Dress Code for Muslims: Modesty for Men and Hijab for Women

Islam is a complete code of life, each and every aspect of religion Islam is designed by our Creator to lead happy and healthy communities by easing the path to eternal happiness in Paradise forever. In religion, Islam Quran and Sunnah have laid down some principles regarding the dress code of both males and females. A Muslim and a Muslimah are both required to observe the Islamic teachings both internally and externally. Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran: “And abstain from all sins, internal or external.” (Quran, 6: 120)

Nowadays modesty seems to be a sign of weakness or insecurity in other religions but not the case in Islam. In religion, Islam modesty is seen as a sign of respect for oneself and others. Islam defined a dress code for both men and women, purpose of defining dress code is to protect the society and promote modest dressing and behavior. Dress code defined by Allah Almighty allows Muslims to conduct their lives with respect, dignity, and modesty.

Regarding dressing Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran: “O children of Adam! Surely we have bestowed upon you a garment to cover your shame, as well as to be an adornment to you, and the garment of piety is the best”(Quran, 7:26). From this verse of Holy Quran, we came to know that dressing with modesty is very important for all of us. Allah (SWT) has allowed people to wear nice clothes and put on a good appearance, as doing so is one aspect of remembering Allah’s blessings upon them. Holy Quran states about wearing clothes in these words: “Say, ‘Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah, which He has brought forth for His servants and the good things, clean and pure, which Allah has provided for them?’ Say, ‘They are [lawful] for the believers in the present life but they shall be exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection.’ Thus We explain Our signs for a people who understand.” (Quran, 7:32)

Allah (SWT) has mentioned reasons for clothing: to cover the body and cover up what should not be revealed in public. To beautify the body so the person looks better. Islamic clothing is known for its modesty. A Muslim is allowed to wear whatever clothes he/she wishes so long as they are modest and must accept by the commandments of Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Both men and women should show modesty in the clothes they wear. Women are should wear a dress in a way that shows they are Muslim women. The Quran instructs the Prophet (SAW) about women dressing in the way: “Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to wrap their outer garments around themselves. That is more suitable so that they will be known as pious women, and not be harassed.” (Quran, 33:59)

The basic concerning to men dressing is they should wear that it is halaal and permissible, except for that that it is haraam, such as silk for males, because the Prophet (SAW) said: “These two [gold and silk] are forbidden for the males of my ummah and permissible for the females” (Ibn Majah). Any dressing which creates pride and arrogance in the heart must be avoided. In a hadith, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Whosoever dresses himself out of pride in this world, Allah will dress him/her with the same clothing on the day of Qiyamah and he/she will be entered into Hell.” (Ibn Majah)

In short, we should dress properly with dignity, respect, and modesty. May Allah guide us to dress properly according to the teachings of Islam! Ameen