Islamic Clothing
Most people know that many Islamic
women choose to cover their hair and neck, and in some countries their entire
bodies, for religious purposes and modesty. In reality, however, there is a lot
more to it. What you wear is based on where you live, your status, marital or
otherwise, your gender, and how religious you and your family are.
In some countries, women who are
married will wear red or orange to symbolize that they are married, while
wearing blue signifies that you are single. While many Muslim communities
require women to cover their hair with a "حجاب”
or otherwise, in some cultures men wear a garment called a “كوفية” in formal
settings to show respect. In other countries still both men and women, or just
men, wear “جلابية”. “جلابية” are long-sleeved garments that cover the body
from shoulder to ankle and can also be different colors to symbolize
nationality.
Another reason for the traditional
garments is the climate in the place where Islam originated. In the desert, one
wants to be covered for protection from the sun, wind, and sand, and in loose,
thin, and lightweight clothing for protection from the heat and because it is
easy to work and move in.
Levels
of covering for women, the most extreme of which is a “برقح”, the most
moderate of which is a “حجاب,” depend on your community and your own personal
religious beliefs. The covering is only for public settings, and is mostly not
worn within the home or around family. Some believe that women’s bodies should
be covered completely in loose-fabric, with a sheer, see-through fabric to
cover the face. Others are content with simply covering their hair with a scarf
and wearing any modern, western clothing with it. All Muslim women who choose
to wear traditional garments, however, do so with the same intentions: to show
modesty, dignity, and self-respect, all of which are important values of Islam.
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