Title: Clothes and Religion Question: How are Islamic clothes related to religion? Carmine K Canada Answer: The concept of "Islamic clothing," is an inaccurate description as there is no such thing. Islam pervades the world with all its rich cultures and ethnicities. Hence, Islam does not seek to change a people and strip it of its aesthetics, cultural norms and preferences, rather it allows what is good and rids the society of any moral and social ills. "Islamic clothing", then becomes the physical presentation and behavioral expression in a person's attire. Both men and women are required to observe humility and piousness in what they wear. Pompous clothing and clothes made and worn to expose rather than cover ones body is to be avoided because Islam promotes a familial atmosphere between its adherents. The point is to dissuade people from allowing themselves to be viewed or to view others as sex objects or less. A person is not to be objectified but respected for the person who he/she is. All parties are responsible. Whether it's the person wearing the clothes or the onlooker, everyone must make a concerted effort to help develop a sense of humbleness and modesty. This is a moral obligation all Muslims are to share. It should be clear that Islam is not merely a religion but a code of conduct to live life. If we are to follow the path God has laid out for us then we must follow the rules as prescribed. This includes how we present ourselves and how we receive each other. Humans are social beings and in order for us to maintain our dignity as such we must observe the laws of appropriate interaction, which entails how we present ourselves and what we wear. I hope I have clarified the issue God knows best Ronnie Hassan April 4, 2003