Taqiyah (cap) - Western Converts

Western Converts

Most converts use the West African name, kufi, when speaking of a Muslim prayer cap. Two approaches to clothing are seen. The first approach is to add the prayer cap to the traditional clothing of the ethnic group the convert was born into. The general rule is that a convert may wear any modest clothing that exists in their culture, plus the taqiyah or the hijab.

This is the cultural clothes approach. For instance, a Scottish American man would wear a kilt and a taqiyah for his wedding instead of the Balmoral bonnet. English American men would wear morning dress and the taqiyah, instead of the top hat. Western clothing, like trousers and an oxford shirt, or a suit, would be worn with the taqiyah to Friday prayers. An Irish American man may chose to wear an Aran sweater or a Grandfather shirt with his taqiyah to Friday prayer services. A French American man would wear a striped Breton shirt and a beret or a taqiyah to Friday prayer services. A Hispanic American would wear a Guayabera shirt, Khaki pants and Dress shoes. The clothing must be modest. For example, a German American man would not wear Lederhosen to Friday prayer services, because the shorts are immodest, see Awrah.

The second approach is the Sunnah clothes approach. For a man, the taqiyah, thawb, and salwar kameez are the sunnah clothes. For non-formal events such as Friday prayer services, and Eid ul Fitr celebrations, men wear the taqiyah with a thawb or salwar kameez in a variety of colors. The groom wears a white thawb or salwar kameez during wedding ceremonies. The bride's clothing is a white wedding dress. Most brides wear a white veil with the wedding dress, see white wedding. However, a few wear a white hijab or a white hooded bridal cape or full length cloak.