While it is absolutely correct that one should not judge a book by its cover, often the cover does indicate what the book contains. When one possesses the true love of Allah Ta‘ala and His beloved Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in the heart, that love will certainly manifest itself in all one’s actions and deeds. It will also dictate one’s likes and dislikes. The true love for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) will make one love every aspect of his way of life. It will also generate the deep dislike for the way of life of his enemies.
Modern-day fashions, the creations of those who reject Allah Ta‘ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), are in direct opposition to the mode of dress that Islam advocates for men and women. But alas, Muslims also take pride in donning the fashions of the west, the very west which hates Islam and the Muslims to the core.
Consciousness
However, with the various efforts of Deen – the efforts of Da’wat and Tableegh, the Madaaris, the Khanqahs and other individual and collective efforts – a consciousness has gradually been created and many people have abandoned the way of life of the West and adopted the sunnah.
As far as dressing is concerned, numerous males, young and old, have happily adopted the kurtah. They even find it more comfortable than the stuffy coat and they have been relieved of the western noose around their necks – the tie. Similarly, many women have adopted cloaks when they have to leave the home out of necessity rather than parade shamelessly. However, the Shayateen have not spared the cloak as well.
Designer Labels
The new “fashion” (may Allah Ta‘ala save us) is attractive, multi-colored ladies cloaks with designer names boldly emblazoned on them. The purpose of the cloak for women is to conceal oneself in a plain, unattractive garment so that the attention of strange men is not drawn towards one. Parading with bold designer labels and other eye-catching accessories is in reality tantamount to screaming out: “Please look at me. See what I am wearing!” The evil of riyaa (ostentation) literally drips from such labels.
It is reported in a narration that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: “The one who will wear clothing of show in this world, Allah Ta‘ala will clothe him with clothing of disgrace on the Day of Qiyaamah”. (Sunan Abi Dawood #4031).
The same applies to the fashionable kurtas worn by many males with Western brand names and logos. Although, it is definitely better than wearing the clothing of the Kuffaar, it is still within the ‘fashion trap’ that they have set for us. Let us escape from the traps of fashion and enter completely into the simple ways of the sunnah.