Fashion is a test
of the very severe kind. In fact, it is a madness and an obsession
that has afflicted many. It makes a person blind, except to the
chase of keeping up with the latest fashion trends, styles and designs;
which are ever changing.
Have we ever stopped to think that one day, very
soon, we will leave this world wrapped in a simple kafan (shroud),
the pattern and style of which has remained the same and will always
remain as is ?
How senseless it is to make fashion the ‘be
all and the end all’ of our lives, when the inescapable
occasion of death calls for just one kafan, with
no designer names or brand labels.
Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddeen Rumi (رَحْمَةُ
اللهِ عَلَيْهِ) makes
plain this reality :
The world is ‘darul ghuroor’
- A world of deception
The day man is delivered to his grave,
Nothing except his shroud accompanies him
Since some people would have even competed in giving
a costly kafan, Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said
: “Do not be extravagant in shrouding, for it will be
quickly decayed.”
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِىَ
الله عَنْهُ) had
also mentioned before his demise : ‘…New clothes
befit the living and old clothes befit the decaying body.’ This
does not mean that new material must not be used for the kafan;
rather it was said to prevent any kind of “competition”
and differentiation in the kafan of rich from poor.
To wear good clothes, eat fine food and live well
is not Haraam (forbidden), if the earnings are Halaal (lawful) and
our obligations to the poor and needy are also met.
Many Muslims do not fulfill the obligation of Zakaat
and Sadaqaat which is obligatory upon them, thus denying the poor
and needy what rightfully belongs to them. This is a very major
sin and the punishment is very severe.
Whilst it is permissible to eat good food, dress
well, etc. but to be lavish, exceeding all bounds of Islamic guidelines,
ignoring the plight and the dire circumstances of the poor and needy
is not acceptable. Many are without employment, food and homes –
more especially in these times wherein inflation has gone through
the roof, and a loaf of bread and a litre of milk are beyond the
means of the poor. We should be considerate and remember that we
will be questioned about our expenditure on the Day of Qiyaamah.
…What has to be understood is that we must
not become slaves of passion and fashion, nor should our dressing
be a source of pride and arrogance.
It is within acceptable limits to wear beautiful
clothes, out of appreciation for the wealth bestowed upon us. A
Hadith makes mention :“Allah loves to see the effects
of His blessing on His slave.’’
Another Hadith states: “Allah
is Beautiful and loves beauty. Pride means denying the truth and
looking down on people.”
Allah Ta’ala highlights this outward adornment
as a Divine Blessing, but categorically states that the best adornment,
is the adornment of righteousness.
“O Children of Adam!
We have bestowed clothing upon you to cover yourselves and as an
adornment, and the clothing of righteousness, that is the best.
Such are among the Signs of Allah, that they may receive admonition.”
[Suratul-A’raaf 7:26]
Thus, our clothing and accessories should not become
the medium of us falling prey to the deadly diseases of takabbur
(pride), ujub (vanity) and riyaa (show and ostentation),
as is so common today.
We have been cautioned in the Hadith in regards
to even the intention behind our dressing: “Whoever
wears garments for fame, Allah will clothe him with the garment
of disgrace.”
It is this diversion and game of “fashion”
which literally gulps and swallows Muslim money and opens the doors
of wastage, extravagance, rivalry, living beyond one’s means,
purchasing on interest; and being negligent of the purpose of this
worldly life.
…There is great ease and comfort in simple
living without being shackled by the need to change with changing
designs and fashion.Simplicity is a part of Imaan and
‘The dress of Righteousness
- that is the best.’
[Surah Al-Araf 7 : 26]
There are those who use the Ahadith on
neatness, taharah, etc. as justification for modern day lavishness;
whereas fashion, lavishness and extravagance are very different
from neatness and good grooming.
Hazrat Khwaja Azizul Hasan Majzoob (رَحْمَةُ
اللهِ عَلَيْهِ) has
very aptly stated :
You are always concerned : ‘I
must remain above all.
My fashion and beautification must excel all.’
Is this how one who is going to die, lives ?
The outward beauty of the world has deceived you.
|