Comparing Jewish and Islamic Clothing

Clothing is an essential for all human beings. Its basic function is to protect us from the climate and weather; this can vary depending on your geographical location. Clothing can be used for many other reasons besides protection. "Different styles of apparel can be used to maintain levels of modesty, indicate particular occupations and roles, and signify membership of socio-cultural groups" (Paul Gwynne, 233). Using clothing as a symbolic method to express one's faith is also very common. The ways to convey religious views through clothing are countless. Specifically looking at Judaism and Islam, there are many similarities and differences in the ways to present oneself in public, in worship time, or even in one's home.

The arwah is an Islamic term that refers to all of the parts of the body that should be covered while out in public. The amount of the body that should be covered depends on how one interprets the arwah. Generally, for the man, below the belly button to below the knees must be concealed. Women are supposed to wear loose and thick fitted clothing so that the shape of the body is hidden. Some stricter interpretations of arwah state that women should be completely covered, including the entire face. This type of outfit is referred to as an Iranian Chador. The mask that specifically covers their face, including the eyes, is called a burqa.

For Islamic men, it is important to not get caught up in materialistic ways of life. Men are not allowed to wear gold or silver ornaments, and are also not allowed to wear silk. On the other hand, for women it is accepted to embellish oneself with nice clothes and jewelry. Because they cannot show their body due to the rules of the arwah, they use their jewelry and clothes to enhance their physical appearance.

Another very important, symbolic piece of clothing worn by the Muslims is the ihram. It is a two piece, all white attire that is worn during pilgrimage when entering the holy city. The all white ihram symbolizes that they are altogether dependent on the Almighty. Everyone also dresses the same because it is important that everyone in going through the pilgrimage appears the same. No matter what their social class; rich, middle class, poor, everyone is the same. The ihram is worn at this ceremony, and then never worn again unless it is requested by the individual to be buried in it at death.

A specific example of Islamic clothing would be the hijab. The hijab is a scarf only shows the face and covers the hair and neck. This is probably one of the most noticeable forms of Islamic clothing for women. Another piece of clothing used to cover the hair and neck is a khimar. It is similar to the hijab, but is used for most formal occasions.

Some people, especially women from the United States, feel that Islamic women are treated unfairly compared to Islamic men; there are many examples of this. Women have always been expected to dress a certain way in the Islamic faith. As described above, they are not allowed to show any of their physical features, except in some circumstances their face. Some people see this as being domineering towards women. Women are also expected always live the role of a domestic house wife, for a woman to try and get a job and make a living on her own would be preposterous. However, many Muslim women do not mind having to dress in a hijab. They prefer not having men only be attracted to them because of the physical beauty, but intellect and personality as well. "The hijab and the chador are a silent protest against the exploitation of a woman via the cult of beauty" (Paul Gwynne, 237). Also, some argue that they do not have to worry about sexual harassment, and it is easier to be in public in general. Islam is not the only religious group that expresses their religion via their clothing; Judaism is a great example of this, and there are countless examples.

A common article of clothing worn by men is a kippah. A kippah is similar to a skull cap, and usually thin and worn around the top of the head. This is a very distinct identifying factor for Jewish men, although some more modern women are starting to wear kippahs as well. This is not accepted everywhere, but is starting to become more common.

Another tradition for Jewish men is that they are not allowed to use a razor to cut or shave their facial hair. They must only use scissors, or if someone wants to go for a more clean-shaven look, it is now acceptable to use an electric razor because they are looked at as the same thing as using scissors. This tradition comes from the book of Leviticus where it states, "You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard" (Leviticus, Bible). There is no specific