Written by Eva Gall
As a converted Muslim woman who has come to love Modest Fashion, I have always asked myself: can my faith be reconciled with a sustainable lifestyle?
This question did not come out of nowhere, but was shaped by my experiences during my fashion management studies and especially by my involvement with the fashion industry itself. During my research, I came across the many problematic aspects of the industry - from environmental destruction to poor working conditions.
These realizations hit me and made me realize how important it is to take responsibility and make conscious choices, including the fashion I wear.
As a Muslim woman, how can I reconcile my clothing with the principles of faith?
Why sustainable fashion is essential for Muslim women
Sustainability is not just a fashionable term - it is a responsibility that is deeply rooted in the ethical principles of Islam . Islam places great importance on treating the environment and the resources entrusted to us with respect.
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said:
"Those who are wasteful are the brothers of the devils" (Qur'an 17:27).
These lessons can also be applied to the fashion industry, which is one of the most polluting industries in the world. The fashion industry causes around 10% of global CO₂ emissions and produces 92 million tons of textile waste every year . These effects are in direct contradiction to the Islamic principles of modesty and the conservation of resources.
For Muslim women consumers, sustainability means more than just choosing environmentally friendly clothing - it means wearing clothes that have been produced both ethically and ecologically correctly. It's about ensuring that the fashion we wear is in line with our religious values while not harming the environment.
If we take these principles seriously, we must realize that our consumer behavior has a direct impact on the world around us.
Historical connection to sustainability
The connection between fashion, faith and sustainability has deeper historical roots than many people think. In Islamic history, clothing has always played a central role in representingvalues such as modesty, purity and responsibility. Sustainability was often an implicit practice long before it became a modern trend.
In the Middle Ages, Muslim cultures were pioneers in the production of high-quality fabrics, such as silk, cotton and wool, which were durable and resource-efficient. These fabrics were valued not only for their beauty, but also for their functionality and durability. Back then, clothing was a valuable resource that was often repaired, passed on or recycled - a conscious approach that is perfectly in line with the principles of Islam.
Sustainability is also reflected in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), who emphasized simplicity and the avoidance of waste. For centuries, many Muslim communities lived according to the principle of "Zuhd" - asceticism and modesty - which was also reflected in their clothing. These traditions were reinforced by craftsmanship, where fashion was often made locally and under fair conditions.
However, it was not only faith but also cultural values in Muslim societies that contributed to the longevity of clothing. Passing on items of clothing to the next generation or adapting old outfits to new needs were common practices that promoted the idea of conserving resources.
Returning to these historical values could help us today to bridge the gap between sustainable fashion and modest fashion. It shows that sustainable consumption is not just a modern trend , but is deeply rooted in the principles of faith and the traditions of Muslim communities.
Why sustainable fashion is still difficult in Germany
Awareness of sustainable fashion is growing in Germany, but the fashion industry is facing particular challenges. One key problem is the lack of transparency in supply chains. Many fashion brands provide hardly any information about how their products are manufactured. A study conducted by the Fashion Revolution network in 2023 shows that almost 60% of clothing brands do not provide any information on the origin of their materials or production conditions. Without this transparency, it is difficult for us as consumers to make informed decisions and find truly sustainable products.
Another obstacle is the lack of certificates and labels that are important for fashion. While the food industry offers a solution with halal certificates for Muslims who want to ensure that their food is in line with Islamic principles, there are few comparable standards in the fashion industry.
The lack of a comprehensive halal-certified fashion standard for sustainable fashion makes it difficult for us to ensure that the clothes we buy are not only environmentally but also ethically in line with our values. It would be a step in the right direction if we could bridge this gap between halal and sustainability in the fashion industry to provide clearer guidance for Muslim women.
Tradition or sustainability? How cultural preferences narrow our view
Our consumer behavior is often also influenced by the expectations of society and family. In many cases, clothing is much more than a purely personal decision - it serves as a visible expression of identity, belonging and values. Particularly in religious and cultural contexts, the choice of clothing is often interpreted as a sign of affiliation with a particular social or religious community. This is particularly true for Muslim communities, where clothing is not only functional, but also a symbol of faith and modesty.
In some Muslim communities, there is also a strong tradition of preferringclothing from specific countries or brands. These traditions often have a historical or cultural origin, such as the choice of traditional fabrics or cuts that have been passed down through generations. However, these preferences can unconsciously lead to other aspects - such as sustainability or ethical production - being given less attention. For example, if a brand is valued for its connection to the community or its particular style, people rarely question whether it also produces in an environmentally friendly or fair way.
Such social norms can quickly push awareness of sustainable fashion into the background, as the focus is more on traditions and familiar preferences.
But I believe that this is exactly where change can take place - and that this change has already begun. Muslim role models and influencers who are authentically committed to sustainability have the potential to change perceptions. They can show that it is possible to wear fashion that not only meets the requirements of faith and style, but is also environmentally friendly and ethically correct.
The path to more sustainable fashion
The topic of sustainable fashion is not only an individual responsibility, but also a collective challenge. The fashion industry - especially in the field of modest fashion - is influenced by many factors that go beyond individual behavior.
Brands that take responsibility and integrate sustainable practices into their production processes also play a decisive role.
But how can we as consumers drive change?
It starts with the conscious decision tosupport brands like Wraps of Nature that share our values. Brands that report transparently about their supply chains and the origin of their materials, that produce under fair working conditions and use environmentally friendly materials .
By promoting such brands, we are sending a strong signal to the market: we want fashion that We want fashion that not only looks good, but also respects the world we live in.
But this change needs more than just a conscious consumer decision. As a community, we can make a real change by advocating for a sustainable fashion world. By sharing the importance of sustainable fashion in our conversations and networks, we can inspire and educate those around us. In this way, we help to ensure that the demand for sustainably produced fashion continues to grow - not only in the Muslim community, but also beyond.
Sources:
"Islamic Textiles: From the Middle East to Central Asia" by Patricia L. Baker.
Koran 17:27
UN Environment report: "Fashion and the SDGs: What Role for the UN?"
Fashion Revolution Transparency Index 2023
"Green Deen: What Islam Teaches About Protecting the Planet" by Ibrahim Abdul-Matin
"Fashion: A Philosophy" by Lars Svendsen
"The Environmental Dimensions of Islam" by Mawil Izzi Dien
