BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

MUSLIMS should cover their aurat, or parts of the body that should be covered according to Islam, and dress in a decent and modest manner.

Islam has outlined the means of wearing clothes which is not revealing, neat and clean, as well as not excessive, imams said in the sermon yesterday.

Covering the aurat is not limited to specific events, such as in the month of Ramadhan, formal functions and such, but at all times, including while taking part in sports and other activities.

This is in reference to the command of Allah SWT in Surah Al-A’raaf, verse 26: “O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and adornment. But the clothing of righteousness – that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.”

The aurat for men lies between their navel and their knees, while the areas that must be covered for women are more extensive which is the whole body, with exception her face and her hands until her wrists.

Imams also said that there is always a hikmah (wisdom or reason) why Allah SWT commanded Muslims to dress decently and modestly. Among those, women for example, to protect them from harassment and unwanted attention. They will also be respected and protected, the imams said.

There are guidelines on proper dressing as defined by Syara’ (Islamic Law) which should be followed stringently, especially by women. Among those are loose clothing which are deemed preferable when it comes to concealing one’s body shape, not those that reveal the neck, arms and legs of women, and not those made from transparent fabrics which can still show the skin.

Men too, are not excused from these guidelines. Imams raised the concern that there is an increasing trend among men to wear shorts or tight trousers which show the outline of their body parts.

Furthermore, it is haram (forbidden) for Muslim men to wear accessories such as bracelets, necklaces and ear studs, with the exception of rings as long as it is not made out of gold.

Imams also emphasised the responsibility of fathers and husbands, to provide advice and guidance to their wives and daughters to dress according to Syara’, as commanded by Allah SWT in Surah As-Syura, verse 214: “And warn, (O Muhammad), your closest kindred.”

It was highlighted that Islam does not impose any restriction on its followers to dress according to the current trends and fashion, but they must comply with Islamic teachings.

The Brunei Times