appearance and behaviour, so that they will be a good example, worthy of the great message that they
bring to humanity. According to the hadith narrated by the great Sahabi Ibn al-Hanzaliyyah, the Prophet
(PBUH) told his Companions, when they were travelling to meet some brothers in faith:
"You are going to visit your brothers, so repair your saddles and make sure that you are dressed
well, so that you will stand out among people like an adornment, for Allah (SWT) does not love
ugliness."1
The Prophet (PBUH) considered an unkempt and careless appearance, and scruffy clothes and
furnishings, to be forms of ugliness, which is hated and forbidden by Islam.
Islam encourages the Muslims in general to stand out among the people; the Muslim woman, in
particular, is encouraged to be distinct from other people in her appearance, because this reflects well on
her, and on her husband, family and children.
The Muslim woman does not neglect her appearance, no matter how busy she is with her domestic
chores and the duties of motherhood. She is keen to look good, without going to extremes, because a
good appearance is an indication of how well she understands herself, her Islamic identity, and her
mission in life. The outward appearance of a woman cannot be separated from her inner nature: a neat,
tidy and clean exterior reflects a noble and decent inner character, both of which go to make up the
character of the true Muslim woman.
The smart Muslim woman is one who strikes a balance between her external appearance and internal
nature. She understands that she is composed of a body, a mind and a soul, and gives each the attention
it deserves, without exaggerating in one aspect to the detriment of others. In seeking to strike the right
balance, she is following the wise guidance of Islam which encourages her to do so.
How can the Muslim woman achieve this balance between her body, mind and soul?
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