Electives

Trends

The Fiqh of Fashion

Sh. Saad TasleemInstructor

A one-day intensive for Muslims living in the crossfire: the runway and the barbershop, the office dress code and the mirror. Bring the questions you have been told not to ask. Leave with the principles to answer them yourself, for the rest of your life.

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The split

One of the most polarizing trends to hit our communities.

The search for Muslim representation in the Western mainstream, in sports, in media, on fashion runways, split us down the middle.

Some make dangerous compromises. Others hold on to a vague notion of “Muslim tradition.” It is time we found clarity, and a healthy balance on self-expression.

The questions

Every day a new controversy. The underlying questions never change.

What are Islamic guidelines on hair and dress?
Is there such a thing as “Muslim culture”?
What does “imitating non-Muslims” really mean?
Does being trendy contradict the Islamic concept of modesty?
Am I a bad Muslim for being into fashion?
What does Islam say about loving the way you look?
How do I overcome negative body image and impossible beauty standards?
Can I express my individuality through my clothes?
How do I know what I wear is Islamically acceptable?

Inward

This is a soul-searching seminar.

Fiqh is only half of it. The other half happens in front of a mirror, at 1am, comparing yourself to people who do not exist.

We name that out loud, and we deal with it: body image, self-esteem, and the permission to like the way you look.

Who are you comfortable being?

What does the Sunnah say about identity, and about possibly having more than one? Pick the version of you that walks into the room.

The syllabus

Answers on new fashion trends?

Yes, some time goes to the fiqh questions. The traditional ones: beards, abayas, hijabs. The contemporary ones: skinny jeans, faux-hawks, piercings.

But the primary focus is not answering each question. It is handing you the tools and principles to answer the next ten thousand, all on your own.

What to expect

One day. No judgement.

Comfortable room: A learning environment built for a long day and hard conversations
All backgrounds welcome: Every idea and opinion is welcome in the room. Nobody gets shamed.
Ask without judgement: Freely ask the question you have been sitting on. That is the point.
Direct instructor access: One-on-one time with Sh. Saad for the questions you would rather ask quietly.
Interactive classroom: Case studies, live verdicts, and you doing the reasoning out loud

Who this is for

YouthMale or female, you feel caught between new cultural trends and traditional expectations. Get clear answers on the gray areas of fashion, culture and identity in Islam, without being talked down to.
Public figureYou may be an aspiring newscaster, public speaker, athlete, or even eyeing the fashion industry. Arm yourself with the underlying guidelines and principles so you can succeed with confidence.
Working professionalHow do you comply with both your job’s dress code and Islam’s? Are you expected to do or say things that feel uncomfortable? Clear the air and walk in with answers.
Parent or teacherOften the confusing signals come from our own learning base. As the first source of knowledge for our youth, clarify the misconceptions and hand them a clear sense of identity.

Sh. Saad Tasleem

Instructor

Perhaps the trendiest instructor on the planet, Sh. Saad Tasleem is the walking, talking manifestation of this seminar.

Known to give Islamic sermons in sneakers, the young Sh. Saad shatters every misconception on Islamic fashion, culture and identity.

Equipped with a Bachelor’s Degree in Shariah from the Islamic University of Madinah, he is perfectly positioned to address the contemporary Western trends Muslim youth face today.

Known for his contemporary perspective on Muslim identity in the West.

From students

“Knowledgeable, down to earth, and a great sense of humour. Shaykh Saad has this amazing, gravity-like persona that just connects with everyone regardless of their age or Islamic knowledge.”
Reyhan · Ottawa

Before you ask

Are there any prerequisites for this seminar?

No. Anyone who understands English can attend, regardless of their background in Islam or Arabic.

Is this for advanced or beginner students?

Both. Beginners will be exposed to the practicality and fluidity of Islam, while advanced students will appreciate the nuanced, contextualized study of textual evidences.

Is this purely a fiqh seminar?

No. This is not a traditional fiqh seminar of halal and haram verdicts. Students first cover the contemporary social aspects of body image, self-esteem, culture and identity. Then Sh. Saad covers the fiqh principles and Islamic guidelines that show you how fiqh questions get answered, and you apply them yourself in case studies.

Is this the same as Precious Provisions by Shaykh Yasir Qadhi?

No. Precious Provisions is an academic focus on the fiqh of food and clothing. Some elements of the fiqh of fashion are covered at the end of this seminar, but the primary discussion here is culture, identity and fashion.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

You will be provided with a course binder with space to take notes. Bring a pen, and a notebook if you want extra room to write.

There is more about this seminar on its own page.

Learn more about this seminar