May a Muslim Girl Wear Loose Trousers, Jackets and Short Tops Instead of Skirts?
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
I am developing my own liking of clothes. Am I sinful for not liking skirts, long dresses, pink, red, makeup and shiny clothes? I prefer simple, structured clothing. How can I dress in front of mahrams and ladies? I overthink a lot.
Can I wear jackets, jumpsuits, hoodies, blazers and coat suits made for ladies, with loose pants, trousers and jeans? Can I wear tops to mid-thigh, covering my buttocks fully, as with shalwar and a short kurti? When I sit or bend, the knee shows its shape; is that okay? Can I wear collars, zips and pockets, or a skirt above the knee over loose leg wear? I love sports, and skirts get stuck. I want to dress modestly but also boldly. Kindly answer all my doubts.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Yes, these clothes are permissible for you, as long as they cover what must be covered loosely and modestly.
It is not a requirement that you to cover with a skirt. Loose trousers with a top over your hips, a jacket, a blazer, a hoodie, collars, zips and pockets are all fine when they are loose, opaque, made for women, and modest in the eyes of decent people.
What About Colors? And Caution About Contemporary Fashions
Nor is it a sin to dislike pink, long dresses or makeup. Taste is a gift, not a test.
One thing deserves your care. Much of today’s fashion, for men and women alike, is built to highlight and even “exhibit” the body’s shape through tightness, especially around its private areas.
This is something to be aware of, and be wary of.
If your clothes hide your shape when you stand, sit and run, you have done what is asked. A knee’s outline pressing through loose cloth when you sit is not exposure, so let that one go.
With Mahrams and Women
With mahrams and other women, the expected covering is easier: the navel to the knee stays covered, and before men of your family, the back and stomach too. (See related answers, below and on SeekersGuidance.)
But you can aim higher than the mere minimum:
Allah Most High says: “O children of Adam: We have sent down on you clothing that conceals your shameful parts, and finery; And the raiment of godfearingness, that is better.” [Quran 7:26; Keller, The Quran Beheld]
Your clothes can be both covering and “finery;” the best garment is the heart beneath them. Your clothing itself can convey the meanings of modesty, dignity, honor, as well as elegance and beauty.
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Modesty brings nothing but good.” [Bukhari] And he said (Allah bless him and give him peace), “Every religion has a character, and the character of Islam is modesty.” [Bayhaqi, Shuʿab al-Iman]
So dress with intention, for the sake of Allah Most High. A young woman who is confident, sporty, and clearly modest shows her friends that dignity and joy go together, and he said, “Whoever guides to good has the like of the reward of the one who does it.” [Muslim]
You do not need a rule for every garment. Rather, ask yourself just one question as you dress: Is it loose, and does it honor my modesty?
May Allah make your modesty a light for you and for everyone who sees it.
And Allah knows best.
Faraz Rabbani
Related Answers
One. Wearing Western-style Women’s Clothing and Dressing Modestly — Shaykh Faraz Rabbani: Trousers are permitted when loose and the midsection is covered; local custom decides the rest.
Two. Is It Permissible to Walk Around Topless in Front of Unmarriageable Kin? — Ustadh Tabraze Azam: Before mahrams, a woman covers from navel to knee, and her stomach and back.
Three. Can Women Wear Colorful Clothing? — Ustadh Salman Younas: There is no universal rule on colors; general guidelines of modesty apply.
«النصوص» · Source-Texts
[البخاري، صحيح البخاري]
«الْحَيَاءُ لَا يَأْتِي إِلَّا بِخَيْرٍ»
[البيهقي، شعب الإيمان]
«إن لكل دين خلقًا وخلق الإسلام الحياء»
[صحيح مسلم]
«مَنْ دَلَّ عَلَى خَيْرٍ فَلَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِ فَاعِلِهِ»
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan. In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era. Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs. Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School.” This book, published by White Thread Press in 2004, is a significant contribution to Islamic literature. His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse. Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.
