By Minhatul Maula (Staf of LP3M UNU Yogyakarta)
Editor Adhan Kholis (Lecturer Faculty of Education UNU Yogyakarta)
Humans are dynamic beings, constantly evolving and seeking knowledge and fulfillment. One of the most profound areas of exploration is the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of Islam, rooted in the concept of rahmatan lil’alamin—a blessing for all creation.
In Indonesia, particularly in major cities, interest in Islamic understanding has surged over the past decade. Generation Z youth are increasingly engaging in discussions on Islamic principles, including the concept of Hijrah. Hijrah, in its literal sense, has two meanings: in zhahiriy, it refers to moving from one place to a better one, while in ma’nawiy, it denotes a transition from a negative state to a positive one. Derived from the Arabic root hajara, Hijrah signifies departure or migration.
However, the current hijrah trend among Gen Z lacks depth. From my observations, many young people associate hijrah mainly with adopting syar’i clothing—wearing garments that cover the aurat without defining body contours. This trend is widespread among today’s youth, who refer to it as syar’i attire, worn by those following the Hijrah movement.
The term syar’i encompasses broader Islamic concepts, including worship, belief (aqidah), social relations (muamalah), and morality. Syar’i dress for Muslim women typically includes loose clothing that does not highlight body contours, along with a hijab or veil that covers the chest. This attire aligns with Islamic principles, emphasizing modesty and minimizing physical allure.
Shari’i Hijrah clothing has become integral to the identity of those who embark on this spiritual journey. Such attire is loose-fitting, requiring ample fabric—often up to five meters per garment. Given the need for daily outfits, individuals practicing syar’i hijrah often purchase multiple sets, further increasing fabric consumption. The hijab alone may require several meters of material per piece.
This increased demand for fabric has potential environmental repercussions. Producing large amounts of fabric contributes to pollution and deforestation, as more trees are felled to meet production needs. Additionally, discarded clothing accumulates as waste, polluting the environment. The Qur’an warns against excessiveness in Surah Al-A’raf (31):
“O children of Adam! Dress well whenever you are at worship, and eat and drink, but do not be wasteful, for Allah does not like the wasteful.”
Numerous studies highlight the environmental damage associated with excessive clothing consumption. According to Earth.org, out of the 100 billion garments produced each year, 92 million tons end up in landfills. If this trend continues, it’s projected that by 2030, fast fashion waste will reach 134 million tons annually. In a report by National Public Radio, data from the Environmental Protection Agency revealed that in 2013, 15.1 million tons of textile waste were discarded. Additionally, Fashion Industry Waste Statistics from Edge Expo rank the textile industry as the second-largest polluter globally, following the oil industry.
Thus, the syar’i hijrah clothing trend has become a notable contributor to the environmental pollution we face today. Islam upholds rahmatan lil’alamin, meaning “a blessing for all creatures.” This principle encourages sustainable practices that benefit the entire ecosystem, urging us to reflect on whether our choices align with this ethic of care and restraint.
This article has been published before in Bahasa. The English version is intended to reach a broader audience.