Clothing Styles & Definitions
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Clothing as Dictated by the Qur'an
There are really only two main quotes in the entire Qur'an the directly address women's clothing, and they're both rather open ended. God never puts stipulation on women's clothing, rather leaving it up to interpretation.
And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their khumur over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment... And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. With the definition of the khumur in mind--something to conceal the head--God is telling the women to take their headscarves and to leave the loose ends to fall over their chests in order to conceal them, rather than tying the ends at the back of the necks as was common for the time. If God had meant only to cover the chest and not the head, then He would have not used the khumur in the command. The verse also lists all of the male family members that a woman may reveal herself to, including her husband, sons, father-in-law, and children. The verse does not include a command to cover the face.
The word zeenah (adornments) is also non-specific, and is open to interpretation. Most scholars have agreed this would include the chest, hips, legs, and neck. However, in the Qur'an the word has various meanings, allowing interpretation in different settings. |
O Prophet! Say to your wives, your daughters, and the women of the believers that: they should let down upon themselves their jalabib. The jilbab simply translates to a loose outer garment, and often refers to loose fitting clothing like a dress or an overcoat, mainly creating a position of modesty.
This verse is also very flexible, as God has not given a specific command once more. The command does not demand the length of the garment, it just says to lengthen them, thus allowing women to make the decision based on the culture and community they are living in. “O children of Adam, We have brought down to you garments to cover your private parts, as well as for adornment, yet the garment of reverence is the best" |