Understanding the Rules of Awrah
Before answering this question, it is necessary to take at least three factors into consideration: location, who else is present, and swimwear. According to Sheikh Abdus Salam Al-Basuni, information officer and Shari’ah (Islamic law) guide for the Qatar Centre for the Presentation of Islam, it is never okay for a woman to swim in the presence of men who are not mahrem (prohibited in marriage) to her.

Regarding swimwear, he says that one must cover at least the area from the navel to the knee in the presence of trustworthy women – but take special care to respect the sensitivities of others who may be offended by clothing that is too revealing. When alone with her husband, he says, a woman can wear whatever is acceptable to the two of them.

When it comes to swimming outdoors, most scholars agree that all of the female body should be covered except for the face and the hands in public, automatically disqualifying traditional bathing attire as well as clothes that cling to the body, thus revealing its shape. Should a private, women-only pool be available, it’s required for women to respect the rules of awrah (the parts of the body that cannot be exposed to others).

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, explains: “There is general agreement among scholars that (a Muslim woman) may uncover her hair, face, hands, neck, shoulders, legs from below her knees as well as feet in front of (other) Muslim women.”

Sheikh Abdus Salam cautions against swimming with those who do not cover their awrah, and describes looking at other people’s awrah as “a major sin.”

Swimwear that is both Modest and Fashionable
Throughout the United States, Muslim women are finding more opportunities to swim according to their needs - and it is no longer necessary to depend on long shorts or leggings and t-shirts as modest swimwear. Haşema, for example, is a Turkish company that began producing conservative swimwear in 1989.

Shoppers can select anything from a sweat-suit styled outfit in bright colors with a matching headscarf, down to a tank suit with shorts sewn with tanning-friendly fabric.

Matsumi Design of Canada is marketing a three-piece swimsuit that consists of a sleeveless overall, a matching outer coat and a headpiece that “won't stick to the body or describe the figure,” while Sajeda International offers two suits made of water-repellant Turkish fabric that covers the whole body.

Splashgear, an American company set to launch in September of 2006, allows buyers to mix and match headgear, tops and pants to suit their style.  

Entrepreneurs Meet the Demands of Muslim Women
Um Sajidah, a revert from Lynnwood, Washington, was searching for appropriate swimwear for her growing family of girls in the early nineties. While browsing the marketplace in Malaysia, she found a suit that did not meet her needs, but which became the inspiration for future suits instead.

By 1996, she had sewn several prototypes and was testing them on her young daughters. “The difference between my suits and other models is the skirt. It makes the suit more flattering and smoothes out the curves,” explained Um Sajidah.

Her basic suit is made from lycra/spandex swimsuit material. It has knee-length pants, a tank body and a short skirt. She tailors each suit to the wearer, adding short sleeves or lengthening the skirt to individual taste. To date, most of her swimwear has been made for girls, but more women are ordering for themselves as well.
 
Jennifer Suleiman, a customer who owns both an adult suit and another for her daughter, said, “It is comfortable swimwear that allows the Muslimah (Muslim woman) to participate in a vital athletic activity without sacrificing her modesty. The colors and styles are tasteful, yet not dowdy.”

Swimwear Opens the Door to Fun and Fitness
Competition has not been a concern for Um Sajidah since most sales are by personal order and amongst her friends. She is working on a web site to widen her audience, but enjoys providing a means for Muslim women to protect their religion while still living their lives.

“If my daughters and I have a need for these kinds of suits,” said the swimsuit entrepreneur, “I know there are other sisters who want to swim and still be modest, too.”

While non-Muslims sometimes look at the Muslim woman with pity during the summer heat, we do have solutions!  In the right environment, and with the right dress, Muslim women can enjoy a healthful lifestyle while also having fun.

Suits from Um Sajidah meet the needs of young swimmers.