HIJAB Q&A : IMITATING THE “DISBELIEVERS”
[UPDATE: I will continue this post later on inshallah because I am too busy to sit and write it right now. Sorry for the delay.]
Rather than continuing with my post entitled “Is Hijab Overrated Part 1?“, I am going to start addressing the questions about hijab that I receive from readers. I think these posts will be really useful, inshallah, and I think that it’s really important for me to start talking about the hijab-related information that is thrown around on the Internet. If you have any questions about hijab, please contact me.
HIJAB Q&A #1: Are Muslim women (and men) imitating the “disbelievers” by wearing “modern clothing”?
I don’t want to answer a question with a question, but let’s just think for a moment: What type of clothing do you think Prophet Muhammad wore before he became a Muslim? What do you think the Muslim females of that time wore before they were Muslims?…
Any thoughts? Please leave them below in the comments and on Monday I will continue with this post inshallah.
44 comments… read them below or add one
Allah SWT never sent any messages telling us not to dress differently in the future… Allah is all knowing, He knew that slavery would be abolished, but provided guidelines for it’s management during the time of the Prophet (pbuh) as it was needed then. Just because He did not tell us in the Qu’ran that it would be abolished does not mean we should still be practicing it.
Allah knew then that clothing styles would change, so as long as we stay within the guidelines of modesty for men and women Inshallah we are okay… Of course we should not don mini skirts and short shorts, because they do not fall in line with the rules of modesty.
I think that “clothing of the disbelievers” refers to immodest fashion of any country
I agree with Jamie in that as long as we stay within the guidelines of modesty, then we are ok. However, one has to think about what really IS permissable, like what would you do if you were to be transported into the company of the Prophet (SAW) right now?
Poem–>
*If Mohammed (P.B.U.H) came to your house to spend a day or two, if He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you’d do? Oh, I know you’d give your nicest room to such an honored guest, and all the food you’d serve to Him would be the very best.
And you would keep assuring Him you’re glad to have him there, That serving Him in your home is joy beyond compare. But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door, with arms outstretched to welcome in your heavenly visitor?
Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in, or hide some magazines and put the Quran where they’d been?
Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn’t heard, and wished you hadn’t uttered that last loud nasty word.
Would you hide your worldly music and put some quran books out? Could you let Mohammed (P.B.U.H) come right in, or would you rush about? Oh, I wonder if the prophet came to spend a day with you, would you just go on doing all the things you always do?
Would you go right on saying the things you always say? Would life for you continue as it does now day to day? Would our family conversation keep up it’s usual pace, or would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace?
Would you sing the songs you always sing and read the books you read, and let Him know on which the things your mind and spirit feeds? Would you take Mohammed (P.B.U.H) with you everywhere you planned to go, or would you maybe change your plans, for just a day or so?
Would you be glad to have Him meet with all your closest friends, or would you hope they’d stay away until His visit ends? Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on, or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?
It might be interesting to know the things that you would do, if Mohammed (P.B.U.H) came in person to spend the day with you!*
I think that many of us are not honest with ourselves about modesty and what is expected of us. Myself included.
Just a thought
What is “modern”? The time you live in is NOW. Why should clothing be the only modern issue? We use cell phones, cars, planes etc. Shouldn’t clothing be equally progressive as long as it fits in the guidelines of your own desire to dress modestly? Let us also spend less time judging people based upon physical appearance. (Allah says that MAN is not supposed to judge ) No matter how a person is dressed, no matter the country they are from, no matter the complexion, they can be either a knucklehead or a very good and kind person. I respect the great things from the past, present and future.
Thanks for taking up this question, personally it irritates me when people use the term “modern” vs “traditional” to describe a piece of clothing. It is when such terms are used that creates unnecessary arguments and animosities. Personally, as long as one is dressed modestly, regardless if they choose to wear an abaya, skirt and/or loose pants with a modest shirt, inshAllah their effort will be accepted by Allah (swt).
