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Islamic
Clothing
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, clothes are also a great bounty. Allah 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
ofpiety (Taqwa) that is the best of all. - Surah A'araf.
Verse 26)
Today, people are dressing totally against
what Allah 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
AI-A'araf)
Allah is mentioning in this Qur'an verse
about the story of Hazrat Adam (AS) 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 we all wear 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 gains you 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 with each other with
'Assalamu-Alaikum', or 'Peace be upon you'.
Being a Muslim is for discipline, as you
will want to be on your best behaviour and guard at all
times to respect your Lord, religion and foremost, what
all society can see,' 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 in vague. It does not mean that we take to wearing
clothes so thin, which reaches almost to nakedness, which
is undoubtedly unlawful in Islam.
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