Can I Wear a Brimmed Hat and Ruana as per My Culture?
Answered by Ustada Shazia Ahmad
Question
In the region of my country in which I was born and have been raised, it is a traditional and identity symbol to wear brimmed hats and “ruanas” (a rectangular, heavy, and sleeveless poncho, used for warmth in cold climates and knitted in wool or cotton). Would it be permissible for me to wear them both?
Answer
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Modesty (haya’) is from Faith.” [Bukhari & Muslim]
`Urf
The way Muslims dress is largely dependent on `urf (local custom). While covering the `awra (navel to knees for men, and everything except the face and hands (sometimes feet) for women) is an obligation, there is no set ruling on what type of clothing is needed to do accomplish this. The idea of only one type of Islamic clothing doesn’t exist, as the many Muslims cultures of the world should be celebrated. In most Muslim lands, the style of clothing is largely dependent on `urf as long as it meets the requirements of Islamic law.
[Ustada]Shazia Ahmad
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.
