Summer is fast approaching! Active Muslim women have nothing to fear in their search for healthy, outdoor pursuits. Even for swimming, many women turn to the growing number of companies that offer modest but safe swimwear. Some of the fashions seem a bit strange-looking at first, but the variety and style of the available designs is rapidly expanding.
In California, one such swimwear company was founded by a marine biologist who wanted to continue scuba diving after she began observing hijab. Another is based in Australia, and sells not only to Muslims but to people of other faiths and lifestyles who want more coverage in a swimsuit. The Australian company offers a style called the "burkini," which is used by female Muslim lifeguards in that country. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
The goal of the "Islamic swimwear" industry is to help and encourage more Muslim women to become physically active. Many women refrain from swimming or other water activities because of the lack of clothing alternatives. Swimming in street clothing is unsafe and unsanitary, and in most places not allowed for these reasons. Unless the pool is private for women only, Muslim women who observe hijab will not wear any type of swimsuit that does not cover the body fully. These "Islamic" swimsuit companies open up a door for such women to participate. Full-coverage swimsuits offer a compromise which is acceptable to many. If it means that more women become physically active in outdoor water sports, it can only be for the best!
Interested in other modest summer-wear alternatives? Check the spring and summer collections at these online clothing stores.
Very interesting.
Thanks for writing about this.
Islam is the way of life. Now a days, there are a lot of suits or wetsuits suitable for Islam Women (Muslimah) can choose and ware for their water sports activities which covers their “aurat” from expose to others to see (requirement by Islam for women). It doesn’t mean that Islam women can not enjoy the sea or water sports especially scuba diving. This kind of suite you can get anywhere in the country.
Islamic swimsuit must acceptable to the rule of The Qur’an.
But this kind of Islamic swimsuit not acceptable to the rule of Islam. According to The Qur’an and hadits this one is not acceptable
The outfit shown is too snug to be Islamic. The pants are way too tight-all the muscles can be seen. The skirt is too short. I too love to swim and have found looser alternatives. That’s the best thing to happen to women’s sports.
thanks—atleast ds wil help for those who can manage it.
it covers a bit but not 2 islamical—-
Remember there are devout sisters who do not hajib! And lucky for them with all the petty muslimah judging each other on what is correct and what is not!Remember the words of our Prophet (pbuh) ‘God does not look upon your bodies and your appearances, He looks upon your hearts and your deeds.’
Everybody into the pool!
Dear Amy, you should notice what you wrote:” God (…) looks upon your (…) deeds.” So, If you were to dress in a regular bikini, and go to the beach, or a mixed gender pool… You would not be fulfilling the requirement of observing hijab, [this being on the plane of you and god], while the other deed for which you would be responsible for is your influence on the people around you… And you being absent from those who actively enjoin the good.
As for the clothing, sure – it was designed and made, but this does not men it fulfills all the requirements. All it means is that you can purchase it.
As Salaam Alaykum Dear Beloveds Yes -Go Too Youtube Great Video’s On This Subject–How Much & Wear do you buy them in ever city…I’ll Read More Related Articles I See Under here & or Google this….Peace In War..
This is a good starting and the designers. They can improve it.
But this one is not fully islamic b/c the pant is too tight and the skirt is too short. And i think this is not the rule of quran.
aselamu alykum my brathers and sisters in islam, when i see women swimwear i think that we are findidig and even inclinding beloved prophet’s(SAW) hadith to wards our owen interst. Definatly the swim wear is not fulfill hejab criteria set by quran and hadith. Morover the sport (swim) where womens and mens mix is not allowed.
oh god… these comments are hilarious… I thought the article was a satire but apparently people buy these crappy swimsuits. Buy a bikini and have fun you over protective grannys.
I would buy and wear one of these swim suits. I showed it to my husband, and he approves, although he asks that I not go to public beach. I respect his concerns. I can’t swim in sweat clothes and pants and oversized tee is so……..unIslamic when it gets wet. So, I don’t see what all the hoopla is about. I want to take a cruise someday, but not until I learn to swim. And since I grew up skinny dipping, I feel most modest in comparison.
Thanks for sharing.
By the way, our company is a professional swimwear fabric supplier. we are specilized in nylon spandex and polyester spandex fabric. Also we can supply swimwear,boxer shorts and Tshirts. your designs are welcome.
if you have anything want to know, pls feel free to contact me.
my tel: +86-575-88051450
email: peterc9527@gmail.com
peter
Thanks for sharing.
