New Delhi: In a statement that might
trigger a dress-code debate, leading Islamic seminary Darul
Uloom Deoband has said that wearing jeans or other
tight-fitting clothes is not appropriate as per religious
beliefs.
In another controversial observation, it said a couple
should first seek the opinion of a 'hakim' or Unani
practitioner before resorting to use contraceptives if needed
for medical reasons.
However, a Muslim social activist and a gynaecologist
from the community felt that such fatwas are rarely followed
by the people.
In a posting yesterday, the seminary said wearing
'skin-tight' dresses is "not lawful" and that clothes should
be "loose and simple".
It gave its opinion on the issue when asked by a woman
whether wearing "skin tight" trousers and jeans were allowed
as per religious beliefs.
"It is not lawful," the seminary said in its response
that is posted on the 'fatwa online' section of its website.
Also asked if it was permitted to wear loose pajamas
or jeans with a frock that stretches below the knees,
accompanied by a head scarf, the scholars again replied in the
negative.
"Nobody follows them (fatwas) anyway," she said,
adding such queries are many a time instigated by people who
want to distract attentions from real issues confronting the
society and the minority community.
Gynaecologist Rehana Jabeen felt that such a statement
coming from a leading religious seminary could be harmful for
women.
"Anybody can understand that the advice of a doctor is
crucial, but if you go by this fatwa, it is the advice of the
hakims that is to be adhered to, which is obviously not a very
logical thing to do," she said.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, December 22, 2010, 21:08