Btw, I thought the meaning behind, “not imitating the clothing of the disbeliever” meant to NOT wear clothing that is exclusively worn by the disbeliever … I could be wrong, if so just let me in on its meaning.
I think the Prophet (saws) wore clothes appropriate for the climate and culture he lived in both before and after he became Muslim. I think the females also wore climatic and culturally appropriate clothes before they became Muslim. It is possible that some of these women left their chest uncovered and wore a cloth on their head.
I think the traditional vs. modern clothing debate is often used as a way of classing certain Muslims as inauthentic. It is not the clothing that make someone Muslim or not and it is not whether a garment is a jilbab or a coat, an abaya or a maxi dress that makes a garment hijab or not.
Salaam Alaikum,
Sister Asiya,
Thanks for the poem! Did you write it? Would you please forward me a copy of it to post on my site?
Was it but your mistake, or you really believe that Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, ”became” a Muslim (naudhubillaah…!) ???! Perhaps, you wanted to say ‘when he became a prophet’ – which would be more correct, because you have suggested that (audhubillaah!) the Prophet wasn’t a Muslim and then converted… Astaghfirullaah! You have written: ‘(…) when he became a Muslim’ – about the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam! Do you ever realise how big blasphemy it is…?! If you really meant something else, then, by God, beware of words when you speak or write something next time…! It is dangerous for your faith and others’ faith, too…
Aisha
Thank you all for your comments!
@Aisha Sunni Muslim: I understand what you are trying to say, but, I don’t believe that I am being blasphemous by saying that the prophet “became a Muslim”. A Muslim is someone who willfully submits to the will of Allah (God) and does what God wants him/her to do. Before Prophet Muhammad received any revelation from Allah, he was a good man and he rejected polytheism and paganism, but he did not know about Islam. He did not know about Allah’s commands and therefore he could not submit to them. There were people during Muhammad’s time who followed the religion of Abraham (Islam), but Muhammad was not one of those people until after he received revelation from Allah.
That is what I understand from studying the Qur’an. I don’t mean to offend anyone and I welcome opposing viewpoints.
Allah knows best.
Essalamu aleikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh,
Dear sisters,
I want to explain something that has been and still is being used in a wrong context, and that is the word “modern”. Modernity is ment for science, things that people achieve like the invention of electricity of the first telephone etc.
Dressing in a unmodest way, or a certain pattern doesn’t have to do anything with being modern. People before islam wore clothings that were unmodest, transparent or flashy and so on.. It has happend before and it just returns en keeps returnig following the desires of those who have the influence to tell others what is beautiful.
So please don’t use the term modern in clothing because it just doesn’t fit.
One could rather use today’s clothing in the UK or the western world.
My second point is as following, we were asked a question by our beloved sister above.
But I have another question: “If you wear a certain piece of clothing, than ask yourself does this attract the men? And what thoughts would they have when they see me in this?
When they see the shapes of my body/or when they do not, do they have lust thoughts/feelings/ideas?
The purpose of the hijaab is not wearing a headscarf, if one thinks that then you’re way wrong. The purpose of the hijaab is to seperate the beauty of a women from the eyes of men. And by saying that the headscarf is a hijaab, then one would agree that only the hair of a women is beauty? Way no! A woman isn’t a piece of meat from the butcher that anyone can observe thoroughly. Islam gave us the dignity and status we deserve as women. To be honored as pious women.
May Allah help us to be one of the pious women, Ameen.
Greetings Shejmaa
As-Salaamu ‘Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi.
Aisha ~ Rasulullah (peace be upon him) was unsure before he became a prophet. He was on his search for the truth. It it okay to say “when he bacame a Muslim”.
Allahu ‘Aalim.
By the way, there is a difference of opinion between the scholars about the verse our sister used concerning who named us the muslims. It has to do with were one stops during the recitation. In the Surah ( Surah 22. The Pilgrimage verse 78) Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’aala Says:
“And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline). He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); …. the verse
If you stop after the word Muslims then the act of naming is referred to Ibrahim. But if we stop after the word revelation, then the act is referred to Allaah. And that’s more plausible, because before refers to the creation of mankind and at that time Ibrahim was stil not existing.
