8.3.3 Principles of the Social System

Chapters

8.3.3 Principles of the Social System - Introduction to System of Islam | System Of Islam

There is a specific dress code that the woman must conform to when she is in public areas, as well as covering her awrah. This concerns the issue of adornment. She must wear an outer garment, which consists of:

Khimar - this is a head covering which conceals all of her hair, and reaches down to cover her chest.

Jilbab - This is a barrel shaped outer garment which covers the whole body, and does not reveal the underlying shape or definition. This may be in one piece or two pieces. Allah (swt) says, “Oh Prophet, say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers that they let down over them their jilbab (over garment); this will be more proper, that they may be known, and thus they will not be annoyed.” [TMQ 33:59].

As well, the woman is forbidden from wearing bright colours or any style of clothing that will attract attention to her. This applies for jewellery, make-up, or anything which may make a noise when she walks. She is also not allowed to put on perfume that can be smelt when she is in public places. However, if she wears make-up or clothes which do not attract undue attention, she may wear these in public.

In the private areas, while in the presence of other women or her maharim (non-marriageable relatives), but not if in the presence of unrelated men, she may wear whatever clothes and make-up that she chooses, as long as they conform to the Islamic conditions (like covering the hard awrah, not imitating the clothes of the disbelievers, etc.). Allah (swt) says, “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their husbands or fathers, their husbands fathers, their sons, their husbands sons, their brothers or their brothers sons, or their sisters sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hand possesses, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments.” [TMQ 24:31].

These are some of the aspects of the social system, as relating to the woman or the man in their individual capacities. However, the Shari‘ah gives details about the rules regarding areas where men and women interact with each other.

Chapters

8.3.3 Principles of the Social System

Covering the Awrah

The Dress Code of the Man

The Dress Code of the Woman

Al-Tabarruj (the adornment)