Friday, March 15, 2013

Understanding The Significance Of Wearing Islamic Turban

By Bridgette Conway


Several factors can influence the types of garment that one chooses to wear. There are traditional, cultural and religious influences. One of the most predominant garments with rich tradition is the Islamic turban. This is a long, slender piece of fabric that is wrapped around the head. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester and nylon or natural fabrics like cotton and wool may be used.

Even before Islam was born, the turbans had long been used. In Arab culture, this signifies high honor of a man. For pristine citizens, this can be compared to a crown. The phakeolis, a different kind of turban, was historically worn by the members of Byzantine army. For western countries, women are commonly seen wearing headdresses covering their heads.

In Islamic tradition, two headdresses are worn. The qalansuwa or the borderless hat and the imama or the actual cloth wound around the qalansuwa. This sets the Muslims apart from the rest of the Arab civilization wearing the same clothing. The headdress is believed to represent dignity, piety and manhood.

The colors and length of the turbans may vary. A chapter on a book for prophetic characteristics, two measurements were considered by the authorities as the standard length. It may range from seven to ten yards. A much shorter turban is allowed, though, as long as it suffices even with a single wind. Meanwhile, the great Shaykhs in the past wore large and heavy turbans that exceeded ten yards in length.

The religious aspect of wearing the headdress is too great to be overlooked. Praying bareheaded because of laziness may be considered abominable. This is only acceptable when one is not wearing a headdress when praying to show a sense of humble submission. Over time, this belief was overrun slowly. Contemporary Muslims are not required to constantly wear a headdress anymore.

At present, the turbans are primarily worn to tell apart Muslims from the non-Muslims. With this, one may easily recognize his brothers in faith, experience a sense of group identity and enjoy stronger social ties. Nonetheless, some Islamic men opt to live by the instructions of Quran to dress modestly. There is a belief that praying with a headdress on increases the rewards.

The turbans may widely differ depending on the regional location. The Muslims living in Iran and Bahrain normally wear black headwrap with a small white cap in its middle, while Arabian Muslims usually wear checkered turbans that look like scarves. The headdresses are generally available in green, black and white.

Islam had its fair share of most common misconceptions among religions. Truth be told, wearing of turbans is not obligatory. It is up to a Muslim believer whether to wear a headdress or not. This can be likened to the case of Orthodox Jews, with religious leaders commonly wearing skull caps. A turban is also common among the believers of Sikhism.

Finally, Islamic turban is used by male believers only. Although the women also cover their head, it is not technically a turban. The female equivalent is called hijab, which means curtain or covering. This is part of the women's religious obligations to dress in a modest manner. In a strict Muslim culture, the women must leave only their hands and face visible.




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