Monday 12 November 2007

Islamic Clothing

Islamic clothing must meet the criteria laid out in Islamic sources. The Islamic clothing should fulfil certain requirements and the Islamic clothing stipulated is different according to gender and age. The term Islamic clothing is descriptive due to the fact that while some Islamic clothing was adapted by the nascent Islamic culture other Islamic clothing was completely original. Indeed, where Islam created new civilisations there would be an emergence of unique Islamic clothing and new Islamic clothing industries.

For men the Islamic clothing requirements are simpler than the Islamic clothing for women. Islamic clothing must be loose and not form fitting. Tight Islamic clothing is not permitted for men or women. Everyday Islamic clothing for men may be a thobe, a long flowing robe commonplace in the Arab world. The shalwar kameez is another Islamic clothing created out of a new Islamic Indian civilisation. For men who do not wear particular Islamic clothing then loose fitting trousers and shirts is suitable Islamic clothing. Men must also be careful to obey Islamic clothing requirements by not showing any part of the body between navel and thigh.

Islamic clothing for women varies according to where the Islamic clothing originates in the Muslim world though Islamic clothing will always meet the basic requirements. Islamic clothing should cover a woman’s body. The Islamic clothing should reveal nothing but the hands and face. Loose fitting, Islamic clothing will be made from one piece of cloth. The most recognised item of Islamic clothing for women is probably the hijab or headscarf. Other Islamic clothing is the jilbaab, a long flowing dress to the ankles, or chimaar, the Iranian Islamic clothing alternative. The burka or chador are also well known Islamic clothing for women and may be with the niqab or veil, a highly visible item of Islamic clothing worn by some women. Finally, Muslim women may choose to wear gloves as part of the Islamic clothing which is an accepted Islamic clothing practice.

Children’s Islamic clothing is less detailed by scripture. Muslim children may wear what is desired until the onset of puberty. Islamic clothing chosen by parents is not wholly different to non-Muslim children’s attire. Of course, Islamic clothing is produced for Muslim children in the form of shalwar kameez and hijabs. Modest dresses for young girls are also considered to be suitable Islamic clothing as are long skirts. Islamic clothing can also be seen on dolls sold in the Arab world.

Islamic clothing is now widely available and the Islamic clothing is now made in Britain. Exquisite Islamic clothing is sold for every occasion. Islamic clothing aimed at special occasions like the two Eids is extremely popular. Wedding attire in appropriate Islamic clothing now has extensive Islamic clothing ranges crossing all cultural divides on Islamic clothing and there is a growing trend among British Muslims for the correct Islamic clothing for all notable occasions. Another positive trend among the youth is Islamic clothing for social gatherings and everyday use which conforms to wider society. Here Islamic clothing is made available through making clothes loose and available in larger sizes to conceal the body shape thus fulfilling Islamic clothing norms as well as having Islamic clothing for young women. There are diverse ranges of hijabs and dresses for Islamic clothing in the workplace.

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