But this doesn’t have anything to do with the subject. It’s just extra info for my beloved sisters :)
Salam Sister Shejmaa,
Thank you for your thoughts. The word “hijaab” was not originally intended to mean “headscarf” or “Muslim women’s clothing”, just as you say the word “modern” originally had nothing to do with clothing. I think that both words (hijab and modern) have evolved and that both words are appropriate to use when talking about clothing.
I like some of the questions that you have posed in your comment and I have written about similar subjects in my post called Hijab 101. Inshallah I will write a post in the near future about what I think the purpose of hijab is because there are some crazy misconceptions out there. :-)
@Shejmaa… I just recently learned about that and it slipped my mind when I was writing the reply to Aisha. It’s amazing how we can hold on to certain incorrect beliefs just because someone else taught them to us. It is so important to study the Qur’an and learn for yourself.
I changed the comment btw! :-)
Assalaamualaikum-
@Sister Shejmaa-
Without the intention of nitpicking I just want to add that You substituted the original word used by Kima -modern-which by definition means something that is new or of the contemporary moment; a break from the past-for the word modernity.
And in your definition of modernity-you limit it to the realm of science. In its current usage modernity is an umbrella term and for many historians simply refers to the modern era versus the premodern era. For instance, for some historians the first phase of modernity is marked by the rise of industrialization in the 19th century. Modernity can not only detail changes in science or medicine but also changes in the relationship between the individual self and the community. While, yes we can talk about inventions such as the printing press as a technology that distinguishes the modern from the pre- modern we can also use the term to mark cultural changes.
With that nerdy moment being pushed aside-I think that the REAL question lurking behind questions like the one that initiated the post is whether sisters (always sisters) need to wear a one piece overgarment-or whether the jilbab can be made up of pieces of clothing.
To me “modern” in this context always means everything other than abaya and jilbab. In other words can I wear the same GAP dress, with a pair of slacks underneath, as a non-Muslim or should I wear abaya? Or am I assuming too much? : )
And at this point in my life and knowledge, I have answered that question for myself. I think every sister has to come to her own conclusions without feeling pressured or without feeling that her religious conviction is always predicated on what she wears.
And Allah knows best.
Salam Samira,
Thank you for your “nerdy moment”! :-)
I feel the same way that you do about the word modern when it comes to how Muslim women dress. Modern means anything other than an “abaya” or a “jilbab”. Although, those things are pretty modern as well when compared to what was worn back in Prophet Muhammad’s time. But that’s a discussion for another post inshallah.
@Samira: I just wanted to add that it is so true that it’s always about the sisters’ clothing! It is annoying but I don’t think that this issue is exclusive to Islam. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen (in real life and on t.v.) “non-western” people depicted in the following manner: the women are wearing the “traditional” garments of their religion or culture, while their husbands and other men are wearing business suits, t-shirts and jeans, etc. Unless the men are attending a religious or cultural function. What is up with that? (Note: I used quotes because I couldn’t think of a better word for what I was trying to describe. I hope you all can understand what I’m trying to say.)
@kima. Yeah, I see it too. I can’t really answer why-although I suspect that for many cultures the women bear the responsibility, whether good or bad, of maintaining tradition. That’s why people(both men and women) get really anxious when women begin to LOOK different because they fear that their culture or tradition is being lost, perhaps.
BTW I really like the picture that goes with this post. The white tunic and the peachy-pink hijab is so pretty( and Modern : )
@Samira: Yeah, maybe it is about the fear that one’s culture is being lost. I guess when this applies to Islam it’s just silly because the “culture” of Islam is not based on dressing or living like you’re from one country or another. It really bothers me how people have blurred the lines between what is Islamically-correct and what is regionally-correct when it comes to dress and other subjects.
