A Muslimah's Three Closets

Hijab, hijab and hijab! We have all heard from our mothers and ladies at the masjid that we should cover this and that and we all sat in lecture after lecture, but one thing I have not seen are examples or something telling me where and how to do it. Sometimes a visual works better. So, in my first attempt, I will try to draw a visual for both of us to use as a basic guide. Do keep in mind that this is just a basic guide and that it does not include difference of opinions. This is just to get you started or freshen up your hijab. InshaAllah.

Two Things to Remember before we get started:

1. There is a proper way to cover in front of mahrams(people you can't marry like your dad, brother, grandfather, uncle), non-mahrams(people you can marry) and your husband.

2. Hijab is not just a headscarf. Hijab is a curtain between your nakedness, its shape and those who shouldn't see or indulge in it.

So, lets get started....

My 1st Closet: Non-Mahrams.

 In this closet we should store clothing that covers everything but the hands and face. This also includes concealing the figure of our bodies but the hands and face. There are difference of opinions on covering the face, hands and feet. Scholars advise that the clothes should not call attention and that one should not beautify oneself in the presence of non-mahrams except for that which we have no control over. 

photocredit: Hijab House

The abaya is probably the easiest way to go, but depending on what part of the world you live in and the circumstances around you, you might need some other options. 

A tunic, blazer over maxi dress or skirt and even an abaya.

photo credit: pinterest

image credit: NurZahra

Also, a long loose tunic or long cardigans and blazers over wide-legged pants can work.

photo credit: R&K by Naima Kamel

A nice loose cropped top over a maxi dress can do the trick. If it is sleeveless, use a cardigan over it.

Photo credit: myamethyst-shea

The basic point is to conceal our figure. The building points of what colors and styles should be consulted with a learned person in Islam because we have circumstances that vary in the situations of our lives and also your environment factor has to be taken into consideration.

My 2nd Closet: Mahrams

In this closet, you include clothing that covers the minimum from the navel to covering the knees. Even though this is the minimum, one should always practice a higher lever of modesty like covering the breast and back. Not showing cleavage or tight clothing that reveal the size of your breast or size of  your buttocks and thighs and the same applies to being around the same sex. When it comes to uncovering around non-muslim women, it is better to make a good judgement if the woman you are unveiling infront of won't go around describing you.

photo credit: Lookbook

In this closet, you have a bit more room to play it up! You have the option of showing a bit of leg. A flowy skirt over-the-knee is a perfect option.

Photo credit: myamethyst-shea

You can show some arm or cinch the waist, while keeping the top area of the body loosely covered as well as the bottom part from the navel to below the knees.

 

photo credit: Skinny Hipster

When taking the option of wearing pants or trousers, cover your behind with a longer coat, t-shirt dress, tunic or oversize sweater.

via Madame de Rosa

Another option for when one is around mahrams(again, people you can't marry) are caftans.There those that fall right below the thighs, over the knees and floor length. Depending where you live of course and what your circumstance are, at times converts who come from different backgrounds, a long caftan might not be the best option unless it is in style because the people they are surrounded with are not used to it. Also, depending what culture you come from you can also find modest options in your cultural clothing. For example in the Pakistani culture a Salwar Kameez is a good option. 

Over-the-Thigh caftan

picture credit: Hijabi fashionista

Floor-length caftan

Over-the-Knee Maxi Caftan

via The Dressing Room

Maxi Caftan floor length

via The Dressing Room

3rd Closet: Husband

For this closet, since there is no aurah(nakedness) for the husband. Otherwise how would we procreate? Anything that pleases you and your husband is permissible. Mini skirts, tight jeans, leggings, tight tops, no tops, I mean whatever is going to make your marriage function in that department, do it, wear it!

via Black Sebath for the Religiously Fabulous

One point to remember is that if you have children, you should observe the hijab around mahrams. Only and ONLY to your husband there is no aurah.

Our bodies are made differently and some of us carry a bit more then others. So, even some loose clothing in a certain way might not work. Leaner sisters from all sides can practically benefit from all clothing cuts, but sisters with a bit more anywhere, a basic guideline is to aim for A-Line cut clothing and clothing with the seamline above the breast area. Also, keep in mind the thickness and thinness of the fabric. Thin fabric with natural movements or the wind will mark your silhouette. 

Well, sisters the above are just very basic guidelines. A way to help you organize your clothing and help you choose what to wear infront of whom. As you may already know or will know, there is more to it, but not really much more. The choice of colors, covering your face, whether to wear trousers, the use of heels, jewelry that makes sounds, covering the hands and feet are things that have a difference of opinion and should be discussed with your local scholar because other factors also need to be considered.

I hope you benefit from these guidelines. InshaAllah. And remember if you can see it, so can others!