What is it in a “Mere” Apparel; a Wake-up Call to the Sleeping Muslim? -By Hussein Adegoke

I have watched with teary eyes how righteousness in the religion of Allah is dragged into the mud of dirtiness. It is despicable seeing people who should rather be ashamed and culpable for their immoralities grow wings and be confident enough to enjoin you to dine in filth. I have observed how some men have brought shame upon themselves in their hallowed bid to feed, “feel” and be prosperous. Let me skip the anecdotes.

But I can assure you, a great number of the people in the world lack in the discretion (of their own affairs). They await an “uncanny” being who would guide them through their endeavours. This would be obvious from the approach they give to life; and their quick adoption of every lifestyle taken to be “in vogue”. You see them craving ripped jeans, dreadlocks, off-shoulders, skimpy dresses because, to them, these are the newest trends for civility and exposure. Would it even matter wherefrom these trends emanated? Would it be important whom it was that originated a fashion style? Apparently, in the world we live, it is almost impossible to be unguided (by a philosophy). The one person with claims of living a “free” world is the first person in captivity. They are those who jump on the train of “vogues” to embarrass their posterity.

In the world, there are a host of philosophies and religions, and customs and traditions. These do not exist for the fun of them. They are much in place to cater for and unite our ideologues. As humans, we are bound to generate contrasting ideas about morals, albeit not conflicting ones. However, the hypocrisy of a people who proclaim one and act by another is what is detestable. Do not be a Muslim and be one to operate the tenets of anti-Islamic practices. That would be absurd, alien and intolerable. You and everyone should rather be proud of his choicest proclamation.

A lot of things would be irrational based on people’s philosophies and perceptions; speak about alcohol, prostitution, theft, charity and compassion. But quite warmly, it is what humanity has agreed upon that we should be shrouded. The basis for the adoption of (a type of) garment is what holds conflict amidst us. To be naked is ignoble, we all know this, and this is arrestable to by all kith and kin; clans and counties; tribes and nations. Islam’s prescription and supposition that almost all the body parts of an adult female Muslim should be covered in fabrics would sound the most coherent. If all could agree we should be clothed, why would we do so partially, to fulfill only a part of that bargain?

Islam has come with Hijaab, Khimaar, Burqa—all sorts of clothing that shroud feminine nudity—and we can advocate logical standpoints to this essence. It’s crazy really how men lust after a “mere” human body framework which they live in no exclusion of; one as the buttocks. Funnily, a lady whose apparel enshrouds her cleavages is perceived to be modest and saved from filthy hands and minds, upon having those enticing “things” but only under her garment. In consequence, what is “fashai” (or immodesty) is reduced significantly within our environ since men lust only after what they see. Abortion thrives not; ditto prostitution, and criminality. A Muslim who cannot stand up proudly to this most logical principle can never be proud of anything, even his ancestry.

Everyone would do well to draw logic, if any, from what they profess. The rationale in the Muslim’s system of transmitting the dead, much early on, is what has been unrivalled till date. The concept of “mahr” or “bride price”—as also present in some traditions—which is an essential marital rite to hold also comes with the soundest reason. But then, there are many who are still “uncomfortable” with the rulings of their creed. They have refused to be untamed by it and we have had reasons to take them for the sleeping ones. Everyone—no matter what you have chosen to believe or worship—should be confident about his percept to life, hold it as true and should be steadfast upon it. Those who dilly-dally are the ones who have eroded humanity.