All Praise to Allah
This glorious month of Ramadan will end soon but it will also provide spiritual memories for each of the Muslims fasting and worshipping Allah, Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. This month of Rahmah, of Magfirah and of ‘itqun minnar (month of mercy, month of forgiveness, month of freedom from the torment of Hell) ends with the arrival of the month of Shawwal (the first of Shawwal) which we call the Feast of Fithr. Eid al Fithr.
Eid al-Fithr is Allah’s gift to the Ummat (people) of Prophet Muhammad, Shalallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. It is not wrong if we greet it happily. As explained in a hadith narrated by Annas, radhiallahu ‘anhu:
“Prophet Muhammad came, and the people of Medina had two days that they used to celebrate in the period of Jahiliyyah. Then he said: ”I have come to you and you had two days which you used to celebrate in the period of Jahiliyyah. Indeed Allah has replaced it with two days for you better than that, they are the day of Nahr (Eid al-Adha) and the day of Fithr Eid al- Fitr)’. “
It is common practice for Muslims to buy new clothes for Eid, as it is a Sunnah to wear the best clothes we have, as Anas bin Malik, radhiallahu ‘anhu, said:
“The Prophet ordered us to wear a good dress for Eid, to use the best perfume we have, and to give charity with what we have as the most valuable.” (Reported by al-Hakim).
The Prophet Muhammad, Shalallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, was wearing beautiful clothes of Burdah robes made in Yemen at every feast day (Clothing made in Yemen was a standard of beauty and fashion at that time) at every feast. (Narrated by: Imam Shafi’i). Beautiful or good clothes in this case does not mean that they have to be newly purchased, but can already be in your possession and still excellent.
For most of us, shopping for Ramadan and Eid is a habit. Once these two occasions come upon us our minds become consumed, even if there are new clothes hanging in the closet. The common thought is: it’s Eid, therefore it is the time for a new shopping spree. Maybe it’s because for children wearing new clothes on Eid is so much fun and it makes them happy, so we are too, but we can use old clothes. When reusing old clothes that are in good condition we could save money for other purposes. Eid is all about love and joy, so personality is not solely reflected in the clothes we wear; it’s about the attitude we carry as well. So give our smiles, and spread the love we feel for each other even when wearing old clothes that look new.
These are some tips to make our old clothes look new when we wear them:
- Making old clothes into new fashions can be a wonderful way to create a different look on the cheap. With some easy steps and a little imagination, you can step out in new styles in no time.
- We can wear a lovely abaya ( long dress) during the morning and afternoon of Eid with different accessories. Change the accessories up for a daytime style, going for the smart/evening look.
- The simple tactic of changing your hijab style can also completely recreate an outfit.
- If you like wearing long skirts and blouses, adding lace along the edge of a plain skirt or top, or adding anything new to anything old, is usually a great idea.
- Use your imagination: try wearing a blazer over the blouse and put a brooch to accentuate your outfit.
- Pick up fashionable costume jewelry that you can wear with most clothes in your closet. Pick a long silver necklace with an interesting design.
- You can use scarves in nice ways that can make your old clothes look new.
Let’s just remind ourselves that Eid isn’t all about what we’re wearing. It’s a celebration at the end of Ramadhan; the first day of the month of Shawwal. Stay thankful for every blessing and for having been given the chance to recharge our faith, reminding ourselves of the importance of our relationship with Allah (SWT) to become stronger and better Muslims.
