Question Summary:
1.Is it permissible to dress in shirt and pants? 2. My parents insist I marry a girl who is not religious. What do I do? Question Detail:
I am a 23 year old individual. I have just graduated from a university and recently joined a reputable company for job. I am faced with 2 problems:
1) I have been wearing the Sharai clothing that is loose clothes e.g Shalwar Qameez for whole of my student life but the company I have joined is insisting me to wear formal clothes e.g pant and shirt. What should I be doing in this case?
Secondly is it jaiz to wear pant shirt if parents are insisting on certain occasions?
2) My parents are insisting me to marry someone who is not very religious. I keep on thinking that I must not reject as the offer is from Allah. But then I think my life would change because of this. What should I be doing in such a case?
Answer :
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
1)
It is encouraging to note your zeal of attiring the clothing of the pious. May Allah keep you steadfast upon the beautiful Sunnah of Nabī Sallallāhu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam.
It an ideal situation, one should dress according to the Sunnah. However, if one does opt for shirts and pants, then his clothing must conform to the following guidelines:[1]
It should not resemble anything un-Islamic. For example, resembling another religion or cult or having pictures of animate objects.
It should not resemble the clothing of the opposite gender. [2]
It should cover the Satar (from below the navel up to and including the knees) at minimum.[3]
It should not display pride and arrogance.[4]
The pants should be above the ankles.[5]
Keeping the aforementioned conditions in mind, you may wear shirts and pants if your parents insist.
2)
Our beloved Nabī Ṣallallāhu ʿAlaihi wa Sallam advised those who are searching for a wife the following:
»تُنْكَحُ المَرْأَةُ لِأَرْبَعٍ: لِمَالِهَا وَلِحَسَبِهَا وَجَمَالِهَا وَلِدِينِهَا، فَاظْفَرْ بِذَاتِ الدِّينِ، تَرِبَتْ يَدَاكَ»
A woman is married for four (qualities): Her wealth, her nobility, her beauty and her piety. Be successful (by choosing) a woman who is pious. May your hands be soiled (This is an Arabic expression meaning: I encourage you to do thus). (Bukhāri/ 5090; Muslim/3620)
The aforementioned Hadīth clearly highlights the importance of a partner's piety. Every proposal of marriage is not to be considered an "offer" from the side of Allāh Ta'ālā. You are correct in saying that your life will start changing by marrying someone who is not Deenī inclined. We advise you to raise your concerns in front of your parents in the most dignified manner. Explain to them the importance of having a partner who is Allah conscious and lives a life according to the dictates of Sharī'ah. Not only will she be a means of your success in the hereafter, but she will also be a means of peace and tranquility in this life for you and your family. Her Taqwā and piety will prompt her to fulfill your rights and your parents' rights. She will also be a means of upbringing children who are respectful, humble, and upright.
It is our earnest Du'ā that Allāh Ta'ālā keeps you steadfast upon the Sunnah, and that He takes great service of this Deen from you. Āmeen.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Hisham Dawood
Student, Darul Iftaa
Chicago, USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
www.daruliftaa.net
[1] Tuhfatul Ulama by Ml. Ashraf Ali Thanwi vol.2 pg.128, Idarah Talifat e Ashrafiyyah
[2]
عن ابن عمر قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم (أبو داود، كتاب اللباس)
[4]
وَالثَّالِث كل لِبَاس يكون على خلاف السّنة يكون لبسه مَكْرُوها وَهُوَ مثل أَثوَاب الْكفَّار واثواب الْفسق والفجور وَأهل الاشر والبطر مثل القرطق واسبال الازار وَتَطْوِيل الْكمّ وتوسيعه والجيب على الْجَانِب الاعلى للصدر وَنَحْوه
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