There is no doubt that clothes are a great blessing that God has bestowed upon people because, different from animals, humans do not have fur, feathers, dry or wet scales, as animals do. In this regard, we are unique. Human skin is virtually bare. Therefore, the need of clothes is not something which has emerged later in human society; it has always been an intrinsic part of our civilization.
There could be a great wisdom behind the existence of bare skin and the need of clothes. The urge to cover the body has forced humans to learn and grow the clothing industry. Perhaps, the need of covering the body is the first thing which has forced humans develop the world, be engaged in trade, exchange goods, establish cultures and traditions, come up with new terms and words, improve hand dexterity and acquire new skills, spend time weaving and knitting, treating the skin of animals and making from it leather – a widespread raw material for the garment industry.
Thus, it is not a coincidence that God has created humans with a bare skin. Apart from the existence of special brain capacity and intellect, bare skin is another unique feature of humans. The need to cover the body has compelled us give rise to a great human civilization because a large portion of human activity is related to clothing production and fashion industry.
The Qur’an has underlined this important fact by saying, “O children of Adam! We have provided for you clothing to cover your nakedness and as an adornment. However, the best clothing is righteousness. This is one of Allah’s bounties, so perhaps you will be mindful.” [7:26].
While clothes are a necessity to cover the body, nudity and exposure of body have also been a human desire, as it is related primarily with sex. In fact, there has been a clash between those who observe modesty and full cover of the body, and those who are driven by the desire to do the opposite.
Certainly we can say that clothing is an essential part of human civilization. It represents beauty and piety whereas nakedness is a symbol of sex and lewdness and indecency. Clothing and public outfit have always been part of the public debate, as well as they’ve been the object of legislations and religious obligations.
In the end, we all know that covering the body is a pure act of piety and decency, as well as it is a blessing, while exposing it is directly related to sex and indecency, but on top of that, humiliating humans – the children of Adam, by making them expose their bodies is an original goal of Satan, as the Qur’an says:
“O children of Adam! Do not let Satan deceive you as he tempted your parents out of Paradise and caused their cover to be removed in order to expose their nakedness. Surely he and his soldiers watch you from where you cannot see them. We have made the devils allies of those who disbelieve.”
Indeed, clothes are beautiful, a blessing, and a symbol of piety.
Sabri Lushi
