The clothing of women

A woman must not leave her house frequently. She must consider her house as a fortress that protects her chastity and honour.

And when she has to go out for some necessity, then she must cover herself well. To cover oneself well means that she covers herself from top to bottom including the face also. She must wear a garment that does not reveal the shape of her body. And it must be a garment which is not attractive. 

Dressing in this way is very easy. It is not difficult at all. It is our mind that tells us that it is very difficult nowadays. And there will also be people who will discourage us from adopting such an outfit. But those who have Imaan in Allah Ta’ala and those who believe in the day in which they will be held accountable to Allah Ta’ala, will not hesitate to do it. After all, why should a person not dress in a way in which he appears beautiful in the eyes of Allah Ta’ala? And why should he dress in a way that is appreciable to people but which is repugnant and detestable in the eyes of Allah Ta’ala?

There may have been ways of dressing that we did not like before, however, we appreciate those very same things nowadays and we hanker after it for the mere reason that it is in fashion nowadays. If due to the tendency of people, we start admiring a fashion today which we didn't like yesterday, then why can't we adopt a way of dressing that Allah Ta’ala likes? There are great rewards by Allah Ta’ala for those who sacrifice their desires for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. A woman, who desires to dress according to the Shari'ah, can do so, little by little and gradually until she reaches where it is required to reach. Firstly, she should try to decrease her outings and avoid going to engagements, weddings and mixed ceremonies. She should wear clothes that are not tight and she should start wearing a dupatta (head covering). Insha Allah gradually, this will make her reach the level of full pardah. This is provided that she has the willpower and she continues to implore Allah Ta’ala to grant her the courage. When a person is interested to do something, then things that are difficult, become easy.

Men who are committing immoralities in the society are very much at fault and they do not have any excuse for what they are doing, but it is like the saying "it takes two hands to applaud".  Thus, our sisters who are dressing incorrectly have their share in it and they are also very responsible. If men lower their gaze and women cover themselves properly, then Insha Allah, whatever we are hearing and reading in the newspapers every day will not happen. Fire and gasoline should not be put together. 

There are the so-called great intellectuals but they cannot even understand this small thing. But being great intellectuals does not mean anything. We must have the courage and the guts to apply the truth.

[English version of "L’habillement madame" – Al Jamiat – Vol.5 No.2]