O level Notes : FRS - Islam - Attire in Islam

ATTIRE

Islam sets the standards of decency for both men and women, and so it has a dress code that has to be adhered to. The purpose of the dress code is to protect the society and promote modest dressing and behaviour. It also creates a barrier between the sexes and allows Muslims to conduct their lives with modesty, dignity and respect. All qualified Muslim scholars throughout the history of Islam agree that fulfilling the conditions of the dress code is an obligation on all Muslims, both men and women.

Men's dress code

A man must always be covered in loose and unrevealing clothing from the naval to his knee. He must never, for example go out in public wearing a short bathing suit or any revealing dress. The dressing should not resemble the clothing that is specific to non-Muslims or resemble the clothing worn by women in any way. The dressing should not be tight or a see through, it must be concealing. Muslim men are not allowed to wear garments made of silk, or jewellery made of gold. The two types of ornaments are forbidden to men but permitted for women. In order for a man's prayer to be valid he must cover his navel to the knees anything less is unacceptable. They may cover their heads during prayer although it is not compulsory. Head covering is just a sign that shows that one is a Muslim.

Women's dressing

When leaving the home, a Muslim woman must at least cover her hair and body in loose and unrevealing clothing. She must obscure the details of her body from the public. Some Muslim women also choose to cover their face and hands. This is known as seclusion. The hijab covering must conceal the entire body except the face and hands. Hijab means covering and it is a must for all married women. It should not be translucent or tight. Tight clothes, even if they conceal the colour of the skin, still describe the size and shape of the body or part of it, and create vivid images so must be avoided. This may affect people of the opposite sex and so may cause them to sin hence, the dressing should not attract attention of the opposite gender. No jewellery and make up should be on display.

The dressing should not be worn because of vanity or to gain popularity or fame. Females are known to wear black for modesty or other dark colours. Other colours are also permissible and it not a sin to wear them. Women's dressing should not resemble the clothing worn by men. Also, it should not resemble the clothing that is worn by non-Muslims. Women can dress in any way at home, hence Hijab is meant for public spheres. They must also observe stricter rules for cover amongst non-Muslim women. During prayer women must wear loose fitting clothes.

Reasons for modesty dressing

It minimises sexual enticement and degradation in society as much as possible for both men and women. It is so because most men are affected by how women are dressed. Dressing modestly is a form of obedience to God. This is so because it is God's command that women dress in that manner and it is part of Islamic faith. It commands respect for women and through modesty women reject sexual servitude. It minimises immorality in communities and it also protects from temptation and harmful desires.

The message that a woman gives when she wears Islamic dress in society is “Respect me please I am not a sex object. It protects and guards women's dignity and honour as women are held in very high esteem in Islam. It also grants self- dignity and self-respect.  Hijab is not a symbol of oppression, but a command from God.  It is not worn so as to intimidate people neither does it hinder Muslim women from making important contributions in society.