To different degrees many Muslims agree that modest dress is an important part of Islam both as a religion and as a culture. Modesty in dress can range from long pants and long sleeves to a hijab (headscarf) or to a fully covered burka. Some Muslims believe that this modesty is called for by Allah (Muslim God) in the Koran (Islamic holy book). However, the degree to which this modesty is called for and how this modesty should be addressed is a frequently debated topic within and outside the Muslim community. Some say it is even an important factor in determining whether or not one will be accepted into Jannah (paradise) on Yawm al-din (judgement day after one dies).
In Muslim dominated cultures higher degrees of modesty are more common and sometimes even enforced by law, such as in some countries in the Middle East. The degree of one's modesty can even be interpreted as being indicative of one's religious devotion. However, this dress identifies one not only as part of the Muslim community but also as part of the Middle Eastern community. Therefore the rules for dress create a community that is reflective of the culture in that region.
Often times people are much more accepted if they follow the rules of dress in an area. For Muslim women, dressing modestly gives them more rights and greater strength within their community. This allows one to feel more accepted an integrated into the community that they live and to better embrace the culture and values of that community. In this way dress informs one's role in the community.
In Muslim dominated cultures higher degrees of modesty are more common and sometimes even enforced by law, such as in some countries in the Middle East. The degree of one's modesty can even be interpreted as being indicative of one's religious devotion. However, this dress identifies one not only as part of the Muslim community but also as part of the Middle Eastern community. Therefore the rules for dress create a community that is reflective of the culture in that region.
Often times people are much more accepted if they follow the rules of dress in an area. For Muslim women, dressing modestly gives them more rights and greater strength within their community. This allows one to feel more accepted an integrated into the community that they live and to better embrace the culture and values of that community. In this way dress informs one's role in the community.
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