Why do Muslims dress in distinctive, modest clothing?

[ajingi]

Why do Muslims dress in distinctive, modest clothing?



Muslim women are often asked:  "Why do you wear that scarf?"   "Aren't
you hot?"  "Do the different colors mean anything?"  "Why do some women
cover their face, but not others?"   "Do men have a dress code as
well?"

Most Muslims understand your polite curiosity, and would be happy to
explain.  But if you've ever been too embarrassed to ask the questions
directly, you've come to the right place.

Q:  Why do you dress the way you do?

A:  First and foremost, because Almighty God (Allah) commands us to do
so.   In the Qur'an, Allah tells the believers to "lower their gaze and
be modest."  Specifically, it says:  "Say to the believing men that
they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for
greater purity for them; and Allah is well acquainted with all that they
do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze
and guard their modesty; and that they should not display their beauty
and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they
should draw their veils over their chests and not display their beauty
except to their husbands, their fathers..." [continuing list of family
members and others in front of whom women are exempt from covering] (Qur'an
24:30-31)

Of course, Muslims believe that God has full Wisdom and knows what is
best for us, so we strive to follow His guidance in every aspect of our
lives.  Muslims have also discovered other advantages to dressing
modestly, including:  being known for who you really are; not being judged
by your beauty or lack thereof; being able to conduct business in an
atmosphere of respect; being readily known as a Muslim; liberation;
comfort.

Q:  Aren't you hot?
A:  In many ways, covering the body protects it from the heat of direct
sunlight.  In loose, flowing clothing, the air around the body flows
freely and cools more readily.  The choice of fabric covering the body is
more important than the square inches/centimeters exposed or covered.  
On severely days, we might be uncomfortable as is everyone else.  
During those times, we find comfort knowing that we are following the
commands of Allah, and "the fire of hell is hotter."

Q:  Do the different colors mean anything?
A:  Muslims are to dress in modest clothing, without attracting
attention to oneself.  For this reason, many Muslims choose earth-tone colors
such as green, blue, gray, as well as the usual black and white.  
Beyond this, there are no specific meanings behind the choice of color.  
Some colors are more common in certain parts of the world, based on local
tradition.

Q:  Why are there differences in the specific styles of dress?
A:  While Islam outlines a code of modesty, it does not command a
certain style, color, or fabric.  The range of clothing you find among
Muslims is a sign of the great diversity among the Muslim community.

Q:  Do men have a dress code as well?
A:  Absolutely.  Both men and women are commanded in the Qur'an to
"lower their gaze and be modest."  It is generally understood that men are
not to expose the area of their body from the navel to the knee.  
However, many Muslim men would feel shy to expose a bare chest or bare legs
in public.  As with women, men are not to wear clothing that is tight
or see-through.  Indeed, in many Muslim societies the traditional
clothing for men includes long, flowing robes, or long tunics that fully
cover the body.

Q:  What do these Islamic clothing terms mean?  Hijab, khimar, niqab,
abaya, jilbab, burqa, shalwar khamis...
A:  Different terms reflect different styles of dress.  Often the same
clothing has various names depending on what area of the world it is
worn.

[elgaazus]

This is such a nice piece ajinji. Just to add to what you have written, the prophet of islam (SAW) was reported to have said every religion has its guiding principle and that of islam is MODESTY. May Allah give us the ability to strictly adhere to this code. Amin.

[bobboss]

I think this topic will do good to all our muslem sister and brothers on campuses world wide. it will be nice if it's further expatiated on,in any (mss) programme to educate most of us on what to say, when been asked by the non-muslems.cos most brother and sisters are on a daily basic harass by such mocking question.ajinji u hav done well .cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Twinkle]

You know things like this makes the beauty of Islam.

[Anonymous]

Twinkle then why dont you rock a hijab ? not to say that i have anything against cute tops and colorful hats, im steady feelin the shy posture aswell , just curious, or is that someone else in your avatar ?

[SAAHIB 92]

assalam,

xanks for this marvellous contribution....we need more of this but for men.

GUEST, may be that is the unique way....twinkle was meaning otherwise.....?

[Anonymous]

:lol:  :shock: It is a great idea to keep our muslim umma notice on islam and it teaching so that the changes of attitude toward good umma will make the society a butter one.
Bissallam