Islamic Insights | Inspired by the Holy Quran and AhlulBayt

"And Allah will reward them for their patience, with a garden and clothes of silk…Upon them will be green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade, and they will be adorned with bracelets of silver." (The Holy Qur'an, 76:12, 21)

"…if a cloth of the garments of the people of paradise was spread today in the world, whoever looked at it would faint because of what their eyes are beholding." (The Infallibles, al-islam.org)

To reach heaven and see those unimaginably gorgeous silks and brocades, there is a lot to be done in this life. However, as far as the clothes in this world go, there is a bit more to keep in mind besides adherence to Hijab rules. Allah has not only prescribed Hijab for our well-being, but He also wants us to be well-groomed and presentable.

The Holy Prophet and the Imams (peace be upon them) have set an example of moderation when it comes to the average Muslim's dress. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) reminded us that to consume more than needed is extravagance, and Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said, "I ensure that he who economizes will never become indigent." At the same time, they did not tell us to refrain from enjoying Allah's blessings of beautiful clothing.

Looking well-groomed and dressing respectably is a good act in Islam. As long as it is not accompanied by extravagance, arrogance, and showing off, dressing well is a recommended thing. And Style Watch is one of hundreds of sources out there that remind you that taking care of yourself and looking presentable does not have to be expensive.

There were some people during the lifetime of the Imams who used to dress shabbily for the sake of showing off their piety:

Sufiyan Thauri passed by Masjid al-Haram and saw that Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq was wearing costly and expensive clothes. He went over to reprimand him for doing so when neither the Prophet nor Imam Ali nor his forefathers had done so. The Holy Imam responded, "During the era of the Noble Prophet, the people were troubled with poverty and paucity, but later the circumstances improved, and things changed for the better. (Do know!) Of the inhabitants of the world, those who most deserve to taste the benefits of abundance, ease and comfort, are the righteous ones."

The Imam (as) then recited the following verse, "Say: Who has prohibited the embellishment of Allah which He has brought forth for His servants and the good provisions?"

He then said, "Thus, we are the ones who most deserve to utilize that which Allah has provided. O' Sufiyan! The apparel that you presently observe me wearing is for the people and for preserving my reputation and esteem."

The Imam pulled back his outer garment to reveal the inner coarse and rough clothing that was underneath. He said, 'This I have worn for myself, while the other I have worn for the people."

Then the Imam pulled back Sufiyan's clothing to reveal a soft inner layer, saying, "You have worn this [simple] exterior clothing for the people, and the concealed soft inner clothing for your ease and comfort!" (Anecdotes for Reflection, Part III)

This example shows that generally in the context of a financially healthy society and within the limits of decency and economy, wearing good clothing is not problematic. And for an average Muslim, wearing coarse clothes inside is unnecessary.

It is encouraged to wear clean clothes and be groomed when meeting others. How many times have we heard about how much the Prophet loved perfume? Of course, sisters need to be careful about keeping the fragrances to a minimum if they're going to be in front of non-mahrams. But everyone can wear colors that match and clothes that are pressed.

Being a slave to fashion and vulnerable to the dangers of pride, arrogance, and greed is definitely problematic, especially when immodesty is thrown into the mix. But to be totally against taking care of one's appearance in the name of piety is wrong. Trying to show off one's simplicity and looking down on others who dress well is an incorrect way of thinking. Dressing well should not be confused with going crazy over clothes and shoes. Enjoy your clothes without letting them distract you. All this applies to brothers too, but that would require a whole other article.

Allah loves beauty, and in the right situation, a person can be rewarded for their ornamentation.

For instance, while a sister must cover herself modestly (while being presentable – not sexually attractive) in public, when she is with her husband it's a different story altogether. Mentioning that she should dress nicely for her husband, the Holy Prophet said, "It is to a woman to perfume herself with her best fragrances, wear her best clothes, and ornament herself with her best ornamentation." (Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 508)

The Holy Prophet also said about what makes a good wife, among other things (especially character), that when she is with her husband, she is dressed beautifully for him and that "She is usually ornamented [for him] and is not plain as men are." (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 103, p. 235)

Realizing the limits in different circumstances is important. Will you be around strangers or immediate family? For work, are you just putting on some subtle eyeliner or are you going for a whole smoky eye?

Going to the local center for Imam Ali's birthday, are you putting on new formalwear (that's beautiful but not ostentatious) to show off to others, or are you wearing it because you are genuinely excited about celebrating this happy day? Will you keep yourself in full Hijab until you reach the ladies' side of the mosque?

Once you've realized the limits set by Islam, fix your intentions accordingly. By dressing well in a permissible way for the sake of pleasing Allah, you can turn your time in front of the mirror into an act of worship!

Imam Sadiq has said, "The most decorative clothing for the believer is the clothing of Taqwa (God-fearing) and the finest one is faith.

"The best of your clothing is that which does not distract you from Allah, the Almighty and Glorified; rather, it brings you nearer to thanking, remembering and obeying Him, and it does not bear you to conceit, hypocrisy, decoration, taking pride and boasting, as these are among the pests of the religion and bring cruelty to the heart.

"When you put on your clothing, remember Allah, the Concealer of your sins by His Mercy. Clothe your interior with truthfulness, as you dressed your exterior with your dress. Let your interior be under the protection of fear, and your exterior under the protection of obedience…" (Adabus Salat)

Supplication for when one is looking in the mirror

"Praise be to Allah who created me a very dignified creation and gave form to me, a very respectable form, and blessed me with that which would have flawed others, and He also honored me with Islam."

Supplication for when one is putting on new clothing

"Praise is for Allah who gave me clothes to wear by which I beautify myself amongst people. O Allah, make it the dress of blessings so that in it I may make every effort for Your pleasure and in it I may busy myself in prostration to You."