Reviewed by: Shakira Ahmed
Fact Checked by: Shahina Islam

Is Fashion Designing Haram: At the heart of fashion and clothing in today’s world, a debate lies, that questions: Is fashion designing haram in Islam, considered an art form or just a vanity endeavor?
The Islamic faith has a long history of conservative beliefs regarding what is permissible and what is not. Within the realm of fashion, this has led to questions as to whether or not creating and wearing fashionable clothing is considered halal (permissible) or haram (forbidden).
There are many interpretations of the Islamic faith regarding fashion design, but the majority agree that it is not permissible in most cases.
Is Fashion Designing Haram In Islam?
Generally speaking, the concept of modesty reigns supreme within the Islamic faith. This means that fashion designing, and creating clothing that is considered revealing or excessively luxurious would be deemed haram by many scholars.
However, there are more nuanced views when it comes to certain types of clothing and their appropriateness for Muslims.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them”
which implies that fashion design should not be used as a way to imitate non-Islamic fashion trends or styles. Islamic fashion designers should stay true to the values of modesty and appropriate material when designing fashion pieces.
Islamic Scholar’s View On Fashion Designing
When it comes to fashion design, many Islamic jurists and scholars agree that fashion should be used with modesty and respect for the faith.
Clothes should not be designed in a way that gives off an impression of vanity or arrogance, but rather modesty and elegance.
The clothing should also refrain from being overly revealing or excessively luxurious, as this could be considered haram by some Islamic scholars.
Sir Sheikh Assim El Hakeem, a prominent Islamic preacher guided his audience Is Fashion Designing Haram Or Halal:
“We should not be too extremist when it comes to fashion. There are some basic rules of fashion that we must follow such as avoiding see-through clothes, wearing body-hugging dresses, and the like.”
Overall, fashion design can be considered an art form in Islam if it is done with respect for the faith and its teachings. He also added how the idea of runway shows where models present the launched clothing line by walking in front of strangers is haram.
Why Is Fashion Designing Haram In Islam?
The question is: why is fashion designing haram in Islam so Fashion design can be haram in Islam because it can lead to committing sins For example, fashion designers may use materials that are not permissible to wear according to Islamic teachings, or fashion designers might create fashion pieces that are too revealing.
At its core, Islam considers acts that involve
- Extravagance
- Immodesty
- Vanity
- Pride
- Revealing to be haram.
These types of behaviours are thought to create a sense of superiority and can lead to the display of arrogance, something which is frowned upon by religion.
Therefore, when discussing fashion design specifically, it is easy to see why some may consider it to be frowned upon. After all, creating clothing for people to make them look good may appear to be more about vanity than anything else.
However, there are many different schools of thought on this issue and it’s important to remember that no one opinion should be considered definitive when considering the matter from an Islamic perspective.
In What Cases Is Fashion Designing Halal In Islam?
In certain cases, fashion design can be considered halal in Islam. Generally speaking, fashion design is permissible when it adheres to the principles of modesty and appropriate material.
For example, fashion design can be used to create clothing that follows Islamic standards of modesty - such as avoiding see-through clothing or body-hugging pieces.
Fashion design can also be used to promote responsible fashion practices – such as using sustainable materials and ethical labor practices.
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Are Watching Fashion Shows Haram Or Halal?

When discussing whether or not watching fashion shows is permissible within Islam, there is no clear consensus among Islamic scholars.
Some believe that as long as one does not become overly engrossed in such events and refrains from purchasing items featured in them then it can be accepted.
Others argue that engaging with such events could lead one away from Allah and thus should be avoided altogether.
As with most matters relating to religion, it ultimately comes down to personal choice for each Muslim as to how they wish to approach the situation.
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What Are Fatwas On Fashion Designing?
In regards to fatwas on fashion designing specifically, there have been numerous rulings over the years by senior members of the faith who have addressed this issue in different ways depending on their interpretation of Islamic scripture and tradition.
The Quran (Surat al-Noor) says,
And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments (i.e., hair, body shape, and underclothes) except what normally appears. (i.e., the face, hands, outer clothes, rings, kohl, and henna)Let them draw their veils over their chests, and not reveal their ˹hidden˺ adornments ( i.e., hair, arms, and legs) except to their husbands, their fathers, their fathers-in-law, their sons, their stepsons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons or sisters’ sons, their fellow women, that ˹bondwomen˺ in their possession, male attendants with no desire, or children who are still unaware of women’s nakedness.Let them not stomp their feet, drawing attention to their hidden adornments.
Generally speaking, however, many fatwas declare creating and wearing fashionable clothing which could lead one towards ostentation as haram (forbidden).
They also advise against copying other religions’ designs due to the potential implications associated with this kind of behavior – such as disrespecting other faiths or promoting un-Islamic practices amongst Muslims themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is A Mannequin Allowed In Islam?
Mannequins are generally acceptable in Islam, though how one chooses to use them should be done so with respect for Islamic teachings and principles. For example, if the mannequin is being used to display fashion pieces that are considered too revealing or immodest then this could be seen as haram (forbidden).
2. What Kinds Of Clothes Are Not Allowed In Islam?
Certain types of clothing are not allowed in Islam as they go against Islamic principles. These include garments that are too tight-fitting, overly revealing, or extravagant. Additionally, clothes made out of forbidden materials such as silk and gold should also be avoided.
3. Which Clothing Is Acceptable In Islam?
The conventional view in Sunni Islam holds that males must cover from their belly buttons to their knees, though there is disagreement over whether this mandates covering the navel and the knees as well or just the area in between. Except for their hands and faces, women have historically been urged to cover up the majority of their bodies.
Concluding Thoughts
Is Fashion Designing Haram? Overall, though there are differences in the doubt, Is fashion designing haram in Islam? Many agree that caution should always be taken to ensure one does not enter into any activity which could lead one away from Allah’s teachings and His divine guidance for humanity at large.
Ultimately then, whilst there may never be a single definitive answer when it comes to matters such as these – moderation in all areas of life remains key for any committed Muslim believer seeking true piety through their daily actions both seen and unseen alike!