And I’m glad you like the pic! :-)
I just found this website by accident and thought it was *kind of* pertinent to the discussion/the website entirely. I think it is sad that a distinction of clothing makes it difficult for some people to communicate one on one, but then again, it is not relevant only for “religious attire.” How many times have you seen someone dressed all in black (”emo” or “goth”) and heard someone else say (or you yourself thought) something negative about that person or about how they would never talk to them… it is sad that our outer appearances block so many interactions.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/02/20/religion.irpt/index.html
Sister Kima, are you saying that I have incorrect beliefs, or what…?! By Allaah, I’m telling you, it is not possible that a person reading Qur’an himself/herself, will fully understand its meaning, without Personal Obligatory Knowledge of Islam according to the teachings of Ahl-as-Sunna wa al-Jamaa’ great imaams who were learnt enough about the inheritance of the Prophet, salla Allaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, i.e. the knowledge of the religion… If you are not learned person, or a mujtaheed, then you can’t interprete the meaning of the Qur’an yourself, especially if you don’t know Arabic. And it is very complicated language, where one word may sometimes have seven up to fifteen different meanings, and not just any of them is correct in the light of Ahadith and logic, because Islamic jurisprudence is based on logic, too, as well as authentic resources… If you are not a scholar, then you cannot say which interpretation is correct, especially if you only read the Book of Allaah in your own language translation. And the translation can never be perfect, because it’s onl translation. No other language is that much rich in meanings of words, as Arabic is, because Arabic is difficult language. Allaah has chosen Arabic for His revealation, and that is first because that was the language spoken by the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, and his people – and secondly, because Allaah has made it a language perfectly suitable for the revealation, for it is rich in meanings… Some single words, therefore full ayats in the Qur’an, will have many meanings. An ordinary Muslim reading the Qur’an with only little knowledge (or sometimes without any), will not understand the proper meaning of words, even if he can understand Arabic at the level of every day life, conversation and usual situations, unless he is an Arabic linguist and a scholar of Islam, too. This is very important. So, what if one does not even read and/or understand Arabic a bit…?!?! Think of it… That’s what I wanted to say, in order to explain why we need SCHOLARS and TEACHERS with knowledge, because we can’t teach ourselves. Many think Islam is very simple, just praying, five pillars, faith in Allaah, the messengers of Allaah, angels, reward and punishment, the hereafter, the destiny etc. – but no, Islam is not as simple as you may think…
Allah knows best. Salaam.
Assalaamualaikum Sister Aisha,
With all due respect to you, sis, if you want to impart these instructions to someone as a rule of adab 1) you should first be sure that you ascertain what they know-you cannot be sure that Kima or any sister is unaware of what you are explaining. 2) you should try to do your best to do it privately. Kima has provided a way for you to contact her. There really is no need for you to do this through comments= basically in a somewhat disrespectful manner you are taking over another sisters’ enterprise.
Be mindful that this website is about fashion, hijab and questions pertaining to those subjects. I would hope that you would respect all of us by not digressing from the original post.
Aisha,
Allah repeatedly tells us that He wants to make things easy for the believers. Likewise, Allah repeatedly tells us that the Qur’an is a clear guide, a light, and a mercy for the believers. He also tells us that we should all study the Qur’an. Your comment seems to contradict what Allah says about His own Book. I don’t believe that Allah would give us a guidebook and tell us to study it, yet make it so hard for us to comprehend that you would have to become (in your words) “a scholar of Islam and an Arabic linguist” in order to understand it. You are free to disagree with me and I hope that you will provide some proof from the Qur’an to support your comment if what you say is true.
I’m not good with writting essays so in a sentace . I belive that aslong as we are covered and dress approprately its doesnt not matter .
xx
WeLoveHijab, I have to say that I love your website and the work you do. It’s a great venue for muslimas to get different views and insights on todays fashion, especially for reverts to Islam, who may get confused as to what to wear keeping themselves within the guidelines of modesty in Islam.
