The Importance And Use Of Islamic Turban

By Bridgette Conway


There are various factors that could influence one's choice of garments. It may be a cultural, religious or traditional aspect. Among the most notable influences is the use of Islamic turban because of its rich tradition. This is a headdress made of long, slender article of fabric. The fabrics normally come from natural sources like wool and cotton. It may also be synthetic like polyester and nylon.

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.

Two types of clothing is used in traditional Islam. One is the qalansuwa, which is the borderless hat placed atop the head. Another is the imama, which is the nae given to the actual cloth used to wind around qalansuwa. This is what sets apart the Muslims from other Arab citizens who are wearing similar clothing. The turbans are believed to represent manhood, dignity and piety.

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.

This headdress has religious significance as well. It is considered abominable to pray bareheaded if it was out of laziness. Praying bareheaded may only be permitted if it was to show humbleness and a sense of submission. As the time gets by, this was slowly overrun. It is no longer required for the contemporary Muslims.

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 types of turban a Muslim wears may vary depending on his location. The Muslims residing in Bahrain and Iran normally wear a small white cap and black headwrap around it. While the Arabian Muslims commonly use scarf-like headdresses. Black, white and green are among the most popular choices of color for their symbolic representations.

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.

Lastly, only male believers wear Islamic turban. While women cover their heads too, this is not technically called a turban. Its female equivalent is referred to as hijab, meaning cover or curtain. This is still in line with a woman's obligations to dress modestly. Strict Muslim culture obligates every woman to leave only the face and hands visible.




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