Buying and Keeping Fashion Magazines

Fatwa: Sheikh Muhammad bin Saleh Al-Uthaymeen (May Allah protect him)

Question:​

Is it permissible to buy fashion magazines to benefit from the latest and colorful designs for women's clothing? It is known that such magazines are often filled with pictures of women. Is it permissible to keep them after benefiting from them?

Answer:​

There is no doubt that purchasing magazines and journals that consist solely of pictures is haram because keeping such images is prohibited. This is based on the saying of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him):

"The angels do not enter a house in which there is a picture."

[Narrated by Abu Dawood, Book of Clothing, Chapter 47]

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw a picture on a pillow belonging to Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), he stood at the door and did not enter. The signs of displeasure were visible on his blessed face.

Regarding fashion magazines that showcase different clothing styles, one must be cautious because not all types of clothing are permissible. Some clothes may lead to immodesty, while others might be tight or short, resembling the distinct clothing of non-believers. Resembling non-believers is forbidden, as the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

"Whoever imitates a people is one of them."

[Abu Dawood 4031, Ahmad 50/2, 92]

My general advice to my Muslim brothers and especially to Muslim women is to avoid such clothing that resembles non-believers or promotes immodesty.

Furthermore, the interest that women often take in the latest fashion trends can lead to a shift from the practices based on our pure religion to those influenced by non-Muslim customs, which is not desirable.
 
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