With regards to the question, i think that modesty is a concept that transcends time, and therefore, as Jamie (above) pointed out, as long as we stay within the boundaries of being modest, then we are not imitating anybody. I think some women before Islam, wore clothing that may resemble the clothing of the non-muslims (i.e. show skin, show the shape, how big/small/accentuated every part of their body is), and thats why modesty, was set forth as part of our faith, as our dress. I dont think modesty represents the jilbab or the abaya, in my opinion, those are few pieces of modest clothing, that may join the other few pieces in our wardrobe. We have to dress with the clothing that is being available us, to our time (modern time), and use them to dress according to Islam, and look classy and nice, but yet, modest, and that is a worderful thing :).
Sister Kima:
Aisha U.K holds many inncorect beliefs (she is a sufi) and slanders scholars that speak out against the innovations of Sufis such as grave visitation, and calling upon intermediaries. She likes to use alot of Islamic vocabulary to try and dispell her ideas on others. Pay her no real heed, but pray for her guidance to the straight path, ameen.
Aisha U.K: In many ways you are correct. A translation of the Qu’ran is not enough to make rulings on. Understanding the context is important, because the first Muslims were not given the Qu’ran and said “this is all you need” the Messenger of Allah s.a.w taught it to them, so one must also have an understanding of the sunnah through studying the Prophet’s life. The Qu’ran AND obedience of the guidance of the Messenger of Allah S.A.W is what is meant by what ayat Allah states that the Qur’an is a clear guide, a light, and a mercy for the believer. This is where your accuracy on the subject fails. A Muslim who can read the Qu’ran in arabic and who also knows the seerah is adept at understanding the Qu’ran because these are the only two correct sources of daleel. Scholar study the daleel, but knowing your scholars who purporte many bid’as that abrogate the basic aqeedah, I think you should rely more on the seerah than these men you claim we all need. Learn Arabic, and then study their daleel for yourself, and then you may be lead to the straight path.
i thought as a non muslim who also dresses modestly (or tries my best too) i would put a word or two in about modern clothes. for me this has to do with sewing technique and make and pattern of the clothing. for example, the overcoat that you probably are thinking of as a jilbab, which looks just like a modern trenchcoat, is probably not what was worn 1400 years ago, or even 500. the tailoring and the construction are too much except for the modern sewing machine and couldnt be made by hand. though the abaya on the other hand has probably always been around in some form coz its really easy to take two pieces of cloth and sew them 2gather. if i think about mohammed might have dressed i always seem to think of him in one of those white dress type things that alot of men in the middle east wear, but definately not as fancy or anything. he probably wore some kind of head covering/wrap to keep the sun and sand off his head and face, those are my 2 cents, though i wrote so much about about my 25 cents :)
asalamualaikum sisters,
what about pant/jean? some scholars diff on that…becoz in a hadith… prophet muhamamd(SAW) says about the men immitating the women and women imitating the man… and wearing pant/jean is one of them.
as long as the clothes isnt too tight whether its the top or the bottom i think that it is fine.
hijab is not just a scraves on the head… its everythg, the manners, behaviour ,speech, …
I’m saddened to see personal attacks and the Sufi-Salafi debate here. I wish that rather than trying to hammer home our respective views that folks would acknowledge that there are several different perspectives in Islam – *all* backed by various scholars with reams of written scholarship and citations from the Qur’an and Sunnah to support them.
God has given us intellects and free choice in which scholarsm, opinions and perspectives we follow. I certainly do not find all the perspectives persuasive, and have made my choices, but ultimately God knows which views are correct.
As a Muslim, I think my energies are better spent focused on my own deen (when we reflect, there is so much work to be done), rather than trying to do the impossible (determining who is wrong and right and directing others – in fact taking God’s place) and pointing the finger at others.
If Aisha is a Sufi, that is fine with me. If the other sister is Salafi that is fine with me, as well. I just wish they would show others the same respect. In the end we will all meet our Lord who will judge us.
