Taqi Usmani makes wearing abaya compulsory in Dubai Bank

All female staff at Dubai Bank, Muslim and non-Muslim, must wear a shailah (head scarf) and abaya (black cloak covering the whole body) starting this Ramadan, as reported in Gulf News.

A memo sent to staff on Thursday says the bank has decided that all Muslim and non-Muslim female staff must wear a shailah and abaya.

A Dubai Bank official who would not reveal his name said a memo was issued to this effect by the human resources manager, informing employees that starting from the first day of Ramadan all female employees must wear a shailah and abaya regardless of their religion.

“Our bank is Islamic and must follow Sharia in all respects, which will satisfy our clients,” he said. While the decision takes effect beginning first of Ramadan, it has become a rule and part of the dress code for female employees at all times.

Gulf News has learnt that the proposal on the dress code was made by the bank’s Fatwa and Sharia Supervisory Board in June and it was endorsed by the management. A circular was then issued on Thursday.

The Fatwa and Sharia Supervisory Board’s proposal, a copy of which has been obtained by Gulf News, says the abaya should not have any embroidery or decoration on it and must not be coloured.

It says any female staff who does not adhere to this dress code should be advised by the human resources department at the bank to follow it.

If the staff member insists on not abiding by the law then the matter should be brought to the notice of the executive member of the Sharia supervisory board who can decide upon action to be taken against that staff.

The bank will encourage employees to wear a shailah and abaya by providing staff with them. The head of the human resources department has been instructed to ensure that employees adhere to the dress code.

The bank has given employees a grace period until after the Eid holiday after which it will become mandatory.

The proposal, signed by Shaikh Mohammad Taqi Usmani, Chairman of the Fatwa and Sharia Supervisory Board of Dubai Bank, says the move will gain customers’ confidence and help market the bank’s products.

Many customers, the proposal said, choose a bank based upon its appearance before considering other aspects. The dress code is essential in determining the bank’s identity as a Sharia compliant institution.

[Ed Note: Gulf News has some interesting comments made by Dubai residents on this issue.]


55 thoughts on “Taqi Usmani makes wearing abaya compulsory in Dubai Bank”

  1. assalamu alaikum Hazrat!
    1)mera sawal hai k weding Card me qurqni aayat likhte hain,kya ye sahih hai?
    2)mobile fone me quran sharef rakh kar toilet me jana kaisa hai,?
    jawab inayat farmainJAZAKA AALAH

    Reply
  2. Yusha: If you are so sure of your belief that islamic banking is against the principles of Islam, you should take the vow that Faraz has mentioned. Do this and settle this issue or stop being a troll on this forum.

    Reply
  3. non muslims should be excluded from the compulsion of scarf bcoz dey are not the followers of islam and islam is not a rigid religion and it is not spread by force

    Reply
  4. @Lt. General: No i dont agree. Pakistan’s real problem is not polpulation growth, but corruption. Pakistan has the natural resources, and an agricultural base, to feed even greater number than 200millions, conditional the ruling, judicial, civil service class and people by and large are just and God fearing. Islamic scholars preach the real issue: “Be God fearing”. Follow it, and we will all witness HIS blessings with our own eyes.

    @Yusha: Yes I support Islamic Banking system. So I pray that may Allah SWT raises me on the day of judgement with the people woh run and promote Islamic Banking like mufti taqi sb.
    You are opposed to this system, so have the courage and pray likewise that Allah raises you on the day of judgement with people who are opposed to Islamic Banking and against Mufti Taqi Usmani sb.
    Lets see if you are not hypocrticial yourself and can pray this to show that you believe in what you say.

    Reply
  5. Oye — faraz.

    Setting aside your wise-ass and cavalier attitude, do you not agree that birth control is mandatory in Pakistan?

    They are saying that by 2020, our population will be close to 200 million — meaning that food prices, electricity, gas, etc. will also rise manifold.

    The Mullah should be discussing REAL issues with the public (after and before Salaat)…..birth control is one of them.

    I know in Punjab, women police officers are handing out free condoms. But we need to ensure that they are being USED.

    And we should do what Chinese did; and limit the amount of permissiable children

    Reply

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