Females wearing jeans
QUESTION:-
Please enlighten me with an explanantion as to why the wearing of jeans is considered as impermissible for females and why we aren’t allowed to wear them under the Abaya?
ANSWER:-
Indeed we are very fortunate that Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with a complete and perfect Deen. If we study the Ahadith of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, we will find that there are a number of chapters dedicated to the dressing of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Now, what was the need to record these narrations and preserve them in the books of Hadith? It is because we have been commanded to emulate the blessed Sunnah of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam in all aspects of our lives. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam stated, “Hold firmly onto my Sunnah (way of life) and the Sunnah of the rightly guided Khulafah.” This means that our dressing should conform to the dressing of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam (for men).
On the other hand, the Quraan Sharif prohibits us from inclining towards the ways of the Kuffar, whether in dressing, lifestyle, travelling and holidays, leisure, eating, sports, etc. The Quraan Sharif states, “And do not incline towards (do not associate with and do not imitate) those who do wrong (the Kuffaar), for then the Fire (of Jahannam) shall reach you and you will not have any helpers (to save you) against (the punishment of) Allah and you will not be assisted (by anyone).” [Surah Hood, Verse 113]
Now, let me apprise you as to who invented “jeans”? Jeans were invented by Jacob W Davis in 1871, and patented by Jacob W Davis and Levi Strauss on 20th May 1873. Hence, many jeans are labelled with these names. Females never wore jeans until 1930. Non-Muslim females would wear a simple dress and pants until then. Men would generally wear trousers made of cotton. The internet states, “Denim clothing was made exclusively for men as the material was more suitable for work.”
This clearly indicates that jeans are a western garb invented by the Kuffar for work. Females never wore pants such as jeans, but would always wear a skirt and cotton pants to conceal their bodies, which were generally loose fitting clothing. Since we have been prohibited from emulating the Kuffar, it is incorrect for a Muslim female to wear jeans, which also reveals the shape of the body in most cases. The same ruling will be applicable irrespective of whether one wears the jeans under the cloak or without a cloak. How many young girls leave home wearing a cloak but as soon as they are out of sight, the cloak is removed and they are freely roaming about with jeans and tops. Nowadays, it is not just a matter of revealing the shape of the body, but we are purchasing torn jeans to keep up with trends, thus even the Satr becomes exposed in many instances. Also, women that imitate and resemble men are cursed in the Hadith. Hence, the impermissibility of the clothing for females is quite apparent. Men, too, should dress in accordance to the Sunnah and refrain from donning jeans or other western clothing as far as possible.
Clothing is a bounty of Allah Ta’ala which was granted to us to conceal our bodies and private parts. Allah Ta’ala states, O children of Aadam! We have indeed sent clothing down to you (made the raw materials for you and taught you how to make it) so that you may conceal the private parts of your bodies, and (We have sent it to you) as a means of beautification. (However, besides physical clothing, We have also sent for you spiritual clothing, so remember that) The clothing of Taqwa is best (because it offers you protection from all evil). This (clothing) is from the Aayaat of Allaah so that you may take heed (so that you may think about it and realise Allaah’s great powers and His favours to you).” [Surah A’raaf, Verse 26]
The need of concealing the private parts and furthermore, for beautification, can be fulfilled in simple, modest clothing. Hence, the elders and seniors who were embodiments of bashfulness and modesty, never permitted females to dress in jeans. Through western influence and adopting western clothing, we have lost our Hayaa (shame and modesty) to the extent that, wearing the clothing of men is regarded as acceptable and meritorious to many. This has further resulted in us following them in all matters of life even though these may be against the teachings of Shariah.
In conclusion, the clothing we wear certainly has an impact on our behaviour. When a child wears a police uniform, then he behaves like a policeman; when dressing like “Batman”, “Spiderman” or “Superman”, they act accordingly. Likewise, a person who dresses in accordance to Sunnah, behaves like a Muslim. Even if he intends entering a cinema or casino, he would refrain as he, or she, is dressed in accordance to Shariah. Hence, the clothing of Shariah, besides motivating one to please Allah Ta’ala, also prevents one from unlimited sins, whilst western clothing will rob one of shame and modesty, and lead one to various forms of wrongs, even though we may not understand it. May Allah Ta’ala guide us all. Ameen!
حدثنا عبد الله بن العلاء يعني ابن زبر قال: حدثني يحيى بن أبي المطاع، قال: سمعت العرباض بن سارية، يقول: قام فينا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ذات يوم، فوعظنا موعظة بليغة، وجلت منها القلوب، وذرفت منها العيون، فقيل يا رسول الله: وعظتنا موعظة مودع، فاعهد إلينا بعهد، فقال: «عليكم بتقوى الله، والسمع والطاعة، وإن عبدا حبشيا، وسترون من بعدي اختلافا شديدا، فعليكم بسنتي، وسنة الخلفاء الراشدين المهديين، عضوا عليها بالنواجذ، وإياكم والأمور المحدثات، فإن كل بدعة ضلالة» (سنن ابن ماجة)
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:-
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date:- 20 Dhul Qa’dah 1444 / 10 June 2023