How to Dress in Islamic Culture
Islamic culture requires both men and women to wear clothes that cover the body, as the Creator intended when he made humans with thin skin and little fur. The clothing reflects more than modesty--it also personifies a religious need to hide shame by covering the body properly. In Western civilization, the dress code has been modified, but in more conservative countries, people of the Muslim faith must follow the guidelines set by the Qur'an.
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Instructions
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Cover the body adequately according to Islamic beliefs. For men, this means the middle section of the body from navel to knee. Women must cover the body completely, leaving only the hands and face visible. The covered parts should never be revealed to another person, except in medical emergencies.
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Keep clothes loose fitting, avoiding tight or revealing clothing. The shape of the body should not be apparent.
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Pick cloth that is not see-through. While the Muslim religion doesn't dictate a certain type or style of cloth, it should be thick enough that others can't see through it in any light.
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Wear clothes that are pleasant to look at, meaning they are clean and do not draw undue attention or create an eyesore. Men should extend the required coverage to include the remainder of the body above the navel and below the knee, meaning full pants and long-sleeve shirts.
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Use your clothes to highlight your culture, or at least avoid confusing others as to what religion you may be. They should establish your Muslim beliefs without question, so that you can never be mistaken for a non-believer. This is one of the basic principles of Islamic dress.
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Choose a burqa for complete body coverage when outside the household. Most associated with Afghani culture, a burqa consists of several layers of light cloth worn over the regular clothing. A net or thin veil covers the slight eye opening, so that even the eyes are not visible.
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Grab a chador to wear over your clothing when heading into public. A chador is an open cloak that is wrapped around the body and head. Many women wear Western-style clothing under the cloak.
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Cover your head with a djilbab, or scarf. The traditional head covering is usually worn with any type of clothing, which is generally modest, but not necessarily traditional in the Islamic sense.
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Tips & Warnings
Men and women should not dress alike, which means women should wear skirts or dresses, while men should wear pants.
Hijab may refer to the women's modest head and body cover, or it may refer to the broader principles of modesty and morality, depending on the religious sect or country.
Check with the laws of the country you are in, as different levels of Islamic coverings may be either required or banned. For example, women are not allowed to wear head scarves in public schools in France.
