Is Subtle Design On Hijab Or Abaya Permissible?
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
Is it permissible for a woman to wear an abaya or hijab with subtle floral patterns or muted satin fabric in public, as long as it does not attract attention or resemble decorative clothing?
Answer
Thank you for your question. Yes, it is permissible to wear this item of clothing, but you should look at the standard set by religious women in your area (‘urf) and follow that. That said, if you know your clothing could be more modest, strive for it.
Islam is a religion of modesty. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“Every religion has its distinct characteristic, and the distinct characteristic of Islam is modesty.” [Ibn Maja]
And the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“Shyness does not bring anything except good.” [Bukhari; Muslim]
Please see more details here:
- Hijab Clothing: Desi-style, Arab-style, or Western-style?
- Why Must I Wear a Jilbab for Allah as Opposed to Other Clothing?
- Modesty: Kohl, Jilbabs, and Allah
- How Does the Qur’an Tell Women To Cover and What Does Jilbab Mean?
- How Should We Understand the Obligation of Khimar (Head Covering)?
- What Are the Requirements of Hijab?
- Is It Sufficient To Wear a “Shalwar Kameez” and Hijab As One’s Islamic Clothing Due to Custom?
- How should Muslim women dress in the West?
- Is It Permissible for Women to Wear Multi-Colored Clothes?
- Is It Permissible to Wear Hijab Accessories That Are Simple?
- Is It Permissible to Wear Elegant, Colour-Coordinated Loose Clothing?
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied ‘aqida, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
