Clothing from the Perspective of Islam – Part 9

In the previous post, we clarified an essential principle: Not everything practiced by people—or even done occasionally by the Prophet ﷺ—becomes Sunnah.

In this post, we continue this journey.

We explore:

• The types of clothing worn historically
• The mistakes people make in labeling them as Islamic
• And the clear boundary between culture and religion

The Turban: Description vs Obligation

We previously established that the Prophet ﷺ wore a turban (imamah) at times.

This is a critical distinction because many people take descriptions and turn them into obligations. But Islam does not work that way. You may wear a turban in that style, or in a different style or not at all

All are permissible. Because this is cultural and not religious.

The “Kamees” (Shirt): A Universal Garment

Let us now look at another important garment:

Kamees (shirt)

What is it?

• A stitched garment
• Often with openings (like modern shirts)
• Can be short-sleeved or long-sleeved

This type of clothing existed during the time of the Prophet ﷺ and was worn by people in society. Even today, most modern clothing like Shirts, Formal wear, Casual wear falls under this category. 

So, what does Islam say? All such garments are permissible.

There is:

• No restriction
• No obligation
• No “Islamic superiority”

It is simply a type of clothing used by people.

Proof from History: Even Earlier Prophets

The Qur’an itself mentions garments like “kamees” in the story of Prophet Yusuf. When his shirt was used as a means of restoring vision, it clearly shows that this type of clothing existed long before Islam.

So how can we claim: “It is Islamic clothing”?

It is not. It is human clothing across generations.

The “Suruwal” (Pants): Not a Modern Invention

Another misconception is that “Pants are Western… therefore not Islamic.” But history proves otherwise. 

During the time of the Prophet ﷺ there existed garments similar to pants called Suruwal. These were Worn occasionally and known among people

During Ihram, people were told not to wear such stitched garments which proves that they were already in use. So, pants are not the western invention or Anti-Islamic. They are simply one of many permissible clothing forms.

A Lesson from Misguided History

There was a time when people said Wearing pants and learning English is haram.

Why? Because it resembled colonizers. This is not Islam.

This was emotional reaction—not religious reasoning and it caused Ignorance, Backwardness and Misunderstanding of الدين. Islam never said to reject something just because others use it.

Instead, it teaches to Judge based on principles—not prejudice.

Lungi vs Veshti: Cultural Identity, Not Religion

In some societies:

• Muslims wear lungi
• Others wear veshti

Over time, people started thinking: “Lungi is Islamic clothing.”

But is it? No.

It is simply:

• A practical adaptation
• A stitched version of cloth

Originally, people wore simple unstitched cloth, which was later modified for convenience and practicality over time. Therefore, whether one wears a lungi, veshti, or pants, all of these are permissible choices and do not constitute a distinct religious identity.

The Myth of “Islamic Dress”

Let us break this clearly: There is NO specific “Islamic dress.”

Islam does not say to wear this exact style and avoid all others. Instead, it gives some Conditions and not designs

What Are the Actual Conditions?

Clothing must:

• Cover the required parts of the body
• Not be transparent
• Not be excessively tight
• Not promote arrogance or immorality

That is all. Beyond this, you are free.

Understanding “Jubba”: Another Misinterpretation

Today, many people believe: “Jubba is Sunnah clothing.”

But what is “Jubba” actually? In Arabic, it refers to a tight garment worn in cold conditions and not the long loose robe we see today.

This modern “jubba” is:

• A cultural adaptation
• Not the same as classical usage

Even narrations describe that The Prophet ﷺ struggling to move his arm in it because it was tight

So, it clearly shows that it is not the same garment, and we can see that Language confusion is leading to religious confusion

Silk: The Only Clear Restriction

Now we come to an important ruling.

Among all clothing: Silk is specifically restricted for men

Initially It was worn and later prohibited. The Prophet ﷺ declared It is not suitable for men of piety

But:

✔ Allowed for women
✔ Allowed in small amounts
✔ Allowed for medical reasons

Exceptions That Show Balance

Islam allows flexibility.

For example:

• Skin disease → silk permitted
• Small decorative silk → allowed

This proves: Islam is not rigid—it is practical

Using Silk in Other Ways

Another important detail:

Silk is prohibited for wearing (men).

But:

• Buying → allowed
• Selling → allowed
• Giving to women → allowed
• Giving to non-Muslims → allowed

This shows: The prohibition is specific—not general.

Silk in Furniture and Decor

 Beyond clothing, sitting on silk and using it for furnishings is discouraged or prohibited. Because Islam controls luxury and prevents excess

Final Reflection

After all these discussions, what do we learn?

• Clothing is flexible
• Culture is allowed
• Diversity is accepted

But:

• Mislabeling is dangerous
• Assumptions are harmful
• Ignorance leads to distortion

The Core Message

Let this settle firmly in your heart: Islam did not come to standardize your wardrobe.
It came to purify your character.

Wear what you wish—

But:

• Stay modest
• Stay humble
• Stay truthful

Do not say: “This is Islamic clothing” Unless Allahﷻ said it.

Do not reject a permissible garment because of culture and do not elevate a cultural practice to the level of religion because when religion is kept pure, Life becomes simple and hence, faith becomes strong 

May Allahﷻ grant us:

• Clarity in understanding
• Balance in practice
• And sincerity in following His guidance

Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allahﷻ.