As-Salaamu-alaikum ,
I like this website. I love fashion. many of the clothes on here we as muslim women can not wear outside. The debating is really isn’t needed. Allah(swa) has blessed us with the greatest example,The prophet Muhammad(saw). Prophet Muhammad told us the best examples we have are his and his companions. Then those who follow them, and the those who follow them. We can’t get caught up with imitating these kufar. They wear many of these things outside for attention. Many of us think that if we add a long shirt over tight jeans, or a long skirt with a shirt we know is cut to show our shape its okay. I know because I have been through that. The real underline reason for doing it is blend in an assimilate with western society. We tell ourselves we want to be more appoachable and not look threatening. Thats a cop out! Many of us are to insecure to dress islamically correct because it makes none believers uncomfortable. In that it makes uncomfortable and we don’t like the stares and questions. Always remember we are supposed to be on this Earth as strangers. We are not to imitate the nonbelievers. The Quran tells us when we come to an issue that we are unsure or debating, revert back to Allah and his Messenger. I am not saying don’t enjoy fashion, but fear Allah and be mindful. Following desires is on way of being lead astray and a trick of the shaytan and remember he’s always trying to lead us astray. Its always war between man and shaytan.
I think that “imitating the clothing of disbelievers” refers to the RELIGIOUS attire of people of other religions. For example, we can’t wear a Christian priest’s gown or a Buddhist monk’s robe…
And as for pants/jeans…
Well what about people in like Scotland? The men wear kilts, which look like skirts. Are they imitating women? No…that’s just the culture…
According to my understanding, even wearing jeans/pants with t-shirts etc. is imitating a man. Wearing jeans with a long , loose top that reaches the knee ( or longer) is probably alright. Although i dress like that deep down i know that the proper islamic attire for a woman is to wear an outer garment like a jilbab so that the shape of your body is not revealed at all, and I’m sure most of the sisters know this too :)
May Allah give us the strength to wear the abaya some day InshaAllah.
Btw, this is a great website sister :)
I say no, as long as you are not wearing obviously offensive attire. However, peoples versions or opinions on what’s offensive can vary. I’d say, if God, Jesus, Moses, Abraham, Allah, Muhammad, The Pope, Mother Teresa and you’re dear old Grandma were to be offended by your attire, then chances are it’s not proper. However, fishnet stockings are still good for storing potatoes, plastic bags and whatnot! ^_^
good one Christina :)
remember it’s not that easy for some sisters to buy proper clothing. i myself have to DIY my “non-islam” clothes. for example i had some really nice below knee skirts and i use them now as a tunic.
maybe i’m weird but i have personal attachment to some of my clothes. hopefully i’m not the only one here ;)
For those who say that wearing this kind of clothing on this website is “imitating” the disbelievers, what are those who are born and raised American, like myself, supposted to wear? Of course I wear hijab and clothing that covers my body appropriately, but I would say it’s of “western” origin because its where I’m from!
As others have said, immitating the disbelievers means wearing items that are immodest or immoral and has noting to do with ” this fashion looks western”. After all, am I supposed to fly to a Muslim country just to buy “Muslim” clothing?
I started to wear the hijab when i was 10 years old and my mother was completely against it. She wanted me to know exactly why i was wearing it and what i would be representing. I wanted to wear the hijab so much that i would walk out of the house without it on and then put it on when i went to school:) Im sad to say that I think that i have gotten away from the reason I started wearing hijab in the first place. I am an American Muslim and I dont believe that I am displeasing Allah (SWT) by wearing clothes native to my country. However I do believe that when wearing a tight shirt or tight jeans to make sure a certain guy notices me (yea i know) that it was wrong. I think only when we conciously try to mimic the actions that we know are forbidden to us is when we have a problem. Allah (SWT) wouldnt punish us for things we are unaware of.
