subject: Clothing For Muslims: An Introduction [print this page] As in all aspects of life, Islam also gives guidance about clothing for Muslims. Although Islam does not prescribe any special style or type of dress or clothing, it stresses on the principles of modesty and decency. Islamic law prohibits people from displaying wealth and beauty, and encourages the maintenance a standard of decorum, dignity and modesty.
Clothing for Muslims: The Requirements
Clothing for Muslims has some basic requirements which must be followed:
1.Body parts to be covered: For women, the full body should be covered, particularly the bosom, although they can leave their face/eyes and hand uncovered. For men the body should be covered from the navel to the knee.
2.Looseness: The clothing must be loose and not body hugging or skin tight for both men and women. This is why both men and women wear loose fitting robe like clothes over their regular clothes when in public.
3.Overall look decent and not flashy: Clothing should be decent and clean, and should not be flashy. It should give the appearance of dignity and modesty. The clothing should not be worn in order to gain the admiration of others.
4.Do not imitate others: Islam encourages its people to be proud of their faith. They should look like Muslims and not imitate people of other faith or cultures around them. Women must be proud of their femininity and not try to dress like men and vice versa.
The Different Types of Clothing for Muslims
Here are some of the different types of clothing for Muslims:
1.The Thobe: This is a long, loose, flowing robe worn by men. It is stitched like a shirt and reaches down to the ankle. Although it is typically white in color, it is available in other colors too, especially during the winters.
2.The Bisht: This is a cloak sometimes worn by men over the thobe. Usually, it is the religious leaders and high level government officials who wear these.
3.The Ihram: This is a type of clothing that pilgrims wear when they are on pilgrimage to the Hajj. It consists of the izar, which falls from the waist to the ankle, and the reda, which covers the upper body and the shoulders.
4.The Shalwar Kameez: This is worn by both men and women and essentially consists of a long tunic paired with loose trousers. Women may also team this with a dupatta, which is a length of fabric which covers the bosom and may also be used as a veil.
5.The Abaya: These are worn by women and are generally black in color. The fabric extends from the head to the toe. They are quite popular among women in the Gulf countries.
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