A WARNING TO ALL THE CHILDREN OF ADAM

      The story of Adam and Eve will always show a real prospect of the life of their children.

      The verse here begins with clothing, and two of its uses and philosophies: That it conceals the ugly parts of the body, and adorning our appearance. Elsewhere in the Book mention is made of its safety and protective quality too:

      ``O, children of Adam! We have sent down to you a clothing to cover your shameful parts, and also to be an adornment for you.''

HOW IS CLOTHES SENT DOWN TO US?

      Allah is in the highest possible position, while man lives in an infinite lower condition than Him. Whatever comes down from the highest to the lowest, in fact it comes down, or it is sent down. So, it doesn't mean that clothes have been sent down physically in a basket. The verse then drives the argument from the apparent physical clothing to the more valuable spiritual clothes of piety and virtue:

      ``And the clothing of piety is better for you.''

      In a spiritual sense of meaning, our thought and deeds are our truest covering and adornment. Our inner motives and ideas will paint our apparent feature. Therefore the best clothing and ornament for man is piety and righteousness that may cover his sins and decorate him with virtues.

      The comparison and likeness of virtue and piety with cover and clothing is a good one, because, as clothes protect man from hot and cold and many hazards, so is the garment of virtue and piety - it may protect him against sins, evil deeds, and many social dangers too.

CLOTHES IN THE PAST AND PRESENT

      Man has always had some sort of clothes on. Nowadays the case of clothing has been much different from the past:

      Clothes are mostly sumptuous, and involve large outlay and expenses - They are flashy and dazzling with vulgar display - They are ophrodisiac, provocative and exciting sexual desires - And today the less we see clothing worn with its primeval aims, such as protection, concealment, and adornment. Some of the young generations, who are short of personality, wear dresses of curious forms and strange and ridiculous colours to cover their shortcomings and to attract attentions!

      The prevailing search for new fashions and modishness devours an immense amount of capital, and wastes a huge amount of man and woman's time for nothing!