Breaking the Stereotypes: Faith is More Than Just a Dress Code

I can recall the first time someone told me, ‘You don’t look like a Muslim’. These words felt a little weird, almost as if my real identity was being questioned simply because of how I dressed. Actually, this was not the first time and obviously would not be the last.

Society has built an image of what a Muslim should look like, some believing that they are meant to come from certain places—long robes, abayas, hijabs and also the beards for men. The question remains: Is faith something meant to be measured by appearance?

The idea that all Muslims should dress in a certain way has been shaped by the media, primarily cultural beliefs and also religious expectations. Many expect Muslim ladies to put on hijab all the time, covered from head to toe or maybe following a specific dress code.

In reality, the holy book instructs all Muslims to dress modestly. Everyone has their own way of dressing modestly. Not everyone wears long robes and covers their heads all the time. We all backslide sometimes, right?

Islam is a worldwide religion practised by people from diverse backgrounds. The Quran emphasizes modesty, but it can vary widely. Most importantly, we share the same faith.

For me, dressing modestly is all about balance. Some days, I cover my head, and others, it's quite the opposite. I put on trousers, yet I still believe in my faith.

In today’s world that judges with appearance, this often leads to judgment from both sides. Muslims sometimes assume I am not really a Muslim because I don’t fit the stereotype they have seen from other people.

On the other hand, some Muslims believe that faith is only valid if it's only expressed through the mode of dressing. The pressure to conform to their expectations can be exhausting.

Beyond the comments and unsolicited comments, there is an underlying struggle with self-acceptance. You might question sometimes, ‘Am I a good Muslim’? Do my choices make me less devoted’? And then I remind myself that Islam is not about dressing to impress others; it should come from your heart but only to create a personal relationship with the creator.

Some people are facing almost the same struggle of discrimination in schools, workplaces and, for some, even at home. I know I am not the only one who doesn’t follow the ‘EXPECTED’ dress code, yet I am deeply connected to my faith.

The common thread amongst us is that we are all navigating a word that wants to put us in the box—either too religious or not religious enough. Truth be told, faith is personal.

Modesty is not all about one-size-fits-all rule; it is a principle that each person interprets in their own understanding and also circumstances. Those who wear niqabs ,those with colorful turbans and others who express their modesty in a simple way, we are all the same.

None of these choices makes a person a Muslim more than the other. However, the need to constantly explain and defend one’s faith can be very overwhelming. Why should someone have to look in a certain way in order to be accepted as a Muslim? This stereotype limits the diversity within Islam and reinforces the idea that faith is external.

Islam as a whole is more than just fabric; it’s all about faith character and sincerity. At the end of the day, one shouldn’t dress to meet the society’s expectations. It’s about striving to become a better person, connect well with others and lastly understanding that spirituality cannot be confined in a specific outfit.

Let’s all embrace kindness, honesty and devotion-not in where a woman wears a scarf or a man keeps a beard.

It's time to break the stereotype and embrace the reality that Muslims come in all appearances, each of them carrying faith in their own way.