?Why wearing cloth is something we take for granted? Have you ever wonder why exactly human wear clothes? From the moments we were born, the nurses/physician covered us in fabrics and most of everyone around us wearing some fabrics covered most of the time. We have
Casual clothes
Formal clothes
Fashion clothes
Traditional clothes
Back in our earliest ancestor, we didn’t wear any clothes.
We are completely naked.
But, even if we are naked at that time, that community doesn’t affect at all. (Not like today)
And after the ancestors are evolve and learning about fabrics and animal fur, Fashion? At that time? It is not a crime.
So why did human develop the need to wear proper clothes?
1. Evolution
Early human clothes
170,000 years ago, scientist has assumed human finds fabrics as an alternative for them to keep warm. Moreover, some of the country have an extreme weather and seasonal, thus needs fabrics to protect them as they feel secure. In surah An-Nahl, 16:81, Allah states,
“He has made shelters for you in the mountains and He has made garments for you to protect you from the heat and garments to protect you from each other’s violence. In that way He perfects His blessing on you so that hopefully you may devote yourselves to Him.”
Heat and cold are the weather phenomenon in some of the places in the country that may harm people body. Thus, wearing proper clothes keep human safe from illness etc.
2. Modesty
Zahra Lari, Emirati skater in Nike Pro Hijab
Sources: https://news.nike.com/news/nike-pro-hijab
Back then, people only wear minimal clothing just to cover their genitals, leading philosopher to believe that at some point of human evolution decides to cover some parts of the body. From Islamic perspectives, Muslims require to pay attention to their appearance, always making sure the cloths is beautiful and clean especially when performing prayers and meeting with others. The purpose of wearing clothes is to cover the part of the body which must be covered in public as Allah quotes is Surah Al Aaraf, 7:26,
“Children of Adam, We have sent down clothing to you to conceal your private parts”
As you are the ambassadors of Islam, the ayah represent the standard modesty which are needed in all human being.
3. Colonization
Even until today, wolf’s fur makes the best clothes that against the cold weather. In years ago, our ancestor uses clothes to help them to move into new habitats and lands.
Human movement from continent to continent
In Malaysia, the weather is 24 hours, 365 days of suitable weather to live in; because it is not too cold and not too hot (it is just nice). So when we go to any other country, especially cold weather, we need proper clothes to protect ourselves from ill! How can you travel with rainy nose isn’t it? And did you know that you can customize your own sweater by putting your name or whatever printing you like?
Sources: www.printkaler.com
4. Status & Rituals
In Dzudzuana Cave in Georgia, archeological has discovered fabrics with various of colors that age more than 30,000 years. That proves that the clothes are not just a basic necessity but it is part of people to show off and use it for religious rituals. This finding has made strong the importance of garments – that some is still very true till today.
Right : Dzudzuana Cave in Georgia, Left : Piece of fabrics founds in the cave
Sources : https://www.thoughtco.com/dzudzuana-cave-early-upper-paleolithic-cave-170735
So there you have it!
Did you ever wonder why we wear clothes?