Fashion; Islamic Pont of View

The concept for ‘fashion’ in Islam or we can say the space for ‘fashion’ in Islam is controversial. 
As, from the topic of the article we can see clearly that it is a big problem for an illiterate individual from point of view of religious knowledge to understand whether ‘fashion’  and Islamic ideology about clothing are two different concepts or they can be interrelated. Most of our religious scholars’ say that Islam is a simple religion and it does not allow any ‘fashion’ but recommend simple and plain clothing. On the other hand the modern world, full of ‘fashion’ and design is of the view that no natural religion can restrict a person from his rights and it’s the right of a person to be up-to-date. So, now what to do in this case??? The basic flaw that I got behind this conflict is lack of knowledge and lack of ability to apply that knowledge in a perfect way.

What do we mean when we say the word ‘fashion’? We generally mean it as wearing trendy clothes and being up-to-date in respect of costumes. So, by and large most of us relate ‘fashion’ with clothing and one’s appearance.

Most of us in fact don’t know what fashion in real terms mean and how much broader areas it covers beyond what we think it is. According to Oxford Dictionary the word ‘fashion’ means make, style, shape, pattern and manner, whatever is in usage for a time being AGREEING OR NOT WITH CURRENT USAGE.

Most of us take the meaning of fashion as a trend which is IN now-a-days but unfortunately the concept is incorrect. First of all there is a need to redefine the term ‘fashion’.

Fashion is not restricted to one area of life i.e. costume or appearance but it has a very wide applicability in almost every field of life like architecture, arts, dance, style of speech, economic trends, management, politics, medical etc. so, we can easily say that fashion are social phenomena common to many fields of human activity and thinking or in other words we can define it as styles and customs prevalent at a given time (not current time).

So, by the above discussion, it is clear what fashion in real terms mean. Now, coming on the particular field of fashion ‘the costume and appearance’ of a person. This is the most criticized field everywhere in relation to religion especially Islamic ideologies. The appearance of both men and women is questionable.

The main point is to see both, the fashion and Islamic teachings, from one angle.

Fashion in real meanings is not to wear trendy, expensive and attractive clothes. Fashion is a style, it’s a make, and it’s an appearance. So, what so ever one is wearing must suit him. Fashion is not to wear what others wear. Just the theme is to wear anything that perfectly suits and match the personality of the wearer. Take fashion from this angle and relate it with Islamic ideologies. Islam does not restrict anyone to wear good clothes.

What it restricts, is not to wear such clothes that do not cover the body in a decent way. If we think positively, we all know that such small and so called trendy clothes infarct not suit anyone but is a symbol to make oneself different in mob. The reason to wear stupid clothes like baggies and small

T-shirts is just to make one different, just to satisfy one own self that everyone is looking at him regardless of the remarks that are being passed on him. If one wears decent clothes, Islam does not stop him on doing this. Demand of Islam is not to wear clumsy clothes but if we study, we will come to know that Islam is very strict for cleanliness especially in clothing. Islam allows fashion but in certain limits. This should not be a point of conflict that there should be no limitations. Every field has certain limitations. Socially we all are bound for it. Why laws are made??? They are to enforce such limits. As it is a fact that Islam is a complete ideology of life so it guides us in every field. It has limited us in fashion too. It has been done for the welfare of society. We all are well aware of the pros and cons of the ‘most hi-tech fashionable societies’. So, Islam is not against fashion because fashion in reality is to make better and better, that is why it is adopted and on the other hand, Islam also guides to improve us, to be up-to-date so we can better compete others. The point is simple that not to apply fashion just in terms of clothing.  At this point we take a stand that it is our right. If fashion is our right, then why just to apply it at only one sector?  Why not to apply it in every field like medicine, technology, welfare? Apply it

everywhere.  We criticize Islam only due to the reason that it limits us and teaches us how to live in a civilized society???

Islamic Clothing

by Hussain Kamani An important aspect of religion that must be observed is the Islamic code of dress for both men and women. The appearance is a sign of what one has in the heart. Therefore, the unique Islamic code of dress is one of many things that differentiate Muslims and Non-Muslims.

Clothing.  From amongst the infinite bounties of Allah Taa'la, clothes are also a great bounty.

 Allah Taa'la mentions this fact in the Holy Qur'an expressing his favour on mankind. The Almighty says:

“O Children of Adam! We have sent down upon you a dress which may conceal your shameful parts and sent down feathers (or splendid garments) and the dress of piety (Taqwa) that is the best of all.” (Surah A'araf, Verse 26) Today, people are dressing totally against what Allah Taa'la has mentioned.

Brief History of Clothing The first dress ever worn by a human on earth was leaves.  As can be seen in the words of the glorious Qur'an: “And when they tasted the forbidden tree, their private parts become

exposed and they began to cover themselves with leaves.” (Surah Al-A'araf) Allah Taa'la is mentioning in this Qur'an verse about the story of Hazrat  Adam and Bibi Hawa that when Allah had forbidden them to go near that particular tree, they committed an act that had been forbidden by Allah;  their satr (private parts) became visible. So in an act of modesty, they began to cover themselves with leaves.

As times changed, the ‘style' of clothing also changed. Slowly, it changed to two pieces of clothing. Then came three pieces of clothing. Then slowly came the trousers, sleeves, collars and cuffs which is what is worn today. These are the words of a new convert: I like being a Muslim because of the unique code of dressing, which is also set down by Allah for us to follow. This code of dressing sets a lot of moral standards in this world where morality is lacking greatly.

