Daily Life and Social Conduct
Wearing Thobe and Shimāgh in the West
Wearing a thobe and shimāgh in Western countries is generally considered attention-seeking unless it is common within the local Muslim community or society. It is recommended to dress like other Muslims in that country, avoiding styles associated with unbelievers or sinful groups, to maintain modesty and avoid standing out.
Questioner:
Is wearing the thobe (long Arabic shirt) and the shimāgh (head dress) considered dressing to attract attention?
Shaykh Muḥammad Bāzmūl:
Yes, it is considered dressing to attract attention. Wearing the thobe and shimāgh in the West is considered dressing attract attention unless it is common attire amongst the [Muslim] communities residing in that country, or unless it is common attire in that country itself or a person dressing in this manner does not stand out. Otherwise, wearing it is as if the person is saying “watch me! Look at me!”
So whatever the country, there is no harm in a person dressing in the way the Muslims in that country dress, while avoiding the attire of heretics and the appearances of Unbelievers and the sinful. He should only dress the way the people of Islām and the Muslim community in that country dress. There is no harm in that, in shā’ Allāh.
Contributor
View contributor archive →
