The title says all; why is the traditional Burkha black?
I was asked this question, and I could not answer as I was asked does it say in Islam that females have to wear black Burkhas, and not white ones or coloured ones or whatnot.
I was dumbstruck. Light went out. Couldn't think. And actually, the question made me think too after being asked that is.
But I did reply by saying that the Burkha is meant to be simple, no ornaments or designs on it. But the person wanted to know why the black was significant.
Your help, please
(this thread can be moved wherever, I didn't know where to post it, thus posting it in the General Section)
Can your friend imagine a burkha coloured, for example, shocking pink?
The person is not my friend.
The person may not imagine so, but I have seen a Sister wearing one. In a wedding. The shocking pink definitely lived up to it's name in full glory. I was traumatised. Still am, as a matter of fact. Truly horrific. The colour should be struck off from the palette of colours forevermore.
format_quote Originally Posted by Abz2000
another practical use of black - especially in a hot country is that it can be light and airy and still not be as transparent as other colours
OK, I could say that. But is there any Hadith that says we have to wear black? Or is it just a cultural thing that stuck through the ages?
I know Muslim females should wear loose, appropriate, covered clothing. ALWAYS. But the person just wanted to know, "why black?" Why not white, especially in a hot country and asked is it part of Islaam, the colour black for burkhas. And added as black absorbs heat and white reflects heat, would it not be better to wear white
Last edited by Qurratul Ayn; 06-30-2012 at 08:42 PM.
only reason I can think of is black dye is cheaper. Also it does tend to hide form better as it makes one appear to be in shadow. As for any specific Hadith or sunna ruling I have no idea myself, though I did find this when i searched the Islam helpline website http://www.islamhelpline.net/node/1918
Thus I expect any outer clothing worn can be any color just as long as it isn't to bright or patterned to draw needless attention as the women doesn't want to stand out so much to draw unwanted attention. This said, there may be local cultural laws that are outside of Islam which may insist black is worn by women who are out in public.
I think it depends on the region and culture. I know that in some Muslim countries they wear the white ones, while in some other cultures they wear other non-black dark colors. And obviously, in Afghanistan I have seen the light blue one.
Wearing black for women is not a must. They may wear other colours that are worn only by women, do not attract attention and do not provoke desire.
Many women choose to wear black, not because it is obligatory, but because it is farthest removed from being an adornment. There are reports which indicate that the women of the Sahaabah used to wear black. Abu Dawood (4101) narrated that Umm Salamah said: “When the words ‘and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)’ [al-Noor 24:31 – interpretation of the meaning] were revealed, the women of the Ansaar went out looking as if there were crows on their heads because of their garments.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.
The Standing Committee (17/110) said: This is to be understood as meaning that those clothes were black in colour.
Search for one of my threads (can't remember the exact title but it has the word hijab in it). The colour black is the least attractive and eye-catching colour. Black clothing is more commonly worn by women when outside the home, which, i think, makes it easier for men to know when to lower the gaze.
And verily for everything that a slave loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace Him.” [Related by Ibn al-Qayyim in ad-Dâ' wad-Dawâ Fasl 49]
Search for one of my threads (can't remember the exact title but it has the word hijab in it). The colour black is the least attractive and eye-catching colour. Black clothing is more commonly worn by women when outside the home, which, i think, makes it easier for men to know when to lower the gaze.
To look like a ninja of course! Just kidding. But yes to me it makes sense to choose black to be less "noticable". There are however different cultures who have been purified by Islam and some of their burkas are pretty colorful. Pretty interesting but I can't remember what culture for now. Anways this person you are talking to, be careful as he/she might not really be interested to know why black/white as he might have another intention and if that is the case whatever answer you give him will not be enough.
to all who replied, shall use your comments when I next see the person!
format_quote Originally Posted by Hulk
To look like a ninja of course! Just kidding.
That comment has been said to me before when we spoke about the full burkha. I replied back saying and people will know not to mess with them as they are highly dangerous! Lol
format_quote Originally Posted by Hulk
Anyways this person you are talking to, be careful as he/she might not really be interested to know why black/white as he might have another intention and if that is the case whatever answer you give him will not be enough.
Well, the person is asking a valid question, and I am trying to answer politely and to the best of my knowledge, and now I have gained some, I shall relay it back. The person was curious and was wondering, and therefore asked me, seeing as I am the only practising Muslim in my workplace.
If it helps the person to better understand Islaam, and see its wholesome beauty, then yay! But I shall be careful.
Can't say why,i am not THAT old but to me,black burka is perfect.It looks sober and also,it has a feeling of awe which no other colors have.Here some women wear brown and grey burka's.I also had a grey burka with black scarf when i was in college but i begin to dislike it after some time.I like black burka with colored scarf they look nice.And i dont like so much embroidery on it.That always sound like a moving decoration piece to me
You can wear the most beautiful, colourful, dazzling and revealing clothes that you desire.
But when you leave home/ come into the presence of ghair men - throw a cloak/ abaya/ burkha over it (and hijab covering your hair).
We're not boring/ given up on life/ acting like old women/ depressed (--> some of the reasons you may hear from others, including muslims - to detract you from your hijab).
No, instead - we are saving our under-garments (the beautiful, colourful, dazzling and revealing clothes) - for our husbands......and none other.
And we have a personality and our own preferences.....beneath what appears to be a 'uniformed' way of dress.
Why does the world wish to admire that which does not belong to them?
In any case - dressing has never been cheaper, easier, more comfortable, more preserving of modesty and dignity - and above all else: more pleasurable in the sight of Allah (subhanawataála) - then that which fulfills all conditions of hijab.
Alhamdulillah.
Although rare, in my place there are women who wear burka, and there are men who wear long clothes like Arab, although with kufi, not kafiyeh.
But those women burka is not always black. They wear other colors too like green, brown, or blue, but always dark color. And those men long clothes is not always white, but also, green, grey, blue. However, always in light color but not bright.
Not sure about burkha but khimar and other islamic clothes might be very colored in many African countries. Ever seen how for example Somalian sisters wear?
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to all who replied, shall use your comments when I next see the person!
That comment has been said to me before when we spoke about the full burkha. I replied back saying and people will know not to mess with them as they are highly dangerous! Lol
but to me,black burka is perfect.It looks sober and also,it has a feeling of awe which no other colors have.Here some women wear brown and grey burka's.I also had a grey burka with black scarf when i was in college but i begin to dislike it after some time.I like black burka with colored scarf
they look nice.And i dont like so much embroidery on it.That always sound like a moving decoration piece to me
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