Dressing in an Islamic way attracts a few remarks but also a great deal of respect. It also benefits you because you are not caught up in the constant changes of fashion, which in their own way bring about social problems. Young men and women today find themselves caught up in bad happenings just to keep up with the trends of fashion.

Dressing  Islamically also allows one to be easily recognised wherever he goes. We should be proud of being Muslims. It also allows Muslims to know one another and greet each other with ‘Assalamu-Alaikum', or ‘Peace be upon you’.

Being a Muslim brings discipline, as you will want to be on your best behavior and guard at all times, to respect your Lord and religion. What all society can see are, ‘Your clothes', which gives you your identity.

Sunnah Clothing Islam has got no fixed standards of dress as dress is regulated by necessities according to geographical conditions of countries. In cold conditions, warm clothes are necessary for the protection of the body. Similarly, in hot countries, thin clothes are mostly the norm. This does not mean that we take to wearing clothes so thin, that wearing just them reaches almost to nakedness, which is undoubtedly unlawful in Islam. Our main object of wearing clothes is covering our satr (private parts) and protection of the body from hot and cold conditions. The satr has been defined as the parts of the person which is indecent to expose. For a man this is what consists between the navel and the knee. It is the entire body for a female except the palms.

Trousers; The Prophet (SWA) recommended the use of trousers to the length of the lower portion of the leg. It may however, be lengthened above the ankle and shortened below the ankle. It has been reported by Ibn Umar that the Prophet (SWA)  said: “When a man lets flow his trousers out of vanity, Allah Taa'la will not look at him on the Day of Resurrection.” It has also been reported by Abu Huraira that the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him said: “Whatever flows of trousers below the ankles will be in the hell fire.” (Bukhari)

It clearly shows that our trousers should not exceed below our ankles as it gives an air of vanity and also catches dirt of the way.

Shirts and Robes; The Holy Prophet (SWA) used a single long robe and recommended it for others, as it covers the major portion of the body.

Stockings and Socks; The Holy Prophet (SWA) used socks for protection of his feet from heat, cold and pricking shrubs on the way.

He also wore leather socks. He also showed us how to wear shoes by wearing the right shoe first then the left. And when removing them vice versa.

Turban and Cap; There are a few traditions about the use of a cap and turban. Hazrat Mughaira ibn Sho'ba narrates that the Prophet (SWA) performed Wudhu and made Masah of the front portion of his head as well as of his turban and leather socks. (Muslim Shareef, Vol 1, pg 134).

The Sahaba also used to wear caps depending on the weather too. In the hot  days, the cap used to be of thin material and on cold days it used to cover their ears. The Sahabas and Masha'ikhs wore this. So it has a symbol for Muslims. Should we ignore wearing them? It is proven from Hadith that the Prophet (SWA) wore a black coloured turban and also a white turban from other narrations.

It is reported from Ibn Umar that Nabi (SWA) wore a white topi. Colour of Dress

The colours of cloth most favourable to the Prophet (SWA) were white and then green because it shows purity, dirtiness is manifested more vividly in white cloth which therefore requires constant cleaning. White will be the colour which we take to our graves. This is good from a sanitary point of view. He also prohibited men from the wearing of red coloured cloth, as it is indecent.

It is reported in Muslim Shareef that that he disliked yellow as it is associated with women.

Various Points to Ponder Upon

The most important points in the Hadith of Rasullullah (SWA) regarding dressing are:

1) The clothes should conceal the body adequately.

2) They should impart dignity and good looks.

3) They should not fail to satisfy the requirements of adequate concealment of the body.

4) Nor should they be so ugly and clumsy that instead of enhancing beauty, they mar the wearer's appearance.

Women Clothing;

A woman must ensure that her clothing does not resemble that of men and vice-versa nor should the clothing resemble the peculiar dress of the disbelievers.

Allah Taa'la mention in the Qur'an: “O Prophet (May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw over them their cloaks (veils).

That in the least so that they be recognised and not be molested.” (Surah Ahzaab, Verse 59)

“And remain within you homes and do not make an exhibition (of yourselves) like the displays (of the immoral women) of former times of ignorance.”

(Surah Ahzaab)Rasullullah (SWA) has given a warning against wearing transparent clothing which makes the body visible or light clothing which emphasizes or highlights the figure of the body. He said, “Many women are clothed but naked in reality. Such women will never enter paradise nor will they smell its fragrance.” Even transparent and netted scarves are worn to deliberately display hair and parts of the body. Women who wear transparent or tight-fitting clothing should reflect over Rasullullah's (SWA) remark that such women are infarct naked!. How shameful indeed to remain naked in this world and as a consequence, they won't even smell the fragrance of paradise.

Conclusion;

Clothes should be considered a great bounty of Allah Taa'la and one should wear them and express thanks. Undoubtedly if all clothes are worn whilst taking heed of the divine laws of Allah, it will assume a degree if Ibadah and lean to the nearness of Allah Taa'la.

The Prophet (SWA) said: “Whosoever utters the following supplication after wearing clothes, all his past sins will be forgiven- All praises are due to Allah who clothed me with this and which He bestowed upon me without any toil and effort on my part.”

The object of this discussion is to encourage the Ummah of Rasullullah (SWA) to act upon the divine ordinances of Allah and to be concerned about the spiritual and physical reformation of all of us.

“And Only Allah gives divine guidance and He is the True Helper.