A ‘New Look’ for the Spirit

'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 Allaah 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 Allaah 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 Allaah 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 Salaah, 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 Allaah 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 Allaah The Almighty has granted him, and he praises
Allaah 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 10thgrade 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.