New look! A Perspective^__^

‘New Look’ is to have a new appearance.‘New look’ is a widespread term today. It is mainly concerned with the outward appearance and how to change it.

However, it seldom refers to deeds and actions which enable both the woman and the man to create a new look for their lives by viewing life from a new perspective. Change is a basic feature in man's life, for permanence is only for Allaah The Exalted.Hence, man always tries to make changes in his life, including his appearance. Change of appearance has usually been known as ‘fashion’, which differs from one year to another.

 

To some, this New Look means " a change in the color of hair and hairstyle, the color of complexion as well as the style of dressing.” “Nowadays, the youth are afflicted with blind imitation and seek to have a new character through the New Look that is restricted to external change. They wear this absurd clothes which the western wears.The tight fitting clothes with revealing body figures and colorful hairs . I do not know how the external change can have a significant effect on life. It is the internal change that lasts and is more beneficial. Hence, the concept of a New Look should be viewed differently in a way that makes the change related, for example, to one’s lifestyle and way of treating others  (husband and wife).”

 

Some husbands  stress the necessity of having a New Look in marital life. It should not run monotonously, especially after few years of marriage when the wife needs to make even a simple change in her appearance inside the house. She should take care of her hair and grace as well as her way of dealing with her husband. The spouses’ burdens and responsibilities increase with the years of marriage and as they have children, and this necessitates change and renewal whether in shape or by visiting new places. Also, the husband has to treat his wife kindly and help her.  

 

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Be kind to women.’”(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3153; Muslim, 1468). 

 

He should also change his lifestyle with her so that their life will continue without monotony and will continue in calmness and renewal.

 

Islam has enjoined upon the husband duties towards his wife, and vice versa, and among these duties are some which are shared by both husband and wife.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“and live with them honourably” [al-Nisaa’ 4:19] 

 Al-Qurtubi said:

It was also narrated from him – i.e., Ibn ‘Abbaas – that this means: they have the right to good companionship and kind and reasonable treatment from their husbands just as they are obliged to obey the commands of their husbands.

“Change has to be in man's character, acts and behavior by shifting his behavior to what is better in dealing with others, and by changing himself from selfishness and egoism to altruism, love of others and wishing goodness for them.”

 

A physician says, this phenomenon of changing ones appearance, “The normal person is satisfied with the shape and outward appearance which Allaah The Almighty has granted him, and he praises Allaah The Exalted for that, especially if he is not disabled and enjoys good physical health. Some people's raging desire to change their outward appearance is abnormal. However, those who suffered severe burns, for example, which led to the deformation of the skin of their body or their face, can have cosmetic surgery to maintain their psychological health and be able to face society and deal with those around them easily and without embarrassment.”

 

“If the New Look means changing and renewing one’s outward appearance and imitating the West in this regard in a way that does not suit our customs and traditions, then this is to be rejected. However, if it is an attempt to change and develop man to what is better, whether in his appearance or character, or if it aims at developing his skills, then it is to be accepted. If the New Look occurs in a way that suits our society, it will be beneficial in combating boredom and will lead man to develop his character and skills. It is important and necessary for a person to renew his thinking in a way that enables him to serve his religion and country.”

“However, many people do not prefer to make outward changes in their appearance. They prefer to keep the appearance with which Allaah The Almighty created them.