In Islam, wearing black clothing is considered makruh (discouraged); therefore, the black chador is also viewed as makruh. Below, we will review the opinions of Islamic scholars on this matter.
"The Hijab Is a Woman's Jewel"—this is not a phrase coined today or yesterday. For centuries, even before the advent of Islam, hijab and modesty held a prominent place in Iranian culture, and the chastity and modesty of Iranian women were widely recognized.
After the arrival of Islam in Iran, this value became even more prominent in the fabric of Iranian Islamic society, and its traces became increasingly visible in people's lives.
However, with the advancement of communication technologies, hijab became a focal point for the West's cultural war against Iran.
The West and Zionism have targeted hijab, which holds a special place in the authentic Iranian-Islamic culture, and have launched a range of anti-cultural strategies to promote immodesty, especially among the younger generation.
For this reason, women in the Islamic society of Iran today must act in a way that sets an example for women in other countries and must strive diligently to convey the concept of hijab to young girls, thus neutralizing and overcoming this Western ploy.
Yet, every year when summer and hot weather arrive, the presence of immodestly dressed individuals becomes more noticeable in public. It seems the heat is used as an excuse for inappropriate attire among some young women and men—clothing that does not reflect the values of the children of Islamic Iran.
Many politicians blame the cultural state of hijab on the 9th and 10th governments, arguing that despite the passage of the Hijab and Modesty Law in 2005, the situation has not improved as expected.
Meanwhile, government officials claim they have effectively promoted the culture of hijab in society and fully implemented the Hijab and Modesty Law.
Regardless of who is at fault, it makes no difference—what is clear is that all institutions and organizations in the country must join forces to overcome this significant cultural and social challenge.
In the midst of this, the views of religious authorities are also noteworthy and can provide guidance for the youth.
Before presenting the fatwas of esteemed jurists, consider these narrations:
Imam Sadiq (AS) said:
Wearing black clothing is discouraged, except in three cases: shoes, turbans, and cloaks (meaning large garments like abayas or chadors).
(Wasa'il al-Shi'a, Vol. 3, p. 279)
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (AS) said:
Imam Husayn (AS), at the time of his martyrdom, was wearing a black shirt made of hide.
(Wasa'il al-Shi'a, Vol. 3, p. 279)
A man once asked Imam Sadiq (AS) about wearing black shirts and hats. The Imam replied:
Purify your heart from sin and impurity, and then wear any color you wish.
(Wasa'il al-Shi'a, Vol. 3, p. 280)
Umm Salamah, one of the noble wives of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said:
When the verse of hijab was revealed, the women of the Ansar came out wearing black cloaks (and chadors).
(Al-Durr al-Manthur, Vol. 5, p. 204 – Paradise of the Youth, p. 214)
Question: Some people, echoing enemy cultural propaganda in newspapers and speeches, claim that black chadors are makruh (discouraged) for women and should be replaced with new styles like manteaux and suits in colorful patterns. Is this statement and action correct? Please share your esteemed opinion.
Ayatollah Khamenei:
This statement is incorrect. The best form of hijab is the chador, and wearing a black chador is perfectly permissible and not makruh.
Ayatollah Tabrizi:
A woman must cover her body—except the face and hands—from non-mahrams. She must also cover her adornments, and any clothing considered an adornment must also be covered. The chador provides better coverage for both body and adornments. A black chador, like a black abaya, is not makruh.
Ayatollah Bahjat:
This claim is invalid.
Ayatollah Safi Golpayegani:
Such views are incorrect and lead to many problems. Unfortunately, some people insist on exposing women’s charms and removing them from modesty and chastity, which protect their dignity and value. Regrettably, they attempt to present this as Islamic, though it is not.
Ayatollah Fadhil Lankarani:
The black chador is the best type of hijab. Wearing clothing that attracts attention is haram.
Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi:
Given that black is currently more effective in preserving women’s modesty, the discouragement (karahat) of it is not established.
Summary of the Ruling on Wearing the Black Chador:
Grand Ayatollahs Imam Khomeini, Bahjat, Tabrizi, Safi, Fadhil, Nouri, and Wahid believe that although black clothing is generally considered makruh in Islam, there is an exception for abayas. Since a chador is considered a type of abaya, wearing a black chador is not makruh.
References:
Imam Khomeini, Fadhil, Safi, Tawdih al-Masa'il of the Maraji', Ruling 865
Ayatollah Nouri, Tawdih al-Masa'il, Ruling 866
Ayatollah Wahid, Tawdih al-Masa'il, Ruling 872
Ayatollah Tabrizi, Istifta'at, Question 1617
Office of Ayatollah Bahjat
Ayatollah Sistani and Ayatollah Makarem:
First, wearing black clothing is not objectionable and not makruh.
Second, even if it were considered makruh, there is an exception for abayas. Since a chador is a type of abaya, wearing a black chador is not makruh.
