The identity of a Muslim is primarily expressed in theological & ethical realms. The Muslim is one who believes and practices the five pillars, accepts the Qur'an and the final revealed scripture, whose behavior is recognized for general honestly. sobriety, and generosity. The above attributes of a Muslim are universally acknowledged, even by the enemies of Islam! It is in this sense that Islam is truly a religion and a message that is for all mankind, at least those people who are striving to have God-centered lives.
Yet, when we say "Muslim", we have a certain mental image that comes up, and when that image does not always coincide with our assumptions, it generates reactions ranging from shock to outright insults! As of recently we have seen these reactions in abundance, to the extent that it is necessary to share the following information derived from Islamic sources that hopefully generate thought and a better appreciation for what we do have.
The purpose of clothing
یٰبَنِیۡۤ اٰدَمَ قَدۡ اَنۡزَلۡنَا عَلَیۡکُمۡ لِبَاسًا یُّوَارِیۡ سَوۡاٰتِکُمۡ وَرِیۡشًا ؕ وَلِبَاسُ التَّقۡوٰی ۙ ذٰلِکَ خَیۡرٌ ؕ ذٰلِکَ مِنۡ اٰیٰتِ اللّٰہِ لَعَلَّہُمۡ یَذَّکَّرُوۡنَ
"O Children of Adam! We have given you a raiment that covers your nakedness and is a source of (your) elegance and protection. Yet the raiment that guards against evils, that is the best (of robes). That is one of the commandments of Allah so that they may attain eminence." ( Q 7:26 Amatul Rahman Omar translation)
The two items that display the logic of wearing clothes is given in this text, items which are arguably undeniable. Clothing is created by use of local elements, be it cotton, wool etc, derived from animals or even from leaves. The natural elements (as well as synthetics such as polyester and nylon), with countless possibilities for designs, coloring, cuts, and the like. Clothing provides necessary protection of the body from the weather elements, keeping us warm or cool.
Thus, needs as based on the environment transforms into distinct styles and more broadly- cultural expression. Thus, the baseball cap, worn by baseball players for vision protection from sunlight evolves into a variety of colors, styles, and sizes, adorning the heads of countless in a variety of settings. This is an example of the "elegance and protection" (ft.1) mentioned in the above Qur'anic text.
What should be covered in public?
For women, the Islamic texts are clear that the entire body should be covered, meaning not to be made into a display in public. The Qur'an (24:31) indicates that a headscarf was used by the Arabs of the Prophet's time, and the text itself states that the scarf be used to cover up the chest area (walyadribna bikhumuri-hinna 'ala juyuubihinn). Yet another place within the Qur'an asserts that the dress code for ladies has the purpose of identification and limiting harms, such as being subjected to improper harassment and the like (Q 33: 59).
The hadeeth of Asmaa articulates all of this in a summarized form, in which she asked the Prophet (Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam) about what should be covered in public. He replies that everything except the face and hands (ft.2) (Sunan Abu Dawud 4104).
I would like to return to the subject of the headscarf (commonly known as Hijaab). Q 24:31 is clear on a head covering being worn, but the emphasis is using it to cover up the breasts. A scarf need not be worn, any type of covering will do, so long as the goal of public modesty is established, with a greater emphasis on the well-known sensitive areas of the woman's body being covered, so as not to invite unwanted attention. Similarly, a Jilbaab, Abaya etc are not necessarily mandated, any clothing, in any style, is acceptable as long as the body is covered and not made into a display!
Men's clothing
While there are no texts to my knowledge from the Qur'an and hadeeth literature which speak on a man's clothing style, it is the long established norm among Muslims that men should cover up as well, at least having covered up the area between the navel and the knees. In practical terms, in Muslim societies, often the men and women are dressing alike-in that the body is covered with similar garments.
Cap
The tradition exists in majority of Muslim societies of men wearing a cap, the styles, colors etc varying from society to society. The norm ('urf) is so strong that some scholars of the past used to consider a person who violates this norm to be a flagrant transgressor (Faasiq) whose testimony in legal matters would not be acceptable.
