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
