Summer is upon us, and that brings a host of problems for the Muslim family. Just how do you enjoy the long, hot days and still maintain your conservative dress? Are you stuck inside all summer? Or, worse, must you suffer heat stroke to enjoy the sun and water? Not necessarily. Luckily, some clothing manufacturers have heeded the Muslims’ cries for modest summertime wear.
[h]Summertime Dress Code[/h]
Before we get to that, what should Muslims wear in the heat? Exactly what they should wear in any other weather, except of a lighter, thinner material! I do know some covered Muslims who wear bathing suits under a tee shirt. While it is not my place to judge, I can find nothing in Koran, Hadith, or modern fatwas to indicate that this is allowed. Sorry, folks, there are no loopholes on this one. The heat doesn’t excuse us from modesty.
What we can do is find more appropriate summer materials. Denim, fleece, flannel, and linen are all quite heavy and tend to be stifling in the hottest days of summer. Rayon, cotton blends, and some silks, on the other hand, can actually help you stay cool. Light colors are always better than dark.
I like to wear long, loose shirts in a light cotton blend over baggy khakis. Add a pair of cute sandals, and that’s my hot weather uniform! And yes, I’ve even worn that to the beach. Do I get funny looks, dressed from head to toe among the bikini-clad bodies? Maybe, but I try not to notice.
[h]Islamic Swimsuits[/h]
Now, on to the list. The following companies all sell “Islamic Swimsuits” or “Shariah Swimsuits.” These suits generally consist of a hijab, loose fitting, long-sleeved top, and pants. Most are made of a water-repelling material, similar to warm-up suits or scuba gear. Despite the name, I do not know if an official fatwa has been offered on this particular fashion trend, but it has to be a more Islamic option than a regular bathing suit.
- Jelbab.com offers Islamic clothing, including swimsuits, by Sajeda.
- Hasema sells sweatsuits and swimsuits for the Muslim woman, man, and child. Children suits are basically shirts and shorts in water repellant materials.
- Ali Baba is a Canadian company offering its version of the Islamic swimsuit.
[h]Other Hot Weather Options[/h]
I’m not convinced of these suits’ practicality. Honestly, I’m a little embarrassed to wear them. I still prefer to wear my loose shirts and pants. If any of you do wear the Islamic suits, I’d love to hear what you think.
Some other options for beating the heat include:
- Private pools.
- Going to beaches, lakes, or pools very early.
- Pools at women-only gyms.
- Finding nearly isolated, out-of-the way beaches or lakes.
- Renting a pool for your private use. Many YMCA’s and public pools offer their pools for private use at designated times.
[h]In Conclusion[/h]
I admit, the summer time is a real test for me. Before I became Muslim, I enjoyed sunbathing and swimming. Each year, I dread the summer months. And yes, I feel a bit foolish fully dressed at the beach. I console myself with the knowledge that I am following Allah’s orders to the best of my ability. I simply accept this as a test, and I pray we’ll all be rewarded for our sacrifices!
Related Articles:
- Summer is Coming… And What to Do With the Kids?
- Islamic Dress Code
- A Moment on Modesty (LDS)
- Looking for Modest Clothes (LDS)