There is not text within the Qur'an or hadeeth that commands wearing a cap, even within prayer, despite the cultures which has an opposite practice (ft.3). Nonetheless, because of the norm, particularly in African and Asian Muslim societies, it is recommended to maintain that tradition in that environment. In addition, in venues in which Islam/Muslims need to be represented, to display faith in Islamic theology and identity, the cap provides that function very well.
The beard
The Qur'an makes no mention of facial grooming, however, there are some texts on this in the hadeeth literature, one of which simply states "be different from the idolaters by growing the beard and trimming the mustache." It seems apparent from this narration (and other similar reports) that a need was felt by the Muslims to be distinguished from other communities. Without doubt the Prophets themselves had beards, and beards have long been seen as symbols of masculinity, honor and wisdom. Yet, we are also forced to admit that adorning one's face with a beard is no longer associated with the Prophets or even Islam. It is something that has become stylish, crossing religious and cultural boundaries.
Our perspective is that, at most, the beard is a Sunnah, a highly emphasized Prophetic tradition, but does not reach the level of religious obligation (Fard). The Shafi'ee school of jurisprudence, which included such luminaries as the great hadeeth scholar Imam An-Nawawi (d.1277) and the towering Imam Al-Ghazali ( d.1111) have held the view that shaving the beard, while not recommended, is not a forbidden action at all.
Robe
The Muslim societies have various sorts of clothing that is now associated with religious identity. By "robe"we are mainly referencing the clothing in the Arab world known by names such as the Jalabiyyah, Jubbah or Thobe. Certainly the robe fulfills the Islamic requirements for covering up in public, has elegance and is useful for the weather conditions present in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). However, we must understand that it is not necessarily an "Islamic dress". Many people argue that the robe is in fact the Sunnah, however in the interest of honesty that it is at best Sunnatul 'Aadah (the culture) and not Sunnatul Hudaa (the Sunnah of religious guidance). The Prophet's enemies wore the same clothing as him, complete with turbans (used for shielding the face from the sun).
In other words, the robe as a clothing was used by all peoples in the MENA region, and are technically religiously neutral, just as the baseball cap (devoid of any symbols) is a religiously neutral item.
The best dress is that of Taqwaa
وَلِبَاسُ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌۭ ۚ
The title of this section of the article is a more literal translation of the expression wa libaasut Taqwaa dhaalika khayr, found in Q 7:26 cited above. The overarching point is that when one has awareness of Allah, of responsibilities in this world, that is actually the best dress. It implies more than clothing. In essence, it implies that Muslims, readers of the Qur'an, are supposed to put on their best face in public. The qualities of intelligence, cleanliness, compassion, strength of character and a moral compass.
Taqwaa is more than piety or even righteousness. It is awareness, and discernment. Bold, yet aware of surroundings. Determined, yet patient. Brave, yet smart. This is a clothing (libaas) that is worn not only outside, but within the home. Not only on the body, but within the soul. This clothing is unisex, necessary for both genders. This style of dress should be taught to our children, particularly in this age in which emotional instability and social anarchy are actually promoted by politicians and YOU-TUBE content creators without apology or regard to the long term consequences.
Having Taqwaa limits our sins and our mistakes in judgement. It generates more safety and security. It brings forth stronger family values and places necessary boundaries. It allows us to see the big picture and delivers spiritual and mental cultivation. This is why the Qur'an asserts that the best outcome is experienced by those who truly have Taqwaa ( Q 7:128, 28:83)
Footnotes
(1) The term used in the aforementioned text is Reeshan.
(2) A variant report adds "feet" to the items allowed to be seen on a woman in public. In a desert environment this makes sense.
(3) It is widely believed by Muslims in the Indian subcontinent that covering one's hair (for men) is a necessity, or at least highly recommended, during prayers in the mosque. This seems to reflect regional norms that are also found among some Hindus in their temples. Sikhs also have this custom when inside the Gurdwara. Most Jewish synagogues also require men to cover their heads.
