Question
Reference number: 543331 | Clothing and Accessories Legislations | Aug. 31, 2022
What is the ruling on a woman wearing a police uniform, which is not in accordance with the requirements of Islamic dress?
Answer
Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.
Referring to your question, I would like to say that Allah has imposed hijab on Muslim women for a purpose: to protect her and to keep a righteous society. Nevertheless, Islam does not prevent the woman from working.
Allah says: “O prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they will be known (as free respectful women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” Al-Ahzab: 59”
Therefore, the Muslim woman should consider her clothes as she works. She should also follow the restriction of the Islamic modest dress which are:
- What women wear should cover the whole body except for her face or palms. Allah says: “And not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent.” An-Nur: 31. Ibn Abbas explains this part “except only that which is apparent” as the face, hands and worn ring
- The dress itself should not be considered as adornment that attracts men’s attention.
- It should be loose so as not to wrap the body to let others able to describe the body, nor should it be too thin to let others see what is below it; it should not be transparent. The prophet said: “There are two types of people who will be punished in Hell, and whom I have not seen: men having whips like the tails of cows, and they will be beating people with them, and women who will be dressed but appear to be naked…” Related by Muslim.
- The dress (or jilbab) should not be perfumed as the Muslim woman is not allowed to go outside being perfumed.
- Women should not wear clothes that make them look like men. The prophet said: “Allah has cursed women who imitate men and men who imitate women.” Sunan Abu Dawood.
- The woman should not wear clothes which are similar to the clothes of disbelievers.
Finally, if the dress code of your career is in accordance with these restrictions, then this is acceptable; otherwise, you have to reconsider the issue.