Was Fatimah's Cloak Black?

Question

The question revolves around whether the cloak worn by Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her) was black, and if it is necessary for women today to wear black cloaks and scarves as part of Islamic dress. [AR_ID:1128]

Answer 1

Peace be upon you. The answer can be divided into two parts:

Part One: The Nature of Lady Fatimah's Hijab

This can be understood through the general Quranic guidance addressed to the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him), his daughters, and the women of the believers. Allah says: "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (jilbab) all over their bodies. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be harmed. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful." (Surah Al-Ahzab: 59). There is no doubt that Fatimah, the pure and infallible daughter of the Prophet, is the best example of adhering to Allah's commands and applying His teachings.

The jilbab is a loose garment that covers the head and body, similar to a cloak or chador, and it may also be referred to as a milhafah, as it covers the body like a blanket. It can also refer to what is known as a mala'ah or malayah, which consists of two wide garments worn by women over their clothes, one covering the head and part of the upper body, and the other covering the lower half. Underneath, there is usually something called a khimar or muqanna, which covers the hair and head, resembling the scarves or handkerchiefs known today, but in the past, it was tied differently.

Some narrations describe what Lady Fatimah wore and how she covered herself, according to the customs of her time. In some accounts, she wore a milhafah and covered her head with it; in others, she took a cloak to wrap around her head; and in yet another, she donned her jilbab and veiled herself with a burqa.

As for the color of Lady Fatimah's cloak, it is not known, but it is certain that her cloak and jilbab were of a color that did not attract attention.

Part Two: The Restriction to Black Color

The black color is not a condition for a woman's hijab; other colors are permissible as long as they do not reveal the body, provoke temptation, or count as adornment. Indeed, the black cloak is the best option as it conceals a woman more effectively and does not attract the attention of non-mahram individuals.

Thus, we find in the words of scholars an emphasis on the preference for the cloak, as stated by Sayyid Sistani: "It is preferable for a Muslim woman to wear the cloak."

May you be successful in all good.