In our article entitled ‘conditions of hijab’ we looked at the requirements necessary to implement proper hijab. Here we will look at the impermissibility of wearing certain clothing.
Allah is our Lawgiver, and He is the one to decide our code of dress. He sent the Prophet peace be upon him to further explain these guidelines. Being muslim, entails that one should submit wholeheartedly to the laws of Allah and the explanations of the Prophet peace be upon him, for he was our teacher and guide. Thus, when we read an ayah or hadith our hearts should immediately acquiesce. We cannot choose to follow some commands and leave others under the pretence that our taqwa (piety) is in our hearts. Because, though Taqwa rests in the heart, it is manifested in the limbs.
Beware, in the body there is a piece of flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound and if it is corrupt the whole body is corrupt, and hearken it is the heart. (Muslim)
Shaytan has used fashion as a means of deceit. He has tinkered with the concept of hijab until it has become a fashion parade and he has turned modesty into nudity.
In front of non-mahram men, we as muslimahs are forbidden from wearing clothing that is tight, which reveals the shapes of our bodies. Similarly that which short and exposes us and that which is see-through and provides little covering. Reason being, we are commanded by our Lord to cover ourselves. Furthermore,
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “There are two types of people who will be punished in Hell and whom I have not seen: men having whips like the tails of cows and they will be beating people with them, and, women who will be dressed but appear to be naked, inviting to evil; and they themselves will be inclined to it. Their heads will appear like the humps of the Bactrian camel inclined to one side. They will not enter Jannah and they will not smell its fragrance which is perceptible from such and such a distance.” [Muslim].
And in another narration “During the last days of my ummah there will be women who are clothed yet naked, with something on their heads like the humps of camels, curse them, for they are cursed.”
Whether your clothes is skin-tight, too short or sheer and thus revealing it is all a form of being clothed yet naked. All three fall under being clothed in insufficient clothes such that one’s awrah is still apparent.
Is this hadith not sufficient to make us reflect? My sisters, do you want to be amongst the inhabitants of the hell-fire, whose heat is raging fiercely? Hellfire, wherein your skin is burnt, and restored and burnt over, there is no relief from the pain, nor death to end the torment!
I’m sure we would much prefer Gardens of delight, where beauty and happiness abounds. My sisters, a little effort in this short life, for eternity in paradise…is that not a valuable exchange?! So rush forward to profit from it!
May Allah strengthen us all to abstain from his prohibitions.