Modesty: Kohl, Jilbabs, and Allah

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question: Is it permissible for women to apply kohl/antimony to the eyes, as it is from the Sunnah and is beneficial, even when they go out in public quite often?

Answer: Walaikum assalam,

If they can do this in a way that would not create undue attention, and not lead to people (whether Muslim or non-Muslim) looking unduly at them, it would be permitted. It is better to avoid in public, though, especially for young women, because of the mentioned considerations.

Would it be wrong for a sister who has been wearing Jilbabs/Abayas for some time now, to go back to wearing other types of clothing, such as Pakistani clothes or skirts and tops, provided they are loose and covering?

It is permitted to do so, but jilbabs are generally considered superior, as they are looser and more modest than most other types of clothing.

Above all, however, one must develop modesty in one’s heart, which inevitably manifests itself in one’s outward actions. This applies to all believers, male and female.

And the ultimate modesty is modesty towards Allah Most High, such that one feels shame if one even considers doing anything Allah dislikes.

This is why the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, “Allah is more worthy of one’s modesty.” [Abu Dawud and others]

Walaikum assalam,

Faraz Rabbani