Abstract
We humans do not have a natural cover. Scriptures inform us that we have inherited this loss. However, Allah has kindly provided us with clothes and other objects to help us cope with our present condition.
Full Text
يَا بَنِي آدَمَ قَدْ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَارِي سَوْآتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا
وَلِبَاسُ التَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ
ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ
وَلِبَاسُ التَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ
ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ
O Children (of) Adam! Verily We have sent down to you clothing, it covers your shame and (as) an adornment.
But the clothing (of) التَّقْوَىٰ - that (is) best.
That (is) from (the) Signs of Allah so that they may remember.
But the clothing (of) التَّقْوَىٰ - that (is) best.
That (is) from (the) Signs of Allah so that they may remember.
[Al-Quran 7:26]
Almost all creatures are clothed in fur, feather, shell, or some other form of natural clothing. In the plant kingdom also, we find natural protection and beautification. We humans do not have a natural cover. Scriptures inform us that Adam and his wife lost it when they ate from the Forbidden Tree in The Garden. We have inherited this loss! However, Allah has kindly provided us with clothes and other objects to help us cope with our present condition.
Comfort & Protection
Q7:26 informs us that the external clothes that we humans have been provided with are meant to perform two functions: cover our naked skin, and beautify us! The clothing (of) التَّقْوَىٰ was meant to be much more. To meet our other needs, we have been provided with external sources, such as cattle and iron:
Cattle are clothed in their natural clothing. We employ their natural clothing to serve a variety of functions, using it for shelter, comfort and protection:
Comfort & Protection
Q7:26 informs us that the external clothes that we humans have been provided with are meant to perform two functions: cover our naked skin, and beautify us! The clothing (of) التَّقْوَىٰ was meant to be much more. To meet our other needs, we have been provided with external sources, such as cattle and iron:
أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا أَنَّا خَلَقْنَا لَهُم مِّمَّا عَمِلَتْ أَيْدِينَا أَنْعَامًا فَهُمْ لَهَا مَالِكُونَ
وَذَلَّلْنَاهَا لَهُمْ فَمِنْهَا رَكُوبُهُمْ وَمِنْهَا يَأْكُلُونَ
وَلَهُمْ فِيهَا مَنَافِعُ وَمَشَارِبُ أَفَلَا يَشْكُرُونَ
Do not they see that We [We] created for them from what have made Our hands, cattle, then they [for them] (are the) owners?
And We have tamed them for them, so some of them - they ride them, and some of them they eat.
And for them therein (are) benefits and drinks, so (will) not they give thanks?
وَاللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّن بُيُوتِكُمْ سَكَنًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّن جُلُودِ الْأَنْعَامِ بُيُوتًا تَسْتَخِفُّونَهَا يَوْمَ ظَعْنِكُمْ وَيَوْمَ إِقَامَتِكُمْ وَمِنْ أَصْوَافِهَا وَأَوْبَارِهَا وَأَشْعَارِهَا أَثَاثًا وَمَتَاعًا إِلَىٰ حِينٍ
وَاللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّمَّا خَلَقَ ظِلَالًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنَ الْجِبَالِ أَكْنَانًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمْ سَرَابِيلَ تَقِيكُمُ الْحَرَّ وَسَرَابِيلَ تَقِيكُم بَأْسَكُمْ كَذَٰلِكَ يُتِمُّ نِعْمَتَهُ عَلَيْكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُسْلِمُونَ
And Allah (has) made for you [from] your homes a resting place, and made for you from the hides (of) the cattle tents, which you find light (on) the day (of) your travel and the day (of) your encampment; and from their wool and their fur and their hair (is) furnishing and a provision for a time.
And Allah (has) made for you from what He created, shades and (has) made for you from the mountains, shelters and (has) made for you garments to protect you (from) the heat and garments to protect you from your (mutual) violence. Thus He completes His Favor upon you so that you may submit.
And Allah (has) made for you from what He created, shades and (has) made for you from the mountains, shelters and (has) made for you garments to protect you (from) the heat and garments to protect you from your (mutual) violence. Thus He completes His Favor upon you so that you may submit.
Iron is also a substance that has been sent to Earth:
لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلَنَا بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَنزَلْنَا مَعَهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ النَّاسُ بِالْقِسْطِ وَأَنزَلْنَا الْحَدِيدَ فِيهِ بَأْسٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَنَافِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلِيَعْلَمَ اللَّهُ مَن يَنصُرُهُ وَرُسُلَهُ بِالْغَيْبِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ
Certainly We sent Our Messengers with clear proofs and We sent down with them the Scripture and the Balance that may establish the people justice. And We sent down [the] iron, wherein (is) power mighty and benefits for the people, and so that Allah may make evident (he) who helps Him and His Messengers, unseen. Indeed, Allah (is) All-Strong All-Mighty.
[Al-Quran 57:25]
Iron was made pliable for the Prophet-King David. The coats of armour that he made from iron are specially mentioned:
وَعَلَّمْنَاهُ صَنْعَةَ لَبُوسٍ لَّكُمْ لِتُحْصِنَكُم مِّن بَأْسِكُمْ فَهَلْ أَنتُمْ شَاكِرُونَ
And We taught him (the) making (of) coats of armor for you to protect you from your battle. Then will you (be) grateful?
[Al-Quran 21:80]
May Allah grant us the piety to submit willingly with gratitude; and may Allah accept our repentance and restore for us the beautiful clothing promised to The People of The Gardens in The Hereafter.
