Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance, and equality that strongly forbids people from depriving their fellow beings of their fundamental right to lead a decent life.
Unfortunately, many Muslims nowadays are unaware of the Islamic teachings on this matter and continue to support businesses that exploit workers and damage the environment.
One such business is the fast fashion industry, which has thrived due to the increasing demand for cheap and trendy clothes. However, most people don’t realize that the low prices of fast fashion come at a considerable cost.
So, coming back to the question, is it haram to buy fast fashion in Islam? Yes, it is considered haram, or forbidden, to buy fast fashion.
But before we jump into the argument, it is important to understand what fast fashion is and why it is considered haram!
What is Fast Fashion?
Fast fashion is defined as “inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.”
This type of clothing is often of poor quality and is not made to last. It also typically uses unethical production practices, such as forced labor and environmental degradation.
Because of these reasons, buying fast fashion supports many of the negative aspects of the fashion industry.
Why is it Haram to Buy Fast Fashion?
Now that we know what fast fashion is, let’s look at some of why it is considered haram to buy these items.
1. It Exploits Workers
The fast fashion industry is notorious for its exploitation of workers. In most cases, the workers who make these clothes are paid very little, often below minimum wage.
They are also typically required to work long hours in poor conditions. Some even report being verbally and physically abused by their supervisors.
2. It Damages the Environment
The fast fashion industry is also damaging to the environment. The production of these clothes requires a lot of water and energy, which often comes from polluting sources.
The clothes themselves are often made with harmful chemicals and dyes that can contaminate the soil and water when they are disposed of.
3. It Creates Mountains of Waste
Another problem with fast fashion is that it creates a lot of waste. Because these clothes are of such poor quality, they often fall apart after only a few uses.
This means that people constantly buy new clothes, which adds to the mountains of textile waste at landfill sites every year.
4. It is Simply Unethical
When you support the fast fashion industry, you are supporting an industry built on exploitation, pollution, and waste.
There is nothing Islamic about that!
According to the Quran, “Co-operate with one another for virtue and heedfulness and do not co-operate with one another for the purpose of vice and aggression” (5:2)
So, the next time you are tempted to buy a cheap and trendy piece of clothing, remember that there is an actual cost to fast fashion.
It is haram to buy these items because they support an industry harmful to people and the planet. So, let’s make a change and start supporting ethical fashion brands!
Is It Ethical to Buy Fast Fashion?
The simple answer is no – it is not ethical to buy fast fashion. As we have seen, the fast fashion industry relies on exploitation, pollution, and waste to function.
Most brands that claim to be fast fashion usually manufacture their clothes and products in factories spread around the underdeveloped countries that maintain poor working conditions for the employees.
The laborers are paid unjustly, treated ill, and are often forced to work for long hours.
This type of modern-day slavery is not ethical and goes against the Quran’s teachings that tell us, “And do not let ill-will towards any folk incite you so that you swerve from dealing justly. Be just; that is nearest to heedfulness” (5:8)
So, if you are looking for ethical fashion brands to support, check out our list of the best sustainable and ethical fashion brands!
Stand Up for Fashion that Is Rightful and Ethical
Islam is a beautiful religion that lays great emphasis on huqooq-ul-ibaad or the rights of human beings.
It teaches us to always stand up for what is right and never support anything that goes against the teachings of the religion.
Hence, unlike most fashion brands, the fast fashion industry works against the basic principles of Islam and so, it is both unethical and haram!
By buying fast fashion, you are not only supporting an industry built on exploitation but also harming the environment and contributing to the ever-growing mountains of textile waste.
So, make sure to always stand up for what is right and ethical, and do your part in boycotting the fast fashion industry because every human was made equally and should be treated likewise!
