According to Islam, clothing is based on a set of principles for both men and women. Clothing aims to protect both the body and the soul. In Islam, the purpose of dressing is for individuals to maintain their dignity, chastity, and modesty both physically and spiritually. Below are some fundamental rules regarding clothing in Islam:
1. Modesty and Chastity:
Islam encourages that clothing should preserve modesty and protect chastity. This means that clothes should not clearly reveal the body's shape. The clothing of both men and women should protect them from the gaze of others. Women, in particular, should prefer longer and looser garments.
2. Covering (Hijab):
In Islam, covering is a concept recommended for both men and women to ensure modesty and prevent the body, especially sexual attraction, from being exposed to others. Women’s covering holds significant importance in Islam, and it is not only a physical covering but also a spiritual and moral responsibility. For men, covering is also defined by certain limits, but for women, the details of covering are explained more explicitly.
Women’s Covering (Hijab):
According to Islam, the areas that women must cover generally require hiding most of their body. Hijab is an Arabic term meaning "cover," and its usage in Islam refers to the physical covering of women. Covering is not only related to outward clothing but also to one’s general behavior, attitude, and social relations.
Scope of Covering:
Women are generally required to cover their entire body, except for their face, hands, and feet. This means women should dress in a way that does not attract attention to their physical appearance, i.e., without emphasizing body contours.
Hair and Headscarf:
According to Islam, a woman should cover her hair and neck. The headscarf is a common practice in Islamic culture, emphasizing that a woman should cover her head. The headscarf is used to conceal a woman’s physical allure and prevent drawing attention from others.
Face and Hands:
According to many Islamic scholars, women do not need to cover their faces, but some schools of thought (especially the Hanbali school) recommend that women cover their faces. Hands are generally not covered, but displaying or decorating hands in an attention-grabbing manner is not encouraged.
Body Contours:
Women are required to wear loose and long clothes that do not reveal their body contours. Clothes should not be too tight or transparent. Women should avoid overly exposing the lower part of their clothes and refrain from excessive display.
In Islam, covering promotes modesty and a chaste life for both men and women. Regarding women’s covering, there are two significant verses in the Qur’an:
-
Surah An-Nur (24:31): "And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts, and not to display their adornment except that which is apparent, and to wrap a portion of their head coverings over their chests..."
-
Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59): "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves part of their outer garments. That is more suitable, that they will be known and not be abused..."
These verses emphasize that women must cover their bodies when they are outside. It also conveys that when they dress in a way that does not attract attention and introduces them without being noticeable, they contribute to the maintenance of social order.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said regarding clothing and covering: "Women should lower their headscarves over their chests." (Sahih Muslim, Libas, 6). This hadith clearly states that women should wear their headscarves in a way that does not reveal their body contours.
Different Views:
Different Islamic schools of thought have presented slightly different views on the manner and boundaries of women’s covering:
- In Sunni Islam, it is accepted that women should not reveal their body contours, but the opinion on whether or not the face should be covered differs among schools of thought.
- In Shia Islam, covering the face is generally not considered necessary, but still, women’s clothing should be modest.
Men’s Covering:
Islam also recommends that men be modest and wear clothes that do not reveal their body contours. For men, covering generally extends from the waist to the knees. Men should avoid wearing short or tight clothes and clothing that reveals their body contours. It is emphasized that men should also maintain modest behavior and gaze, avoiding unnecessary attention toward women.
3. Avoiding Excess (Avoiding Wastefulness):
Islam prohibits extravagance and recommends avoiding excess in clothing. Clothes should not be showy, luxurious, or boastful. In Islam, clothing should be for necessity and appropriateness. Both men and women should avoid excessively expensive, attention-grabbing, or extravagant clothes.
4. Cleanliness and Hygiene:
In Islam, cleanliness is considered an integral part of faith. Clothes should be clean, organized, and free from harmful germs. Cleanliness is not only physical but also spiritual. Clothes should be regularly cleaned and worn properly.
5. Adornment and Makeup:
In Islam, women’s adornment and makeup should not be excessive or intended to create attraction for others. Displaying natural beauty and avoiding excessive makeup and adornment is advised. Likewise, men should avoid being overly decorated or flashy.
6. Differences in Male and Female Clothing:
Islam prescribes some differences in clothing for men and women. Women should prefer loose, long garments that cover their body contours. For men, clothing should also be modest and comfortable. Wearing women’s clothing by men or vice versa is not acceptable in Islam.
7. Colors and Patterns:
In Islam, there is no explicit prohibition on colors in clothing. However, it is advised to avoid excessively flashy, showy, or boastful colors. Simplicity and balance in clothing are important, and displaying beauty in an excessive or ostentatious manner is discouraged.
8. Purpose of Clothing:
In Islam, the purpose of clothing is to show respect to Allah and maintain social peace and order. Clothing should not only be for aesthetic reasons but also with a moral responsibility. Clothes reflect both an individual’s spiritual and social identity.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, according to Islam, clothing is shaped by principles such as modesty, chastity, cleanliness, and avoiding wastefulness. Both men and women should dress appropriately and modestly, protecting their bodies while avoiding excessive adornment and show. This is a behavior that protects not only the body but also the soul.
In Islam, covering is a behavior that reflects not only the body but also the individual’s spiritual values and moral responsibilities. Women are advised to conceal their body contours and wear modest, non-attention-drawing clothing. The headscarf is one of the most important elements of this modesty. Similarly, men are expected to maintain modest clothing and behavior. The Islamic understanding of covering ensures that individuals maintain respect in both their spiritual and social lives.
0 comments:
Post a Comment