Denim Clothing, Saris, and Imitating the Unbelievers

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question: Would it be considered ‘imitating the unbelievers’ to wear denim clothing or a sari?

Answer: In the name of Allah, Most Merciful.

Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

It is not disliked to wear denim clothing (such as a jilbab for women, or loose jeans), if it fulfills the conditions and proprieties of modest Muslim clothing.

As for a sari, if it is properly covering, loose, and modest, then it is permitted to wear without dislike. The sari is a common cultural dress of Muslims and is not a distinguishing sign of disbelief or corruption.

This is what the texts of the Hanafi school would entail, and what leading scholars we have consulted state.

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam,

Faraz Rabbani