Designing gym clothing
QUESTION:
Is it permissible to design (only design, not produce) for a clothing company that makes gym clothing? The standard designs are tight, while some are short and they show skin.
ANSWER:
If you design clothing to be worn in public which reveals the Satr (the private parts) such as short dresses, skirts, short pants, etc. then doing so will not be permissible as it is tantamount to assisting in the disobedience of Allah Ta’ala. The Quraan Sharif explicitly mentions, “And do assist each other in acts of sin and transgression.” [Surah Maa’idah, Verse2]
There is no harm in designing a tight-fitting pants which is worn as an inner garment (particularly in the months of winter), or under the cloak which generally covers the entire body from head to toe. Secondly, it does not expose the skin or the shape of the body (due to the lose outer garment worn over it), hence the Satr is totally concealed. If somebody uses the garment against Shariah then you will not be liable for their actions.
Yes, if you design a tight top and pants to be worn particularly in gyms and outdoors, knowing full well that it will be used without an outer garment when exercising, then doing so will be considered as Makrooh, as these are the outfits of the transgressors and disbelievers. Although they may not expose the skin of the individual and may cover the entire body of a person, but it reveals the shape of the body. Hence, it will be best to refrain from designing such outfits.
In conclusion, although you are not manufacturing the clothing, you are designing the pattern which the manufacturer will follow, hence you should ensure that the design is Shariah compliant.
او خياطا امره ان يتخذ له ثوبا على زي الفساق يكره ان يفعل، لإنه سبب التشبه بالمجوس والفسقة (شامي ج٩ص٥٦٢)
فتاوي دار العلوم زكريا ج٥ص١٤١
فتاوي محمودية ج١٦ص١٣٨
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Maulana Ahmed Saeed
Date:- 07 Muharram 1445 / English Date: 26 July 2023
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb