Hadith Commentary: Prohibition of Gender Imitation in Dress

This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 4098 in the Book of Clothing (Kitab Al-Libas) establishes a fundamental Islamic principle regarding gender distinction in attire. The Prophet's curse (la'nah) indicates the gravity of this transgression, as it constitutes a violation of the natural disposition (fitrah) that Allah has created for mankind.

Scholarly Interpretation

Classical scholars explain that this prohibition serves to preserve the distinct identities Allah has assigned to men and women. Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah states that such imitation corrupts society's moral fabric and blurs the boundaries Allah has established.

The curse applies to both the imitator and the one being imitated when the intention is to resemble the opposite gender. This ruling encompasses not only clothing but also mannerisms, speech patterns, and overall appearance that specifically characterize the opposite gender.

Practical Application

Scholars differentiate between cultural clothing styles and specific gender-imitation. The prohibition applies when the clothing is distinctly characteristic of the opposite gender in that society. What constitutes masculine or feminine dress may vary across cultures and times, but the principle of maintaining clear gender distinction remains constant.

This ruling aims to protect the Islamic social order, prevent moral corruption, and maintain the complementary roles Allah has designed for men and women in society.