1.3-Paper 2

To what extent do rules on dress reflect or inform communal identity?

                In Islam, there are many rules on dress that most Muslims believe are important to enter Jannah on Judgment Day. These dress rules embrace being dignified, but also being fully modest. The modesty of this dress includes being completely covered, having loose clothing, and having clothes that are not see-through. Although every Muslim has different beliefs when it comes to dress, the majority choose to follow these specific rules as they believe it is following what Allah wants.

                The guiding principle for the conduct of a Muslim is “Al ‘Amal Assalih”. This is what the Qur’an refers to as righteous actions. This term covers all actions, including more than just the noticeable acts of worship. These rules on dress tend to reflect what Muslims believe and also reflect their moral values to a respectively high extent. Although a lot of Muslims choose to follow these rules, those who choose not to are not any less faithful to Allah, as some may assume, and it is every person’s own decision on how to dress and whether or not they choose to wear the hijab. A hijab is a head covering that some Muslims wear to ensure modesty over their entire body.

                While some Muslims dress modestly and follow the rules conveyed by Allah, others see it as only a way to identify those who study Islam, therefore using dress to inform. One’s dress can also reflect authority. Those who show authority and dress more modestly may reflect how serious they are about Islam and can also reflect how much control they have. When one is dressed according to Allah’s rules, others tend to obey them and see them as a religious, powerful figure if they too study Islam. With this it is very important to realize that this is not always the case, and can sometimes be a common stereotype of Muslims.

                Another way that dress can inform and reflect communal identity is the judging by others if Muslim women are not dressed modestly. A woman, whether dressed modestly or not, is to be treated with the privileges that Allah has given her. This includes having rights and being treated as an individual. A woman also has the right to be educated and to work outside the home. Muslim women can also be an imam, or leader of communal prayer, for a group of women. Although some see dressing modestly very important for women, it does not hold them back from their rights and they are ultimately not judged by Allah.

                Rules on dress definitely reflect and inform communal identity, but not being modest does not reflect how one views religion or their religious value completely. Although this is not reflected entirely, it still tends to be a large factor when others consider one to be a valued Muslim.