to continually become more liberal with the extent of skin
considered acceptable for women to show. However, the Muslim man should bear in
mind that this has been anticipated by the Prophet (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) who said who said
that there will come a time where there would be “. . . women who would be
dressed but appear naked . . . " (Related by Abu Huraira, inSahih Muslim Book 024, #5310). All your deeds are
documented and will all be revealed on the day of judgement, as Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) says: “And
indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And
We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge). (16) (Remember!)
that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being), one
sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions) (17) Not
a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record
it).” (Reference: Qur'ân, Surat Qaaf, 50:16–18), and "But
verily, over you (are appointed angels in charge of mankind) to watch you,
(10) Kirâman (Honourable) Kâtibîn writing
down (your deeds), (11) They know all that you do. (12)" (Reference: Qur'ân, Surat Al-Infitar, 82:10–12). Muslims
should always remember when striving to do good and stay away from evil that
Allâh (SWT, سبحانه
وتعالى)
says: "As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will
surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allâh's (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) religion - Islâmic
Monotheism). And verily, Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) is with the Muhsinûn (good doers)." [Reference: Qur’an, Surat Al-Ankaboot 29:69].
Common appearances
You may notice many imams or regular Muslim men wearing a
one-piece article of clothing (e.g. a jalabiyya, جلابية) that covers all
their body up to their feet (it commonly has long sleeves). Such a simple
clothing item simultaneously satisfies all the requirements above, in terms of
modesty, non-tight fitting, not see through, covering the thigh, being the
right length, etc. Some men also wear a lose pair of trousers underneath the jalabiyya for
better covering (while sitting, folding legs, etc), guarding against any chance
the jalabiyya may be somewhat translucent under strong (sun)
light, and for added comfort (e.g. to avoid having medial skin of the
legs/thighs stick together when sitting or even walking). Some Muslim men also
cover their head as a sign of modesty.
If
you would like someone to provide advise on dressing within the Islamic
guidelines, or to go shopping with you for clothes that fit within the Islamic
rules, please contact us on the Buddy Page.
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