Tuesday, November 01, 2005

“They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them…”

Allah says: “It is made lawful for you to have sexual relations with your wives on the on the night of the fasts. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them…” [Sûrah al-Baqarah: 187]
Allah chose to use the word “clothing” rather than any other word to describe the special relationship between a man and his wife. Allah made the man clothing for the woman and the woman clothing for the man. The word “clothing” as used in this context is rich with meaning. It would be quite difficult to express in words every subtlety that it conveys. We shall try, however, to consider a few of the ideas that this word expresses.

1. The word “clothing” in its most literal sense is what immediately covers the body with no barrier in between...

2. The word clothing connotes the idea of equality, complementarity, and support of both a psychological and physical nature...

3. Clothing implies adornment and beautification...

4. Clothing conveys the meaning of covering and concealment...

5. Clothing implies cleanliness and purity...

6. Clothing is a sign of wealth and self-sufficiency...

7. Clothing is a pleasure and a delight...

8. Clothing provides protection, shelter, and warmth...

9. Clothing implies peace and tranquility...

10. Clothing covers a person’s body, particularly the private areas...

11. Clothing connotes quality and goodness...

12. Clothing conveys the image of something directly touching the skin...

13. Clothing needs to be kept fresh and clean...

14. Clothing is a personal distinction...

15. Clothing provides variety...

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