I looked for “muslim fashion” specifically because I want to be able to stay true to my identity and please Allah (SWT). I commend the sister who is contributing in being a guide to those who are struggling in the cause of Allah (SWT). May Allah (SWT) bless you in all that you do
I agree with many of you sister. . I think “western” clothing is not a good word for what some people wear.. I am American, I am western..i wear what i can and have around me.. i think if my butts covered and my chest hidden.. there is nothing wrong with it. . disbelievers clothing is Capri, skirts and tank tops. .
has anyone else had a problem with being called a Nun, haha i get it all the time when i wear abaya or jilbab..
And i am a full time student and wife with a 15 year old little sister.. i cant wear jilbabs around campus.. i usually walk really fast to class.. i would fall on my face and
I agree with many of you sister. . I think “western” clothing is not a good word for what some people wear.. I am American, I am western..i wear what i can and have around me.. i think if my butts covered and my chest hidden.. there is nothing wrong with it. . disbelievers clothing is Capri, skirts and tank tops. .
has anyone else had a problem with being called a Nun, haha i get it all the time when i wear abaya or jilbab..
And i am 19, a full time student and wife with a 15 year old little sister.. i cant wear jilbabs around campus.. i usually walk really fast to class.. i would fall on my face!! its just not practical to me.. and i cant wear them when i work.. but i do wear them if hubby and i go to eat or im just hanging with the sisters..
I believe that ‘wearing clothes that imitate disbelievers’ DOESN’T mean that I should suddenly stop wearing ANYTHING that even resembles what a non-Muslim wears, because that is just plain ridiculous. The Prophet -p.b.u.h- ’s FAVORITE piece of clothing was made by non-believers in Syria! I believe that this means that I shouldn’t wear clothing that is EXCLUSIVE to another religion, like Nur said.
i have read all the coments from all the sisters, just 1 thing i wanted to tell you whats in the quran,
And say to the faithful women to lower their gazes, and to guard their private parts, and not to display their beauty except what is apparent of it, and to extend their headcoverings (khimars) to cover their bosoms (jaybs), and not to display their beauty 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 brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their womenfolk, or what their right hands rule (slaves), or the followers from the men who do not feel sexual desire, or the small children to whom the nakedness of women is not apparent, and not to strike their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments. And turn in repentance to Allah together, O you the faithful, in order that you are successful
jazak allah
Surah al-Ahzab ayah 59 says:
Hello,
Shalom Alechim, which is Assalaam alaikum is hebrew.
I am Jewish and I dress the way Jewish woman have always dressed throughout history. Historically Judaism is over 3000 years old, preceding both Christianity and Islam. Our dress-code is cover your collarbone, elbows, knees (covered when sitting as well), and married women cover their hair (as I do since I am married). Our clothes are not supposed to be tight, see-through, torn, flashy, or vulgar. Our approach to modesty is be attractive but not attracting and that modesty is more about your inner-self then what you wear. Sure, it is easy to cover up outside but it is refining your personality into that of a righteous woman.
It was just our new year so I wish everyone a happy, healthy, fullfilling, successful new year full of love and peace.
:)
*edit: Sure, it is easy to cover up outside but it is refining your personality into that of a righteous woman that is hard.
*edit: I forgot to mention that we only wear skirts not trousers. This is the dress-code of practising orthodox Jews which has been our tradition passed down generation to generation.
I have not yet started wearing hijab but I have been considering it as of late quite a bit. I have always been very modestly dressed, however I feel as though I don’t know what I can and cannot do as a girl wearing hijab. I am studying medicine and I know it will require me to consult men with all sorts of medical problems – some which will require “un-modest” (to say it nicely) contact. Personally, I’m not comfortable with this, but I want to be a neurologist more than anything and just don’t know what is and is not appropriate.
I agree with the majority of posts above, if the chest and hips/butt area are covered and do not extensively show shape, that is modern dress. I don’t believe Allah will punish us if we dress in such a manner without abaya because it is modest relative to what so many other people wear these days. A woman covered from head to toe only showing her forearms, feet and face will hardly elicit attraction from men compared to all the girls we see walking around in astoundingly short shorts and singlet tops not even covering their stomach!
As most have mentioned, Allah knows best, and InshAllah our efforts will be rewarded.