A ‘New Look’ for the Spirit

24/04/2011| IslamWeb

‘New look’ is a widespread term today. It is mainly concerned with the outward appearance and how to change it.

However, it seldom refers to deeds and actions which enable both the woman and the man to create a new look for their lives by viewing life from a new perspective. Renewing the appearance is desirable and important; however, it should be done in a positive way. We need a new look for the spirit first to cast splendor and light on the outward appearance.

 

Actors' Innovation

Marwah Muhammad Ahmad, a translator, says, “Change is a basic feature in man's life, for permanence is only for Allah The Exalted. Hence, man always tries to make changes in his life, including his appearance. Change of appearance has usually been known as ‘fashion’, which differs from one year to another. Today, however, a new name and style of change, which is called the ‘New Look’, has emerged. It was originally invented by actors and artists. It seems to express their desire to combat boredom and renew their youth, as they say. To them, this New Look means a change in the color of hair and hairstyle, the color of complexion as well as the style of dressing.” She further said, “Nowadays, the youth are afflicted with blind imitation and seek to have a new character through the New Look that is restricted to external change. I do not know how the external change can have a significant effect on life. It is the internal change that lasts and is more beneficial. Hence, the concept of a New Look should be viewed differently in a way that makes the change related, for example, to one’s lifestyle and way of treating others.”

 

Saamiyah Sayyid, a working woman, says, “The New Look has spread widely among artists recently. There is an artist who is over sixty years old but looks as if he were only twenty. This is, of course, only in his appearance as the organs of the body experience no renovation, for Allah The Exalted wants man to experience that stage, and this is the norm of life. Man should enjoy every stage of his life within the limits of what Allah The Almighty destined for him of childhood, youth and old age.”

 

The Need for Renewal

Sawsan Bahaa', a BA in Instantaneous Translation, says that the definition of ‘New Look’ is to have a new appearance. In this context, renewing one's appearance is desirable and preferred from time to time.

 

As mankind is keen on possessing new things, he is also happy to renew and change his feelings from sadness to happiness and to experience different feelings when shifting from one stage of life to another. It is like his feeling whenever he undergoes a new experience, meets new people or visits new places. Thus, renewal is considered a permanent and necessary need for every person to drive him/her forward. However, some people may exaggerate in seeking a new look or a new appearance. The desire for renewal may prompt one to seek an eye-catching appearance even if this appearance contradicts the general taste or customs of the society or even the teachings of one’s religion.

 

This reveals the importance of caution and wisdom when choosing new things to avoid the diminution of one’s credit of esteem and admiration in people's eyes, which might be caused by an unrestrained pursuit of new things. Caution and wisdom also help one maintain the features which distinguish his character. Therefore, there must be balance between one’s desire and what he has to achieve of the noble objectives which please him when he fulfills them.

 

Heba Salah, a university lecturer, confirms that the New Look is a widespread phenomenon that focuses on one’s outward appearance, and that is why scholars of religion must be consulted first whether this is lawful or not before changing one’s shape and appearance.

 

‘Ula ‘Abdul-Ghani ‘Ali, a government employee, says, “There is something that has a close meaning to the New Look; which is changing one's features by having cosmetic surgery which gives the person a new appearance and features like changing the size of the nose or the mouth. The other, more distant, meaning of the New Look refers to the person's direction towards new thought that springs from the person himself as he wants to change his character with respect to his views and principles in life. Sometimes, one’s views change when he leaves his place of residence and meets new people with whom he did not deal before. One may experience some crises which polish his character and make it stronger and firmer.

 

“However, many people do not prefer to make outward changes in their appearance. They prefer to keep the appearance with which Allah The Almighty created them. Also, it is difficult to change the character of some people regardless of the external effects to which they are exposed.”

 

Huda Muhammad, a physician, says this phenomenon of changing ones appearance, “The normal person is satisfied with the shape and outward appearance which Allah The Almighty has granted him, and he praises Allah The Exalted for that, especially if he is not disabled and enjoys good physical health. Some people's raging desire to change their outward appearance is abnormal. However, those who suffered severe burns, for example, which led to the deformation of the skin of their body or their face, can have cosmetic surgery to maintain their psychological health and be able to face society and deal with those around them easily and without embarrassment.”

 

‘Imaad Ad-Deen Zaghlool, a chemist, states, “If the New Look means changing and renewing one’s outward appearance and imitating the West in this regard in a way that does not suit our customs and traditions, then this is to be rejected. However, if it is an attempt to change and develop man to what is better, whether in his appearance or character, or if it aims at developing his skills, then it is to be accepted. If the New Look occurs in a way that suits our society, it will be beneficial in combating boredom and will lead man to develop his character and skills. It is important and necessary for a person to renew his thinking in a way that enables him to serve his religion and country.”

 

Saarah Ramadan, a 10^th grade student, says, “Change has to be in man's character, acts and behavior by shifting his behavior to what is better in dealing with others, and by changing himself from selfishness and egoism to altruism, love of others and wishing goodness for them.”

 

‘Ali Mahmood and Ahmad ‘Aadel stress the necessity of having a New Look in marital life. It should not run monotonously, especially after few years of marriage when the wife needs to make even a simple change in her appearance inside the house. She should take care of her hair and grace as well as her way of dealing with her husband. The spouses’ burdens and responsibilities increase with the years of marriage and as they have children, and this necessitates change and renewal whether in shape or by visiting new places. Also, the husband has to treat his wife kindly and help her. He should also change his lifestyle with her so that their life will continue without monotony and will continue in calmness and renewal.