A Prohibition against Revealing clothing in Islam
There are many things that Islam says we should do for the purpose of maintaining our dignity and keeping a check on immodest behavior, and something very significant when it comes to such an issue is clothing. Islamic teaching, and especially towards women is that they should not wear clothes which expose them or are simply an unnecessary pretense to covering up.
The advice to do with women’s clothing is derived from the teachings of the Qur'an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and has been given on the principles of retaining dignity and proper dress.
What can be interpreted as 'Revealing Clothes'?
An outfit which is considered revealing is defined as a garment, which displays any part of the body where it shouldn’t be displaying that part, something which is clear through because it is too sheer, or clothes which are too tight thereby revealing the natural shape of a woman’s body.
There's an underlying idea when it comes to buying clothes to cover the body rather than just something to cover you up. That is clothing should actually be 'clothing' of that nature which covers you up properly.
Therefore when someone chooses an outfit in the market for example the factors determining its use can be: the material and its width and fit and overall appearance. Clearly transparent, short pieces of clothing which emphasize shape are going to be less in tune with clothing with those principles compared to clothing which is made loose and appears solid.
A Warning: 'Clothed, yet Naked.'
Abu Hurairah (R.A) narrated: "Two types of people that Allah has not (even) seen are: \[1] women who have put on a dress yet are naked under it, and hypocrites amongst mankind..." In Sahih Muslim; the first category, the mention of the 'woman clothed yet naked' is indeed a serious warning that wearing clothing does not mean you fulfill the requirements of covering up.
This hadith, especially when explained by scholars refers to clothing that cannot sufficiently cover a woman; an example of such would be too fine material, too short an outfit, an outfit which you reveal yourself deliberately etc. It tries to encourage Muslim women to actually consider the purpose of the clothing used rather than if anything at all.
Clothing is meant to provide covering up
The most important aspect of Islamic clothing for women is that it should cover them up in the right manner. It must not be see-through and should not reveal parts of their body intentionally. When selecting an outfit for the day, think of:
2) Is the clothing made of strong/sufficient material so that my body will be concealed clearly?
3) Are my clothes very baggy and loose enough so that I can have 'coverage'?
4) Does this outfit make me flaunt my body?
5) What is the overall impression of my clothing?
These five questions can really help any person make ordinary clothing choices to Islamic clothes.
Believing women at prayer
The book of Al-Bukhari it is narrated by Aisha(R.A) that said "the Messenger of God (PBUH) prayed the dawn prayer, and during it he wrapped the believing women in their shrouds." Then he said, "When she had finished praying, she left. Nobody could see her from an elevation..."
This narration gives an idea of how people used their clothes at that period of time, the believing women attending prayers and so dressed appropriately in their outer clothes. It has also displayed quite aptly what a woman may wear when attending an event out at night when you have to ensure proper coverage even though you may not wish for it during the day.
Modest dressing is not just about clothing, it's about so much more...
Islamic modesty does not just stop at clothing, it includes everything that one wears and every manner one behaves with including clothing, intention, manners, beauty, and protecting the person from the sin or cause of sin. In a passage talking about dressing modestly for believing women, an order is made to 'lower their gaze and guard their private parts' (Qur'an 24:31), suggesting modest dressing is one small aspect in a larger, more thorough concept of modesty. So women can remainclean, smart and attractive but still be a Muslim woman who dresses according to the laws of Islam.
Choosing how to dress as a modern Muslimah
There are quite often certain items of women's clothing in the market, which you are not expected to dress with however, when buying an outfit, what is mostly taken in consideration by Muslim women today? It usually is how 'Islamic' this item will turn out to be based on our previously discussed factors. Loose outfits, dresses worn in a certain length, outerwear or the way clothes are worn etc.
One does need to remember that clothing need not be very traditionally based yet needs to make oneself modest.
Clothing at formal occasions, a meeting, during travels to another country etc all have varying interpretations that each Muslim woman needs to factor in and make a conscious decision.
Understanding the hadith's severity
As we remember these examples of what we ought to wear, try and remember the warning above. But more importantly, what can we derive from it? It is a serious reminder but is meant to encourage our individual selves to reform ourselves and be betterMuslima's rather than to blame other people directly with comments regarding their clothing. It is about each individual Muslim taking accountability of their actions of faith, intent and obeying Allah.
To Conclude on this Aspect ofIslam
In sum, the prohibiting of revealing clothes gives the lesson of true Islamic modesty. The hadith regarding women who are clothed yet naked clearly shows we need much more in clothing for them to appear as just dressed up. The narration from Aisha(R.A) does give a good account of just how believing women chose to cover themselves during the evening.
From these various narrations, the conclusion one can draw is to dress in whatever manner that provides sufficient cover, transparency is avoided completely and also the form of the body is not stressed too overtly.
This is only for Islamic knowledge informations not for hurting others