Selling women's western clothing
Q: I am a young mom and don't work because of my little one. My husband isn't earning much so I recently started a business from home to at least fullfil my own needs. I sell online women's western clothes like skirts, cropped tops, jeans, etc.
I invested some money in it (my small savings I had) but the other day a thought came to my mind if it's halaal to sell such kind of clothes. Having said that most of my customers are Christians. Can you please help me if it's okay to sell such clothes to non-Muslim women?
A: Islam commands that one dresses in a respectful and decent manner, upholding the dictates of shame and modesty. Hence, Islam commands women to wear clothing that are long, flowing garments that are non-transparent and do not reveal the shape of a woman's body.
The western attire for women opposes the Islamic principles of shame and modesty as they promote clothing that are transparent, tight-fitting and revealing the shape of a woman's body.
If the western, kuffar clothing which you are selling is such that it resembles men's clothing, then it will not be permissible for you to sell such clothing as the hadith has cursed women who imitate men in their dressing and attire and cursed men who imitate women in their dressing and attire.
If the clothing is outdoor clothing and is such that it is tight-fitting, body-hugging clothing which reveals the shape of a woman's body, or it is transparent and a woman's body may be seen through the clothing, or the clothing promotes indecency and shamelessness (e.g. mini skirts), then this type of clothing also should not be sold by a Muslim. We are prohibited in the Hadith from adopting the styles and fashions of the kuffaar and promoting their values.
However, it is permissible for you to sell women's clothing that are not indecent and are not against the Islamic teachings.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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