Knowing Muslim Women's Prayer Clothing in Indonesia

Knowing Muslim Women's Prayer Clothing in Indonesia

Mukena is Indonesian culture, not Islamic law

Most of us think that prayer is not complete if you don't wear a mukena. Even considering women praying without wearing a mukena is considered unnatural, even more extreme is considered not according to the Shari'ah even though it is the same as wearing clothes to cover the genitals.

mukena story

There is a story long ago, when I was studying at a high school. One time, he was praying in congregation at the school mosque. There was a child who was dressed in syar'i and veiled. Incidentally, when he prays his position is in front of me, and when he prays he only wears the clothes he wears. It certainly looks very conspicuous, he is in the midst of people wearing mukena.

And when he finished praying, suddenly someone behind him shouted, "Why isn't he praying with a mukena?" "The prayer will not be valid, like a pious girl but does not know the Shari'a". Astagfirullah, how can they tell people without knowing anything. I want to warn you, but how come I don't really know you, I think you're a classmate. I immediately chatted with my friends, feeling concerned about how possible, there are people who think and think narrowly like that.

Mukena habits in Indonesia

Actually, it is not something that violates the Shari'ah. But yes, because of the custom in our country, even though you are wearing syar'i clothes, you still have to wear a mukena. Whereas abroad, especially if we look at Middle Eastern countries, there are no prayer women who wear mukena. The most important thing is that all the aurat is covered when praying. They wear neat, long, and shapeless clothes, such as long robes or robes that only reveal their faces and palms.

As far as I know, I've heard from religious teachers that mukena is not Islamic culture or Islamic law, but mukena is Indonesian culture. Because, in Islam, when praying it is prescribed to wear clothes that cover the genitals instead of wearing a mukena, right?

Actually, this is just a culture that has been attached so that it becomes a habit and cannot be abandoned. It's like Indonesians always say they haven't eaten if they haven't eaten rice. Although asked "have you eaten this morning yet?" definitely not the answer. Even though I had finished two packs of bread. Indeed, the souls of these Indonesians are truly the first champion when it comes to istiqomah with habits, it can't be contested anyway.

Ehh but yes, in this article I do not blame or underestimate a habit. After all, there is no harm in that habit. So, we must be wondering, why is it that only Indonesians pray wearing a mukena? Since when did it become a habit? It turns out that this mukena has a close historical connection with Wali Songo, the guardians who spread Islam in Indonesia, especially on the island of Java.

mukena is the result of a blend of cultures

It is said that the mukena is the result of a combination of Javanese culture with Islamic teachings which was compromised by Wali Songo when spreading Islam in Java. In the past, before the arrival of Islam in Java, women wore clothes using only long cloth (jarik batik) without sewing and a knitted bag that was only wrapped around it. So that part of his body visible. This is in line with the activities of Javanese women whose lives work in the fields to help their husbands.

However, when Islam was brought and spread by Wali Songo, there was a cultural clash with Islamic law. In the teachings of Islam, women are highly valued and placed in a high position. Women are respected by being given clothes that cover the whole body so as not to become a spectacle that makes them look down on.

From these clashes, between culture and Islamic law, compromises were born between Wali Songo and women at that time. They object to dressing according to the Shari'ah, especially when they want to go to the fields. Eliminating a habit that has become an inherent culture is not easy. Can you imagine, the women wearing robes and wide headscarves continue to descend into the farming fields in the scorching heat of the sun?

Islam is a tolerant religion

Because Islam is a tolerant religion and does not impose harm. From the results of these compromises, a conclusion was drawn. The clothing culture that has been running for a long time can't be changed forever. The women can still dress as usual. However, when praying must wear additional clothing that covers the whole body. This is where the history of mukena begins.

Mukena is fashion creativity

The development of the mukena that is happening today is due to creativity in the textile or fashion sector. The models, colors and patterns of the mukena are very varied to make women comfortable when praying.

Mukena makes women comfortable in prayer

Because Islam is a tolerant religion and does not impose harm. From the results of these compromises, a conclusion was drawn. The clothing culture that has been running for a long time can't be changed forever. The women can still dress as usual. However, when praying must wear additional clothing that covers the whole body. This is where the history of mukena begins.

The development of mukena in Indonesia

The development of the mukena that is happening today is due to creativity in the textile or fashion sector. The models, colors and patterns of the mukena are very varied to make women comfortable when praying.

Mukena is only in Southeast Asia

The use of mukena/ruku during prayer is only found in Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia and Malaysia. The word mukena itself is not yet known what language it is taken from. Muslim women from other countries when praying, they do not wear uniforms called mukena / rukuh like us. They wear neat, long clothes that cover the body except for the face and palms.

Generally berbertuk bergo or robe / abaya. If in Indonesia the ruku/mukena is always synonymous with white, then outside Southeast Asian countries it can be of various colors. In the Middle East, most wear black abayas.

Mukena special clothes for prayer

The reason why special clothes were created for prayer like this mukena is none other than because in the past, especially on the island of Java, it was only a cloth (jarit) without being sewn and wrapped around the waist. Of course this does not qualify for prayer. Then when Islam came and was spread by Walisongo, women were taught how to dress properly.

After a cultural clash with sharia, compromises were born. The compromises include Walisongo recommending for women to use a mukena that is in accordance with sharia where only the face and palms are allowed to be exposed when praying. After that they returned to wearing clothes in general.

Now along with the times, various models and colors and materials appear. Ranging from simple to luxurious with a price of tens of millions.

Mukena requirements

The most important thing is that the mukena must meet the requirements as a covering of the aurat must be fulfilled. No less important is according to the genitals in prayer, it is not enough to wear perfunctory clothes. But it is necessary to pay attention to the beauty and cleanliness side. Does not reveal the skin of the body that is behind the clothes, is not made of haram materials and also does not cause harm or danger to the wearer.

The best dress mukena to face GOD

Ideally mukena is more beautiful than our everyday clothes. Remember we are facing the Creator, the Most Beautiful Essence. If you want to attend a party invitation, don't hesitate to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to buy party clothes, why do you pray when you actually pray with the kholik wearing perfunctory clothes?

warna dunia.