The Clothing of Men and Women

The sunnah attire for a male is the kurta and topi. The kurta and topi conforms to the sunnah attire and was the clothing of the pious in all eras of Islam from the time of Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

It is reported in the Hadith that from all clothing, the kurta was the most beloved clothing to Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Hence, the men of this Ummah should strive to wear the kurta.

As far as casual clothing is concerned, it is permissible for men to wear, provided that it is plain, loose-fitting, unrevealing and unfashionable clothing that is worn by people in general, Muslims as well as non-Muslims. However, if the clothing is exclusive to any religion, sect or group, then it will be haraam for a Muslim to wear such clothing.

If the clothing is such that it is worn by people who are not committed to Deen, then wearing such clothing will be makrooh.

Men should refrain from wearing tight fitting clothing which reveals the shape of the body, especially the area between the navel and the knee.

Islam has commanded that men and women be distinct in their clothing and attire. Hence, Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had cursed men and women who imitate each other in their dressing and attire. Therefore, it is incumbent upon men and women to refrain from wearing “unisex” clothing. This is against the Islamic culture.

The clothing of women should be non-transparent, loose-fitting and flowing, thereby covering her entire body. The clothing should not be so thin that it is transparent due to which the body beneath becomes exposed. Similarly, the clothing should not be body-hugging due to which the shape of the body can be recognized.

With the exception of the hands and feet, a woman’s entire body is satr. Hence, if the clothing is see-through, then her satr will be exposed before men and this will be haraam.

^[1] سورة الأعراف: 26

^[2] صحيح مسلم، الرقم: 2128، الموطأ، الرقم: 3384