The Ruling on the Islamic Abaya with Sleeves and Embroidery

Question:
Recently, an abaya has become widespread, which is called the "Islamic abaya." It is placed on the head, but it has sleeves from the arm to the shoulder. What is your opinion, Honorable Shaykh, on wearing such an abaya?

Answer:
No, my brothers. The abaya was established for covering, not for adornment. It is not clothing for adornment, and it is not permissible to use it for adornment, or to embroider it, or to put designs in it, or to open sleeves for it so that it becomes like a dress. It is no longer an abaya; it becomes a dress. This is the case. The abaya is only for covering. It covers the entire body of the woman, like the large jilbab. The purpose of it is covering, not washing, and the purpose of it is not adornment. Rather, the purpose of it is to cover the adornment from men. Therefore, it is not permissible to be creative with abayas. Calling it "Islamic" is for marketing. Otherwise, it is not Islamic. This is for marketing only. The Islamic abaya is the plain, loose, sturdy abaya that is free from designs, embroidery, and adornment. It should be simple, with nothing in it. Yes.