Monday, March 18, 2013

Understanding The Significance Of Wearing Islamic Turban

By Bridgette Conway


The garments that a person wears may may be influenced by many different factors. There are religions, traditions or cultures that could influence one's way of dressing. Among the most notable garments is the Islamic turban. It is a long and slender piece of fabric wrapped around the head. This may be made from synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester or the natural ones like cotton and wool.

Turbans have long been used even before Islam. The Arab culture regards men with turbans to have high honors. This is compared to a crown of a pristine citizen. Another type of turban, the phakeolis, was worn by members of the Byzantine army down the history. In western countries, the women can be seen to be wearing headdresses to cover 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 turbans come in various lengths and colors. One chapter of the book about prophetic characteristics named the standard length as acknowledged by the authorities. The fabric may measure between seven and ten yards. Nonetheless, a shorter turban may be around so long as it can suffice with one winding. Meanwhile, history shows that great Shaykhs used large heavy turbans in the past, measuring beyond ten yards.

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.

Presently, most Muslims wear the turbans to differentiate them from non-Muslims. This can develop a sense of group identity, make it easy to recognize one's brother in faith and strengthen social ties. Other believers may have chosen to continue living by Quran's instructions to dress modestly. Moreover, rewards may be greater if one is praying with a headdress on.

Depending on the country, the way a turban is worn may differ. Muslims in Iran and Bahrain are wearing black headwrap and a small white cap in the center. On the other hand, Arabian Muslims normally wear checkered, scarf-like turbans. The most common colors for the headdresses are white, green and black.

One common misconception about this piece of garment is that all male are required to wear them. The truth is the decision relies solely on the individual, whether he chooses to wear them or not. This can be likened to the skull caps that Orthodox Jews usually wear. Also, the turbans are not exclusive among Muslims only. Sikhs also use this garment.

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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