Q: At our local Sunday school we have a new principle. The old one retired and on 2015 we got a new one. Her name is Dr xxxxx )name withheld. Mashaallah she is a doctor that we all grew up with and she has Alhamdulillah always been for us. She is excellent. But something really upset me. As part of our ‘new’ dress code she has said we are not allowed to wear tights. From a religious point of view can she do that? She has also stopped boys from wearing shorts and pants that would go above the knee. Is this right?

A: Tights are such garments that remain snug on the wearer and expose the physical form and shape of the body. One of the signs of Qiyamah is to wear such clothing wherein the shape of the entire or part of body is made clear or visible to the onlooker. Thus, although one is clothed, it is as if they are naked. Thus, wearing of tights as an outer garment in public or before strangers would be considered forbidden.

As far as shorts are concerned, she is teaching the boys on the importance of not exposing the Awrah (that which is to be kept private.) For boys, from the navel to the knees is considered private.

It appears that your principle is modest and wants to set a dress code that presents dignity to your institution.

Your principle is giving you an opportunity to follow those set of sunnah that are being neglected. I truly think she means well. May Allah (SWT) truly empower your sunday school with greater levels of good, amen.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.