Monday, January 26, 2009

Ghutra a New Fashion Statement but not really a New Trend!


The latest in Celebrity Fashion is currently the Ghutra or Shemagh. This is a scarf that is usually red and white or black and white with a diamond print or also in plain white, but also comes in many other colors and prints. While it may seem to some like a new fashion trend the Ghutra has been around for centuries as part of traditional dress. This traditional head scarf was originally made for men to wear to protect themselves from the hot sun in Saudia Arabia and other mid eastern countries. It is held in place with an Igal or an Egal which is a black cord made of wool or camel hair which sits on top of the head. Recently, it has turned into a fashion statement with many celebrities both men and women, wearing it as a scarf wrapped around their neck. We at Odds & Ends have carried Ghutra's at our store and on-line for several years. We have them in different styles and quality and at very reasonable prices. While they have been quite popular for awhile they seem to be gaining in popularity as the new item to have in the World of Fashion. Please visit our store in the Atlanta area or on-line if you wish to purchase this item. It is quite traditional and has been around for some time so whether you are looking to wear a ghutra for tradition or for fashion you can find what you want at Odds & Ends Islamic Store and One Islamic Clothing. Ladies can still wear a solid color hijab or head scarf in addition to a ghutra around their neck to enjoy this new fashion. We also carry Igals if you wish to wear it the traditional way. So enjoy the ghutra and we hope to have a place in helping each one of you to find the beauty and tradition of this wonderful scarf.

Common Muslim Terminology and Their Meanings

Common Muslim terminology is shown below. Due to different countries and their regional language or terminology, there often are different names or spellings used for the same clothing. That is why some terms have more than one name shown.

Abaya

An Abaya is a robe or dress that Muslim women wear over their clothing to cover their body shapes as instructed in the Islamic religion.

Jilbab or Jelbab

Jilbabs are also a robe or dress but have a more western look and are more fashionable to wear. Most Muslim women wear a Jilbab over their clothing to cover their body shapes as instructed in the Islamic religion.

Niqab or Niquab

Niqab is a garment that enables Muslim women to cover their faces from non-mahram men. Niqab is widely used by Muslim women who believe in the Islamic teachings of covering ones face also (besides the head and hair) from non-mahram men.

Long Blouses, Kurtas & Tunics

Muslim women dress modestly and do not reveal their bodies by wearing tight clothing that reveals body shapes and Muslim contours. Women prefer wearing long tops and blouses over pants to cover the hip and waist area. These are often called Kurtas or Tunics.

Thobe, Jelbab or Dishdasha

Men also wear Jilbabs or Thobes to cover themselves properly as instructed in the Islamic religion. These are also often refered to as a Dishdasha.

Kufi

A hat or headcovering worn by Muslim Men to cover themselves as instructed in the Islamic religion.



Islamic Clothing

Islamic Clothing From Huda,Your Guide to Islam.
Introduction: Islam has set minimum standards for personal modesty, which are reflected in the various styles of clothing worn among Muslims. While such standards may seem out-dated or conservative to some people, Muslims view these values of public decency as timeless.

Where to Buy: Many Muslims buy their clothing while travelling in the Muslim world, or sew their own. But the Internet is now allowing Muslims from all over the world ready access to a growing number of online retailers.

Colors and Styles: While Islam outlines a code of modesty, it does not command a certain style, color, or fabric. The range of clothing you find among Muslims is a sign of the great diversity among the Muslim community. Many Muslims choose to dress in conservative earth-tone colors such as green, blue, gray, as well as the usual black and white. Beyond this, there are no specific meanings behind the choice of color. Some colors or clothing styles are more common in certain parts of the world, based on local tradition.

Terminology: Different words are often used to describe the various styles and types of clothing worn by Muslims throughout the world. Often, the same type of clothing has many different names depending on regional language or terminology.