Background

Clothing worn by someone is of value to Allah S.W.T. Allah has set a general guide in dressing, which intend to cover the aurat. Allah S.W.T. says:

يَابَنِي ءَادَمَ قَدْ أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَارِي سَوْآتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا وَلِبَاسُ التَّقْوَى ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ ذَلِكَ مِنْ ءَايَاتِ اللَّهِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ

Meaning: O Children of Adam! We have sent to you clothing to cover your aurat and as adornment. However, the best clothing is the clothing of piety. This is one of Allah’s revelation so that people may remember.” (al-A’raf:26)

In the book of tafsir Al-Azhar, Prof. Dr. Hamka said, Allah reminded us on clothing of piety. In defining the original meaning of takwa(piety), that is to preserve, the clothing itself is to preserve the aurat(nakedness) so as not to be exposed and takwa also is able to nourish the soul. The verse above also tells us Islam does not prevent us to beautify ourselves. If we were to put on luxury clothing, colourful be it men or women till we become takkabur, than it is prohibited.

Clothing is s personal symbol to each individual. Through clothing we can assess the character or personality of a person because it indirectly reflects us. Islam emphasizes us to be properly dressed in our daily lives be it men or women as it can preserve the dignity of a person.

However, not everybody obey the laws laid down by Allah fully in their daily lives. Nowadays, a lot of Muslim women are perceived as being naked although they are wearing the Hijab. They simply understand the concept of covering themselves with a Hijab only in line with the trends and fashions of today, but not as what is ordered by Allah S.W.T. This clearly demonstrates the original purpose of covering the aurat has been derailed by what is required by Syarak.

When it comes to women’s clothing outside the house, it’s closely related to women’s aurat during Solat (prayers). Seldom do we see women wear “ready Solat” clothing when they go out. If they do, it will be easier for them to perform the Solat anytime. The number of women wearing “Solat ready” clothes are relatively very low. So, brochures that are provided intend to assist them in understanding the concept of covering the aurat better.