Practical fashion advice for Muslim fathers navigating life with young children.
My son is three. He moves at roughly the speed of light and has zero regard for my clothing choices.
Last Jumuah he wiped his nose on my white thobe approximately four seconds before we walked into the masjid. I didn't notice until a brother pointed it out. After the prayer.
Being a Muslim dad means recalibrating your entire wardrobe strategy.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) showed us how to be with children:
"The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to stick out his tongue at al-Hasan ibn Ali, and the boy would see his tongue and become happy." — Reported in various collections
He (peace be upon him) also said:
"He is not one of us who does not have mercy upon our young, nor knows the honor of our elders." — Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1919
Here's what I've learned about dad fashion:
Dark colors are your friend. That navy thobe hides multitudes. Stains happen. You can either stress about it or adapt.
Easy-wash fabrics only. Anything that needs dry cleaning or special care is not for this season of life. My fancy embroidered thobe stays in the closet for weddings and funerals only.
Allah reminds us:
"Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world." — Quran 18:46
Comfort matters. I used to wear leather sandals to the masjid. Now I wear sneakers. Because sometimes you have to sprint after a small person who's heading straight for the imam.
Keep a backup. Always. In the car, in the diaper bag, somewhere. A simple polo and pants have saved me more times than I can count.
Need stain-resistant, easy-care modest clothing for busy dad life? Our collection features practical fabrics that look good and wash easily - because we get it.
To all the fathers out there trying to look put-together while parenting young kids: I see you. We're all doing our best.
And to my son: I love you, but please stop touching my clothes with your sticky hands.
For the dads out there trying to look put-together while keeping up with little ones, check out our men's collection - comfortable, modest, and toddler-proof.
