Syrian Jilbabs - How Do They Differ From the Traditional Dress

Different culturally conscious western and Asian countries have differences in their clothing items to distinguish them from one another; similarly, there is a lot of diversity visible in the Muslim clothing worn in various Muslim countries. Observing the jilbabs worn by women from different Middle Eastern countries, it becomes clear that there are various subtle and prominent differences between the cloaks worn by them. From Saudi Arabia to Oman, Turkey to Dubai, Morocco to Jordan, all areas offer their own distinctive touch and class to the traditional Muslim outfits.

Syrian Jilbabs are another example of a special type of overdress that is a long standing traditional symbol of the region. These jilbabs are different from those of originating in other regions in terms of appearance and style.

The Syrian jilbabs resemble the western over coats more than the typical jilbabs from other regions. Similar in style to the outerwear used for cold weather in many countries, these jilbabs are more form fitting with coat like collars and occasionally cuffs at the wrists. Another similarity between them and western outerwear is that they are worn over some form of clothing, so they too are an additional layering of clothes, which are used to cover up the entire body from the throat to the ankle.

Some Basics of a Muslim Matrimony

The Muslim religion is the second largest in the world and was founded by the prophet Muhammad. Many of the followers of Islam are residing in India. The religion has its emphasis on the community more than the practice and is also a guide to the principles of political, economic and social life. The word Islam means "surrender", so all Muslims are expected to surrender completely to the will of Allah, the supreme God, whose provisions are found in the Koran (Islamic sacred scriptures). So, absolutely everything intervening in the spiritual and earthly life is established in the Koran, including, of course, the rules that guide the family and Muslim matrimony.

Marriage is considered a sacred union as defined by Islamic law, and contrary to popular belief, monogamy is a common practice in the Muslim Matrimony. Women have primary rights on their home and their sons and husbands are obligated to protect and fulfill their basic necessities. For this reason, the ceremony itself is a private, civil and religious contract, which takes place in the mosque (Muslim shrine) and is registered in the registry office as well. The agreement set out in that contract of the Muslim matrimony should be discussed in advance by the bridegroom to be and the closest male relative of the bride to be. The closest male relative may not necessarily be her father. The bride must have consent to the marriage alliance.

Are Jilbabs an Article of Oppression?

The debate about extremism and oppression in Islam against women is a never ending one it seems. The media seems to keep on focusing on the rights of Muslim women being violated by mandating clothing articles that keep the body covered in the majority of Muslim countries. Islamic clothing items such as jilbabs and abayas that cover the body from head to toe are under constant scrutiny by feminine activists and women's rights spokespersons. Regardless of the fact that most Muslim women choose to wear these jilbabs and hijabs, the discussions never cease.
The point that the Western world and advocates of pro choice seem to have forgotten is that less than 100 years ago, women living in European and American countries also used to wear clothes that fully covered them from the throat to the feet. It was considered vulgar and inappropriate for women to expose their bodies to any member of the opposite sex. The long trailing robes and gowns made up the entire contents of the ladies wardrobe. In addition to these gowns, it was mandatory to wear fitted pants under the gown, in order to prevent even the slightest bit of exposure during movement.
So why it that the Muslim women are is told that the jilbabs they wear are made compulsory by the male dominating Muslim society as a way to oppress them? Why was it alright for the western women to wear clothes that were acceptable to the males of their society, but a Muslim woman cannot cover herself in order to please Allah? The women do have a choice and they choose to wear jilbabs and hijabs in most cases. They select these outfits because they are the proper way of dressing prescribed by Islam.
There is no way that an outfit can either oppress or set free any man or woman in the world. The apparel worn just symbolizes the choice of the person and how they opt to portray themselves to the world. A Muslimah feels confident and liberated wearing her jilbabs and hijabs, as they signify her faith and belief in Allah and his Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). These very jilbabs are mentioned in the Quran as the way for a woman to dress and every Muslim woman who chooses to wear them feels proud and honoured to be a part of the faith.
These jilbabs are definitely not a sign of repression and should not be considered as such either by the Western world. As a matter of fact, they represent the respect, esteem and value imparted to us by the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H).