Stripy socks are worn by everyone, so why are they forbidden for Muslima (women in Islam)? Islam recommends avoiding fashion trends, so wear striped socks in the home.
A pair of striped socks, large rings, an arm-full of gold bracelets or shoes that make lots of noise while walking all have one thing in common: these items are forbidden in Islam. Muslim women must never wear apparel, jewelry or other items that bring attention to the body, or cause a lustful look from a man.
When the woman is in the home, it is permissible to wear striped socks and all the beautiful jewelry that one desires. It is customary for the Islamic woman to gather at parties, wearing jewelry and makeup, but this is not permitted on the streets where men can view them.
Is Wearing Make-up Allowed in Islam?
When attending a party or wedding, the woman must wear a niqab (face covering) on the way to the party. So it's a moot point, as this eliminates the chance that someone will see the makeup. According to Sheikh Muhammad Nur Abdullah, former president of the ISNA (Islamic Society of North America) and member of the Fiqh Council of North America, states, "Wearing makeup in general is part of zeenah or beautification, which is forbidden to be shown to non-mahrams. Therefore, a woman cannot wear makeup outside her home. But in general, a Muslim woman should be modest when she goes in public.
"As for wearing makeup in her house or to beautify herself for her husband, a woman should be moderate and should not take extremes in anything. If she maintains this level of moderation, there will not be any harm in sha' Allah."
In Surat an-Noor, ayah 31, Allah says, "And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not show of their adornment except only that which is apparent, and draw their veils over their (necks and) bosoms and not reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male servants who lack vigor, or small children who have no knowledge of women's private parts.
And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn you all to Allah in repentance, O believers, that you may be successful."
Clothing Guidelines for Muslim Women
According to the Islamic scholars, the Muslim woman's clothing should have the following characteristics:
- The woman must not dress as men do;
- The hijab or clothing must cover the entire body. It is permitted to not cover the hands and face (according to some Figh schools, but some say they must be covered also);
- Women should not pattern their clothing after non-believers;
- The design must not consist of bold designs to avoid attracting attention; and
- The woman may not dress to be arrogant in any way. as to show her wealth.
Islamic scholars have placed these conditions on the Muslim women's dress in an attempt to protect the woman from men's lustful gaze. The Muslim man must not look directly at a woman so as to catch her eye. This is haram (unlawful) in Islam. The women's dress code was dictated by Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him*) 1,400 years ago and it has not changed to this day.
Islam states that women must cover the breast with her head coverings. So the hijab should come over the breast, unlike the modern day styles, where the scarf is slung over the head with white pins and broaches. It is meant to protect women from the gazes of men. Hijab is not meant to be an adornment; it serves as a protection from negative attention from men.
Islam is all about protecting the modesty of women and this dress code will help the Muslima follow the sunnah (way of the prophet and his wives). It is perfectly acceptable to wear "stripy socks" in the home, but not out in public where men are present.
Quranic Verses on the Modesty of Both Woman and Man
There are several verses in the Quran that address the topic of modesty:
- "Say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty ; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof. " [Quran : 24.31]
- "Say to the believing man that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them, and God is well acquainted with all they do." [Quran : 24.30]
- "And O ye believers turn you all together toward God, so that ye may attain bliss." [Quran : 24.31]
*Muslims invoke Allah's blessings on the Prophet Muhammad whenever this name is mentioned.
Resource:
IslamOnline.net
Al-Islam.org
MissionIslam.com
