Ramadan is probably one of the most celebrated and revered holidays of the Muslims. Standing as equivalent to the Lenten season for Christians, this event is looked upon with sincere veneration and is strictly observed by our brothers and sisters of the Islam faith. Ramadan has always been considered a spiritually beneficial month and practically all Muslim communities across the world recognize it as it is believed to be the month when the first verses of the Holy Koran were revealed to the prophet Muhammad. Muslims fast throughout the entire Ramadan season in order to pay homage to their religion and offer a sacrifice of worldly and physical attachments.
Ramadan, however, is not all about fasting and abstaining from food and drinks during the day. For some, Ramadan is actually sacrificing in anticipation for revelry, which is to occur during the culmination of the holiday. The end of Ramadan is usually greeted by a big celebration wherein Muslim families prepare feast and welcome guests. During this time, special occasion dresses are worn, which can vary from a simple white kurta pyjama for men to embroidered gowns for women.
Ramadan is basically a time for girls to dress up in traditional Muslim garments such as the modest Abayah that is paired with a matching Khimar - a women's ensemble that is practically referred to as the Muslim woman's formal wear.
The Abayahs vary in not only in colors and sizes but also in styles. Some of these women's formal wear feature delicate embroidery while others contain intricate hand-beaded designs.
Another example of Muslim clothing for women include tunics, which can be paired with any neutral pair of leggings or denim jeans. Muslim tunics are usually simple in style and design and are created to give Muslim women confidence and versatility. Such tunics are among the most popular fashions wear for Muslim women.
In addition, the shalwar kameez is another typical women's fashions wear that's also commonly paired with jeans and a matching headscarf. Some Muslims prefer wearing such dress instead of tunics and abayas when going out or when visiting an Islamic center or attending a religious gathering, because it gives them greater comfort.
As we readily observe, Muslim women are always expected to be modest when it comes to clothing. As such, they are frequently seen wearing one piece clothes that cover the body from head to toe. Traditional women opt for Burqah, a clothing material usually black in color that totally covers them. But these types of clothing do not necessarily compromise style. If anything, the Muslim's approach in fashion is quite unique and elegant.
Special occasion dresses for Muslim women includes the Hijab, Khimar, or Niqab. The Hijab is a large scarf that is used to cover the hair, forehead, ears, neck and chest. The Khimar, meanwhile, is a large scarf that covers the entire head and drapes down past the shoulder and almost to the waist. This clothing material is sometimes called the Muslim women's cape. Niqab, on the other hand, is a veil that is used to cover the woman's face from the top of the nose to down past the neck line while leaving the eyes exposed.
The Muslim clothing speaks many values. Wearing the Hijab, for example, is an act of obedience, chastity and modesty for Muslim women. The clothing material also symbolizes purity and righteousness. But more than anything, this clothing material and many other Muslim accessories for that matter are symbols of Islam.
Being conscious of what I wear and how I present myself to people is important to me. I want to be in the Fashion Spotlight with my formal wear, performance apparel, and choral dresses. Formal Fashions offers formal wear for men, women and children. They also have performance accessories to make you look even better.