By the way, our company is a professional swimwear fabric supplier, we are specilized in nylon spandex and polyester spandex fabric.
Also we can supply swimwear, board shorts and T shirts,your designs are welcome.
For more information, pls feel free to contact me:
tel: +86-575-88051450
email:peterc9527@gmail.com
peter
Salaams!
There is a new company in North America offering quality modest Islamic swimwear. Our Islamic Swimsuits are comfortable, and quick drying. Right now we’re offering free shipping as well (not to mention a lower price point than some other companies).
we do all kinds of swimwear ,just factory ,welcome to visit http://www.shqxchina.com there are some of our products on shown ,but still many styles not shown in the website on hand ,we have been developing new and special designs .If you have any question ,pls dont hesitate to contact me .Tks a lot .
SKYPE:aiwayou
People, the woman in the photo is a LIFEGUARD? Surely your prophet would prefer she save lives rather than be impeded?
I bought a swimsuit from Rubyz Enterprise (http://www.rubyzent.com). They offer slightly loose models and it fits me just fine. Now I can enjoy swimming in the pool with my children.
Oopppsss… the URL should be: http://www.rubyzent.com
Their pricing is very good and competitive for good quality swimwear. I have also bought a swimwear from Ahiida (http://www.ahiida.com/index.php) about 2 years back, very good quality but a little bit pricey.
So what is it, what can we were to join our children in summer fun
Hi.I think her pants is too tight and when it’s wet , it gets worse.
I think the only way is to seperate men and women pools from each other.
Don’t you feel terribly oppressed by having to cover up everything on hot days; asking your husbands’ permission to wear things and go places; it seems like a terrible way to live. Don’t you all want to be free? Or is it just easier to do what men tell you? Do you fear punishment? I am curious about this.
Jasmine, some Muslim women ask their husbands what they think in terms of their clothing, etc. Some women like myself would never do that, although sometimes I do check so that we “match” when we go out together. I value my husband’s opinion, but he is not “the boss of me”. And this is after more than 30 years of being married.
I am an American woman who is Muslim and never felt oppressed about covering up, no more than my non-Muslim neighbor or co-worker who feels oppresseed about having her hair look nice or gettng to work on time. There are things we must do because of responsibiities. Some of those duties are spiritually based and some are not. But they are duties we must fulfill, especially to have self satisfaction. Some of enjoy doing the right thing. No problemo.
As Salaam Alaykum Beloveds and Dear Jasmine as an American born Muslima I find it to be prudent to be modest in my dress without wearing that which would call attention to myself. I only wear hijab when going to the masjid, a traditional family member or friends home or an Islamic function. I am married to a man that agrees with this. It is wonderful to be able to walk freely amongst my fellow Americans without the disrespectful cat calls or other lewd gestures. When ever I am approached it has always been done respectfully. Most people learn that I am a Muslima after they ask me what church I attend and I reveal to them that I am a Muslim. I appreciate that they see the presence of Allah within me through how I conduct myself. So my dear Jasmine you see we Muslimas are free here to make the choice. Some of us choose to be with mates whom are more traditional and recognize that it is an honor and a blessing to be pleasing, respectfully to our husbands and respected by our families and/or children. We care not to be a part of the constraints of modern day scantly clad women that are sought for their physicality and not appreciated for their spirit nor their hearts and minds. I hope this answers your question. Salaam (Peace)
Peace to you all, I can understand the comments by the people on the list who question if this is really a way women, in particular, choose to live. As an American woman, I had the same questions. Now after 23 years of being Muslim, Alhamdullilah, I have a wonderful life. I am not oppressed, I am well educated, and have found the true liberation I always sought through Islam.
Our swim suits may look strange to you, but we don’t get judged by our body sizes or types. We have minimal risk of skin cancer, and best of all, we try to live our lives in a state of submission to God (not our husbands). Incidentally, many of my Christian friends look for more modest alternatives to the typical American beach wear.
I urge you to read and learn about Islam before you judge us. It is the fastest growing religion in the world for a reason and many of the recent converts I have met are women who have found the truth about Islam.
And to Huda, thanks for the article. I have been searching for new suits for my girls and myself and all I found were either too tight or too expensive. Will keep searching. Jazak Allah for bringing awareness.
Assalamu ‘alayku, separating swimming places/areas for men and women would solve the problem as they can freely wear what is allowable by Islam when the same gender is gathered…