The History of the Prayer Abaya and Its Significance in Muslim Culture

Prayer is the best garment a believer can wear. However, modest garments do make the best prayer outfit. 

Modesty has remained at the root of Islamic culture. Abaya is one such garment that exudes modesty in every drape and fall. Prayer abayas are designed specifically to be worn during prayers. They are elegant, rich, and minimalist making it a perfect devotion garment. 

Let’s delve deep into the history of the prayer abaya, its origins, and its cultural and religious significance for Muslim women around the world. 

Prayer Abaya: Origin and historical development

As we said, the concept of covered clothing is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings. And prayer abayas have a history that can be traced back to early Islamic history. Women need a garment that takes away the attention from their physical body and is modest and elegant enough to be worn in prayers. Abaya emerged as a practical solution for women who believed in devotion without distraction. 

Loose-fitted garments like modern-day abayas were worn by women since the times of Prophet Muhammad. Prayer abayas emerged from the concept of these loose-fitted garments to be worn specifically during prayers. And ever since then, women across the world could be seen honing prayer abayas during their regular prayers. 

Significance in Muslim Culture

Prayer is an act of an individual towards Allah. Humility, devotion, and respect are at the core of any prayers. And, prayer abayas are flag bearers of these pillars making those an ideal garment for prayers. 

It’s a sign of devotion and commitment one holds toward Muslim culture and prayers. 

Here’s what makes the prayer abaya an ideal pick for devotion. 

• It is purely modest. The loose-fitted garment falls to the ankles and sways away any sort of attention from the female body. The prayer abaya exemplifies the Islamic value of modesty. It reflects women’s commitment to protect their modesty and cover their bodies during the prayers. 
• Abaya serves as a symbol of community identity. Women across the world wear prayer abayas and show their inclusivity in the Muslim culture. 
• Prayers need to be distraction-free. The loose-fitted abayas allow the women to move freely and stay concentrated on their prayers without compromising their modesty. Abayas are brilliantly designed to sway away distractions. 
• Allah does not see a difference between their devotees. Within the four walls of the mosque, everyone is just a child of god. Abayas act as a uniform that removes all the barriers and class discrimination making every woman free of societal classes. 

Prayer is devoted to time to connect with Allah and an outfit like abaya factors in to make this devotion time the most pious one. 

Design and Features of Prayer Abaya

Are prayer abayas different from regular abayas? Not much. However, regular abayas can feature designs and styles that may show off the skin on the hands or neck. Prayer abayas on the other hand wrap the entire body right from the neck to the ankle and hands, ensuring maximum coverage to a female body. 

Traditional prayer abayas are usually black. However, modern variations of prayer abayas feature colors. These colors are usually from a neutral or earthly palette. Prayer abayas are usually monochrome to add simplicity and elegance to a garment. 

At the core of the prayer abaya concept, lies comfort. They are extremely comfortable allowing women to move their hands and legs as required during the prayers. 

Contemporary prayer abayas

Fashion is not what makes the prayer abaya unique. It is their utmost simplicity and regality that makes them spectacular and perfect. Over the decades, even the prayer abaya underwent transformations and presented the market with different contemporary versions. 

The modern-day abayas feature unique designs and colors. Many come with exquisite embroidery and embellishment for a rich look. The designer versions of prayer abayas are made of rich fabrics with luscious flow and drapes. All in all, the market is flooded with fantastic choices for prayer abayas making room for varying women with varying different choices. 

At HeraCloset, we have curated an exquisite collection of elegant prayer Abayas perfect for women seeking minimalist royal designs. We have a wonderful designer collection in a neutral color palette for women who want something other than black. Check out our prayer abaya collection here. 

Conclusion

Abaya is not a compulsory outfit for prayers. However, it sure is the most beautiful and modest garment you can wear during the prayers. It checklist every norm for a prayer outfit and is easily available across the world. 

Prayer abayas hold a history as old as the Islamic culture. And with time, it has evolved but modesty still remains at the heart of this exquisite garment. It’s time for you to stock your wardrobe with some gorgeous prayer abayas. Shop with Hera Closet now.